DACs — Merason Reuss

The Reuss is a digital-to-analogue converter from Merason, a Swiss manufacturer known for accomplished precision electronics engineering, built around the well-regarded Burr-Brown 1794A conversion chip. The Reuss brings Merason's meticulous engineering to standalone digital conversion.

Key specs that matter

The Burr-Brown 1794A conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion - a well-regarded, widely respected chip choice in high-end audio applications. PCM support reaches up to 192kHz/24-bit. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Output level is a substantial 3V balanced or 1.5V single-ended. Signal-to-noise ratio is a strong 115dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise under 0.015% at 22kHz. At 450 x 50 x 290mm and 4.2kg, the Reuss maintains a manageable, slim DAC chassis reflecting Merason's meticulous Swiss engineering standards.

Sound and use context

Expect clean, detailed conversion reflecting the strong 115dB signal-to-noise figure combined with the well-regarded Burr-Brown chip's accomplished measured performance, consistent with Merason's broader precision engineering philosophy.

Pairing

The substantial 3V balanced output gives genuine signal strength for driving a downstream amplifier directly.

Alternatives

Merason's broader digital source catalogue offers alternatives for buyers wanting a different balance of features.