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Core Audio DENPO digital-to-analog converter – beautiful NOS DAC

The new Core Audio DENPO DAC uses a single-chip configuration with a Japanese NOS ROHM BD34301 (MUS-IC) without FPGA. The model promises luxurious and natural sound - every element in the signal chain has been given great attention.

Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio
Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio

The Core Audio DENPO is housed in a rigid aluminum case and has full RFI shielding. Of course, the USB XMOS interface (plus USB reclocking unit) is not forgotten, and the triple GND solution guarantees noise minimization. The seven-section power supply is fully linear and has independent lines for powering the DAC board's digital, analog and clock module. A pair of independent power transformers are used for digital and analog linear PSU circuits. Internal wiring is done by UPOCC cable.

Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio
Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio

The device does not support MQA, but it does support PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384 kHz and DSD64 - DSD256 native (DoP is not provided). The technical characteristics are quite impressive - signal/noise ratio of 130 dB, THD + N - less than 115 dB, dynamic range - 130 dB. The recommended retail price of Core Audio DENPO is 7,500 euros.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

DACs — Core Audio DENPO

  • Model name

    DENPO

  • Conversion type

    N/A

  • Engine

    ROHM BD34301 (MUS-IC)

  • DSD compatability

    Yes

  • Parameters

    up to PCM 24/384 and DSD256

  • Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)

    3

  • Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)

    70000

  • Gain (dBu)

    N/A

  • Output Level (balanced) (V)

    N/A

  • Output Level (single-ended) (V)

    N/A

  • Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Analog outputs

    N/A

  • Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)

    130

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)

    N/A

  • Dimensions (mm)

    480 x 368 x 88

  • Weight (kg)

    13

  • Official link

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