Merason DAC 2 – A Pair of PCM1794A Chips and Twelve Power Supplies

The latest Merason DAC 2 utilizes a pair of Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips in a true dual-mono configuration. According to the manufacturer, this setup increases dynamic range by 5 dB and results in a wider soundstage.

The unit's circuitry is equally interesting: following the chips, the signal is fed into a discrete, fully balanced, Class A output stage that operates without negative feedback. True to the company's tradition, the output stage contains no integrated circuits. The power supply system is divided into twelve independent sources, with separate sections for the left and right channels and the digital inputs.

The multilayer printed circuit board has also been upgraded, featuring reduced conductor impedance, lower signal loss, and improved shielding. The output transistors are now mounted to the heatsinks using Belleville washers.

The Merason DAC supports signals up to 192 kHz/24-bit. A sampling rate of 176.4 kHz is accepted only via USB, while the coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs support up to 192 kHz. DSD is not supported. The DAC 2 is priced at €13,500 and is available in three finishes: black, silver, and Cidre. The manufacturer also offers an upgrade path for owners of the DAC 1 Mk II.