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MSBs Hybrid DAC and Prime DAC modules are unique to MSB. They’re a custom in-house design with over twenty years of discrete DAC development knowledge behind them. MSB has designed and manufactured discrete ladder DACs since 1999, discovering and implementing many unique and innovative improvements over the years. It’s best to think of our DAC modules as a black box: the modules take the raw digital data in and output a continuous voltage. They’re not limited by audio formats, sample rates, or even speed. We can operate our current DAC modules at up to 6 MHz for PCM and up to 50 MHz for DSD. This gives us lots of headroom for future sample rates and audio formats. The other unique characteristic about our Hybrid and Prime DAC modules is they’re fully balanced. In today’s noisy environment, having the audio signal stay balanced to the point of conversion is key for maintaining the highest amount of noise rejection and resolution. Each one of our DAC modules processes both the positive and negative phases simultaneously in synchronicity.

 

The key highlights of both our Hybrid and Prime DAC modules are:

    • Fully Balanced design down to the conversion point.
    • No buffers, IV converter, or transistors in the signal path. No active devices after conversion at all.
    • Dynamically configurable between a discrete native DSD, or discrete native PCM DAC. The DAC has two modes:a multibit PCM mode and a massive parallel single-bit discrete DSD mode.
    • Based off a discrete ladder DAC design far beyond the performance of a basic R2R architecture.
    • Each DAC module is individually shielded and thermally bonded for a stringent temperature control.
    • Multiple DACs per channel for increased performance and lower output impedance.
    • Each DAC module is individually tested and then hand-matched with our rigorous automated measurement system.

The MSB Reference DAC

  • The Reference DAC

    Supported Formats (Input dependent) 44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
    1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
    Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
    Digital Inputs 4x Advanced isolated input module slots
    XLR Analog Inputs* 100kΩ Balanced
    12Vrms Maximum
    Isolated when not selected
    XLR Analog Outputs 3.57Vrms Maximum (Digital Input)
    12Vrms Maximum (Analog Input)
      150Ω Balanced
      Galvanically isolated
    Preamp Output Module Volume Control* Purely passive constant impedance analog attenuation
    1dB steps
    Base Output Volume Control 1dB steps
    Dynamic Range
    (20Hz to 20kHz)
    143dBFS
    145dBAFS
    Display Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous display
    Adjustable brightness and auto-off feature
    Controls Isolated RS-232
    IR Remote
    Knob + 3 Buttons

    *Optional Preamp Output Module required

    Chassis Dimensions

    Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
    Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
    Chassis Height (Without Feet): 2.2 in (79 mm)
    Stack height: 2.85 in (92 mm)
    Weight: 25 lbs (11 kg)
    Product Feet: M6X1 Thread

    Shipping Dimensions

    Width: 25 in (635 mm)
    Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
    Height: 10 in (254 mm)
    Weight: 50 lbs (24 kg)

    Included Accessories

    User Manual
    MSB Remote
    USB charging cable
    4X Rubber feet
    4X Plastic foot inserts

    The Reference Powerbase

    AC Voltage 100V (Fixed)
    120/240V (Auto switching)
    Power Consumption 90 Watts with fully configured Reference DAC
    Less than 2W standby

    Chassis Dimensions

    Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
    Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
    Chassis Height (Without Feet): 2.2 in (79 mm)
    Stack height: 2.85 in (92 mm)
    Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg)
    Product Feet: M6X1 Thread

    Shipping Dimensions

    Width: 25 in (625 mm)
    Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
    Height: 10 in (254 mm)
    Weight: 65 lbs (29 kg)

    Included Accessories

    2X Hybrid power cables
    Ground cable
    IEC power cord
    4X Rubber feet
    4X Plastic foot inserts

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