Discrete output

[Ermos (Erno)]

Hello Nick,

Welcome to the community. You may find reading these FAQ topics informative:

[FAQ] Which DAC output is better – balanced or unbalanced?

The balanced output uses complex class-A stages, they give noticeably better sound quality than the much simpler unbalanced output stages. The balanced outputs behave like coupling transformers so they can drive an unbalanced input provided that XLR connector pin 3 is connected to pin 1 at the end of the cable farthest from the DAC. Used like this, you may find that muting clicks are more noticeable. We recommend using the unbalanced outputs to drive an unbalanced input.

[FAQ] Can I omit the preamplifier and drive the power amplifiers directly from a dCS DAC?

Yes, in many cases this unveils extra detail. Note that the DAC’s 6V setting may be too high, forcing you to set the DAC’s volume control too low. Vivaldi’s volume control works well down to around -40dB, while the other products start to lose detail with the volume below -26dB. Changing to the 2V setting allows the volume to be raised by 10dB. The acceptable loudness will be different for each system and listener. The Vivaldi DAC v2.00, the Rossini DAC and the Rossini Player feature two lower …