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MERASON DAC2

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Swiss-Engineered Musicality with True Dual-Mono Performance

The Merason DAC2 is a reference-quality high-end digital-to-analog converter (DAC) meticulously engineered for audiophiles who value musical realism over technical spectacle. Designed and handcrafted in Switzerland, the DAC2 combines a true dual-mono architecture, discrete Class A analog output stage, and twelve independent power supplies to deliver an exceptionally natural, immersive, and emotionally engaging listening experience.

Unlike many modern DACs that prioritize measurements alone, the Merason DAC2 is designed around a simple philosophy: reproduce music with authenticity, tonal richness, and effortless musical flow while eliminating the harshness often associated with digital playback.

Whether connected to a premium music streamer, CD transport, digital server, or high-resolution source, the DAC2 delivers remarkable clarity, expansive soundstage, and lifelike dynamics that allow recordings to sound more natural and emotionally convincing.

DESIGNED FOR MUSICALITY FIRST

The Merason DAC2 was created with one clear objective—bringing listeners closer to the emotional performance of the music.

Rather than emphasizing unnecessary digital processing or feature-heavy functionality, every aspect of the DAC2 focuses on preserving the integrity of the original recording.

The result is a presentation characterized by:

• Natural tonal balance


• Smooth, fatigue-free listening


• Rich harmonic detail


• Exceptional timing


• Expansive soundstage


• Precise imaging


• Organic dynamics


• Deep emotional engagement

Its refined sonic character makes the DAC2 an ideal centerpiece for high-end stereo and reference music systems.

TRUE DUAL-MONO BURRBROWN CONVERSION

At the heart of the DAC2 are two BurrBrown PCM1794A DAC chips, configured in a genuine dual-mono architecture with one converter dedicated exclusively to each audio channel.

This approach significantly improves channel separation while increasing dynamic performance by approximately 5 dB compared to conventional single-chip designs.

Benefits include:

• Wider stereo imaging


• Improved channel separation


• Greater dynamic contrast


• Stable center imaging


• More accurate spatial presentation


• Increased low-level resolution

The result is a presentation that feels effortless, spacious, and remarkably lifelike.

FULLY DISCRETE CLASS A ANALOG OUTPUT STAGE

Following digital conversion, the analog signal enters a fully balanced discrete Class A output stage.

Unlike conventional DACs that rely heavily on integrated operational amplifiers, the Merason DAC2 uses a carefully engineered fully discrete output stage without feedback.

Premium components and discrete circuit topology preserve delicate musical information while maintaining exceptionally low noise and distortion.

This architecture allows instruments and vocals to retain their natural texture, body, and tonal realism.

TWELVE INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLIES

Power quality is one of the defining characteristics of the DAC2.

Merason employs twelve independently regulated power supplies, each dedicated to specific sections of the circuit—including the left channel, right channel, digital inputs, and analog stages.

Large transformers and careful electrical separation minimize crosstalk while providing stable operating conditions throughout the converter.

The result is:

• Lower system noise


• Improved dynamics


• Greater channel separation


• Enhanced micro-detail


• Exceptional background silence


• Increased musical transparency

ADVANCED MULTIPLAYER ARCHITECTURE

The DAC2 features a completely redesigned multilayer printed circuit board engineered to minimize impedance and optimize signal flow.

The multilayer architecture offers several performance advantages:

• Reduced signal losses


• Improved shielding


• Lower electrical interference


• More efficient power delivery


• Greater circuit stability

Every signal path is carefully optimized to preserve timing accuracy and sonic integrity.

PRECISION COMPONENT SELECTION

The extensive use of high-precision surface-mount components (SMD) allows the DAC2 to maintain extremely short and consistent signal paths.

This contributes to:

• Improved transparency


• Lower distortion


• Greater channel matching


• Increased resolution


• More consistent long-term performance

Every component has been selected to support the DAC2's goal of delivering exceptionally natural musical reproduction.

OPTIMIZED BURRBROWN POWER DELIVERY

Merason has significantly refined the power delivery to the analog circuitry surrounding each BurrBrown PCM1794A converter chip.

The improved supply design delivers:

• Higher signal-to-noise ratio


• Near-zero output impedance


• Stable converter operation


• Enhanced low-level resolution


• Greater analog smoothness

This careful attention to power integrity allows the DAC chips to perform at their highest potential.

PRECISON THERMAL MANAGEMENT

Thermal consistency is critical to maintaining stable analog performance.

The DAC2 incorporates an advanced transistor mounting system using specially engineered disc springs to maintain constant thermal contact with the heat sinks.

This optimized thermal management contributes to:

• Lower harmonic distortion


• Improved stability


• Greater transparency


• Consistent long-term performance

ADVANCED VIBRATION CONTROL

Mechanical vibration can negatively influence sensitive audio electronics.

The DAC2 incorporates specially developed isolation feet that combine carefully selected absorber materials to minimize the transmission of external vibration into the internal circuitry.

This mechanical refinement further supports the DAC2's exceptionally quiet and detailed presentation.

FLEXIBLE DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

The Merason DAC2 integrates easily into modern high-end audio systems with a complete selection of galvanically isolated digital inputs.

Digital inputs include:

• USB


• AES/EBU


• Coaxial RCA


• Optical Toslink

Galvanic isolation helps prevent unwanted electrical noise from external digital sources from entering the converter.

For analog output, the DAC2 provides:

• Balanced XLR outputs


• Single-ended RCA outputs

allowing seamless integration with premium preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.

A PURE DAC WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Merason deliberately avoids adding unnecessary features that could compromise signal quality.

The DAC2 focuses exclusively on one task:

Reference-quality digital-to-analog conversion.

Features intentionally omitted include:

• Digital volume control


• Headphone amplifier


• Unnecessary DSP processing

By eliminating additional circuitry, Merason maintains the shortest and cleanest possible signal path.

HANDCRAFTED IN SWITZERLAND

Every Merason DAC2 is:

• Developed in Switzerland


• Electronically assembled in Switzerland


• Individually tested in Switzerland


• Subjected to final inspection in Switzerland

Swiss craftsmanship ensures exceptional precision, reliability, and understated elegance that complements the DAC's uncompromising engineering.

KEY FEATURES

True Dual-Mono Architecture

Dedicated BurrBrown PCM1794A DAC chip for each channel delivers wider soundstage and improved dynamics.

Dual BurrBrown PCM1794A DAC Chips

Legendary BurrBrown converters known for natural musicality and refined analog presentation.

Fully Balanced Class A Output Stage

Discrete, zero-feedback analog stage preserves low-level detail and tonal accuracy.

Twelve Independent Power Supplies

Separate regulated power supplies minimize crosstalk and reduce system noise.

Redesigned Multilayer PCB

Optimized layout improves shielding, minimizes impedance, and enhances signal integrity.

Precision SMD Components

Short, consistent signal paths contribute to improved transparency and accuracy.

Optimized Converter Power Supply

Enhanced BurrBrown analog supply with higher SNR and extremely low output impedance.

Advanced Thermal Management

Special mounting system maintains optimal transistor temperature for lower distortion.

Vibration Isolation

Custom isolation feet protect sensitive circuitry from external vibration.

Galvanically Isolated Digital Inputs

USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial RCA, and Toslink inputs reduce external electrical interference.

Balanced & RCA Outputs

Compatible with virtually any premium preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Made in Switzerland

Entirely developed, assembled, and tested in Switzerland.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
DAC Architecture	Dual BurrBrown PCM1794A DAC Chips (True Dual-Mono)
Analog Output Stage	Fully Discrete, Fully Balanced Class A, No Feedback
Outputs	Balanced XLR: 3.5 V RMS • RCA: 1.75 V RMS
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB
THD+N	< 0.006%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>120 dB
Power Supplies	Twelve Independent Regulated Power Supplies
Digital Inputs	USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial RCA, Optical Toslink
Analog Outputs	Balanced XLR, Single-Ended RCA
Supported PCM Formats	44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 (USB), and 192 kHz up to 24-bit
Power Requirements	115V or 230V AC • 50–60 Hz • 30W
Operating Temperature	10°C–30°C (50°F–86°F)
Maximum Humidity	80% Non-Condensing
Dimensions (W × H × D)	450 × 100 × 290 mm (17.7 × 3.9 × 11.4 in)
Weight	5.5 kg (12 lbs)