EL DAC II

$299

In stock, Ships in 2-3 days

Covered by our 2-year transferable warranty

Simplified Audio, Re-engineered

We designed the Element Line for precision fit and function. EL DAC II furthers the exceptional performance of its predecssor with relay muting, an XMOS based USB Class 2 engine with MEMS oscillator, transformer isolated coaxial input, and higher performance optical input. Stack with EL Amp II for single button switching between headphones and speakers.

Gallery

Features

MEMS Oscillator

EL DAC II's USB engine is clocked by an SiTime MEMS oscillator with ±10ppm frequency stability, delivering pristine jitter.

Relay Muting

Microprocessor controlled relays are standard in EL DAC II so that power up and input mode changes are free of audible transients.

USB Audio Class 2

EL DAC II supports up to 32/384kHz PCM over a custom XMOS XU208 based UAC2 engine. While we claim no measurable superiority of high sampling rates, UAC2 and ASIO support satisfy your pursuit of bitperfect listening.

Externally Powered

EL DAC II is powered by a perfected supply network, with an external AC transformer and 13 regulators that ensure consistent rail voltage and super low ripple. Never be bothered by USB hubs or OS power difficulties again.

Light Ring

Enjoy the presence of your EL DAC II with front and center mode selection via a touch-sensitive light ring.

Differential Summing Output

Differential output of a AK4493EQ DAC is summed by a low noise NJR output stage, with DC coupling throughout. Drive any load you wish.

Transformer Isolated S/PDIF

Coaxial S/PDIF input is isolated using a Pulse transformer to minimize the possibility of ground loop noise.

4-Layer PCB

EL DAC II is built an a 4-layer, star grounded printed circuit board with proper 90-ohm characteristic impedance of its USB input.

Upgradeable Firmware

Our custom XMOS based firmware configures and manages EL DAC II's USB input and AK4493, with DFU support for possible future feature additions.

Specifications

DAC Performance

Frequency Response 10Hz-20kHz +/- 0.13 dB
THD+N 20Hz-20kHz < 0.0010%
IMD CCIF 19/20 kHz -6.03 dBFS 0.00016%
IMD SMPTE -6.03 dBFS 0.00029%
Noise (A-Weighted) -110 dBu
Dynamic Range (A-Weighted) 119 dB
Linearity Error -90 dBFS -0.01 dB
Crosstalk -10 dBFS 100K RCA -109 dB
USB Jitter Components 12kHz -126 dB
PCB Stackup 4 Layers
Maximum DAC Line-Output, 100K 2.00 VRMS

Dimensions

Case Dimensions 5.8 x 5.8 x 0.9 in
Weight 13 oz

Data Support

Audio Formats (USB) 16/44.1kHz thru 32/384kHz PCM, DSD-over-PCM ^1.
Audio Formats (S/PDIF) 16/44.1kHz thru 24/192kHz ^2.
USB Interface USB Audio Class 2
USB Driver OS Support Windows 7/8/10, OS X, Linux, Android

Connectivity

Digital Inputs USB, TOSLINK, and Coaxial S/PDIF
DAC Line-Output RCA

^1. Windows 10 supports 32/384k; XMOS drivers and other operating systems may limit to 24/192kHz.
^2. Many sources are unable to reliably transmit at 192kHz.

Packaged Items

EL DAC II
16VAC Power Adapter
3ft USB Type A to Type B Cable w/Ferrite
6ft TOSLINK Cable

Downloads

EL DAC II Instructions (EN)
EL DAC II XMOS Drivers v4.13.0

No drivers are required for Mac OS, Linux, or Windows 10.

You may optionally install the XMOS drivers in Windows 10 to enable WASAPI mode.

XMOS drivers are required for Windows 7/8.
EL DAC II - Firmware v1.6.4

This update explicitly reports EL DAC II as "self-powered" to eliminate the need for a USB hub when connecting to iOS and Android devices.

Please find installation instructions here.