Audio Alchemy DDP-1 Preamp and DAC

Mint DDP-1. I am the 2nd owner, but this piece has seen minimal use in a second system. I am the second owner, hence the 8/10 rating. This preamp/dac punches way above it's weight, and is a bargain even at the new price. Note that I also am selling the matching DPA-1 power amplifier. I will sell both for $1,900.00. I have the original box, manual, remote, and packing materials. Buyer pays shipping and add 3% for PayPal.

From the ELAC website, who now owns the company;

DDP-1 Digital Decoding Preamp / DAC / Headphone Amp
In an attempt to make our digital world a better sounding place, we set out to create the highest quality Preamp/DAC/Headphone Amp that could deliver exceptional, world-class sound for under $10,000. The result is the DDP-1, a three-in-one powerful all-analog preamplifier, DSD-compatible digital-to-analog converter with dual digital signal processors and a headphone amp, all housed in one compact machined-aluminum chassis for under $2,000.

Refine and redefine digital

Unlike most digital preamps and DACs, the DDP-1 employs sophisticated digital processing that gives it superior sound quality, dramatic noise reduction and flexibility. The ability to select from four output filter profiles and output resolutions means that you can get the most out of each digital file. Layered on top is Audio Alchemy’s world-renowned jitter control technology, which gives digital files that smooth, velvety analog quality we all love. Add the modular PS-5, a balanced power supply to maximize the DDP-1’s dynamic range and filtering to produce a rich sound that can compete with much larger and more expensive units.

Sound engineering

The digital section uses dual 32/216 PCM/DSD AKM DACs with seven digital inputs. Internal DSPs provide four output filter profiles and user-selectable output resolution. A proprietary DAC configuration raises dynamic range of digital signals by approximately 8 bits, and a multistage phase-locked loop reduces jitter to the picosecond level. The analog section provides discrete FET driver and output stages, a high-precision Alps volume control and XLR and RCA inputs and outputs.

Key features

3-in-1 Analog preamp, DAC with dual digital signal processors and headphone amp
Resolution enhancement from 16 to 24-bit and 24 to 32-bit digital signals
Seven digital inputs supporting a myriad of music players, PCs and media devices
Three analog inputs to ensure your entire music collection stays on heavy rotation
Optional balanced power supply to boost overall performance
Small, highly attractive design equally at home in tabletop or desktop use in smaller rooms or offices or high-end system rack
A USB connector allows easy firmware updates
Control is easy, thanks to an IR remote and illuminated front LCD

SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response: ±0.05 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz; ±0.1 dB, 10 Hz to 80 kHz
Nominal THD+N (1 volt): <0.001% at 10 volts output from analog input; 0.009% at 7 volts from XLR output; 3.5 volts from RCA output
Signal-to-noise ratio (1 kHz): 103 dB unweighted
Headphone amp output: 1 watt at 32 Ω
Maximum digital input sampling rate/bit depth:
32-bit / 216-kilohertz on PCM; 2.82 Mbps (DSD64) on DSD
Input impedance: 50 kΩ
Output impedance: 75 Ω
Channel separation (1 kHz): -123 dB analog input; -100 dB digital input
Analog inputs: Stereo XLR, 2 stereo RCA
Digital inputs: USB, AES/EBU, 2 RCA coaxial, 2 Toslink optical, I2S, auxiliary USB for firmware updates
Outputs: Stereo XLR and RCA, ¼-inch headphone jack, 12-volt DC trigger
Digital filter profiles: Linear phase, fast roll-off; Linear phase, slow roll-off; Minimum phase, fast roll-off; Minimum phase, slow roll-off (apodizing)
Available finishes: Silver
Height: 3.0 in / 76 mm
Width: 10.5 in / 267 mm
Depth: 11.6 in / 295 mm
Net weight: 8.0 lb / 3.6 kg