Merason DAC 1

Non-Oversampling DAC Made In Switzerland

Our take: The DAC 1 continues in the tradition of incredible value like the Frerot. The DAC 1 presents a larger scale soundstage, more extension at both frequency extremes, a more holographic presentation, and improved micro and macro detail attack. This is a very natural and engaging DAC that will grow and keep up with your system as one continues to improve their upstream and downstream components.

"The Alpha II is a long time favorite of mine for its sound and features. Many folks love the sense of detail and spaciousness to the soundstage, but for me, the Merason DAC-1 communicates more of a holistic vibe as opposed to shining a bright light on every little textural element of a mix like I hear with the Alpha II. I routinely felt a sort of relaxed attention when listening with the DAC-1, a certain feeling of rightness that let me focus on the music." - Part Time Audiophile

"Its pleasant tonality conveys a bit less aggressiveness, but does not swallow any details. Individual instruments and the overall sound are timed a touch darker. But I find it difficult to classify that as more correct or less authentic. This is because certain instruments, such as a TomTom, appear more three-dimensional. The overall impression is crucial. The Merason convinces with fine or solo instrumentation, for example when reproducing a grand piano or a woodwind instrument. Because both in the timbre, As in the size and space representation, the Merason's performance seems to me to be true to the truth." - Hifi Statement

"If you are looking to cut through the veneer and hear as much of what was put down in the studio as a converter anywhere near this price will allow should, brace yourself for a genuinely intense musical experience." - The EAR

The DAC For Music Lovers

Described as the DAC for music lovers, this non-oversampling DAC with discrete, symmetric circuitry and a Class A buffer stage punches well above what it's price would suggest. The Swiss build quality, aesthetic and sound come through wonderfully in the DAC 1.

• Output: max. 3 V RMS (symmetrical), max. 1.5 V RMS (asymmetrical).
• Frequency: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.2 dB.
• THD + N: <0.012%.
• SNR:> 120 dB.
• DAC: 2 x BurrBrown 1794A, discrete I / V stage.
• Output: discrete structure.
• Power supply
  • 120V AC 60 Hz, 30 W.
• Audio formats
  • 44.1 kHz @ 16 bit, 44.1 kHz @ 24 bit.
  • 48 kHz @ 16 bit, 48 kHz @ 24 bit.
  • 88.2 kHz @ 24 bit.
  • 96 kHz @ 24 bit.
  • 176.4 kHz @ 24 bit (USB).
  • 192 kHz @ 24 bit.
• Dimensions
  • Width: 45 cm
  • Height: 10 cm
  • Depth: 29 cm
  • Weight: 8 kg
• RETAIL PRICE 6000$