TAD DA1000TX Digital/Analogue Converter

Description

Overview

The DA1000TX is the digital-to-analogue converter in TAD‘s Evolution series — Technical Audio Devices Laboratories, the Japanese high-end brand with roots in professional studio monitoring. It is designed as a reference source component — a digital-to-analogue converter taking digital feeds from a computer, streamer or transport and converting them with the precision timing and clean power delivery for which TAD is known.

Design & build

The DA1000TX is a full-width component of considerable substance, measuring 440 × 150 × 406mm and weighing 16.5kg. Internally it uses separate power-supply transformers for the analogue and digital circuits, fed by a high-output toroidal primary transformer, keeping the sensitive conversion stage isolated from digital noise. The build reflects the engineering-led, understated approach that runs through the Evolution range.

Performance

At the core is a high-performance, parallel-connected dual differential D/A converter arrangement, with one channel’s worth of converter ICs dedicated to each side of the stereo signal. This differential topology, combined with a discrete current-to-voltage conversion stage, is aimed at low distortion and a naturally resolved presentation across the audio band.

Key features

A full complement of digital inputs is provided: one XLR (AES/EBU), two coaxial, one optical and a USB Type B port. The USB input carries PCM to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD to DSD256 (11.2MHz), while the XLR and coaxial inputs handle PCM to 192kHz. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs are fitted, along with a front-panel 6.3mm headphone socket driven by its own dedicated D/A circuit.

Technology

Timing is handled by TAD’s third-generation asynchronous USB Communication Engine, developed in-house to capture high-resolution PCM and DSD without the jitter that afflicts synchronous transfer. Working alongside it is an ultra-high carrier-to-noise master clock built on an ultra-high-precision crystal generator (UPCG), which sets the reference against which the converter operates.

Specifications

Type: digital-to-analogue converter (Evolution series). Conversion: parallel dual-differential D/A ICs, one per channel. Digital inputs: 1 XLR, 2 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB Type B. USB support: PCM to 384kHz/32-bit; DSD64/128/256. Coaxial/XLR: PCM to 192kHz. Analogue out: balanced XLR, single-ended RCA. Headphone: 6.3mm with dedicated D/A circuit. Clock: UPCG master clock. Dimensions: 440 × 150 × 406mm. Weight: 16.5kg.

Who it’s for

The DA1000TX suits the listener building a reference digital front end who wants a converter engineered to studio-grade standards, with the flexibility to serve a computer, network streamer and disc transport at once. It sits naturally alongside other TAD Evolution electronics and revealing full-range loudspeakers.

Why buy from Hidden Home Technology

A converter of this class deserves careful matching to source and system. We can demonstrate the DA1000TX, advise on the right digital chain and arrange delivery and setup across the South. Speak to our team to arrange a listen or to discuss your system.