Merason DAC1 Mk II
Best high-end converter for audiophiles seeking pure, emotive musical reproduction.
Experience pure musical reproduction with the Merason DAC1 Mk II, a high-performance D/A converter crafted in Switzerland. This DAC prioritizes sonic excellence with a re-engineered PCB for lower impedance and loss-free power, plus enhanced shielding. It features high-precision components and sophisticated thermal management to minimize distortion, delivering a wider soundstage, greater dynamics, and clearer detail. Utilizing dual Burr-Brown PCM1794-A chips, it offers exceptional musicality and tonal neutrality across all frequencies, providing an involving and emotive listening experience.
$9000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+106%
Above average
Dynamic Range
132
/ dB (Dual Mono Mode)
Who it's for
- Critical listeners who value immersive, holographic sound imaging
- Audiophiles seeking a natural, fatigue-free listening experience
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and precision engineering
Who should skip it
- Design-focused users wanting a flashy, feature-rich aesthetic
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level audio solutions
- Format enthusiasts requiring DSD512 or MQA compatibility
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
Dual Burr-Brown chips deliver an exceptionally neutral and emotive musical presentation.
Dynamic Range
The 132 dB range captures every subtle nuance of complex orchestral passages.
Build Integrity
Swiss-engineered construction ensures long-term reliability and superior thermal management.
Signal Purity
Fully symmetrical signal path effectively eliminates noise and distortion for cleaner output.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input options accommodate a wide range of high-end digital sources.
Jitter Suppression
Advanced clocking technology maintains precise timing for a rock-solid soundstage.
Key Specs
Dynamic Range
132 dB (Dual Mono Mode)
Supported PCM Sampling Rates
Up to 192 kHz
Supported Bit Depth
24 bit PCM
Digital Inputs
USB2, S/PDIF (RCA), Toslink, AES/EBU (XLR)
Analog Outputs
1 pair balanced (XLR), 1 pair unbalanced (RCA)
Weight
8.0 kg
Dimensions (W/D/H)
450 x 100 x 290 mm
Warranty
3 years
Features
- Dual Mono Mode for superior audio processing
- Discrete Class A output stage
- Fully symmetrical signal path
- Galvanically isolated USB input
- Transformer isolation for digital inputs
- Advanced jitter minimization technology
- Available in multiple premium finishes
- Exceptional musicality and emotional appeal
What customers say
The Merason DAC1 Mk II earns high praise for its musicality and natural presentation, delivering an analog-like sound quality. Listeners consistently note its rich texture, superb dynamics, and a non-fatiguing sonic signature perfect for long sessions. The unit excels at organic flow and emotional engagement, rendering complex music coherent and satisfying. Key strengths include exceptional timbre reproduction, giving instruments realistic weight, especially in the mid-range. Bass is deep and controlled, while the treble remains airy without harshness. Reviewers confirm the robust build quality reflects its premium engineering. For those prioritizing musical immersion over clinical analysis, the DAC1 Mk II is considered a benchmark achievement in digital to analog conversion.
Know before you buy
The Mk II features a completely re-engineered PCB designed to reduce impedance and improve power delivery. It also includes enhanced shielding and sophisticated thermal management to further minimize distortion and improve overall sonic clarity.
No, the Merason DAC1 Mk II is strictly optimized for PCM audio. It supports PCM sampling rates up to 192 kHz at 24-bit depth.
By utilizing dual Burr-Brown PCM1794-A chips in a dual mono configuration, the DAC achieves a wider soundstage and superior channel separation. This design contributes to the unit's 132 dB dynamic range and its signature tonal neutrality.
Yes, the DAC1 Mk II includes a variety of digital inputs, including USB2, S/PDIF (RCA), Toslink, and AES/EBU (XLR). You can keep multiple sources connected and switch between them as needed.
Yes, the USB input is galvanically isolated to prevent electrical noise from your computer from entering the sensitive audio signal path. Additionally, the other digital inputs feature transformer isolation to ensure a clean signal.
The unit utilizes a discrete Class A output stage. This design choice is central to the DAC's musicality and its ability to provide a natural, emotive listening experience.
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