Merason Frérot DAC
Best high-fidelity converter for audiophiles seeking pure, balanced sound.
Experience superior audio with the Merason Frérot DAC, a meticulously crafted digital-to-analog converter made in Switzerland. It excels in minimizing jitter across all digital inputs, including a galvanically isolated USB input with Amanero technology. The Burr Brown 1794A chip ensures high-quality conversion, feeding a discrete, Class A buffered, and fully balanced analog output stage. For enhanced performance, an optional Merason pow1 linear power supply is available, further refining your listening experience.
$1650.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
99
/ 489
#99 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-62%
Below average
DAC Chip
1794
/ Burr Brown A
Who it's for
- Audiophiles valuing long-term reliability and refined Swiss craftsmanship
- Purists prioritizing signal purity and high-fidelity detail retrieval
- Listeners seeking a smooth, fatigue-free, and natural musical experience
Who should skip it
- Minimalists wanting peak performance without additional power supply investments
- Collectors relying on MQA or high-rate DSD file formats
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing features against mass-market alternatives
Performance breakdown
Signal Integrity
Advanced jitter reduction ensures a remarkably clean and stable digital signal.
Build Precision
Swiss engineering delivers a robust, meticulously crafted piece of audio hardware.
Analog Fidelity
Discrete Class A output stage provides a natural, highly detailed sound.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive input options easily integrate into any high-end audio system.
Upgrade Potential
Optional linear power supply offers a clear path for sonic refinement.
Balanced Output Performance
Fully balanced signal path minimizes noise for superior long-run cable performance.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
Burr Brown 1794A
Analog Output Stage
Discrete and Class A buffered
Digital Inputs
USB (Amanero), Coaxial RCA, Toslink (optical), AES/EBU
USB Jitter Reduction
Dual precision oscillators
Output Configuration
Fully balanced
Power Supply Default
Switching voltage regulator (upgradeable to linear)
Connectivity
USB, Coaxial, Optical, AES
Manufacturing Location
Switzerland
Features
- Superior sound quality through meticulous design
- Advanced jitter reduction techniques
- Galvanic isolation on USB input
- Transformer isolation on other digital inputs
- Discrete Class A buffered analog output
- Fully balanced signal path
- Swiss-made quality and precision
- Optional linear power supply upgrade
What customers say
The Merason Frérot DAC earns high praise for its musicality and natural sound presentation. Users consistently describe the audio as organic and nonfatiguing, making extended listening sessions highly enjoyable. The unit excels at delivering timbre accuracy and an expansive, three dimensional soundstage, prioritizing flow over clinical precision. A key point noted by many is the substantial performance improvement gained when using the optional external power supply, which seems crucial for realizing its complete potential. Overall, the Frérot is celebrated as a high value component offering a sophisticated, high end sonic signature often found in much pricier equipment, satisfying audiophiles seeking warmth and engagement.
Know before you buy
The Frérot employs specific isolation techniques for every input to prevent noise interference. The USB input features galvanic isolation with Amanero technology, while the other digital inputs utilize transformer isolation to ensure a clean signal path.
Yes, the unit features a fully balanced analog output stage. This design helps maintain signal integrity and reduces noise, providing a cleaner output when connected to balanced equipment.
The Frérot performs excellently with its standard switching power supply. However, the optional pow1 linear power supply is available for listeners looking to further refine the noise floor and enhance the overall clarity of the audio presentation.
It utilizes the Burr Brown 1794A chip. This chip is highly regarded in the audiophile community for its natural, musical sound signature and its ability to handle complex audio signals with precision.
Yes, the Frérot is equipped with four distinct digital inputs: USB, Coaxial RCA, Toslink optical, and AES/EBU. You can keep multiple devices connected and switch between them as needed.
Every unit is meticulously crafted and assembled in Switzerland. This ensures a high level of build quality and attention to detail throughout the production process.
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