Solaris
Best high fidelity monitoring for professional audio engineers.
Introducing the Crane Song Solaris, a fifth-generation Quantum Digital-to-Analog Converter designed for exceptional audio fidelity. This Dave Hill creation offers mastering-grade sound with pristine, transparent conversion up to 192kHz. It features advanced 32-bit conversion and jitter-reduction upsampling, ensuring accurate time-domain response. With versatile connectivity including USB, AES, S/PDIF, and TOSlink, the Solaris provides precise control through discrete output amplifiers and a high-quality headphone amplifier, both with stepped attenuators for meticulous level management.
$2399.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
109
/ 663
#109 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Converter
32
/ -bit
Who it's for
- Audio professionals demanding uncompromised sonic accuracy for critical listening
- Studio engineers needing a central, high-quality control for monitoring
- Studio owners seeking long-term, dependable equipment for daily operation
Who should skip it
- Home studio owners or hobbyists with limited budgets
- Novice producers or casual listeners wanting simple audio solutions
- Everyday consumers or non-audio professionals needing a general-purpose DAC
Performance breakdown
Conversion Accuracy
Quantum technology delivers industry-leading transparency for critical mastering applications.
Jitter Performance
Advanced ASRC upsampling ensures an exceptionally stable and precise time-domain response.
Output Control
Stepped attenuators provide repeatable, surgical precision for level management.
Connectivity Versatility
Comprehensive digital input options integrate seamlessly into any professional studio environment.
Headphone Amplification
Dedicated discrete circuitry drives demanding headphones with remarkable clarity and authority.
Build Integrity
Robust aluminum construction offers the durability required for daily professional use.
Key Specs
Converter
32-bit
Max Sample Rate
192kHz
Jitter Reduction
ASRC upsampling to 211kHz
Clock Jitter
Typically 0.045pS (10Hz–20kHz)
Main Output
Discrete amplifiers with stepped attenuator (+24dBu max)
Secondary Output
Balanced, fixed level (+18dBu max)
Headphone Output
Dedicated amplifier with stepped attenuator
Inputs
USB, AES, S/PDIF, TOSlink
Features
- 5th Generation Quantum DAC Technology
- Mastering-grade sound quality
- Pristine, transparent conversion up to 192kHz
- 32-bit converter with ASRC jitter reduction
- Discrete output amplifiers with stepped attenuator
- High-quality headphone amplifier with dedicated stepped attenuator
- Versatile connectivity including USB, AES, S/PDIF, and TOSlink
- Front-panel LCD display for source, gain, and level meters
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Solaris by Crane Song for its exceptional audio fidelity and robust build quality. Users frequently highlight its transparent sound reproduction and precise monitoring capabilities, making it a cornerstone in professional studios. The intuitive design and reliable performance are often cited as key advantages, ensuring a seamless workflow for critical listening tasks. While a premium investment, its sonic excellence and long term durability are seen as justifying the cost, delivering significant value for discerning audio engineers.
Know before you buy
The Solaris uses a 5th generation 32-bit converter paired with Asynchronous Sample Rate Conversion (ASRC) to upsample to 211kHz. This process significantly reduces jitter to a reference level of 0.045pS, resulting in a more accurate time-domain response and cleaner audio reproduction.
Yes, the unit features four digital inputs—USB, AES, S/PDIF, and Optical—allowing you to connect multiple devices simultaneously. You can easily toggle between these sources using the front-panel controls and monitor your selection on the LCD display.
The main output is equipped with discrete amplifiers and a stepped attenuator, allowing you to adjust the volume up to +24 dBu. The secondary output provides a fixed +18 dBu balanced signal, which is ideal for feeding a secondary monitor controller or a dedicated recording device.
Yes, the Solaris includes a dedicated, high-quality headphone amplifier with its own independent stepped attenuator. It is designed to provide clean, mastering-grade monitoring for a wide range of professional studio headphones.
The power-up mute function is a safety feature designed to protect your monitors and your hearing from unexpected transients or loud pops when the unit is first turned on. You can manually disengage the mute once the system is stable.
The front-panel LCD is quite informative, showing your currently selected source, the active sample rate, and precise gain settings. It also features built-in level meters, which help you monitor signal integrity without needing to look at your DAW software.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.