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The NuForce DAC-9 Digital Analog Converter
Engineered to meet the needs of the most demanding audio purists while also
providing the greatest degree of flexibility, the NuForce DAC-9 is a true reference-
class digital-to-analog stereo converter, pre-amplifier and headphone amplifier in one
supremely sophisticated package. As to versatility, with its six digital inputs, the
DAC-9 offers compatibility with all existing digital formats.
And, in keeping with NuForce's commitment to its customers, plug-in USB
module/interfaces will always provide for upgradeability to higher bit rates, thereby
securing the end-user's investment as digital technology continues to advance.
The DAC-9 addresses the need for complexity on a foundation of remarkable
simplicity. Minimal processing and the shortest possible signal paths set the DAC-9
apart. For example, when an input source is selected, a pair of high-performance, non-
over-sampling DACs offer up to 24-bit/192kHz (24bit/96kHz for USB) conversion of
digital audio data. Extensive testing and listening tell us that up-sampling and sample-
rate conversion do more harm than good, as does negative feedback. Consequently,
no form of sample-rate conversion is ever employed.
Summing the output of two DACs increases the signal-to-noise ratio to near-
theoretical limits wherein every musical nuance stands out in brilliant contrast to a
background of utter silence. As a further enhancement, an innovative Passive IV
Digital Output Filter assures lifelike musical reproduction. The DAC-9's passive
circuit employs no negative feedback of any kind, thus providing a ripple-free
response wherein high-frequency phase coherence is always maintained.
Beyond the DACs and digital filter, the converted signal passes on to the analog
preamplifier stage, which also adheres minimalist design principles. Again, NuForce
applies no negative feedback in order, among other good reasons, to avoid higher-
order distortion artifacts that typically plague unnecessarily complicated designs. The
quietest circuitry components and layouts, along with the shortest possible signal
paths, likewise contribute to the DAC-9's exemplary performance characteristics. As
another means to a "straight-wire-with-gain" end, when the user selects Fixed-Mode
Output, the digitally controlled, precision volume attenuator is bypassed by means of
a precision mechanical relay.
As impressive as these refinements are, the DAC-9 would not be nearly so successful
without the clean, stable energy a shunt-regulated linear power supply provides. With
its multiple regulation stages, the power supply allows the DAC-9's digital and
analog circuits to operate to their fullest potential, with the lowest noise and distortion
possible.
Nor has NuForce overlooked the needs of the dedicated headphone listener. The
DAC-9 includes a fully independent, high-performance headphone stage with a
dedicated volume control. The DAC-9's 6.3mm and 3.5mm headphone jacks sidestep
the inconvenience and potential distortion of external plug adaptors. The DAC-9's
exceptional value and versatility is exemplified by the unit's remote control, which
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382 South Abbott Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035, USA
nuforce.com
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EMAIL: salesteam@nuforce.com
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PHONE: +1-408-890-6840
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FAX: +1-408-262-6877
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Skype: nuforce-sales
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