TAD DA1000 Digital To Analog Converter
An incredibly high precision DAC – beautifully built and beautiful sound
"The Artistic Intent, Intact"
This TAD strap line says everything you need to know about the listening experience. Masses of detail and precision for sure, but with passion and emotion in equal measure too, creating a truly rewarding sound.
About the DA 1000
DA1000TX is equipped with the third-generation Asynchronous USB Communication Engine developed by TAD. This system captures PCM384kH/32bit and DSD256 USB digital signals with the sampling rate of 11.2 MHz. The D/A processing itself is carried out by discrete current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion circuitry that keeps residual noise low, even at high slew rates.
With the added benefit of a high-slew-rate analog circuit, they are capable of reproducing high-resolution digital audio—from a tight, highly transient bass to high frequencies beyond the audible spectrum—with an unprecedented level of detail, clarity, and dynamism.
About the DA 1000
DA1000TX is equipped with the third-generation Asynchronous USB Communication Engine developed by TAD. This system captures PCM384kH/32bit and DSD256 USB digital signals with the sampling rate of 11.2 MHz. The D/A processing itself is carried out by discrete current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion circuitry that keeps residual noise low, even at high slew rates.
With the added benefit of a high-slew-rate analog circuit, they are capable of reproducing high-resolution digital audio—from a tight, highly transient bass to high frequencies beyond the audible spectrum—with an unprecedented level of detail, clarity, and dynamism.
Tech Insight
The fundamental core of any great DAC is always the clock. TAD developed, in-house, their own Ultra-High C/N (carrier-to-noise ratio) Master Clock (UPCG – ultra-high-precision crystal generator). This design lowers the overal signal-to-noise ratio of the DAC to an unprecedented level. But TAD also go to great lengths to protect these vital circuits from airborn and structureborn vibration – everything from a multi-layered base plate (with a copper layer), die-cast chassis to precision isolating feet. Oh, and that copper layer in the base plate also serves to lower ground plane impedance, further lowering noise.
Specifications
Digital audio inputs: 1 XLR, 2 coaxial, 1 optical, 1 USB (Type B). Compatible sampling frequencies: XLR and coaxial inputs: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Optical input: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
USB input: USB 2.0: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz, DSD64 (2.8 MHz), DSD128 (5.6 MHz), DSD256 (11.2 MHz)
Digital audio output: 1 XLR, 1 coaxial
Analog audio output: 1 balanced output, 1 unbalanced output
Output voltage rated value, 4V balanced, 2V unbalanced (1 kHz 0 dB)
S/N ratio: 115 dB
Headphone output: 1 headphone jack (8 to 600 Ω)
Power consumption: 49 W, 0.5W in standby
Dimensions: 440mm (W) x 150mm (H) x 406mm (D)
(17-11/32 in. (W) x 5-29/32 in. (H) x 16 in. (D))
Weight: 16.5 kg
Matching & Setup
Matching with a high-end DAC has many elements to consider. First there is the digital setup with your music storage and streaming requirements. This machine is very well equipped with digital inputs with all the usual AES/EBU, phono and optical digital in, plus the full range of sampling frequencies and DSD formats acceptable through an excellent asynchronous USB receiver. We suggest you assess your digital source requirements and check off against the Specifications above.
Then there's the capabilities of the system. Upstream, better digital sources will be required to really take advantage of the DAC's resolving power. A great disc player, NAS network or a well configured PC is a necessity. And don't forget to avoid cheap power supplies and mains cabling that can significantly undemine the performance of digital equipment. Then, downstream, this DAC should be treated as a true high-end source with great dynamic range, detail, transparency and a deep emotional connection to the artists. So amplification, speakers and the whole system and room setup should be focussed on creating a coherent and uncompromised setup. The results will then speak for itself.