SPL Diamond DAC - Black - Ex-Demo

6 Digital inputs

Diamond offers each a stereo USB and AES input as well as each two optical and coaxial stereo inputs. Via USB, both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted. PCM audio is received in S/PDIF format, both coaxial (RCA), optical (Toslink F06) and balanced (AES/EBU).

The source selection is done via the selection control on the front. The selected input is also shown in the dot matrix LED display: USB, COA1, COA2, OPT1, OPT2 or AES.

After approximately two seconds, the display shows the type of clock source and the detected sampling rate.

Always in time

Diamond can not only synchronize to the clock integrated in the digitally fed source signal.

As a specialist for digital players Diamond offers a word clock input. The source of the clock signal can be selected via the CLOCK switch.

Source = Diamond synchronizes to the digital clock in the source signal.
Word = Diamond synchronizes to the digital clock present at WORD IN.

Well informed

The DAC automatically picks up the sampling rate and resolution of the digital playback source. No matter if a streamer, computer, CD player or an external word clock is connected.

The detected sampling rate and the selected clock source are shown in the dot matrix LED display. For example, U768 is an acronym for a clock signal in the USB stream with a sampling rate of 768 kHz.

All variable – or Slave Thru

Diamond provides two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. One pair of outputs with XLR, the other with RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the volume control on the front panel.

The volume control for both outputs can be individually switched out of the signal path via DIP switch on the back of the device. For example, a headphone amplifier with its own volume control can be connected to one of the outputs.

The DAC768

The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital-to-analogue converter, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details.

It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256. In contrast to the DAC 768xs, the DAC768 not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the SPL DLP120 with VOLTAiR technology.

The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. DLP120 has two of them: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required.

In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound.

The VOLTAiR Technology

The 120V technology is SPL's reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In SPL's Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience. 

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

StereoNET DAC Product of the Year - Awards 2024 

"In a world of increasingly complex hi-fi DACs with ever more features – often including streaming functionality – some purist audiophiles find themselves looking more closely at the pro audio market for no-nonsense products such as this. SPL’s Diamond DAC offers a sprinkling of useful facilities but no bells and whistles, plus a top quality AKM digital conversion chip and analogue output stage. Its compact fascia is dominated by a volume knob and informative digital display. The result is a musically satisfying sound that’s more powerful and immersive than you’d expect from something selling at such an affordable price." Read Full Review

What Hi-Fi - 4/5* "A no-nonsense premium DAC that’s hugely capable"

"SPL’s Diamond is a versatile, no-nonsense performer that will work well in a wide range of systems. The Diamond is certainly a product that deserves a place on the shortlist and reinforces our positive impression of the SPL brand. It makes us even keener to hear some of the other products in the range." Read Full Review

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UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

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Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

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