“High-Resolution” is the latest audio frontier. USB DAC hardware is now plentiful, and various high-resolution formats are available. The only thing lacking has been an ample supply of music or source material available in a high-resolution format.
KORG was among the first to embrace the potential of high-resolution DSD audio with its MR Series of rack-style studio recorders, portable solutions, and hand-held devices. In addition, their complementary AudioGate software works with all the latest formats and has quickly become the standard for high-resolution audio playback.
Now KORG is proud to add the DS-DAC-10R to their list of DSD hardware and software products that were created to satisfy audio lovers everywhere. This revolutionary USB DAC (Digital-to-Audio Converter) recording system also offers professional-grade Analog-to-Digital conversion and is even equipped with phono inputs—ideal for archiving your vinyl records.
If you can’t find the high-resolution audio materials that you’re craving to hear, record them yourself with the DS-DAC-10R; the 1-bit USB-DAC/ADC from KORG.
Vinyl records have soared in popularity over recent years. Certain audiophiles and enthusiasts prefer vinyl sources for the pure enjoyment of music, and cite a warmth of tone lacking in digital sound sources. The KORG DS-DAC-10R allows these retro-audio fans to manage their record collection as music data and enjoy it more easily. Phono input jacks allow the DS-DAC-10R to connect directly to your record player—there is even a grounding terminal. Your records can be quickly turned via DSD into high-resolution data files with their quality unimpaired, allowing you to use AudioGate to easily manage your music library. The input jacks also support LINE level signals—such as from a cassette deck—making this the ideal system for archiving your irreplaceable collection.
Inside the DS-DAC-10R, you’ll find the same PCM4202 (made by TI) AD converter used in the MR-2000S 1-bit studio recorder. We have insisted on the same exacting quality as this recorder—which continues to be used in many professional studios. The pre-stage circuit of the phono amp uses high-performance parts such as the OPA1662 (made by TI) and thin-film polymer multi-layer capacitors (PMLCAP®/made by Rubycon) in order to take full advantage of the phono cartridge’s performance. For the DA converter, we’ve selected the same CS4390 (made by Cirrus Logic) as used in the MR-2000S and the DS-DAC series. Like these respected devices, the DS-DAC-10R also exemplifies KORG’s motto for sound: “uncolored sound that faithfully reproduces the original.” And, of course, native playback of 2.8224 MHz and 5.6448 MHz DSD files is supported.
KORG was among the first audio companies to focus on the high sound quality benefits of DSD, using DSD as the recording format for the highly acclaimed MR series of studio and field recorders. Now that major music distribution sites such as Blue Coast Records and Channel Classic Records have started distributing data in the DSD format, and major audio manufacturers have also started to release USB DAC units, the DSD format has become acknowledged by audio fans as a synonym for the utmost in high-quality playback. The quality of this DSD data is fully realized by the "DSD native playback of DSD data" offered via these USB DAC units, the DS-DAC series.
These units support playback not only of 2.8224 MHz DSD data but also the still higher-resolution of 5.6448 MHz, which is even more faithful to the original source.
The elegant diecast body of the DS-DAC-10R emanates precision construction and craftsmanship. Sleek and uncluttered, the front panel provides simply a headphone jack and a volume control. The DS-DAC-10R is designed to provide effortless integration with your existing audio system. LED illumination also indicates the playback format and the recording status. Inside and out, attention was given to using premium materials—highlighted by the copper-plated rear panel and the gold-plated connectors.
Audio Interface
General
Main Standards
LINE OUT L/R
PHONES
LINE IN/PHONO L/R
