{"product_id":"audio-research-dac-9-tube-dac","title":"Audio Research DAC 9 Tube DAC","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor decades, Audio Research has pursued a singular goal: to bring recorded music to life with a sense of realism that transcends the equipment. The DAC 9 is the embodiment of that philosophy for the digital age. It is a component designed not just to convert data, but to uncover the soul within the ones and zeros. By marrying a state-of-the-art, high-resolution digital engine with a pure vacuum-tube analog output stage, the DAC 9 bridges the gap between technical precision and human emotion. It delivers a sound that is incredibly resolving yet utterly natural, dimensional, and free from digital fatigue. This is not just a digital-to-analog converter; it is a musical instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePure Tube Analog Stage:\u003c\/b\u003e The analog amplifier is a pure Class-A, zero-feedback circuit featuring two 6H30 vacuum tubes for their natural, dynamic, and musically engaging sound.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eQuad DAC Architecture:\u003c\/b\u003e Utilizes four 24-bit D\/A converters running in mono mode to lower the noise floor and increase dynamic range for breathtaking clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNative High-Resolution Playback:\u003c\/b\u003e Supports native DSD playback and PCM sample rates up to 384 kHz without any conversion, preserving the integrity of the original file.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCustom-Selectable Digital Filters:\u003c\/b\u003e Offers a choice of fast, slow, and sharp digital filters, allowing you to tailor the sound to your personal preference and system synergy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCrystal-Controlled Oscillators:\u003c\/b\u003e Dual master oscillators for 44.1\/88.2\/176.4 and 48\/96\/192kHz sample rates ensure the lowest possible jitter for pristine timing and focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eComprehensive Digital Inputs:\u003c\/b\u003e A complete suite of five digital inputs, including asynchronous USB 2.0HS, AES\/EBU, RCA, and Toslink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBalanced and Single-Ended Outputs:\u003c\/b\u003e Provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs for universal compatibility with any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRobust Power Supply:\u003c\/b\u003e Features a regulated power supply with seven distinct regulation stages for pure, stable power to all circuits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eClassic Audio Research Build:\u003c\/b\u003e Housed in the iconic chassis with a brushed aluminum faceplate, custom-machined buttons, and sturdy handles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIntuitive Front Panel Control:\u003c\/b\u003e All functions, including power, mute, input selection, upsampling, and filter choice, are accessible from the front panel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDimmable Display:\u003c\/b\u003e The front panel display is easily dimmable or can be turned off completely for focused listening sessions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Heart of the Music: A Pure Tube Analog Stage\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the digital section is state-of-the-art, the true soul of the DAC 9 resides in its analog output stage. This is where the ones and zeros are transformed into living, breathing music. Rejecting sterile, solid-state solutions, Audio Research has engineered a pure Class-A circuit with zero negative feedback, built around a pair of 6H30 vacuum tubes. This design allows the DAC 9 to produce a sound that is dynamically alive, harmonically rich, and dimensionally holographic. It delivers the kind of natural, grain-free presentation that makes you forget you’re listening to a digital source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDigital Precision, Unprecedented Flexibility\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAC 9’s digital engine is a masterpiece of modern engineering. It is built upon a sophisticated Quad DAC architecture, where four 24-bit converters work in concert to dramatically lower the noise floor and increase dynamic range. This allows the most subtle details and micro-dynamics in your recordings to be revealed with stunning clarity. This powerful engine handles native DSD and PCM files up to 384kHz with ease. For the first time, Audio Research also provides user-selectable digital filters, allowing you to choose between Fast, Slow, and Sharp roll-off characteristics to perfectly tune the DAC’s presentation to your taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Foundation of High Definition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great audio component is only as good as its power supply. The DAC 9 features a robust and highly regulated power supply with seven separate stages of regulation. This ensures that each section of the converter—from the digital inputs to the critical tube analog stage—receives immaculately clean, stable, and isolated power. This fanatical attention to power purity is fundamental to achieving Audio Research's signature \"High Definition\" sound, providing the silent, black background from which music can emerge with startling realism and focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eA Legacy of Craftsmanship\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAC 9 is instantly recognizable as an Audio Research component, built to the same exacting standards the company has upheld for over 50 years. The chassis is robust and beautifully finished, with the classic brushed aluminum faceplate and substantial handles. Every button provides a satisfying, tactile response. This is not a product designed for obsolescence; it is a handcrafted musical instrument, built in Minnesota, USA, and designed to provide a lifetime of listening pleasure and a direct connection to your favorite artists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you shop with The Listening Room, you get more than just gear. As a third-generation, family-run business with a passion for music and decades of experience, we offer personalized service that goes far beyond the sale. Call, text, or email, and you’ll get a real human who knows this equipment inside and out. From in-store demos to curated home system design and wide-radius delivery, we’re here to help you get the absolute best out of your purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecification\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e+\/-0.15dB 20Hz – 20kHz; +\/-3.0dB 6Hz – 192kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTHD+Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than .002% at 2V RMS 1kHz Balanced output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSignal to Noise Ratio\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt;114dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermodulation \u0026amp; Noise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.001% (SMPTE ratio)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChannel Separation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e107dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntrinsic Jitter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt;10pS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDAC Resolution\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24 bits\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePush Buttons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower, Menu, Option, Enter, Input, Mute\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e500 Ohms balanced, 250 Ohms SE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDigital Filter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelectable Fast or Slow algorithms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpsampling\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAll Inputs upsample to 384kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB2.0HS 44.1 to 384kHz, DSD, 2xDSD; RCA, BNC, XLR 44.1 to 192kHz; TOS 44.1 to 96kHz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRated Outputs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3.8V RMS Max Balanced; 1.9V max SE (@ 0dB input)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Supplies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronically-regulated low and high voltage supplies. Line regulation better than .01%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNoise\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e103dB\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTube Complement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e(2) 6H30 dual triodes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100-125VAC 60Hz (200 – 250VAC 50\/60Hz) 60 watts maximum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStandby\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLess than 2 watt\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWidth: 19″ (48 cm)\u003cbr\u003eHeight: 7″ (17.8 cm)\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 15.5″ (39.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003eHandles extend 1.50″ (3.8 cm) forward of the front panel.\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 32.0 lbs. (14.6 kg) Net; 43.2 lbs. (19.8 kg) Shipping.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Audio Research","offers":[{"title":"Silver","offer_id":67848736866673,"sku":"ARDACSI","price":7320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black","offer_id":67848736899441,"sku":"ARDAC9BL","price":7320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0923\/5215\/1921\/files\/AudioResearchDAC9TubeDACSilverfronttopview.jpg?v=1792519202","url":"https:\/\/sliyden.store\/products\/audio-research-dac-9-tube-dac","provider":"sliyden.store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}