Audio Research DAC 9 Technical data

DAC9 Digital-to Analog
Converter

Technology in Service of Music

“…what’s inside counts and this is where it comes up trumps. The sound is

deliciously rich and detailed with a healthy dose of attack and vigour that never
failed to excite me. If you’ve ever fancied a slice of the Audio Research sound but
couldn’t quite stretch to the price then this new entry-level component could be

for you.”,

Our reputation is built on analog components, but we’re no stranger to the digital side of the fence; we’ve
been receiving accolades and awards for our digital components for over a quarter of a century. Digital
advances quickly and Audio Research continues to stay at the performance forefront. Our perspective and love
for analog reproduction helps make our digital components sound superior musically. The DAC9 is a vacuum­tube analog section and the latest digital design, capable of decoding DSD music files and PCM files up to
384kHz.

Audio Research designed two separate data paths to the DAC9’s D-A converters: one for PCM files up to
384khz sample rates, and another to handle serial DSD files at 1x and 2x DSD clock rates. This assures proper
integer decoding eliminating interpolation distortion errors that degrade sonic purity. Native sample-rate
upsampling is available for all inputs, up to 384kHz for non-DSD (PCM) music files. Selectable digital filters are
available for customization. An asynchronous USB input along with four galvanically isolated inputs assures
all of your digital sources will integrate with the DAC9. We pioneered using quad D-A converters, with each
channel using dual stereo DACs running in mono to increase dynamic range and lower the noise floor.

Cutting-edge engineering on the digital side mates to a vacuum tube analog section that uses a pair of
6H30 dual triode tubes. The DAC9 is a balanced design with a Class-A, zero-feedback analog section and no
capacitive coupling. Like other products that have preceded it, the DAC9 combines remarkable resolution with
relaxed musicality. Audio Research’s sonic legacy—clarity, dynamics, dimensionality and musical authority—are
obvious and thoroughly engaging.

HiFi World, March 2017

After nearly 50 years, our focus remains the advancement of the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Every
component is meticulously hand-crafted and personally auditioned before it leaves our factory. Our attention
to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component
is more than a purchase, it’s an investment.

The DAC9 is the most technologically advanced digital product ever developed by Audio Research and
represents a sonic breakthrough in digital-to-analog music reproduction. We invite you hear the difference by
visiting your nearest Audio Research dealer.

Complete technical specifications can be found on our website.

S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

Inputs

USB 2.0 HS (480 Mbps): 44.1 to 384 kHz, DSD
(2.28225 mHz), 2xDSD (5.6448 mHz); RCA (75Ω
SPDIF): 44.1 to 192 kHz; BNC (75Ω SPDIF): 44.1 to
192 kHz; XLR (110Ω SPDIF): 44.1 to 192 kHz; AES/
EBU: 44.1 to 192 kHz; Optical (660 nM Toslink fiber):

44.1to 96 kHz

Outputs

XLR, RCA

Rated Outputs

3.8V max balanced; 1.9V max single-ended

Intrinsic jitter

<10 pS

Tube complement

2 - 6H30P dual triodes

Dimensions

Width:19” (48 cm)
Height: 6.5” (13.7 cm)
Depth: 13.7” (34.8 cm)
Handles extend 1.6” (4 cm) forward of the front
panel

Weight

13.9 lbs. (6.3 kg) Net; 20.4 lbs. (9.3 kg) Shipping

3900 Annapolis Lane North | Plymouth, MN 55447 USA | T: 763.577.9700 | www.audioresearch.com