Five-input high-resolution digital expansion

DAC3 expands compatible Gryphon electronics with five digital inputs and a fully discrete, dual-mono Class A analog output stage. Its core is the ESS Sabre ES9039PRO converter, supported by separate ultra-low-noise supplies for the left and right analog sections.

The module accepts high-resolution PCM and DSD over USB, provides seven selectable PCM filters and uses a 12.5-farad super-capacitor supply for the USB section. Short signal paths and PCB-mounted sockets minimize wiring and noise pickup.

Digital flexibility is useful only if it does not compromise the analog performance that follows conversion. The Gryphon DAC3 addresses that handoff with separate regulated supplies for its digital and analog sections, plus independent low-noise power for the left and right channels of the ES9039PRO. First-order analog filtering is used for PCM and second-order filtering for DSD, with polypropylene capacitors in both paths. A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator specified to better than five parts per million provides the timing reference.

Connection choices cover contemporary servers as well as traditional digital sources. USB supports PCM rates through 384 kHz at up to 32-bit resolution and native DSD through DSD512. Balanced AES/EBU and the two 75-ohm BNC inputs handle PCM through 192 kHz, while optical TOSLINK supports rates through 96 kHz. Installed in a Diablo 333, the Gryphon DAC3 integrates those five inputs with the amplifier’s display and controls, showing the selected source, sample rate, PCM or DSD format and active digital filter without adding another component to the rack.