Topic: RDL HR-DAC1

[audBall]

I noticed this in a gmail ad link recently.  Looks interesting...

http://www.rdlnet.com/product.php?page=450&gclid=COn4uoSo7qQCFQIGbAodeFsV1w




    * Broadcast Quality Audio Digital to Analog Conversion
    * Input: AES/EBU, Coaxial or Optical S/PDIF, AES‑3ID
    * Outputs: Balanced and Unbalanced Stereo Audio
    * Adjustable Audio Output Gain Trim
    * Dual‑LED Audio Output Level VU Metering
    * Operation Up to 24 bits, 192 kHz
    * Exclusive Sure‑Lok™ Auto‑Recovery Sentinel
    * Transformer Isolated AES/EBU Input
    * Automatic Sample Rate Detection with Indicators
    * Digital Signal Lock Indicator for Valid Inputs

The HR‑DAC1 is the ideal choice in installations requiring high quality analog audio from an AES/EBU, AES‑3ID or S/PDIF digital audio source. The HR‑DAC1 automatically detects a valid input on any of the four input jacks: S/PDIF optical, S/PDIF coaxial, AES‑3ID or AES/EBU. The AES/EBU input is 110 Ω terminated; the S/PDIF coaxial and AES‑3ID jacks are 75 Ω terminated. A front‑panel LOCK LED indicates the presence of a valid digital audio source without any phase‑lock or bit errors. Sample rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz are supported with front‑panel LEDs to indicate standard digital audio rates of 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz. Professional operating stability is achieved with RDL’s proprietary Sure‑Lok™ latch‑up auto recovery.

The digital input is converted to stereo audio using high speed delta‑sigma conversion, digital filtering and filtered wideband analog drivers. The high performance, low‑noise converters are supplemented with digitally controlled analog gating to produce unparalleled performance. The LEFT and RIGHT output levels are individually adjustable using front‑panel knobs. A dual‑LED VU meter displays the output level of each channel to facilitate level adjustments. Balanced +4 dBu audio outputs are provided on a rear‑panel detachable terminal block and on XLR jacks. Unbalanced ‑10 dBV outputs are provided on phono jacks.

The HR‑DAC1 is powered from 24 Vdc, which may be connected through the detachable terminal block or through the dc power jack. A front‑panel power switch is provided.

[Jimna]

this would be nice in front of a tube pre.   (give its a worthy unit)

[audBall]

Wow, just noticed these guys are about an hour up the road from me.  I should check them out someday.

[Jimna]

did you see a price?

[audBall]

The "How to Buy" link renders a few retailers selling in the $400-425 range. 

[Jimna]

oh nice price!  Now to hear how it performs?!?

[Colin Liston]

Looks kind of like a Mytek

[Jimna]

even has the super lock too...

[audBall]

even has the super lock too...

I'm not so sure the "Sure-Lok" is the same, although it could be similar.  Mytek's "Super Lock" acts as an upsampler, and as a method to accept a 192kHz signal. 

The HR-DAC1's manual states that the "Sure-Lok":
...monitors possible causes of latch-up and reinitiates digital signal lock, bringing a high level of stability to digital to analog audio signal conversion under the variety of conditions encountered in professional environments.

Is that a long-winded way of saying, "upsample"?  I think it might just resample.