Audio Research, DAC 8 - Reference Quality Digital Converter

Sale price Price $1,699.00 Regular price Unit price per

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Audio Research has used the tagline “There is only one reference” for years now. Such a slogan would seem pretty arrogant for most companies, but Audio Research’s track record of producing top-class kit over the past 40 years makes it much easier to swallow. The DAC 8 – the company’s sixth standalone digital-to-analogue converter – lives up to both the company’s tagline and heritage. Perhaps surprisingly, considering the company’s valve-based heritage, this is an all-solid-state unit. Some DACs from rival companies have tried to sweeten the sound of digital with hybrid designs that use valves in the output stage, but in most cases this approach fails to fully satisfy. Their sound tends to overplay warmth and smoothness, sacrificing precision and dynamic punch in the process.

Accepts high-res audio

Like an increasing number of DACs, this Audio Research product will accept signals up to high-resolution 24Bit/192kHz level. To do this through the unit’s USB 2.0 input, though, you’ll need to download driver software specific to the DAC 8. It’s a simple enough process and relatively painless as far as these things go. The DAC 8 is large. Some DACs come as small as a box of matches, so to find one that’s as big as most high-end integrated amps is something of a shock. The DAC 8 is decently equipped but breaks little new ground when it comes to features. The standard range of optical, coaxial and USB are here, accompanied by the rarer BNC and AES/EBU alternatives. Balanced and RCA analogue outputs are provided, too.

Big, authoritative and refined

Overall, it delivers a big, authoritative and refined performance. If you’re the kind of person who thinks all digital kit sounds cold and clinical, and you’ve the wherewithal, then this is definitely the DAC for you. This ARC delivers an unforced sound of spellbinding subtlety and, when required, brutish power. The overriding sense of refinement never goes as far as rounding off the attack, or spoiling leading edge definition.

Some upmarket rivals put the spotlight on detail in a more obvious manner, but take a careful listen to this Audio Research DAC and you’ll realise everything is in place. It doesn’t smooth over the fine details, either. Rather, the DAC 8 keeps it all in perspective, with edge definition and the harmonic information that follows being retained in proportion.

This ARC, DAC 8 is in flawless as-new condition and is a proven top performer. Like all Audio Reserch components its a joy to own. Comes 100% complete with ARC box, packaging, OMs and remote... a winner on every level.

Come demo this incredible ARC piece here at the new Andover shop or hit the buy now button and we'll ship it right out.

Audio Research Corporation, DAC 8 Reference DAC: $1,699.00 plus sales tax and shipping when applicable.