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"If there is a digital converter that can convince
a die hard vinylphile that digital has at last arrived, this is the
machine "
Martin G. DeWulf, Bound for
Sound issue #147
(the Platinum Reference CD Player from MSB)
" What makes the strength of the Platinum Signature is the homogeneity of the performances. Whatever the domain you want to introspect it comes like one of the best or the best DAC in the world. But this is its remarkable balance in any circumstances that makes it an incredibly musical 'soloist'."
"The performances, in terms of image, fluidity and bandwidth, have nothing to envy to the very best DACs in the market. Moreover, these objective qualities are fully serving a restitution of a rare musicality getting closer than ever to analogue with a full digital precision. This is without any restriction that I recommend this American Jewel."
Antoine Gresland, EcoutezVoir Magazine, Paris
FRANCE March 2009
(click here for a computer translation)
 
Simplicity
The Platinum DAC III was designed in a way that it can be used as the last
component in your system before the amplifiers. With the added convenience of having
multiple digital inputs and one Analog input you can easily eliminate your preamp. You may connect
your turntable
through the analog input and all your digital sources directly to the DAC III. The Analog Output is volume
controlled (if the optional Volume Control is installed).
About the DAC
The Second Generation Platinum DAC modules are of our own design, hand made,
discretely built R2R Ladder DACs. How DACs Work! A simple but accurate explanation. The Platinum DACs draw from the older ladder
technology but with incredible improvements that allow them to operate up
to 3 MHz. The Platinum DAC III contains four of these 24 bit MSB DAC Modules
configured in a true balanced architecture for optimum balanced or
single-ended operation..
About the Digital Filter
For the first time ever, we have created our own
Custom Digital Filter for the Platinum DACs. Previous versions of the
Platinum DAC used the Burr-Brown DF1704, which at the time was the best
Digital Filter on the market. Our new Digital Filter is built to our
specifications and standards, and is designed to get the most out of the
Platinum DAC modules.
The performance of this new Digital Filter is
amazing. Immediately you'll notice the lack of fuzziness around
voices and instruments of all frequencies. This new filter
also dramatically increases the resolution and dynamics of the
machine. This filter is also completely customizable; By playing a
special .wav file on a CD new filter coefficients, either temporary or
permanent, can be loaded into our DSP.
The Digital Filter is a 16x oversampling, single
stage filter with 32-bit input resolution, 80-bit computation, and 36-bit
coefficients. More information on this custom MSB Digital Filter can
be found here.
About the Clock / Jitter Control
Jitter control devices (and inputs on most DACs)
normally re-clock the input signal in attempt to lessen the jitter of that
incoming signal. The Platinum DAC III does no such re-clocking. We actually
pay no attention to the clock on the input signal. All internal clocks are generated by an extremely
accurate +/- 2.5ppm temperature compensated clock. Since the input clock
is no longer related to the clock of the Platinum, an intelligent ½
second buffer is used to maintain data synchronization.
About the Optional Attenuator
Our Preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the
moment analog audio is created, every transition that is made degrades the
quality. This is why we have used a passive attenuator within the Platinum
DAC III, to achieve the simplest, shortest possible signal path with
the least possible degradation of the true music. The Volume is
controlled in 2 dB steps from 0 to -62 dB. The Volume Control is
completely bypassed when at 0 dB.
This attenuator section is also designed to serve as a way to
match the naturally high output level of the Platinum DACs to any desired
outboard preamp. This has proven to be extremely useful for many of our
customers that are happy with the Preamp they have known and used for
years. It allows the two devices to be correctly matched with each other.
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Watch Video
Platinum
DAC III Specifications
Inputs:
Coaxial, Toslink, Balanced AES/EBU, 2MSB Network (192k) and 1
Balanced Analog input (<600 ohms)
RCA Outputs:
3.6V RMS (10V pp)
Balanced Outputs:
7.5V RMS (20V pp)
Output Impedance:
50 ohms at 0 dB
Volume Control:
2dB Stepped Attenuator
(32 steps)
Sampling Frequency:
1.5 MHz up to 3 MHz
Digital Filter:
16x Digital Filter by MSB Technology
Slew Rate:
>1000 V/Microsecond
Settling Time:
<90 Nanoseconds
Dynamic Range:
136 dB A Measured
Noise Floor:
<-145 dB
THD+N:
.002
Signal to Noise Ratio:
140 dB
Channel Separation:
>130 dB
Control Features:
Remote
Display Dim Mode
Phase Invert
Upsampling (4x)
Volume Control
Input Selection
Filter Selection
Upgrade Options:
Volume
32x Digital Filter
384 Upsampler
Signature DACs
USB Input
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