DAC IV
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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 "

"The Platinum lacks the standard digital byproducts that have become a staple of  "digital sound" and by disposing of those artifacts has ended up sounding more analog-like than many turntables people listen to"
Martin G. DeWulf, Bound for Sound issue #147
(the Platinum Reference CD Player from MSB) 

Simplicity

The Platinum DAC IV 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 IV.   The Analog Output is volume controlled (if the optional Volume Control is installed).  

The DAC IV package is simple and eligant. It has much needed integral heat sinks, our amazing new MSB Isorack Damping Feet as well as a clean new front panel, with full suite of programmable featues.

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 IV 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

Now after years of development, we have included our own Custom 32x Digital Filter in the Platinum DAC IV.  Previous versions of the Platinum DAC used the MSB 16x filter, and before that, the Burr-Brown DF1704, which at the time was the best Digital Filter on the market.  Our new 32x 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 32x 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 IV 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 +/- 2.5 ppm 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 IV, 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 -68 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.

About the Power Base 

The DAC IV is equipt with an outboard power supply. This remarkable power supply has seperate torroidal transformers for each voltage supplied. The torroidal transformer produces a very small amount of magnetic radiation.

The Power Base includes a positive and negative analog supply and a digital supply to run all the digital processors. But it also contains an entirely seperate extra clean digital supply to run the sensitive digital clocking circuits on the DAC modules themselves. Each of these supplies is regulated and filtered in the box, so no noise is introduced into the DAC chassis. See Power Base Comparisons for an upgraded power base.

This Power Base can be upgraded. A digital only supply can be added to operate an MSB Transport. These supplies are completely independant and their combination do not degrade performance.

An optional front panel control can also be provided. This option moves the power switch from the back panel to the front panel.

This is the standard DAC power supply. The optional DC transport supply is installed.

Watch Video

Platinum
DAC IV Specifications
Preliminary

Inputs:
Coaxial (RCA and BNC), Toslink, Balanced AES/EBU, MSB Network (192k) and 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

Optional Volume Control:
2dB Stepped Attenuator
(38 steps, 0 to -68 dB)

Sampling Frequency:
1.5 MHz up to 3 MHz

Digital Filter:
32x 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
Volume Control
Maximum Volume Setting
Bit-Perfect Testing
Input Selection
Filter Selection

Upgrade Options:
Volume
USB input
Upsampling
Digital Filter Suite
Extra Inputs
iLink II Upgrade
Signature DACs

Power Base:
Standard
Signature
Diamond
Power Base Manual