Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the DAC 8
The Audio Research DAC8 is a reference-quality digital-to-analog converter featuring state-of-the-art vacuum tube technology in its analog circuit with a pair of 6H30 tubes. It employs quad DAC architecture for balanced digital signal processing, wide dynamic range, and decoding from Red Book CD up to 384kHz PCM and native DSD sampling rates. Connectivity includes five digital inputs: USB, RCA coaxial, BNC, AES/EBU, and Toslink optical. Outputs provide both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connectors. Native-rate upsampling and selectable digital filters allow signal customization. The unit is fully solid-state in digital sections but uses tubes in the analog output stage, delivering a spacious soundstage, precise imaging, and authoritative bass as praised in reviews. It supports all standard sampling rates including 44.1kHz to 192kHz via USB with appropriate drivers. The DAC8 has been discontinued by Audio Research.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 24-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 384 kHz
- DAC Chip
- quad DAC architecture (2 per channel)
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Inputs
- USB, RCA coaxial S/PDIF, BNC coaxial, AES/EBU XLR, Toslink optical
- Analog Outputs
- balanced XLR stereo pair, single-ended RCA stereo pair
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 483 × 133 × 254 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 5.22 kg (12 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions