DAC-100T

About the DAC-100T

The Cary Audio Design DAC-100t is a premium digital to analog converter that uses two ESS Sabre ES9023 24/192 DAC chipsets to accurately recreate analog musical signals from digital sources. It features a vacuum tube analog output stage utilizing two 6922 tubes operated in a non-global feedback configuration, providing a warm and natural sound signature. The DAC-100t accepts five selectable digital inputs: two coaxial, two Toslink optical, and one asynchronous USB input processed by an XMOS chip. It supports PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz sample rates. The unit is powered by two custom-built toroidal transformers, one each for digital and analog sections, with the analog transformer including a Faraday shield to minimize noise. Outputs include gold-plated RCA and balanced XLR connectors. The DAC-100t has a dynamic range of 112dB, signal-to-noise ratio of 109dB, and an audio output level of 2.0V RMS. It comes in a black powder-coated matte cabinet with a silver anodized aluminum faceplate (black optional), weighs 21 lbs, and measures 3.5" H x 17.25" W x 15.5" D. The DAC-100t is noted for its excellent sound quality in its price class and includes a timer-relay muting circuit to protect the tubes during startup.