CS-100DAC vs Cary Audio Design DMS-550
The DMS-550's signal-to-noise is 113 dB against the CS-100DAC's 115 dB and its thd 0.000% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (32-bit) and max sample rate (768 kHz).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalDACs
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$3,949
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the CS-100DAC
The Cayin CS-100DAC is a flagship tube/solid-state dual-timbre digital-to-analog converter built around dual ESS ES9038PRO DAC chips operating in mono mode for true balanced output. It supports high-resolution playback up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512 (native) via USB and I2S, with additional inputs including USB audio, AES/EBU, BNC/coaxial, RCA/coaxial, optical (Toslink), and I2S over HDMI for broad digital source compatibility. The output stage features selectable vacuum tube or solid-state buffering for both RCA and XLR outputs, allowing users to tailor the sound character, and provides both fixed line-level and variable pre-out modes so the CS-100DAC can function as a standalone DAC or directly drive power amplifiers and active speakers. Housed in a substantial sandblasted aluminum alloy chassis with a 3.95-inch AMOLED display and full-function remote control, it includes dual power transformers for separately regulated digital and analog sections, offering low noise and a premium user interface.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 32-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 768 kHz
- DSD Support
- DSD512
- DAC Chip
- ESS ES9038PRO
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- THD
- 0.001%
- SNR
- 115 dB
- Output Voltage
- 2.3V RMS
- Max Output Voltage
- 8.8V RMS
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Digital Inputs
- USB audio, AES/EBU, BNC/coaxial, RCA/coaxial, optical (Toslink), I2S over HDMI
- Analog Outputs
- RCA, XLR
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 440 × 126 × 392 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 12 kg (26 lbs)
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions