Platinum DAC III vs Metrum Acoustics Metrum Pavane 2
The Metrum Pavane 2's output impedance is 100Ω against the Platinum DAC III's 75Ω and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 7.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The MSB Technology Platinum DAC III is a flagship high-fidelity digital-to-analog converter featuring four 24-bit MSB DAC modules arranged in a fully balanced configuration. Each DAC module contains dual R2R ladder DACs with 23-bit positive and negative signs, achieving true 24-bit resolution. The design eliminates the need for DC correction in the output stage, allowing direct DC coupling for pure, uncolored sound without output filtering. It supports upsampling to 384 kHz and includes selectable digital filters. The Platinum DAC uses a true voltage output DAC architecture, avoiding the current-to-voltage conversion stage that can color sound. It has multiple digital inputs including MSB Network (CAT5), AES/EBU balanced, coaxial, and optical. The device incorporates multiple separate power supplies for digital and analog sections to minimize jitter and maximize channel separation. The built-in P1000 Power Base features a triple-wound toroidal transformer and can be configured for 120 V or 240 V operation. The DAC is known for its extremely low jitter (less than 0.1 picosecond) and uses hundreds of aerospace-grade precision resistors for its ladder DACs. The volume control uses a stepped-resistor attenuator followed by a single output buffer to maintain low and stable output impedance. This DAC is an evolution of MSB's discrete ladder DAC technology with improvements in buffer, resistor ladder precision, and upsampling capabilities to 384 kHz, delivering exceptional resolution and sound purity.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Metrum Pavane 2's output impedance is 100Ω against the Platinum DAC III's 75Ω and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 7.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
The D50's output impedance is 1Ω against the Platinum DAC III's 75Ω and its output voltage 2.5V RMS against 7.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (384 kHz).
The Aero's max sample rate is 192 kHz against the Platinum DAC III's 384 kHz, its output impedance 70Ω against 75Ω, and its output voltage 2.2V RMS against 7.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
The DirectStream (Modded)'s max sample rate is 352.8 kHz against the Platinum DAC III's 384 kHz, its output impedance 100Ω against 75Ω, and its output voltage 2.8V RMS against 7.5V RMS. Both share bit depth (24-bit).
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