Our reputation is built on analog components, but we’re no stranger to the digital side of the fence; we’ve been receiving accolades and awards for our digital components for over a quarter of a century. Digital advances quickly and Audio Research continues to stay at the performance forefront. Our perspective and love for analog reproduction helps make our digital components sound superior musically. The DAC9 is a vacuum- tube analog section and the latest digital design, capable of decoding DSD music files and PCM files up to 384kHz.

Audio Research designed two separate data paths to the DAC9’s D-A converters: one for PCM files up to 384khz sample rates, and another to handle serial DSD files at 1x and 2x DSD clock rates. This assures proper integer decoding eliminating interpolation distortion errors that degrade sonic purity. Native sample-rate upsampling is available for all inputs, up to 384kHz for non-DSD (PCM) music files. Selectable digital filters are available for customization. An asynchronous USB input along with four galvanically isolated inputs assures all of your digital sources will integrate with the DAC9. We pioneered using quad D-A converters, with each channel using dual stereo DACs running in mono to increase dynamic range and lower the noise floor.

Cutting-edge engineering on the digital side mates to a vacuum tube analog section that uses a pair of 6H30 dual triode tubes. The DAC9 is a balanced design with a Class-A, zero-feedback analog section and no capacitive coupling. Like other products that have preceded it, the DAC9 combines remarkable resolution with relaxed musicality. Audio Research’s sonic legacy—clarity, dynamics, dimensionality and musical authority—are obvious and thoroughly engaging.

After nearly 50 years, our focus remains the advancement of the state-of-the-art in music reproduction. Every component is meticulously hand-crafted and personally auditioned before it leaves our factory. Our attention to detail, customer service, and product support create unprecedented value. An Audio Research component is more than a purchase, it’s an investment.

The DAC9 is the most technologically advanced digital product ever developed by Audio Research and represents a sonic breakthrough in digital-to-analog music reproduction. We invite you hear the difference by visiting your nearest Audio Research dealer.