NADAC-D offers True 1-bit decoding for the first time. Mainstream HiFi decoders on the market generally use two types of technologies: the first is to directly use commercially available DAC ICs, which are audio digital-to-analog converter chips, such as AKM, ESS, and CS products. The second is to use an FPGA/CPLD circuit with discrete components, which is an FPGA/CPLD based Discrete DAC.

The technical specifications of the commercially available AKM/ESS/CS products are good, but their integrated circuit designs are typically treated as “industrial products” that cannot achieve the ultimate performance due to cost and semiconductor technology limitations. There will always be a balance of performance and cost and it is understandable that the end product has to appeal to a wide audience.

On the other hand, using the FPGA/CPLD discrete component scheme can often use powerful high-density logic chips regardless of cost. However, when it comes to converting into analog signals, some low-density but high-performance logic circuits suitable for audio applications are required. The problem is that companies that make these types of ICs will not develop “discrete chips” specifically for the HiFi industry, ending up with the same limitations as the previous solution.

The NADAC-D, Native Sound True 1-bit DAC overcomes this limitation. First, we chose a True 1-bit solution, but this solution is highly dependent on hardware performance, such as clock quality, power supply quality, and high-quality components that match it. Therefore, NADAC-D directly chose to have professional IC manufacturers customize Audiophile Grade components, thus realizing an Advanced ASIC based Discrete DAC.