Accuphase DA-9601 (1998)
A high-resolution D/A converter from 1998 supporting 96kHz/24-bit digital audio with Accuphase’s proprietary MMB conversion method.
Overview
The Accuphase DA-9601 is a D/A converter manufactured by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. and released in April 1998. Designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction, it supports digital inputs up to 96kHz/24-bit and features three input formats: AES/EBU, SPDIF, and SDIF2. It was positioned as a business-grade converter capable of precise digital-to-analog conversion with exceptionally low distortion and noise.
Specifications
| Total harmonic distortion factor + noise | 0.002% (24-bit input, at1kHz, 0 dBFS : full scale) |
| Frequency characteristic | 10 Hz to 42 kHz + 0.3-0.6 dB |
| S/N ratio (Nyquist band) | 108 dB min (acoustic compensation) |
| Channel separation | 108 dB min (10 Hz to 42 kHz) |
| Sampling frequency support | SPDIF, AES/EBU: Lock 32 kHz to 96 kHz input signal; 44.1/48.0/88.2/96kHz is locked with crystal accuracy ± 50 ppm; SDIF2: Lock only 44.1/48.0/88.2/96kHz at ± 50 ppm (32 khz, 44.056 khz, etc. can be locked at ± 50 ppm by attaching optional crystal) |
| Input impedance | AES/EBU : 250 Ω; SDIF2 : 75 Ω |
| Analog Output (0 dBU = 0.775 v) | Full Scale Level : 25 dBU + 0.5 -0 |
| Output difference between channels | 0.2 dB max |
| Analog output terminal | XLR-male 1pin:GND(shield) 2pin:Hot(positive) 3pin:Cold(negative) |
| Output load impedance | + 23 dBU : 600 Ω; + 25 dBU : 1k Ω |
| Output impedance | Between XLR2 and 3 : 10 Ω |
| Operating temperature | Ambient Temperature : 0 to + 40 ° C |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC (120 V, 230 V are internally switched), 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 23W |
| Maximum external dimensions | Width 482.5x Height 47x Depth 370 mm (Whole, Including Legs) |
| Panel size | Width 482.5x Height 44x Depth 5 mm |
| Rack mount | 1U (rack mount, 19 "standard rack mount) |
| Weight | 5.2kg |
Design
The DA-9601 uses Accuphase’s proprietary MMB (Multiple Multi-Bit) method, which drives eight carefully selected 20-bit D/A converters in parallel to achieve high-resolution audio output. The analog and digital sections are completely electrically separated to eliminate noise. It supports AES/EBU, SPDIF, and SDIF2 input formats and delivers a high analog output signal voltage of 25 dBU. Level control is handled via original noise-shaping volume technology, allowing low-signal-degradation adjustment even at levels above -90dB.
Context
Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. was founded in Yokohama, Japan in 1972 by a team of engineers led by Jiro Kasuga, formerly of Kenwood (then Trio-Kenwood). The company’s name combines “Accu” for accuracy and “phase” for audio phase integrity. From its inception, Accuphase emphasized precision engineering, heavy construction, and a signature champagne-gold finish. The DA-9601 reflects the company’s long-standing focus on high-end audio, continuing its expansion into digital components during the 1990s.
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