Sony DAS-702ES (1992–1994)
The DAS-702ES is an outboard digital-to-analog converter from Sony's ES Series, introduced in 1992 and built until roughly 1994. It was designed as the companion to the CDP-701ES CD player — essentially the same electronics as that player, minus the transport. It was a Japan Domestic Model (JDM), which is why documentation in English is relatively scarce.
Internally, the 702ES is notable for its converter topology: eight SM5864AP D/A converter ICs arranged in a dual differential configuration, fed by an SM5840AP digital filter running 8fs oversampling. The conversion is 1-bit with 112-step noise shaping. A Cypress Semiconductor Cy7C63001A microcontroller handles control duties. The analogue stage uses a 2-pole Bessel filter that the user can switch between "linear phase" and "pulse" modes — a feature Sony was highlighting around this period. Audio (July 1985, p.60) noted that Sony had, at last, moved to digital filtering and oversampling with a single master clock synchronizing all D/A conversion operations — an approach that carried through to this later ES design.
Connectivity comprises one coaxial and one optical (TOSLINK) digital input, with both RCA and XLR analogue outputs. The unit is heavy for its size at 10kg, suggesting substantial power supply and chassis work. Measured specs are strong: frequency response 2Hz–20kHz ±0.3dB, signal-to-noise ratio above 110dB, dynamic range above 100dB, THD below 0.0015% at 1kHz, and channel separation above 105dB.
Known specifications:
- D/A conversion: 1-bit, 112-step noise shaping
- DAC ICs: 8× SM5864AP, dual differential configuration
- Digital filter: SM5840AP, 8fs oversampling
- Analogue filter: 2-pole Bessel, switchable linear phase / pulse
- Digital inputs: 1× coaxial (RCA), 1× optical (TOSLINK)
- Analogue outputs: 2× RCA, 1× XLR
- Frequency response: 2Hz–20kHz ±0.3dB
- S/N ratio: >110dB
- Dynamic range: >100dB
- THD: <0.0015% (1kHz)
- Channel separation: >105dB
- Dimensions: 430 × 115 × 335mm
- Weight: 10kg
- Power consumption: 20W
No original retail price has surfaced in the available record, and there are no substantive user reviews or subjective listening impressions documented. One eBay reseller listing shows a non-working unit sold for parts, which hints that these may develop faults requiring servicing — but no common failure points are documented. If you own one and have notes on how it sounds or behaves, the archive would welcome the contribution.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Sony DAS-702ES listings are live right now — these searches show current Sony and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.