Musician has introduced the Delphinus, a desktop DAC combining discrete R-2R conversion with a dedicated DSD section. Its feature set includes selectable oversampling, extensive I2S configuration and support for high-resolution PCM and DSD through USB and I2S.
Discrete R-2R architecture with OS and NOS modes
At the center of the Delphinus is a discrete R-2R resistor ladder assembled with resistors specified to 0.005% precision. This conversion architecture operates alongside a separate section for DSD signals rather than treating every supported format through an identical path.
Users can select between OS and NOS operation, allowing oversampling to be enabled or bypassed. Fast and Slow digital filter settings are also available, along with phase inversion. The front panel indicates the active input, sampling frequency, oversampling ratio, DSD format and phase setting, keeping the current operating configuration visible.
Five digital inputs and configurable I2S
Digital connectivity covers USB, I2S, coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs. USB and I2S accept PCM signals at resolutions up to 32-bit/1536kHz, while DSD support extends to DSD1024 through those two connections.
The coaxial, optical and AES/EBU interfaces support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz. They can also receive DSD64 using DoP transmission. This input selection accommodates computers over USB, compatible digital transports through I2S and conventional sources equipped with coaxial, optical or AES/EBU outputs.
Musician provides eight selectable I2S compatibility modes. A dedicated SWAP control changes the left and right I2S channels during DSD playback, addressing differences that can occur between I2S implementations. The selected input and incoming signal format are shown by the front-panel indicators.
RCA and balanced XLR outputs
The Delphinus provides both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs. The RCA connection is specified at 2.0 Vrms, while the XLR output delivers 4 Vrms. Output impedance is listed as 625 ohms for RCA and 1,250 ohms for XLR.
Published performance figures include a frequency response of 20Hz to 75kHz, measured at +1/−3dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is specified at less than 0.002%, with a signal-to-noise ratio above 120dB and dynamic range exceeding 121dB.
Metal enclosure and shielded power supply
The electronics are housed in a metal chassis measuring 200 × 195 × 45mm, excluding the base. Power is supplied by an 80-watt toroidal transformer mounted inside a shielding metal cover.
The package includes the Delphinus DAC, a remote control, power cable, manual and warranty card. The remote requires a CR2032 battery, which is not included. The supplied product information identifies AliExpress as a purchase channel, although regional availability and pricing have not been specified.
With its discrete resistor ladder, separate DSD processing, selectable OS/NOS modes and broad range of digital interfaces, the Musician Delphinus is configured for desktop systems using either single-ended or balanced analog connections.
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