The DAM1 15TH is a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) created to celebrate Soundaware’s 15 years in the audio industry. This model represents an upgraded iteration of the company’s initial DAC, featuring enhancements within the proprietary Jingling DSP system. It offers five digital input options, including USB with the PA1 filter module, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S. Additionally, the device provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, along with a dedicated power supply system that allows users to choose between two external power units: the LP1 15TH or the LPX 15TH.
Central to the DAM1 15TH is the Jingling DSP, a digital signal processor that has been in development for four years. This DSP enables adjustments in bit depth and sampling rate, achieving a reported distortion level as low as -170 dB. Furthermore, it features a proprietary filtering system that utilizes a newly developed data processing algorithm, which is claimed to enhance sound quality beyond that of its predecessor.
The core component of the DAM1 15TH is the Jingling DSP, a digital signal processor that has undergone four years of development.
Soundaware asserts that the DAC provides exceptional audio performance, boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 129 dB, a dynamic range of 129 dB, total harmonic distortion below 0.0001%, and a noise floor of merely 800 nV.
The DAM1 15TH supports four operating modes:
- ALL NOS (Non-Oversampling) – Synchronous upsampling of PCM files to 32-bit and conversion of DSD files to PCM.
- ALL DSD – Processing DSD files without upsampling while converting PCM files to DSD256.
- Delta-Sigma – No upsampling, utilizing the Jinling DSP reclocking for Delta-Sigma decoding.
- SAW (Smart Adaptive Waveform) – Automatically selects the best decoding method to minimize jitter.
The device provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs,
The DAC offers five digital input options:
- USB – Supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 256x.
- Optical (Toslink) – Supports PCM up to 192 kHz and DSD up to 64x.
- Coaxial (RCA) – Supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 182x.
- AES/EBU – Supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 182x.
- I2S (HDMI) – Supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 256x.
A dedicated switch for the I2S input ensures compatibility with a range of I2S output configurations, providing 16 distinct connection options through the HDMI socket. The XLR and RCA outputs can function concurrently, each with independently adjustable output levels.
The new Soundaware DAC offers five digital inputs
Soundaware has developed the USB input based on its D300REF interface, incorporating a specialized controller that promises ultra-low latency. The integrated PA1 module utilizes patented USB signal processing technology to effectively eliminate noise. Furthermore, a global clock system is employed to regenerate the signal, reducing the impact of the USB output from the source device.
For power supply, users can choose between two options:
- LP1 15TH – A compact power supply designed to deliver high resolution while maintaining musicality.
- LPX 15TH (2024) – A larger power supply that fits into the DAM1 15TH chassis. It includes a supercapacitor with a high discharge rate, offering what the manufacturer describes as “reference-level sound with exceptional detail, dynamics, and control,” which can be further customized with different power cables.
The DAM1 15TH is designed to provide exceptional audio quality for discerning listeners, featuring cutting-edge DSP technology, a variety of input options, and adaptable power supply configurations.
