SPEC RMP-DAC3X: High-End DAC made in Japan

Japanese manufacturer SPEC, established in 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo, gained significant recognition at the High End audio fair in Munich, Germany, in 2014, where it showcased its amplifiers. The company specializes in puristic class D amplifiers, dedicating considerable effort to the selection of high-quality components. While amplifiers remain the cornerstone of SPEC’s offerings, the company has recently introduced its inaugural DAC, the dual-case RMP-DAC3X.

To achieve authentic sound reproduction, it is essential to have an amplifier with superior drive capability alongside a source device that accurately conveys tonal color information. The RMP-DAC3EX excels in delivering a timbre signal rich in musicality. A critical aspect of realistic audio reproduction is the “realistic tonality” of musical instruments; for instance, a violin must sound distinctly like a violin, and an oboe must retain its unique character to effectively express the nuances of a performance. The tonality of live instruments is characterized by intricate overtones layered together, making their accurate reproduction vital for musicality.

The DAC3 enhances the musician’s artistry by highlighting the original timbre and expressive qualities of various instruments, particularly in the faithful reproduction of subtle signals, as detailed on the SPEC website.

SPEC places significant emphasis on component selection, particularly capacitors. A specialized R-core transformer is utilized to provide the output stage with ample drive current.

he RMP-DAC3X can process PCM signals up to a resolution of 32-bit / 384 kHz and DSD Native 256 and DoP 128 via the USB-A and USB-B connections.

Moreover, considerable care has been taken in the design of the housing, which incorporates multiple types of wood. The wooden panel at the base is crafted from the same spruce material used in the top plate of a violin. Spruce, being a relatively soft material, vibrates in response to musical signals, thereby producing a rich tone and vibrant energy. The DAC3 is designed with the precision of an instrument.

While a digital-to-analog converter is inherently a technical device, the RMP-DAC3X is capable of processing PCM signals with a resolution of up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, as well as DSD Native 256 and DoP 128 through USB-A and USB-B connections. Other inputs are limited to processing PCM signals up to 24-bit / 192 kHz, with analog music signals output via RCA and XLR connections.

The front panel is equipped with two headphone jacks, one 6.35mm and one 3.5mm, along with volume control for the RMP-DAC3X, which can be turned off using a dedicated button.

The digital-to-analog converter has a weight of three kilograms, while the external power supply weighs four kilograms. The dimensions of the cabinets differ, as illustrated in the accompanying images. The DA converter measures 215 x 82 x 299 millimeters (W x H x D), whereas the power supply has dimensions of 215 x 122 x 273 millimeters (W x H x D).