Unitra has launched its first standalone DAC, the Unitra DSH-805. According to its designers, the DSH-805 is a reference-class DAC. The model designation seems to refer to the WSH-805, an integrated amplifier with purely analog circuitry. The DSH-805 appears to be the digital extension of the WSH-805.
Unitra DSH-805: power supply, construction and development
The Unitra DSH-805 is based on a linear power supply with a transformer specifically designed and manufactured in Poland for this DAC architecture. The power supply features EMI filtering and provides five independently regulated secondary voltages, separating the digital and analog sections to minimize crosstalk and improve stability. A dedicated reference voltage regulator powers the DAC stage itself, ensuring conversion accuracy and dynamic response.
The cabinet is made of metal with a brushed aluminum front panel, which visually complements the WSH-805 integrated amplifier. Unitra claims to have also tested the new digital-to-analog converter in collaboration with the vinyl pressing plant Takt, where digital material is regularly converted to analog for mastering. These sessions were used to assess the consistency and sonic character for demanding professional applications.
Unitra WSH-805: DAC chip from ESS Saber Technologies
At the heart of the Unitra DSH-805 DAC is the ESS SABRE ES9039MSPRO DAC chip, which utilizes a total of eight DACs, four per channel, with Hyperstream IV architecture. According to Unitra, this arrangement is designed for linear conversion with very low distortion and high precision in signal processing.
The manufacturer claims a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of less than 0.001% on balanced outputs and less than 0.00015% on unbalanced outputs, with an S/N ratio greater than 125 dB and a channel separation of greater than 115 dB. Frequency response is quoted as 1 Hz to 20 kHz within +/- 0.1 dB, up to 65 kHz within +/- 1 dB. Therefore, noise and distortion are approximately outside the range of human perception.
Unitra WSH-805: Analog output stage, format support and filter options
The Unitra DSH-805’s analog output stage is built around 18 OPA161x operational amplifiers, selected for their low noise and wide dynamic range. Connection options include gold-plated RCA connectors for unbalanced output and balanced XLR connectors for systems requiring enhanced interference suppression.
The DAC supports a wide range of digital audio formats, with PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit via USB and 192 kHz/24-bit via coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs. Native DSD playback is supported up to DSD512 via USB, with DoP processing up to DSD256 and DSD64 DoP available via S/PDIF. An integrated MQA decoder and renderer enables playback of MQA and MQA Studio material, and OFS streams pre-decoded from an external source are also supported. To enhance flexibility in tuning the playback, the Unitra DSH-805 features seven selectable digital PCM filters, allowing listeners to adjust the tonal balance from neutral to subtly contoured profiles.
Unitra DSH-805: interface, clock and USB isolation
The front panel of the Unitra DSH-805 features a bright LED matrix display that shows the active input, filter selection, and signal information such as sample rate, file format, and MQA or DSD status. The design harks back to classic Unitra products of the past while maintaining a modern, functional layout.
Digital inputs are clocked back to the device’s internal master clock to reduce jitter, with the circuit dynamically adjusting to the most appropriate frequency for the incoming signal. Both USB inputs are galvanically isolated, isolating the audio path from noise and interference typically generated by computers and mobile devices. This is presented as the optimal connection for stability, format support, and consistent conversion quality.
Unitra DSH-805: price and delivery information
The Unitra DSH-805 DA converter is available in silver or black. The retail price is set at just under $3,000.
