The German company Sintron Distribution GmbH introduced a new external digital-to-analog converter Vincent DAC -700 under the Vincent brand, which expanded the tubeLine series of electronic components . Like other devices in this line, Vincent DAC-700 is equipped with a tube output stage. The DAC is capable of decoding PCM digital streams with parameters up to 32 bit / 384 kHz, as well as DSD up to DSD512.
The Vincent DAC-700 uses an upgraded input stage implemented on a chip from Cirrus Logic Inc. and a new USB interface. The switching arsenal of the DAC includes two coaxial and two optical S / PDIF interfaces, an AES / EBU digital balanced input and a USB-B port for connecting to a computer. To connect to an amplifier, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs are provided.
Signal conversion is entrusted to a 32-bit ES9038Q2M DAC chip from ESS Technology Inc. Thanks to this chip, the DAC is capable of processing Linear PCM signals with parameters up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD, including DSD512, received via the USB interface. The S/PDIF and AES/EBU interfaces are limited to 24 bit / 192 kHz in resolution.
The output stage of the new Vincent DAC-700 is made according to balanced circuitry and implemented in two forms – with field-effect transistors at the output and lamps (6Z4 and 2 x 12AU7). The user can decide at the touch of a button whether to use solid-state or lamp technology.
The Vincent DAC-700 power supply is based on a large toroidal power transformer. Separate windings are used to power the digital and analog parts of the device, so that the best separation of these units is achieved from the very beginning and, ultimately, the best sound quality.
The new Vincent DAC-700 external DAC is available in black or silver finishes. In the center of the front panel there is a “window” through which the lamps of the output stage are visible, which gives the device a special charm. The Vincent DAC-700 DAC is now available in Europe for a suggested retail price of €2,299.