Parasound Zdac v.2 Digital to Analogue Converter

Digital to Analogue Convertor

Analogue volume control for RCA and XLR outputs
Separate volume control for the headphone Jacks

Premium Analog Devices AD1853 24-bit/192 kHz DAC

In a market filled with DACs, Parasound has set a new standard for performance and value with the help of acclaimed Danish digital experts Holm Acoustics. The new Zdac v.2 sounds more natural and less "digital" than DACs selling for far more because of its innovative design and high quality parts. Its unique re-clocking system preserves the original source audio data by eliminating jitter contamination that is picked up along the digital signal chain. This is accomplished through the synergy of two premium parts, an Analog Devices AD1895 asynchronous sample rate converter and an AD1853 DAC IC. To further improve sound quality the signal is up-sampled to 422kHz.  This highly effective jitter-reduction system works on all inputs, not just the USB input, as in many other DACs.

The Zdac v.2 builds further on this high performance pedigree as it has an 'over-sized internal toroid power transformer' - Parasound are fully aware of the improvements this brings to digital performance. What's more is that the Zdac v.2 works with any format file on your computer up to 96 kHz / 24 bit, meaning that it is highly compatible for a host flexible applications - whether it be used for higher end audio reproduction or just used as a multi-format DAC that has great adaptability. This is also seen in that it works in variable volume mode in Windows® for connecting direct to a power amp.

For the more 'conventional' projects the Zdac v.2 has familiar optical and coaxial digital inputs for use with any standard digital connection requirements. As you'd expect the unit has both RCA unbalanced and XLR balanced analogue outputs on board - again meaning that it can be used for a host of residential or commercial applications. The unit also has a dedicated in-built high current headphone output with volume control that can drive any headphones from 32 to 600 ohms.