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A new CD player with a dedicated digital-to-analog converter functionality, Luxman D-03R replaces the D-03X model. The device's DAC is based on ROHM DB34352EKV chips in a dual mono configuration. The player is reportedly capable of performing USB DAC functions, working with PCM signals up to 32 bit / 384 kHz and DSD up to 22.5 MHz. The MQA format is supported, including MQA-CD.

The model offers Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect options along with Apple AirPlay, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC, and Qualcomm aptX HD), and Google Cast (Google Assistant compatible for voice control is also on board) – so you won’t need any additional apps to control the device.

The Pro-Ject Audio DAC Box RS Final Edition DAC offers a rich switching set, which includes an I2S input with Master Clock, a balanced AES/EBU input, an optical Toslink, a coaxial input, and a USB-B port. The DAC is capable of decoding audio in DSD formats up to DSD128 and PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz (24 bit/96 kHz for the optical input). The new product is based on a pair of Texas Instruments PCM 1792 chips and offers a choice of digital filters. Output stages - ECC88 Diamond selection high-end tube and solid state (switchable).

The Esoteric Grandioso N1T network transport combines Esoteric technology with a new generation network processor that supports an SFP network optical port. By connecting the Grandioso N1T to an external network device (such as a switch) using an SFP module and fiber optic cable, you can isolate the audio signal from network noise.

The model is a full CD/SACD player with a built-in network streamer capable of outputting a digital stream in high resolution. The manufacturer also emphasizes that the device can work as a digital-to-analog converter, but the DAC block only serves the built-in streamer and optical transport. The digital preamplifier section is also on board.

The Arcam ST25 is a perfect complement to the Arcam A5, A15 and A25 integrated amplifiers, which lack network functionality. The streamer is based on the Hyperstream iV platform and is assembled on a 6-layer electronic board with a continuous ground bus to protect sensitive components from interference and noise.

The HiFi Rose RS151 network streamer features several significant improvements over the RS150. The new Sabre ES9039PRO DAC chip from ESS Technology delivers even better digital-to-analog conversion, minimizing digital distortion. In addition, the HiFi Rose RS151 uses fourth-generation Hyperstream technology and an improved Femto clock generator for maximum synchronization accuracy and minimal jitter.

The PS Audio Stellar DAC features the Digital Lens technology with ESS Sabre ES9018K2M 32-bit Hyperstream converter, I2S inputs, class-A analog output, and high-current power supply.

AURALiC Aquila X3 media processor, DAC, and streamer combines modular design, a 14" touchscreen display, the Tesla G3 platform with Direct Data Recording (DDR), and the Fusion DAC Gen II. AQUILA X3 offers up to 8TB of internal NVMe drive, and a CD transport.

CD-player Taga Harmony TCD-70T uses vacuum tube stage (2 x 6N2), reference grade DAC ESS SABRE ES9018 with Hyperstream technology, oversized power supply based on 100 W toroidal transformer, and CD-drive Sunplus SPHE8104G.

3rd incarnation of the top-level Lampizat0r Pacific DAC based on a music-first philosophy of design and uses LampizatOr proprietary “Engine11-P” circuit. No more single-ended-only version here.

With dCS Varèse, the company is aiming for a level of audio quality that surpasses anything it has ever created. Varèse is made up of five components: the main streaming and processing unit, two mono DACs (one for each audio channel), a dedicated user interface unit, and an external clock generator for all components of the system, with an SACD/CD optical disc transport to follow later this year. At the heart of this ambitious project is a suite of new technologies, including the biggest update to the company’s Ring DAC architecture in a decade. It also features a new proprietary dCS Tomix clocking technology.

The device uses a pair of 32-bit ESS Sabre chips and an analog power supply of excess power with dedicated stabilizers for each part of the circuit. The network switch is implemented on an electronic relay, there are two network transformers, separately for each channel. The device accepts signals up to PCM 32/384, DSD128 and clearly shows what the power and strength of High End sound is.

The updated Jadis Electronics JS2 SL tube DAC is now based on the flagship Sabre ES9038PRO DAC chips from ESS Technology, using 32-bit Hypertream technology. The new DAC is equipped with four digital inputs controlled by a microcontroller and is capable of decoding digital streams in PCM format with parameters up to 24/192 from all inputs (or DSD only via USB).

The fully balanced Eversolo DMP-A10 has a built-in streaming module (there is support for streaming services such as Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, etc.), a pre-amplifier unit with an equalizer and its own room acoustics correction technology. Information about albums is displayed on a gorgeous 6.5” built-in display.

The device does not use feedback (the voltage gain stage operates on 4 transistors and 8 resistors), four ES9038PRO microcircuits are responsible for the conversion. The noise of the power supplies is reduced radically (at first only synthesis is used and then single-ended amplification), the design is completely balanced.

The specifications of the Esoteric K-03XD SE CD/SACD player are suitable for a textbook – VRDS-ATLAS transport, a proprietary ladder DAC with FPGA Master Sound Discrete DAC, using a 64-bit Delta-Sigma modulator.

The CD/SACD player is based on the proprietary SACDM-3 transport, has dual power supplies with the most powerful toroidal transformers and works with signals up to DSD256 and PCM 32/384. The icing on the cake is the improved Marantz Musical Mastering system and the famous HDAM topology.

The player is capable of processing both PCM digital stream up to 32/764, as well as DSD - which is provided by a pair of ROHM Semiconductor MUS-IC BD34301EKV chips, and the LxDTM-i transport is taken from the company's senior model.

Michi is a upper echelon sub-brand of Rotel and the Michi Q5 CD-player offers incredible sound quality. The capabilities of the eight-channel ESS ES9028PRO chip are revealed to the maximum with excess power, and the top-loading transport has a carbon and aluminum structure, complemented by a floating platform on springs - a true engineering masterpiece.