Hifiverse
Audio

Core Audio DENPO digital-to-analog converter – beautiful NOS DAC

21.12.2024 07:23 | ~1 minute read

The new Core Audio DENPO DAC uses a single-chip configuration with a Japanese NOS ROHM BD34301 (MUS-IC) without FPGA. The model promises luxurious and natural sound - every element in the signal chain has been given great attention.

Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio
Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio

The Core Audio DENPO is housed in a rigid aluminum case and has full RFI shielding. Of course, the USB XMOS interface (plus USB reclocking unit) is not forgotten, and the triple GND solution guarantees noise minimization. The seven-section power supply is fully linear and has independent lines for powering the DAC board's digital, analog and clock module. A pair of independent power transformers are used for digital and analog linear PSU circuits. Internal wiring is done by UPOCC cable.

Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio
Core Audio DENPO. Image source - (c) Core Audio

The device does not support MQA, but it does support PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384 kHz and DSD64 - DSD256 native (DoP is not provided). The technical characteristics are quite impressive - signal/noise ratio of 130 dB, THD + N - less than 115 dB, dynamic range - 130 dB. The recommended retail price of Core Audio DENPO is 7,500 euros.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

DACs — Core Audio DENPO

  • Model name

    DENPO

  • Conversion type

    N/A

  • Engine

    ROHM BD34301 (MUS-IC)

  • DSD compatability

    Yes

  • Parameters

    up to PCM 24/384 and DSD256

  • Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)

    3

  • Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)

    70000

  • Gain (dBu)

    N/A

  • Output Level (balanced) (V)

    N/A

  • Output Level (single-ended) (V)

    N/A

  • Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)

    N/A

  • Analog outputs

    N/A

  • Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)

    130

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)

    N/A

  • Dimensions (mm)

    480 x 368 x 88

  • Weight (kg)

    13

  • Official link

More content

  • SMSL VMV A1 Pro - Integrated Amplifier on GaN FET Transistors

    SMSL VMV A1 Pro - Integrated Amplifier on GaN FET Transistors

    The SMSL company presented the SMSL VMV A1 Pro power amplifier - using lnfineon's latest GaN FET transistors, with a switching frequency of up to 1 MHz. Such unique circuitry guarantees, according to the company, absolutely natural sound and up to 400 W of output power.

  • Treehaus Audiolab LCR Phono – a Vacuum Tube Phonostage with Passive Equalization

    Treehaus Audiolab LCR Phono – a Vacuum Tube Phonostage with Passive Equalization

    Treehaus Audiolab has announced the Treehaus Audiolab LCR Phono reference vacuum tube phono preamplifier. To equalize the signal, the device uses only passive components: inductors (L), capacitors (C) and resistors (R).

  • Rotel DX-5 – a Tiny Amplifier Operating in Class A/B

    Rotel DX-5 – a Tiny Amplifier Operating in Class A/B

    Rotel DX-5 is a compact model, but despite its dimensions, the device does not use digital amplification and operates in class A/B, reaching 2 x 33 W into 4 Ohm load and 2 x 25 W into 8 Ohm speakers. The new product is equipped with a power supply based on a powerful toroidal transformer created by Rotel itself, and high-current transistors.

  • TOTALDAC d1-total – a Fully “Packed” DAC and Streamer

    TOTALDAC d1-total – a Fully “Packed” DAC and Streamer

    The Totaldac d1-total digital-to-analog converter has been introduced – according to the company, this device guarantees the maximum possible for a single-block design with external PSU. “Under the hood”, in addition to the d1-triunity DAC converter, there is also volume control, a network streamer (latest version developed for the d1-streamer-live), 40 femtoseconds oscillators, a microfilter USB loop (developed for the d1-streamer-live) and anti-vibration supports.

  • Audio-Technica Hotaru – a Firefly Turntable

    Audio-Technica Hotaru – a Firefly Turntable

    Japanese company Audio-Technica has announced the imminent opening of pre-orders for a limited edition of the innovative Audio-Technica Hotaru turntable (since May 30, 2025). The model will go on sale in October of this year at a price of $ 9,990 US - only 1000 turntables will be made.

hifiverse