In German magazine image hifi you will find a review of our premium DAC with VOLTAiR technology – the SPL Diamond. The complete review (in German) can be found in the January edition of the magazine – here we have compiled some highlights for you.
“The Diamond is slimmer and also slightly built lower than a classic hi-fi device. The full metal housing with aluminum front makes a solid impression.”
“One thing I like about professional studio equipment is the sheer product and manufacturing quality. This is essential, because every failure of a device costs time, money and nerves out on location. On the other hand, it’s also about practicality and usability: when mixing and mastering, you need to have quick and sometimes blind access to all the important functions of a device.”
“Pro audio equipment usually comes without any kind of esoteric chichi.”
“The German company SPL can be described in good conscience as a prime example of such a studio equipment manufacturer.”
“When it comes to D/A conversion, SPL relies on the AKM AK4490, a converter chip that is as modern as it is well-regarded and supports PCM signals up to 32 bit/768 kHz and DSD 256. Like other SPL devices, the Diamond works with the company’s own VOLTAiR technology. Without going into too much technical detail, here is a brief explanation: while conventional operational amplifiers usually work with a maximum voltage of 30 volts (‡ 15 volts), SPL devices operate at four times this value. This seems logical, because in terms of headroom, dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio, you end up in a completely different quality dimension.”
“But how does it sound?”
“For me, the two main strengths of the SPL Diamond are dynamics and spatial representation.”
“I initially used the Diamond with its own volume control in order to get to grips with its own sound and not manipulate it with my existing preamps. What I can deal with very quickly is the topic of tonality. This is where the studio genes shine through with an almost unparalleled clarity, because the Diamond is completely unfamiliar with even the slightest bending of the frequency response. It is fully there from the sub-bass to the supertweeter, I can’t for the life of me make out any stress, cuts, over-presence or missing frequencies.”
Conclusion:
“It’s one of the best DACs in its price range that I’ve ever had in my rack.”
