In the Canadian hifi magazine Trends, you’ll find a review about our Premium DAC with VOLTAiR technology – SPL Diamond. Read the complete review in the July/August edition of the magazine – here we have compiled some highlights for you.
“Recently, SPL added a DAC-preamplifier named Diamond to its arsenal. The latter is ideal for users who only have digital sources to listen to their music. Let’s see together how SPL’s Diamond can satisfy both professional users and audiophiles who have substantially the same expectations regarding musical reproduction.”
“The digital-to-analogue conversion is provided by the Premium DAC which uses VOLTAiR technology. A 32-bit / 768 kHz AKM AK4490 chip can process all 24-bit PCM signals on optical, coaxial and AES/EBUinputs. On the USB-B input, the DSD64 and DSD256 files are also processed. The analogue output stage of the DAC is equipped with two low-pass filters, one for PCM files and the other for DSDs that require different curves. Unlike most DACs in this world, these filters are entirely made by SPL with discrete parts and with VOLTAiR technology.”
VOLTAiR technology:
“The VOLTAiR technology operates on a total amplitude of 120 volts (+60 volts for the positive part of the audio signal and -60 volts for the negative part). This VOLTAiR technique provides an input level of + 32.5 dBu which corresponds to an additional 12 dB of dynamic range compared to conventional integrated circuits. Thus all the components operate continuously in an optimal way and without reaching their limit. This results in better sound dynamics and with a virtually unsaturable audio signal.”
Sound:
“The SPL Diamond DAC gives me the full measure of this spacious and very melodic recording. The atmosphere of the album is solemnly respected and the dynamics of the DAC gives me a very clear vision of the composer’s intentions at his mixing desk. On the tracks performed by the Shards choir, I clearly perceive the interaction between the different singers in their harmonies.”
Conclusion:
“The SPL DAC Diamond is certainly not for everyone’s budget, but given the quality of its German manufacture and its superb sound, I think it offers exceptional value for money.”
“I very much appreciated the fact that SPL equipped the Diamond DAC with analogue outputs on XLR and RCA connectors whose gain is switchable independently in fixed or variable position. With its equally analogue and quality volume control, users who only have digital sources will be able to use it as a real preamplifier to power active loudspeakers or a powerful amplifier.”
“Its sound is beyond reproach, and to get something better in hi-fi, you’ll have to pay a lot more. In this price category or even less, other manufacturers will offer streamer-type devices with several functions such as a Bluetooth port, an analogue input, a colour touch screen, a headphone jack and a remote control. In this sense, the Diamond DAC is more minimalist because it was designed with a professional approach rather than for mainstream users. However, some audiophiles will not be offended by these omissions on a device of very high quality and proven reliability.”
“As for me, I see the Diamond as an external DAC that can very well be associated with a hi-fi chain of very high calibre and this, even when surrounded by much more expensive devices. Thanks to its compact size, it can also be used for close-up listening in an office or personal mini-studio. In my office, the results were amazing. It is up to you to see if this DAC meets your needs but I can assure you that as a purely audio listening experience, it is a fierce competitor.”
