In German magazine HiFi Test you can find a review of our premium DAC with VOLTAiR technology, the SPL Diamond. The complete review can be found in the current edition (6/2023) of the magazine – here we have compiled and translated some highlights for you.
“With the SPL Diamond, we not only have a simple digital/analog converter in the test this time, but it also offers access to several digital sources and passes them on safely to the analog outputs. We wanted to find out how carefully it handles the valuable audio data within this test.”
Design:
“In terms of design, form always follows function, the controls are clearly assignable, and provide a rock-solid impression despite their often compact dimensions. The same applies to the interfaces, which can easily withstand countless repositionings for years. The devices are also available in three color variants with a red, silver or black anodized front panel, the rest of the housing is kept simple in black.”
“The Diamond provides plenty of digital inputs; outputs are available in both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR formats, and there’s a real power switch on top of that.”
“With the clock switch you can select whether the clock should be set by the source or synchronized centrally.”
“A full and precise volume control, a crisp source switch; the Diamond’s origins in the pro audio domain is immediately apparent.”
“Those who want to know that existing analog sources are equally well supplied will also find what they are looking for at SPL; after all, the fine devices can be stacked nicely.”
Sound:
“No zapping no clicking, every album is listened to from beginning to end, or better – enjoyed. Diamond helps reissues of old masterpieces to undreamt-of attention to detail, it revives the blessed Ronnie James Dio in front of my ears and brings once again the whole force of this extraordinary voice to the ear. The reissue of Kraftwerk’s Tour de France album sounds so pure and fresh that I realize once again that Ralf Hütter is a passionate cyclist, and how much heart and soul and above all sweat drips from the recordings.”
Conclusion:
“The SPL Diamond is much more than just a DAC, thanks to the many different digital inputs and the extremely flexible analog output, it can be used as a complete preamplifier.”
