The central unit of the HiFi system is the preamplifier. With remote source selection and volume control, retro-look-VU-meter, premium DA-converter and the all superior VOLTAiR technology, the Director Mk2 caters for musical blockbusters.
is the big 45mm Volume control. Its mass together with the motorized Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer enhances the “spoon in the honey” feeling even further.
The red marker LED makes the setting visible even in darkened environments.
The volume can be remote controlled with any infrared remote control, that the Director Mk2 simply learns.
This video explains how you can use any infrared remote control to remotely control the volume and the source selection.
"With its 120 Voltair technology, SPL offers a perfect nest for one of the best DA converter chips currently available. This results in excellent dynamic characteristics, but especially in a highly precise, finely staggered sound stage".
Up to ten (10 !) stereo sources can be connected to the Director Mk2. Six of them are for analog and four for digital input signals.
The source selection is shown in the dot matrix LED display: IN 1 through IN 6 for the analog inputs.
AES, USB, COAX, OPTI for the digital inputs, where the detected sample rate is displayed after about two seconds. For example U768 = USB input with 768kHz sampling rate.
The source selection can also be operated remotely if the rotary switch is set to the “Remote” position.
The Director Mk2 offers two pairs of balanced inputs with XLR connectors and four standard inputs with gold-plated RCA connectors.
On the digital side there are four additional inputs. PCM audio is received in S/P-DIF format via coaxial Cinch, optical Toslink and balanced XLR (AES). Both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted via USB.
The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound™ premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital-to-analog converter, which thanks to its new architecture reproduces the finest sound details.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. Director Mk2 has two of them: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required.
And in contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom.
"Director Mk2 controls, takes nothing away, adds nothing, doesn't gloss over anything. An honest contemporary in the role of asset manager, blindly trusted."
Two mechanical VU meters visualize the input levels for the left and right audio channel.
With the VU switch you can optimize the display for different signal levels.
"Frankly, the sound of the SPL even startled me. Because it replaced the ... preamplifier and my... Directstream DAC... and I liked it better at first sight than this almost ten-thousand-euro duo. The Director Mk2 impressed from the first bar."
A tape monitor circuitry is quite retro. Who still owns a cassette recorder or a tape machine? Who still has an equalizer?
To put it another way: Who would like to do it and cannot do it because no manufacturer offers a tape monitor circuit anymore?
Well, those who want can again.
Today’s audio levels are much higher than in the past and many recorders will be overloaded by them.
In that case simply press the switch and the level to the recorder is lowered by 10 dB.
To compensate, the level from the recorder is increased by 10 dB. Et voilà.
"The SPL Director Mk2 in its double function as DAC and preamplifier is an excellent director in the sound chain and proves to be a high-end conductor for the HiRes orchestra".
On the output side, power amplifiers or active loudspeakers can be connected to the preamp output sockets using XLRs.
The Direct Out via RCA picks up the output signal before the volume control and thus offers the possibility to connect a headphone amplifier.
Practical are the AMP CTL sockets to which power amplifiers with 12 V trigger inputs can be connected in order to remotely switch them on and off together with the Director Mk2.
"The Director offers a very smooth sound image throughout with lightness and variety in textures. It is far from dry and hyper-defined electronic aspects."
What exactly is that?
And what does it do?
Good questions need good answers. And that’s what the 120V video gives you.
Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
No driver installation required for Mac or iOS devices (class compliant).
iOS devices must be connected using the Apple camera adapter.
To operate with a higher than the standard sample rate this driver installation is required.
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 up to 2004/VB
(32/64 bit)
Windows 7/8/8.1/10 up to 1909
(32/64 bit)
Due to Covid19 there are no events scheduled at this time.
In Stock!
The product is in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany, and will be shipped the same or next working day.
We process the orders after receipt of the order and update the stock in the online shop regularly. If the product is no longer available at short notice due to high order volume, you naturally have the right to withdraw from the purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).
In any case, you will receive an e-mail with details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.
Available soon!
The product is not in stock in our warehouse in Niederkrüchten, Germany. Usually it will be available again within 5 working days.
In any case, you will receive an e-mail with the details of the delivery and the estimated delivery time.
Of course you have the right to withdraw from your purchase (see Right of Withdrawal).
