Mercury is the first mastering DA-converter in 120V technology. It offers seven digital stereo input sources, all of which can be synchronized with each other or with a word clock. The additional variable output qualifies Mercury as a monitor controller.
Mercury provides connections for a total of seven digital stereo input sources.
For each digital source there is a dedicated and illuminated tactile switch for quick selection and quick comparison.
The detected sample rate is shown in the display.
One USB input and two coaxial, two optical and two AES/EBU inputs are available. AES input 2 also supports Dual-Wire (DW) mode.
“The SPL Mercury Mastering DA converter provides me with a fantastic stereo stage and an absolutely precise phantom center. The difference to other converters is clearly audible.”
“A very natural good-sounding DA-converter. The function of a DA-converter is to replicate the original sound as closely as possible and I think Mercury does it well.”
The display shows the synchronization status and the detected sampling rate. Any source except USB can be synchronized to another source or to an external Word Clock.
If the sync “Source” is selected in the display, each source uses its own sync code embedded in the signal.
Holding the Sync button for more than two seconds Mercury will change to the 0dBfs display.
Mercury offers all reference levels in dBu corresponding to a 0 dBfs (full scale) digital signal: +14, +15, +16, +17, +18, +20, +22 and +24 dBu
The FIX OUT is an analog balanced stereo output which can be calibrated to all common reference levels (see 0 dBfs).
Mercury offers a variable analog balanced stereo output. This output provides the same signal as the FIX OUT, but the level is continuously adjustable. Thus Mercury can also be used as a state-of-the-art monitor controller.
This analog potentiometer is used to control the level of the VAR OUT output. We use the ALPS RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer with a nice “spoon in honey” feel and excellent channel tracking. So not only the auditory but also the haptic experience of volume control is at the highest level.
The converter chip in the Mercury’s digital/analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUNDTM premium DAC chip in the latest version of the SPL DAC “DAC768v2”, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It impresses with even lower distortion characteristics and a wider dynamic range than its predecessor.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and
a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
The DAC768v2 features the newest version of the Spartan FPGA – Spartan 7.
In contrast to the smaller SPL DAC “DAC768xs”, it not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the new, optimized SPL SLP120 with 120V technology.
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using 120V technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. The filter specially optimized for the new SPL DAC768v2 is called SLP120 (Super Low-Pass).
The DAC768v2 inside the Mercury is equipped with the SLP120 – an analog “Super Low-Pass” filter with 120V technology.
1. AK 4493 SEQ
The DAC768v2 is equipped with the latest generation of the premium DAC chip – the AK 4493 SEQ – from Asahi Kasei (previously AK 4490).
The AK 4493 SEQ not only supports the playback of PCM signals at up to 768 kHz and DSD signals up to DSD512 – this 32-bit stereo DAC with “VELVETSOUND™ technology” impresses with even lower distortion characteristics and a wider dynamic range than its predecessor.
2. Spartan 7
The DAC768v2 features the newest version of the Spartan FPGA – Spartan 7 (previously Spartan 6).
3. The newest generation of the SPL low-pass filter “SLP120”
The DAC768v2 comes with a completely new tuned low-pass filter, which perfectly matches the sonic strengths of the new converter chip. It ofers an even better representation of the stereo image as well as a three-dimensionality we never experienced from any other DAC before.
The new DAC revision can be recognized by the “DAC768v2” label on the serial number sticker.
The design of the DAC768v2 is unfortunately not compatible with devices that were built with DAC768.
In addition to the original DAC chip (previously AK4490, now AK4493), other components in the digital environment that are no longer available, such as the previously used version of the Spartan-6 FPGA (now Spartan-7), had to be updated. As the technical characteristics of these components are different from those of their predecessors, further technical adjustments had to be made to the device in order to achieve the best possible sonic performance of which SPL is known for. The analog low-pass filter with 120V technology is also different in the devices with DAC768v2.
It is therefore not possible to simply replace the DAC768 module with the DAC768v2 module.
The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.
The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.
The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.
This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.
The idea for SPL 120V technology and the SUPRA operational amplifier based on this technology were developed in the 1990s by SPL founder and chief developer Wolfgang Neumann.
With the goal of building the best mastering console ever, this basic technological philosophy then took shape for the first time – thus the SPL MMC1 Mastering Console for Galaxy Studios saw the light of day in 2000.
The outstanding sonic and technical features quickly got around in the scene – so further orders were not long in coming.
Besides the MMC 1, another legendary product with 120V technology was created with the PQ, the “King of Parametric Equalizers”.
Since that time, 120V technology has been the foundation for all SPL premium products. Meanwhile, not only for mastering applications, but also for the, studio or hifi use.
What exactly is that?
And what does it do?
Good questions need good answers.
And that’s what the 120V technology video gives you.
Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device.
All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.
SPL devices with 120V technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.
These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the 120V technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.
That’s why we manufacture all devices in our own production facility in Niederkrüchten on the Lower Rhine, Germany.
The replacement of fuses and the switching of mains voltages must only be performed by qualified technicians. Fuses must only be replaced with fuses of the same type and specifications.
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.
Reference: 0 dBu = 0,775 V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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).
Currently unavailable.
This product is currently sold out and unavailable.
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Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten vorrätig und wird noch am selben oder nächsten Werktag versendet.
Wir arbeiten die Bestellungen nach Bestelleingang ab und aktualisieren den Bestand im Online-Shop regelmäßig. Falls das Produkt wegen hohem Bestellaufkommens kurzfristig nicht mehr verfügbar ist, hast du selbstverständlich das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).
In jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.
Bald verfügbar!
Das Produkt ist in unserem Lager Niederkrüchten nicht vorrätig. Gewöhnlich ist es innerhalb von 5 Werktagen wieder verfügbar.
Auf jeden Fall erhältst du eine E-Mail mit den Einzelheiten der Lieferung und der voraussichtlichen Lieferzeit.
Selbstverständlich hast du das Recht, vom Kauf zurückzutreten (siehe Widerrufbelehrung).
Zur Zeit nicht verfügbar.
Dieses Produkt ist derzeit ausverkauft und nicht verfügbar.
Due to Covid19 there are no events scheduled at this time.
Aufgrund von Covid19 sind derzeit keine Events geplant.
