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Korg Continues to Expand into the High-Res Audio Frontier with Introduction of DS-DAC-10R and Audiogate 4

10-24-2015 | By Brian Moura | Issue 82

1 - Korg DS-DAC-10R

USB DAC recording system offers professional-grade A/D conversion and the ultimate in vinyl archival

To satisfy audiophiles everywhere, KORG expands its Direct Stream Digital (DSD) hardware and software products with the introduction of the DS-DAC-10R, a revolutionary USB DAC recording system offering professional-grade Analog-to-Digital (ADC) conversion.  Thanks to seamless integration with the improved AudioGate 4 software and ASIO-based USB connectivity, users can quickly create DSD-recordings anywhere, anytime; RIAA phono inputs make the DS-DAC-10R is ideal for archiving vinyl records and the highest-quality audio rates.  DS-DAC-10R not only supports the standard DSD sample playback rate of 2.8 MHz, but has the capabilities to playback higher-resolution of 5.6 MHz or "Double-rate DSD.'

KORG’s Early Work in DSD

KORG was among the first audio companies to focus on the high sound quality benefits of DSD, using DSD as the recording format for the highly acclaimed MR series of studio and field recorders.  Now that major music distribution sites such as Blue Coast Records, Channel Classic Records and Native DSD have started distributing data in DSD, the DSD format has become preferred by audio fans.  The DS-DAC-10R can also be used for playback in conjunction with iAudioGate, the high-resolution music player for iPhone.  Users can connect to their iPhone and enjoy playing back archived records more conveniently than when using a PC.

Make DSD Recordings and Archive Your Vinyl Records

This revolutionary USB DAC (Digital-to-Audio Converter) recording system also offers professional-grade Analog-to-Digital conversion and is even equipped with phono inputs ideal for archiving your vinyl records.  Simply use a single USB cable to connect the DS-DAC-10R to your PC.  

2 - Korg DS-DAC-10R - Rear View with Line In and Phono Inputs

Your records can be quickly turned via DSD into high-resolution data files with their quality unimpaired, allowing you to use AudioGate to easily manage your music library.  The input jacks also support line level signals.  Phono input jacks allow the DS-DAC-10R to connect directly to your record player there is even a grounding terminal.  

The DS-DAC-10R contains a DSD phono equalizer that restores all of the sound that went into cutting the record, while minimizing any effect of the equalization process on the sound.  In addition to the standard RIAA curve, five other curves are also supported.  Phono equalization can be applied as you record, or when playing back an un-equalized DSD recording made from your vinyl sources.  This versatile cutting-edge technology lets you appreciate the true power of vinyl records in a way until now impossible even on high-end audio equipment.

3 - AudioGate 4 with RIAA Equalization for Vinyl LP to DSD Recording

The DS-DAC-10R supports the 5.6 MHz and 2.8 MHz DSD format for playback and recording as well as PCM formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit.  If you can’t find the high-resolution audio materials that you’re craving to hear, record them yourself with the DS-DAC-10R; the 1-bit USB-DAC/ADC from KORG.

Premium Components and Materials

Inside the DS-DAC-10R, you’ll find the same PCM4202 (made by TI) AD converter used in the MR-2000S 1-bit studio recorder.  We have insisted on the same exacting quality as this recorder which continues to be used in many professional studios.  The pre-stage circuit of the phono amp uses high-performance parts such as the OPA1662 (made by TI) and thin-film polymer multi-layer capacitors (PMLCAP®/made by Rubycon) in order to take full advantage of the phono cartridge’s performance.  For the DA converter, we’ve selected the same CS4390 (made by Cirrus Logic) as used in the MR-2000S and the DS-DAC series.  Like these respected devices, the DS-DAC-10R also exemplifies KORG’s motto for sound: "uncolored sound that faithfully reproduces the original.' And, of course, native playback of 2.8224 MHz and 5.6448 MHz DSD files is supported.

4 - Inside The DS-DAC-10R

The finely crafted die cast body of the DS-DAC-10R is designed to integrate beautifully with the user’s existing audio system.  Inside and out, attention was given to using premium materials highlighted by the copper-plated rear panel and the gold-plated connectors.  Sleek and uncluttered, the front panel provides a headphone jack and a volume control with LED illumination to indicate the playback format and recording status.  Users can enjoy a lifetime of listening to outstanding, futureproof audio fidelity by recording it in DSD with the DS-DAC-10R.

"Thanks to the DS-DAC-10R music makers and music lovers now no longer have to wait for their favorite music as a high-resolution release, can create DSD-recordings with their own sources and listen to high-resolution,' shared James Sajeva, US brand manager for Korg technology products.

Pricing and Availability

The DS-DAC-10R is now available for $599.99 and Korg’s preceding DS-DAC series models - the DSDAC100m and DSDAC100 - are now available for new low prices of $299.99 and $499.99 respectively.  The new Audiogate 4 software will be available for download in Late November 2015.  For more information visit http://www.korg.com/ds_dac_10r/.

Specifications

Audio Interface

Number of Channels: 2

Input Format (USB):

DSD: 2.8224MHz/5.6448MHz, 1bit

PCM: 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz, 16bit/24bit

Host Interface: USB2.0 (High Speed)

Audio Driver: ASIO 2.1, WDM, Core Audio

General

Indicator: Power/Sampling frequency

Power: USB bus power (5V, Max: 500mA)

Power Consumption: Max 2.5W

Dimensions (W x D x H): 155mm x 185mm x 49mm/6.10" x 7.29" x 1.93" (including protrusions)

Weight: 1.2kg/ 2.65lbs.

Main Standards

Frequency Response Characteristics:

10 Hz – 20 kHz ±1dB (fs=44.1 kHz/48 kHz)

10 Hz – 40 kHz ±1dB

S/N: 105dB (TYP.) 20 Hz –20 kHz, IHF-A

THD+N: 0.005% (TYP.) 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Connectors

LINE OUT L/R

Connector: RCA pin Jack

Load Impedance: More than 10kΩ

Nominal Level: -6dBV

Maximum Level: +6dBV

Headphones

Connector:φ6.3mm stereo phone jack

Load Impedance: More than 16Ω

Maximum Level: 70mW+70mW@32Ω

Line In/Phono L/R

Connector: RCA pin Jack

Load Impedance:

Line In: 47KΩ

Phono: 50KΩ

Nominal Level:

Line In: -6dBV

Phono: 5mVrms

Maximum Level:

Line In: +6dBV

Phono: 100mVrms

Operating requirements

Microsoft Windows 7 or higher

Mac OS X 10.8 or higher

Included items

USB cable