T+A
T+A DAC 200 D/A Converter
DAC 200 D/A Converter
The DAC 200
The DAC 200 is the latest member of an extended family of High-End converters and pre-amplifiers. Every aspect of its design symbolises our uncompromising commitment to science and music. The ability to reproduce DSD 1024 files and its complete galvanic separation are just two highlights which underline the potential of the DAC 200 in impressive style. The DAC 200 is designed to convert a large number of digital formats into natural-sounding analogue signals, and to pass them on via the integral headphone or analogue outputs.
De-Jitter Masterclock
Our belief in totally pure music required an enormous effort on our part to eliminate the most minuscule of interfering influences. The T+A De-Jitter Masterclock was developed with the goal of freeing all T+A DACs from such interference signals, and in particular those which result from the use of computers. This type of interference - known as jitter - is caused by minimal timing errors, which still manage to exert a harmful influence on the sound experience unless they are removed before the conversion into analogue signals.
The De-Jitter Masterclock was developed here in Herford, and constitutes a consistent audiophile response to jitter: in a multi-stage process the incoming signals are examined, and even the largest of jitter artefacts are removed. In the first stage the incoming signal delivers a raw clock pulse which is analysed very closely by micro-processors: the signal is then switched to the Masterclock - but only if its frequency and stability fulfil strict minimum criteria. If those criteria are not met, the signals are cleaned again through a further PLL stage in a specially constructed second jitterbug; this process reduces the residual jitter by a factor of 4.
Signals which fulfil the purity requirements are de-coupled completely from the input jitter by switching to the Masterclock. The incoming signals are further processed by precision oscillators with the best available femto-clock accuracy. Each oscillator is reserved for a single clock family; the Masterclock covers both the odd 44.1 kHz to 705,6 kHz clock as well as the even 48 kHz to 768 kHz clock.
Path Separation Technology
We believe in reproducing music in its purest form. And that is why we make every effort right at the development stage to eliminate even the most insignificant of interference factors, regardless of how minimal they are. Joint processing of PCM and DSD files in a single converter is just such a source of interference: supposedly insignificant, but in fact having a crucial influence on the sound. It was our insistence on eliminating this particular influence that caused us to develop the unique T+A Path Separation Technology: both PCM and DSD have their own converter, specifically tailored to their requirements. These converters exclude adverse sound influences as well as exploiting the potential of each format to the full. For PCM signals we use our quadruple converter, whereas DSD files are processed using the T+A True 1-bit converter, which is unique in the world.
Converters & Filters
Our T+A True 1-bit converter is unique, as it forms a break with a paradigm: conventional converters process DSD signals by converting them into PCM, and reproducing them using the PCM mode. But this conversion contradicts our principles, and caused us to develop the True 1-bit converter, which processes DSD files in their native form, without detrimental conversion processes, and reproduces them in totally pure form as genuine 1 Bit Stream.
Our PCM Quadruple Converter features a double symmetrical circuit design comprising the eight 32-bit Burr-Brown converters, thereby providing above-average compensation for non-linearities in the sound, and reduces the already minimal background noise by a further 6 dB. This sophistication results in amazing dynamism and linearity combined with an equally amazing freedom from distortion. Although we believe in unadulterated music reproduction, the Bezier filters - another in-house development - in the quadruple converter can be exploited by the listener to fine-tune the sound characteristics to his individual taste. The application of polynomials results in perfect timing behaviour for each of the six available filters, two of which are NOS stages.
Galvanic Separation DASS
The analogue sound quality is crucially determined by consistent separation between the digital and analogue sections. This separation, which we term the “Digital Analogue Separation System”, utilises ultra-fast digital isolators from Silicon Labs to provide galvanic separation between the analogue and digital sections. Since it is vital to maintain this separation through the entire signal chain, the mains sections for the analogue and digital signal paths are also completely separated galvanically.
Inputs, & Pre-amp & Outputs
No restrictions of any kind - this maxim was our guide in determining the DAC 200’s connections: its inputs are as universal as they are high in quality: the USB-B inputs are based on the new high-resolution Thesycon chip, which processes signals up to DSD 1024. AES/EBU and BNC are also present, as is SP/DIF in optical and coaxial forms. The T+A SYS Link completes the high-speed signal connection within the Series 200 via the SYS IN input. One analog input is installed as standard, but two stereo HDMI inputs are available as an option.
As a specialised pre-amplifier, the DAC 200 features a discreet Class A pre-amplifier section as well as double mono “State of the Art” outputstage, whilst also providing several outputs designed to cope with any requirement. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs transfer the analogue signals to the output stages, while headphones are connected via a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output, which draws its signal from a special high-performance headphone amplifier. In contrast to conventional chip solutions, this is of fully discreet construction, and is specially designed for the requirements of headphones. An HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) for HDMI signal pass-through is available on the optional HDMI board.
Specifications
Analogue section
Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB
0,1 Hz – 200 kHz
Signal / noise ratio
110/114 dB
THD / Intermodulation
< 0,001 % / < 0,001 %
Channel separation
> 108 dB
Pre-amplifier outputs
variable:
High level (RCA) 0...2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 0...5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms
fixed:
High level (RCA) 2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms
discreetly designed Class A-HV-output stage in Double-Mono-Circuitry
Volume control
Gold contact relays controlled in 1 dB steps, - 90 dB to 0 dB
Headphone output
4.4 mm Pentaconn, discreetly designed high performance output stage, Class A operation up to 200 mA, 6 Ohms output impedance
Analogue inputs
High level (RCA)
250 mVeff ... 4,5 Veff / 10 kOhms
Digital inputs
1 x AES-EBU 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
S/P-DIF: 2 x Standard Coax, 2 x optical TOS-Link 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker)
1 x BNC 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
2 x USB DAC: Device-Mode 44,1 ... 768 kSps (PCM) and up to DSD1024*,
supports asynchronous data transfer. *DSD 512 and DSD 1024 with Windows PC and appropriate driver installed or Linux PC with Kernel 4.4 or higher only.
Supports DoP up to DSD 256 (0x05/0xFA Marker).
2 x HDMI IN, 1 x HDMI OUT with ARC (as an option)
D/A converter section
PCM
Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with four 32-Bit Sigma-Delta
D/A converter per channel, 705,6 / 768 kSps conversion rate
DSD
T+A-True-1Bit DSD D/A converter, up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz), native bitstream
Upsampling
T+A signal-processor – synchronous upsampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms. FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier, NOS (non-oversampling)
Analogue filter
Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable with 60 or 120 kHz cut off frequency
Mains / Accessories / Dimensions
Mains
200 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz, 30 Watts
Standby
< 0,5 Watts
Dimensions (H × W× D)
10 × 32 × 34 cm, 4 x 12.6 x 13.4 inch
Accessories
Remote control FM200, power cord, USB cable
Weight
6,2 kg, 13.7 lbs
Finishes
Alu silver anodized (43), Alu schwarz anodized (42)
Technical modifications reserved
Reviews
hifi.nl 11/2022
Review T+A 200-modellen
For that money you get a spectacular system with all the possibilities you could wish for and a focus on pure sound quality.
Audiophile Style 9/2022
DAC 200 Converter Review
T+A has set the bar extremely high with the DAC 200. This DAC is one for the ages. It sounds fantastic, looks classic, functions seamlessly, is well supported, and is priced competitively. Based on my listening habits and experience with more DACs than I can remember, this would be my number one choice for a DAC anywhere near the DAC 200's price. Everything about the DAC 200 is just that good. Period.
Audio Poland 7/2022
Midi in Germany
Audio 6/2022
Old, new Adel
DAC 200 - wonderfully linear, high-resolution, elegant Value for money
: outstanding
Yes, it's true: this combination is not available for little money. But this power, this subtlety, this elegance, the workmanship, the design - many fans around the world will immediately pull out their credit cards. Let's dare the superlative: This is the best, compact electronics that we have ever been allowed to listen to. The want-to-have impulse is not only powerful, but overwhelming.
Listening experience 4/2022
John Campbell just makes good music. And the DAC 200 knows like no other how to convey good music to the listener in an exceptionally good way.
Note 1, bet!
Hifi News 5/2022
DAC 200 and A 200
Now a full quartet, T+A’s compact but beautifully formed Series 200 has expanded to
include a media player, DAC/preamp and Purifi Eigentakt Class D stereo power amp. While avoiding any lame jokes about ‘German engineering’, I’m bound to say there’s a wonderful sense of synergy – and not just in build and style – between these two T+A components. The A 200 is a mature-sounding power amp with excellent driving ability, and a perfect partner for the DAC 200’s refi ned, insightful and lightfooted approach. Yes, there’s no networking, but the Series 200 has this covered elsewhere.
Image Hifi 3-4/2022
A chain only with strong links
Despite its neutrality and high resolution, the T+A Series 200 is so skilfully tuned that the musical flow and emotional content of the music are always preserved. The playback is always gripping and involving. The listener selects title after title, album after album and is delighted by every further, moving listening experience with the all-around recommendable Series 200. After the test, it's hard for me to say goodbye.
LowBeats 12/2021
Conclusion - technical ingenuity and highest musicality combined
If you sensed a certain enthusiasm between the lines of my report, you are absolutely right. I LOVE this team. The T+A DAC 200 and the A 200 power amp are exactly the sort of intelligent high-end hi-fi I would have pressed my nose for in the hi-fi retailer's shop window in the 1980s. Even if sniffing shop windows is no longer en vogue these days: maybe in 20 or 30 years' time today's hi-fi offspring will meet in virtual space to celebrate the coolest hi-fi devices of their youth. The T+A 200 series for 2021 will most likely be there.
For those who can afford it here and now: There is hardly a better way to invest your money in high-quality hi-fi. As long as the constantly evolving digital standards don't unexpectedly throw a spanner in the works, the DAC 200 is a safe bet for many years - especially for DSD fans. The purely analogue but equally ultra-modern power amplifier A 200 anyway. And in terms of design, these T+A creations are already timeless classics. Completed with the MP 200 Multi Player, this midi system is undoubtedly one of the finest that HiFi Made in Germany currently has to offer in this price range.
Stereo 12/2021
Twice compact - once great
Preamp/DAC with the finest technology in both departments, much from the HV series; very good workmanship goes hand in hand with excellent sound - and everything "Made in Germany". You are demanding but have little space? Here's the solution.
Stereoplay 12/2021
Treasures of acoustics
The compact all-rounder and all-connector shows the future of audio with crystal clarity and combines everything you could need now or later. Both as a DAC and as a preamplifier, T+A's new development is so unassailably good in terms of sound and technology that the competition has to dress warmly regardless of the price.
Analogue section
Frequency response + 0 / − 3 dB
0,1 Hz – 200 kHz
Signal / noise ratio
110/114 dB
THD / Intermodulation
< 0,001 % / < 0,001 %
Channel separation
> 108 dB
Pre-amplifier outputs
variable:
High level (RCA) 0...2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 0...5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms
fixed:
High level (RCA) 2,5 Veff / 22 Ohms, balanced (XLR) 5,0 Veff / 22 Ohms
discreetly designed Class A-HV-output stage in Double-Mono-Circuitry
Volume control
Gold contact relays controlled in 1 dB steps, - 90 dB to 0 dB
Headphone output
4.4 mm Pentaconn, discreetly designed high performance output stage, Class A operation up to 200 mA, 6 Ohms output impedance
Analogue inputs
High level (RCA)
250 mVeff ... 4,5 Veff / 10 kOhms
Digital inputs
1 x AES-EBU 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
S/P-DIF: 2 x Standard Coax, 2 x optical TOS-Link 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker)
1 x BNC 32...192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
2 x USB DAC: Device-Mode 44,1 ... 768 kSps (PCM) and up to DSD1024*,
supports asynchronous data transfer. *DSD 512 and DSD 1024 with Windows PC and appropriate driver installed or Linux PC with Kernel 4.4 or higher only.
Supports DoP up to DSD 256 (0x05/0xFA Marker).
2 x HDMI IN, 1 x HDMI OUT with ARC (as an option)
D/A converter section
PCM
Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with four 32-Bit Sigma-Delta
D/A converter per channel, 705,6 / 768 kSps conversion rate
DSD
T+A-True-1Bit DSD D/A converter, up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz), native bitstream
Upsampling
T+A signal-processor – synchronous upsampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms. FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/IIR, Bezier, NOS (non-oversampling)
Analogue filter
Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable with 60 or 120 kHz cut off frequency
Mains / Accessories / Dimensions
Mains
200 – 240 V, 50 – 60 Hz, 30 Watts
Standby
< 0,5 Watts
Dimensions (H × W× D)
10 × 32 × 34 cm, 4 x 12.6 x 13.4 inch
Accessories
Remote control FM200, power cord, USB cable
Weight
6,2 kg, 13.7 lbs
Finishes
Alu silver anodized (43), Alu schwarz anodized (42)
Technical modifications reserved
