ACCUSTIC ARTS TUBE DAC II MK 2

Digital-to-Analog Converter

The Tube DAC II Mk2 by Accustic Arts stands out as a machine of rare elegance and solidity, where every detail conveys a sense of true luxury. Weighing 12 kg, it immediately gives the impression of robustness and design seriousness, far beyond mere material excess. The brushed aluminum casing is finished with near-surgical precision, with perfectly aligned seams. The rear section features a connectivity panel that looks built to last decades, thanks to its bomb-proof connectors. On the front, solid brass knobs with chrome finish provide a tactile experience of exceptional refinement, completing an aesthetic that rejects minimalist austerity in favor of artisanal sophistication.

Even the stylized vacuum tube symbol cut into the top panel—purely decorative—helps define the unique character of the device. Here, attention to detail and the pursuit of formal perfection are integral parts of the user experience. Anyone investing in a product of this caliber is looking for something that captivates the eye as much as the ear, and in this regard, the German DAC exceeds every expectation.

Beneath the elegant exterior lies a technical architecture rooted in a well-established tradition dating back to 2007, refined over time with intelligence and rigor. The power supply is of amplifier-grade quality: two toroidal transformers rated at 100 VA and 50 VA, supported by a massive 84,000 microfarads of filter capacitance, provide a powerful and stable energy foundation. The digital signal is handled in dual mono configuration through two parallel paths, using separate chips and a 32-bit microprocessor responsible for signal preparation and upsampling—achieving, according to its designers, greater precision than standard integrated SRCs. As the name suggests, the output stage is hybrid: a combination of vacuum tubes and transistors offering both balanced and unbalanced outputs, with fixed gain. This deliberate choice reflects the vision of designer Martin Schunk, who imagines this DAC as part of a system already equipped with a dedicated preamp.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mk2 introduces a new HD input board with asynchronous USB port, supporting high-resolution files up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

The Tube DAC II Mk2 does not dissect the listening experience into isolated technical parameters, but instead delivers a smooth, natural, and cohesive whole. It is a machine that simply invites you to listen—deeply and authentically—allowing music to unfold in its purest form.

Technical Specifications:

• Digital inputs up to 192 kHz: 2 x S/PDIF; unbalanced - 75 Ω (COAX)
• Optical digital input: 1 x TOSLINK; optical
• USB input: 1 x USB 2.0 asynchronous; 24/192 (USB driver required)
• Digital inputs up to 48 kHz: 1 x AES/EBU; balanced - 110 Ω (XLR)
• Additional digital inputs up to 48 kHz: 1 x S/PDIF; unbalanced - 75 Ω (COAX)
• Extra digital input: 1 x S/PDIF; unbalanced - 75 Ω (BNC)
• Digital outputs: 1 x AES/EBU; balanced - 110 Ω (XLR); 1 x S/PDIF; unbalanced - 75 Ω (COAX)
• Analog outputs: 1 x balanced - 2 x 33 Ω (XLR); 1 x unbalanced - 33 Ω (COAX)
• Supported data formats: 16 to 24 bit; 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.1 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• Power supply: 1 x 100 VA transformer; 1 x 50 VA transformer
• Distortion (THD + N): 0.003% with 24-bit signal; bandwidth 22 Hz – 22 kHz
• Crosstalk: digital 0 dB to 107 dB
• Tube type: 12AX7 double triodes; military-grade version, selected and matched 4 times
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 100 x 482 x 375 mm / 3.9 x 19 x 14.8 inches
• Weight: 12 kg / 26.4 lbs