REGA DAC

Pre owned. In excellent condition. No visible signs of wear. Original packaging not included.

The Rega DAC is a digital-to-analogue converter designed according to Rega’s engineering approach, based on a simplified signal path, carefully selected components, and optimization of the conversion, filtering, buffering and power supply sections. The design avoids upsampling and maintains the signal at its original sampling rate, with the aim of minimizing processing within the digital path and preserving signal integrity.

The conversion section uses Wolfson WM8805 and WM8742 integrated circuits, operating at the sampling rate of the incoming signal. The WM8805 performs the digital receiver functions, while the WM8742 is used for digital-to-analogue conversion. The signal is therefore handled through a direct architecture without upsampling, following a design philosophy already adopted by Rega in its CD players.

The converter also incorporates a buffer section derived from Rega’s experience in designing its CD players. The buffer provides greater capacity than is normally found in this category of equipment, contributing to signal management and stability within the conversion section. The digital and analogue stages are designed to keep the number of signal stages to a minimum and avoid unnecessary processing.

A distinctive feature of the Rega DAC is the ability to select different digital filter characteristics for the supported sampling frequencies. This allows the behaviour of the digital filter to be adjusted according to the incoming signal, providing different approaches to the response near the ultrasonic range. Rega indicates filter No. 1 as the reference setting for 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz signals, and filter No. 3 for higher sampling rates.

The input section includes S/PDIF digital connections and a USB input, the latter primarily intended for use with computers and digital sources with resolutions up to 16-bit/48 kHz. The converter’s architecture therefore places emphasis on conversion quality and signal-path performance rather than on extensive support for high-resolution formats via USB.

The S/PDIF section allows the connection of CD players, CD transports, streamers, music servers and other digital sources equipped with coaxial or optical outputs. The TosLink optical input can handle high-resolution signals within the limitations of the interface, while the use of a good-quality optical cable becomes particularly relevant at higher sampling rates.

From a construction standpoint, the Rega DAC follows the company’s characteristic functional approach, with a compact chassis and a practical internal circuit layout. The power supply uses a compact three-pin IEC connector, and the unit is supplied with its power cable. The design of the power supply, buffer and analogue section contributes to the overall performance of the converter.

The sonic presentation focuses on natural tonal and timbral reproduction, with particular attention to voices and acoustic instruments. The digital section is designed to maintain good articulation even with standard 16-bit/44.1 kHz PCM material, while support for higher sampling rates allows compatible digital sources to take advantage of their available resolution.

The Rega DAC can therefore be integrated into digital systems based on both traditional sources, such as CD players and transports, and computer-based sources, music servers and devices equipped with S/PDIF outputs, while keeping digital-to-analogue conversion and a streamlined signal path at the centre of its design.

Technical specifications:

• Type: solid-state D/A converter
• Digital inputs: 2 × coaxial S/PDIF; 2 × optical TosLink S/PDIF; 1 × USB
• Sampling rates: 32–192 kHz via S/PDIF; 32, 44.1 and 48 kHz via USB
• Resolution: up to 16-bit via USB
• Digital filters: 10 selectable modes via front-panel pushbutton
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 215 × 80 × 270 mm
• Weight: 4 kg