LUXMAN introduced their first stand alone digital analog converter back in 1987 - the DA-07 weighed in at 60 lb. Included in its massive construction were:
OFC epoxy boards, 70µ OFC tracks, 11 separate regulations, two large toroidal transformers, two-chassis-rolled-into-one holding a 10-compartment structure for absolute isolation (LUXMAN to this day, still use loopless chasis construction), 18mm front plate, six digital inputs, two digital outputs, three analog outputs, highly rigid composite chassis base, copper-plated, custom components through-out, not to mention pure Class A throughout.
Given that the DA-07 had no low-pass filter and no digital filter either and was based on interpolation theories to achieve its extended goal, its not surprising that it (along with the matching CD transport, the DP-07) won Stereo Sound (Japan) Grand Prix award for best cost no object digital playback.
Fast forward to 2013 and LUXMAN lent On A Higher Note a prototype DA-06 for use during CES in Las Vegas. Playing DSD files sourced from both SACD and vinyl, (using a Brinkmann Balance turntable) and playing the files from an Apple Mac mini computer, the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Supports DSD files using DSD Over USB (DoP)
Both PCM upsampled up to 32/384 and native DSD 2.82/5.64 MHz are handled by the Texas Instruments TAS3152 chipset.
In the digital section with as much as 132 dB (theoretical value) of tremendous dynamic range, Burr-Brown's PCM1792A is a monolithic CMOS integrated circuit that includes stereo digital-to-analog converters and support circuitry that uses TI’s advanced segment DAC architecture to achieve excellent dynamic performance and improved tolerance to clock jitter. It also supports both multi-bit and single-bit processing.
DSD files are currently transferred using the DSD Over PCM (DoP) Spec. with USB.
DSD files from the MAC will currently (Jan. 2013) be converted to DXD (352.8 kHz PCM) while an ASIO driver is supplied for use with Windows playback programs such as Foobar whihc will allow native DSD (1 bit) playback.
Supported Formats:
1-bit @ 2.8224 MHz, 5.6448 MHz (when used with an ASIO 2.1 DSD driver) over USB.
16, 20 & 24-bit @ 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz (when used with a PCM driver)
Supported OS:
WINDOWS XP (SP2 or later,) WINDOWS Vista, WINDOWS 7, Mac OSX 10.6 or later. WINDOWS OS needs to be installed with attached driver.
Digital Inputs:
Up to 192kHz (24 bit) for SPDIF - 2 x TOSLINK, 2 x COAXIAL (RCA), 1 x AES/EBU and up to 192kHz (24 bit) & 2.8223 MHZ and 5.6448 MHz (1 bit) over USB.
High Performance Digital Analog Converter
High grade DAC chip corresponding 192kHz made by the established Burr Brown is used. All input terminals accept up to 192kHz/24bit for digital input. Ensures low jitter by mounting a dedicated clock in D/A.
Powerful Power Supply
The key of the sound quality for audio products is the power. LUXMAN designed a full-scale power supply ignoring cost. Uses power circuits with large leeway by using a high capacity power transformer and two x 10,000 uF main filter capacitors. Provides realistic music reproduction by solid sound structure with energy on each particles of the sound.
Analog Outputs
Analog circuit
The differential output of the DA converter at the monaural mode is provided into the high sound quality buffer circuit that has thoroughly balance configuration (identically configured amplifier x 4 units), and drives the amplifier on the next stage vigorously with low impedance.
Stable and high inertial power is supplied from the audio-specific power transformer to each circuit through the regulator and block capacitor with large capacity allocated for each circuit.
Balanced (XLR) and single ended (RCA)
Digital Audio Outputs:
Balanced output is equipped as standard in addition to single ended (RCA). Perfect for usage as high-end DA converter.
Digital Outputs:
Digital output terminal (SPDIF) on the back panel corresponds with sampling rate converter and can be used as an upsampling converter. It can also be used as DD converter that converts USB input to SPDIF
Structure
This system has a complex structure consisting of a loopless chassis to eliminate increased ground impedance and the effect of elctro magnetic fields caused by chassis current and a shielded chassis to block digital noise. The non-magnetic, nickel AC inlet has been gold plated to assist in providing clean AC. High quality18-mm pitch gold plated RCA terminals as well as high-grade Neutrik XLR terminals allow even high-perfomance, long cable runs to be utilized without any sonic degradation.. The cast-iron gradation feet are provided to protect tiny delicate sound signals from unwanted mechanical vibration.
Separate filters for both DSD and PCM
DSD Settings:
1. Normal
2. High Frequency Attenuation, improves signal to noise ratio
PCM Settings:
1. Normal
2. Low Latency (Richer tone, more musical.)
3. High Frequency Attenuation, improves signal to noise ratio
Six inputs, which can pass through the unit if desired, such as a USB input converted to PCM and then outputted to another processor / converter.