KARUNA PREMIUM DDC

MSRP Gross price: 7 500 €*

Key Features at a Glance

• High-precision USB-to-digital reclocker with multiple output formats
• Proprietary firmware running on XMOS architecture for maximum performance
• Ultra-stable 10MHz OCXO master clock with PLL implementation
• Galvanically isolated inputs for complete electrical separation
• Multi-stage low-noise analog power supply design
• Accepts external 10MHz reference clock input (75 ohm BNC)
• Compatible with virtually any DAC or digital input device

Technologies Inside Karuna Premium

1. XMOS Architecture with Custom Firmware

The Karuna Premium is built around a high-performance XMOS processor, tailored with proprietary Core Audio firmware. This deep-level optimization allows the unit to take full advantage of the XMOS chip's capabilities, delivering ultra-low latency, outstanding timing precision, and pristine audio transmission.

2. Ultra-Stable OCXO Master Clock
A custom-designed 10MHz oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), operating within a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) system, provides the clocking foundation. The result is ultra-low jitter, extremely stable timing, and a major improvement in the naturalness and spatial depth of the music.

3. Galvanic Isolation
All digital inputs are galvanically isolated to prevent ground loops and protect against noise transmission from upstream components. This ensures a cleaner signal path and improved system transparency.

4. Multi-Stage Low-Noise Power Supply
Karuna's analog power supply features multiple independent stages with separated rails for each subsystem. These deliver stable, clean voltage to the USB processor, clock module, and output drivers, eliminating cross-interference and ensuring consistent performance.

5. Precision PCB and Signal Routing
The unit's layout is meticulously designed with short, impedance-matched signal paths, shielded internal cabling, and noise-resistant ground planes — all contributing to a purer, faster signal transmission.

6. Flexible Output Format Support
Karuna supports S/PDIF (RCA/BNC), AES/EBU, Toslink, and I²S over HDMI (LVDS standard), making it compatible with virtually any DAC on the market.

System Integration with Core Audio Premium Components

Karuna Premium integrates seamlessly with the DAIDO Premium music server, DENPO Premium DAC, and KAGEN Premium master clock. Two primary clocking configurations are available:

1. Full Master Clock Setup (KAGEN as Clock Source)

• KAGEN Premium: 4x 10MHz 75Ω BNC clock outputs
• DAIDO Premium music server: 10MHz clock input
• KARUNA Premium DDC: 10MHz clock input
• DENPO Premium DAC: 10MHz clock input

This setup achieves perfect system-wide synchronization, minimizing jitter and maximizing sonic performance.

2. DAIDO as Clock Source

• DAIDO Premium music server: 10MHz clock output
• KARUNA Premium DDC: 10MHz clock input
• DENPO DAC: (optional) clock input from DAIDO or run independently

This configuration offers excellent performance with fewer components, ideal for streamlined setups.

Standalone Integration and Universal Compatibility

Karuna Premium is an outstanding addition to any system, even if you already use a third-party server and DAC.

• Connect any music server with USB output to Karuna
• Output to your DAC via S/PDIF, BNC, AES, Toslink, I²S HDMI (LVDS standard)
• Enjoy a drastic improvement in clarity, timing, and musical detail

You don't need to own the full Core Audio system to benefit. Whether you're using top-tier gear from other brands or building a system incrementally, Karuna will elevate the performance of your digital front end.

And if you already use a master clock? Karuna accepts an external 10MHz reference via BNC to integrate effortlessly.

Summary

Karuna Premium is for those who want more from their digital system: more depth, more realism, and more connection to the music. It is a highly refined, flexible, and future-proof digital upgrade — equally at home within the Core Audio ecosystem or as a standalone enhancement to your existing setup.

Technical specification

• XMOS architecture

• redesigned 4th generation USB/SPDIF board

• 5 pcs separated, full linear power supply circuits, separated for SPDIF controller, XMOS architecture, masterclock, STM panel controller system
  
• high frequency PSU filtering solution for the distortion and ULN conversion
• triple GND solution
• insulated, unique designed transformers 
  
• 24/24.576/22.5792 TCXO + 10 MHz OCXO onboard masterclock management for XMOS + SPDIF controller reclocking, TCXOs greatest than -105dB@10Hz phase noise, ultra low jitter, and masterclock PLL for the smoother sounding (-120dB@10Hz phase noise at OCXO unit)
  
• USB reclocking unit (increase the quality of the external USB audio connection used the built-in masterclock
• 10 MHz BNC 75ohm clock input for masterclock board to synchronize the unit with better clock sources
• Non oversampling digital conversion
• MQA NOT supported
• No FPGA technology used on digital board

Digital INPUT and supported resolutions: 

USB-B (3.0) : 

    PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384kHz

    DSD64 - DSD128 - DSD256 native

Digital OUTPUTS and supported resolutions: 

i2S HDMI : 

    PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384kHz

    DSD64 - DSD128 - DSD256 native

    DoP64 - DoP128

RCA (digit coax):

     PCM 16/44.1 - 24/192kHz

BNC:

     PCM 16/44.1 - 24/192kHz

TOSLINK:

     PCM 16/44.1 - 24/192kHz

AES/EBU (digit XLR) :

     PCM 16/44.1 - 24/192kHz

DoP suported only via I2S HDMI connection.

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS:

Power supply voltage : EU 230V AC, 50 Hz (different voltage available for special request)

Fuse specification: T 1A (5x20mm 1ea)

Power consumption: 25W

Dimensions:  480mm x 368mm x 88mm 

Weight : 13kg net weight

Interested in bringing the Karuna Premium into your system?

Whether you're an audiophile seeking to elevate your digital playback, or a distributor looking to represent exceptional performance, we welcome your inquiry. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, technical requirements, or distribution requests — we're here to help you explore the full potential of Core Audio.

* exclude shipping costs
** Required fields