DENPO PREMIUM DAC
A compact high-end NOS DAC designed for musical purity
MSRP Gross price: 8 000 €*
Although the DENPO Premium DAC is the smallest digital-to-analog converter in our product range, we proudly refer to it as a little giant. While compact in size, it delivers sonic performance that far exceeds expectations for its category.
This device was developed with the specific aim of delivering outstanding sound quality that competes with DACs in the €15,000 range and even above. At the heart of Denpo lies the ROHM BD34301 (MUS-IC) chip—a refined Japanese DAC chip with proven technical performance and highly musical sound characteristics.
As with all high-quality DACs, ultimate performance depends not only on the chip but on the synergy between the digital and analog circuit design, power supply quality, clock signal management, and output topology. In the DENPO Premium, we carefully balanced these elements to achieve a wide and rich soundstage, natural warmth, tonal precision, and lifelike dynamics.
Key Features at a Glance
- NOS architecture based on ROHM BD34301 MUS-IC chip
- Natural, warm, and fluid sound signature
- PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and native DSD256 support (USB, I2S)
- Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs
- Standard output levels: 2 Vrms (RCA), 4 Vrms (XLR)
- Multiple digital inputs: USB, I2S (HDMI), SPDIF (RCA/BNC), AES/EBU, Toslink
- Built-in Core Audio high-precision clock
- 10MHz BNC clock input for external master clock integration
- Custom discrete analog output stage with 3 op-amps per channel (6 total)
- Separate transformers for digital and analog sections
- Available in black anodized or natural silver aluminum finish
Technologies Inside Denpo Premium
1. ROHM BD34301 DAC Core in NOS Mode
Used in a non-oversampling configuration, the BD34301 chip retains signal purity and timing integrity, resulting in a natural and analog-like presentation with exceptional tonal balance and resolution.
2. Discrete Analog Output Stage
After extensive testing of commercial operational amplifiers, we developed our own discrete output stage, consisting of six custom op-amps (three per channel). The result is significantly improved sound quality with greater harmonic richness and musical expression.
3. Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply
Independent analog and digital transformers provide isolated, clean power for each domain. This physical and electrical separation minimizes interference and contributes to a quieter background and greater dynamic range.
4. Versatile Connectivity
DENPO Premium is equipped with a comprehensive set of digital inputs—making it ideal for integration with a wide range of source devices including CD players (SPDIF), music servers (USB, I2S), TVs (Toslink), and computers.
5. Reference Clock Integration
The DAC includes a 10MHz 75-ohm BNC input for external master clock connection. When combined with our KARUNA reclocker or KAGEN master clock, DENPO becomes part of a fully synchronized system with dramatically enhanced timing accuracy.
6. Rigid Construction and EMI Shielding
Machined aluminum housing provides durability, passive cooling, and effective shielding of sensitive internal components from RF interference.
System Integration and Upgrade Path
The DENPO Premium can serve as the core of your digital playback system or fit seamlessly into an existing setup. It pairs perfectly with the DAIDO Premium music server, KARUNA reclocker, and KAGEN master clock, creating a unified digital chain governed by precision timing. It is equally effective in standalone mode.
- Ideal for use with CD transports, music servers, or PCs
- Works natively with USB-only devices (e.g., laptops)
- Easily upgraded by adding other Core Audio components
Summary
Thanks to its high-quality components, precision internal architecture, and expertly tuned sonic profile, the Denpo Premium DAC delivers a sound that is warm, lifelike, fluid, and exceptionally musical. Whether used on its own or as part of a full Core Audio digital front-end, it represents a true high-end DAC that competes well above its price class.
Technical specification
- DAC panel based on 1ea ROHM BD34301 DAC chip
- USB XMOS architecture
- 7 pcs separated, full linear power supply circuits, separated for DAC board's digital, analog and clock module
- triple GND solution
- 2pcs insulated, unique designed transformers (one for digital, one for an analog linear PSU circuits)
- High quality internal UPOCC wiring
- 24/24.576/22.5792 TCXO + 10 MHz OCXO onboard masterclock management for DAC, 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
- 6pcs DIP8 replaceable socket for high quality Single Operational Amplifiers
- NOS dac
- MQA NOT supported
- No FPGA technology used on digital board
- Analog outputs :
1pair RCA (2Vrms)
1pair XLR (4Vrms)
- Digital inputs and supported resolutions:
USB-B (3.0) :
PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384kHz
DSD64 - DSD128 - DSD256 native
i2S HDMI :
PCM 16/44.1 - 24/384kHz
DSD64 - DSD128 - DSD256 native
DoP not supported
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 is supported only for i2S HDMI connection.
- DAC / DAC chip datas:
- 1 chip design
- 16-24-32Bit Resolution
- Receives 16, 20, and 24-bit audio data
- Frequency response: 3Hz to 70kHz (+/- 3dB)
- SNR: 130dB
- (THD + N): -115dB
- Dynamic range: 130dB
- Maximum sampling frequency: 32 - 384KHz
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
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