Playback Designs Merlot dac

I wanted to ask if anyone knows how this dac works? Is it a proprietary delta sigma dac based on Playback Designs' own software?

nitewulf06-20-2017 2:23am

dragon_vibe Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 430 posts 06-20-2017 at 01:30pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Its a FPGA DAC which can play all DSD in native format. Means unlike 90% of Other Dacs this one actually will give you outstanding DSD Playback up to Quad Rate!! In my honest opinion it has bested a few more expensive dac easily. Compare this DAC to a DCS Playing DSD and tell me which you prefer?
dragon_vibe Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 430 posts 06-20-2017 at 01:32pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Does not use off the Shelf Chips. Its proprietary codes belong to Andreas Koch. I used to own the MSB Analog & Platinum DACs, both at the same time as one was allocated for my office whilst the other for my Main listening room. I sold both and purchased 2 Of the Merlot that should give you some idea.
nitewulf OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 422 posts 06-20-2017 at 02:12pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Fair enough, that's very high praise. How is it with 16 bit 44.1 audio? Most my files are lossless CD rips.
dragon_vibe Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 430 posts 06-20-2017 at 08:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Pretty good up to the level as DAVE. However the Formula DAC which is at 14K is better by a small margin especially on Air Between notes.