DiDiT High-End

DAC212

DAC212SE

Digital to Analog Converter

4000mW Headphone Amp

"the DAC was engaging, musical and ‘fun’ in the best sense of that word"

Straight out of the box, from first power-up, and long into the first late evening (which then became early morning) the DAC was engaging, musical and ‘fun’ in the best sense of that word, and so easy on the ear it was a struggle to accept that this was a digital product being auditioned.
Early digital products were often criticized for being ‘bright’, ‘hard’, or similar. Continuing development has lessened those criticisms and digital is by many considered the ‘equal’ of vinyl. Ease of listening, engagement and convenience have made non-analogue sources much more acceptable in the vinyl camp, and many live happily with both.
Chris Beeching for the Ear

"DiDiT DAC212 spatiality was a positive surprise"

DiDiT DAC212 spatiality was a positive surprise. I wouldn’t expect the depth and the level of insights at these price, but, as noted so far, these guys did something differently positive in the terms of music playback. Thumbs up…

Music reproduced via DAC212 managed convey much more then many siblings priced at 5k+ could.
Most importantly the resolution and transparency connected with the DiDiTs way of doing thing was not of destructible nature to the music. DAC212 did it well!
Mono and Stereo

DAC212
introduction
flexible

DAC212SE
The DAC212 Signature Edition, is probably the most intelligent digital pre-amp produced today.
It is the perfect integration of audiophile technology and intelligent software.

The unique software lets configure the DAC212SE to suite your needs and requirements, without compromising audiophile performance.

true balanced design
There are several ways to achieve a balanced or differential output. The DAC212 incorporates a not very common true differential circuit combined with "Virtual Grounding and balanced interfacing" this results in a very clear signal, free from interferences and conveying the music in its purest way.
This requires very advanced 4-layer PCB design.
While only true balanced circuits are superior to single-ended designs, they are sparsely used (even in high-end audio) due to the extra amount of components.
In our balanced design we take this even further, as the entire output section is true differential. Thereby gaining double the CMNR benefits compared to regular true differential design.
The effect is unsurpassed musical performance!

HD audio compatible.
the DAC212 was designed to accept almost all high resolution standards of digital signal.
Regular PCM up to 192kHz via the SPDIF inputs, and 384kHz and DSD512 via USB.
It will easily connect to for example your Roon endpoint or any other digital source.

audiophile Headphone output
The DAC212SE is fitted with a very powerful output stage that drives any headphone with ease. The low impedance output stage is capable of delivering an enormous amount of power:

4000 mW / 32Ω @XLR connector +6dB gain setting
500mW / 32Ω @headphone jack +6dB gain setting

while maintaining absolutely stable under all conditions.
No additional headphone amplifier required!

Android and iOS remote control App
beside the regular remote control functions, the more advanced features of the DAC212 are easily accessible via the app. For example display settings, gain settings and the ES9018 DAC chip built-in filter settings.
The app also displays sample rate and data format information.

Self-cleaning relays
Switching the DAC212 on `self-cleans' the relays, as they rapidly open and close thereby avoiding the build up of corrosive particles detrimental to the audio signal.

Flexible inputs and output
Standard digital inputs consist of:

XLR (AES/EBU)
2 RCA inputs
optical input
I2S HDMI input
galvanic isolated USB input

We have implemented a unique fully flexible input and output system.
For example, the 2 RCA connectors can be combined to 1 single pro-audio standard input to allow DSD via BNC.
The XLR outputs can be converted to RCA via our custom made adapters, via the software the internal circuit than has to be changed to single-ended mode in order to maximize the performance.

Expandable inputs
Although the DAC212SE is fitted with enough inputs for everyday use, some users may require more inputs.
These can simply be added via an adapter cable, this allows for 4 more coaxial or 4 more BNC inputs or 2 more AES/EBU XLR inputs.

Intelligent fully customizable volume control.
Several options for volume.

DAC mode: no volume control, when used as a digital to analog converter in an existing system.
Pre mode: volume control, best when the DAC212 is used as digital pre-amp.

In the pre mode we have created 2 extra settings:

Single volume setting: one main volume control for all inputs.
Multi volume setting: separate volume control for each individual input.
Great when for example comparing digital sources.

It is also possible to set a maximum (and minimum) volume level, independent for headphone and XLR output.

Selectable Gain
The DAC212SE has independent +6dB gain setting for XLR and headphone output.
Very convenient for low efficiency systems or headphones.
Switching is done automatically upon connection or disconnection of the headphone.

"The first thing noticeable with a DiDiT 212 DAC in my system was how the sound became more focused"

The DAC never sounds exasperatingly fast, but the quickness in which it deals with leading edges is undoubtedly accurate and controlled. Beat driven music has an instant toe tapping appeal and smile factor which is just so addictive.
Play any good acoustic music which has strong female vocals and the 212 is pretty stunning.
The DiDiT 212 from Rients and the team in the Netherlands is a stunning piece of engineering, a real classy looking product with an equally classy sound – especially for the money.
For me the vocals are standout with this DAC, if you are a valve fan vocally, but go potty at the pitfalls such as the looser bass and the loss of that bottom most octave and want to try something in the solid state arena again, then I’d suggest you have a ‘money back’ listen.
Dan Worth for Hifi Pig

"The sound was vivid and offered up a deep aural vision"

The guitarist’s mostly acoustic performance enhanced with synclavier pieces came to us full of flavour and richness.
The sound was vivid and offered up a deep aural vision on the settings the producer hade made of the recordings.
Truly stunning was the rendition of the 24bit/176.4kHz recording of Sera Una Noche La Segunda on M.A. Recordings.
This is a very airy reading captured with just two microphones. Its dynamic range is really rare these days and the musical style of early tango ideally suited.
The DAC212 locked on to the higher bit rate without issue and just as all incoming PCM material, oversampled the input to 1.5MHz before further processing. As we played more hi-res PCM materialwe became more and more fond of the DAC212’s ‘sound’.
Speaking of sound might suggest that the DAC212 had a sound of its own. But that wasn’t the case.
Marja&Henk for 6Moons

DAC212
design
features

Smart display
The retro style display informs the user of system status or changes.
Several display settings let you customize the display to your needs as well.
It can be set to switch of after a set amount of seconds, the brightness can be adjusted or set to auto adjust based on the ambient light.
The main display information is volume information, but this can be changed to source information.
Any change in sample rate or input selection will briefly be displayed after which the display reverts back to the main indication.

Bluetooth
Connect your mobile device via Bluetooth for either streaming (apt-X) or use your mobile device as remote control via the Android or iOS app.
Streaming is compatible with:

aptX
AAC
MP3

Bluetooth power modes
Bluetooth can be set to 3 different power modes.

off, for those users who don’t require Bluetooth at all.
standby, Bluetooth is switched on and off when the DAC212SE is switched on or off.
On, Bluetooth is kept on, regardless of the DAC212 status. This feature gives the users the opportunity for on/off switching of the DAC212 via the Bluetooth app.

Vibration free design.
The DAC212 is floating on Sorbothane discs inside the three stainless steel feet.
the Sorbothane has been tuned to absorb the resonance frequency of the chassis. Thereby minimizing vibration transmission between the base and the chassis.
But DiDiT did not stop there, the PCB is locked between the 2 heavy parts of the chassis, preventing the PCB from vibrating.

DiDiT link
The DAC212SE can communicate via the DiDiT link with other (upcoming) DiDiT devices. No need for separate remote controls just hook all DiDiT devices to the DiDiT link to establish system communication.
The DiDiT link connector can also be set to RS232 allowing seamless integration with home-automation or domotica system.

Soft switching technology.
soft-switching technology is used for muting and unmuting the outputs, avoiding abrupt changes in volume.

Switched Mode Power Supply
The DAC212 uses a highly efficient switched mode power supply (SMPS) which has a very fast response time to power draw.
Moreover, by utilizing ample capacitive buffering and 13 high quality ultra-quiet power regulators virtually all of the negative effects of using a SMPS are avoided.
This ultra-quiet design translates to a signal to noise ratio of -135dB @1kHz full scale and residual output noise of: 1,5µV while being being capable of delivering tremendous peak power during high dynamic music playback.
Never before was life music really lifelike.

DC coupled design.
the DAC212 is fully DC-coupled, which exhibits superior frequency and phase response when compared to capacitor coupled designs.
Capacitors in the signal path affect the frequency phase response, which deteriorates the stereo imaging.
Our capacitor free design does not suffer from these artifacts.

Smart start and reset.
Start the DAC212 with a preselected input and volume setting or start the DAC212 with the last used input and volume setting.
We even thought about the occasional mains power failure!
If the mains power is restored the device can be set to start in the last used power state or to remain in standby.

Worldwide usage
The DAC2212SE has its own integrated power supply that can be used with any voltage between 100VAC and 240VAC.
No voltage selector required. Just plug your power cord in the mains and the DAC212SE does the rest.

No sonic character
The DiDiT DAC212 has absolute no sonic signature. We just reproduce the music the way the artist meant it to be heard.

" The dynamics are truly exceptional, especially the micro dynamics.."

Overall I really liked how it sounds, its ability to faithfully reproduce the sound message without adding or removing anything.
The dynamic are truly exceptional, especially the micro dynamics, many little details that come to our mind, the result of a great job done with the power supply, as proof that the switch mode supply, especially for digital sources, are anything but mediocre.
Distortion, virtually absent, this is perhaps the greatest strength of this converter.
The device is certainly interesting, with its well-defined character, able to fight on equal terms with its competitors, beautifully designed and built with the criterion. A choice to definitely consider.
Giuseppe Castelli for Remusic (Italy)

"The difficult controllable AKG 240DF headphone gave no problems, on the contrary we they never sounded so good"

In most situations, the dac212 will be used as DAC for digital signals via the S/PDIF, TOS-link or USB inputs. But the in the ESS9018 integrated volume control makes it possible to also use it as a preamp. We have also tried this capability. The very low impedance line outputs are capable to drive preamp flawlesly . Although the purist will abhor a volume control in the digital signal process, with the all the best will in the world we could not detect any adverse influence.
And we have experienced this differently with several competitors.
It remains to mention that also the headphone output is of high class.
The difficult controllable AKG 240DF headphone gave no problems, on the contrary we they never sounded so good.
Bert Oling for HVT (the Netherlands)

DAC212
specifications

General & Inputs

Display: Matrix display
Switch: capacitive touch
Mains: 100-240VAC
Inputs:
1. XLR AES/EBU
2. 2 RCA coaxial
3. Toslink
4. USB audio input
5. I2S over HDMI
6. DiDiT link 3.5mm mini-jack
7. USB data for software updates
Supported formats: PCM, DSD
Supported Sample Rates PCM:
- 44.1kHz to 384Khz
Supported Sample Rates DSD, DXD:
- DSD64 to DSD512, DXD352.8
Optional slot
Ambiant light sensor
Aluminium remote control for basic functions

Measured Performance

THD+N: 0.00035% @ 100kOhm
Linearity: +/- 0.5dB by -115 dBFS
S/N ration: -135dB @1kHz full scale
122dB (A weighted)
XLR Output Level: 0 dBFS: 4.0 VRMS
XLR Output Level: +6 dBFS: 8.0 VRMS
unbalanced XLR Output Level:
0 dBFS: 2.0 VRMS
unbalanced XLR Output Level:
+6 dBFS: 4.0 VRMS
DC Offset: 0.1mV
Frequency Response:
DC to 50kHz +/- 0.1dB
DC to 90kHz -3dB
Total jitter measured at output: 48picoseconds RMS
Output: DC coupled
Output Impedance: 1.6Ohm @ 1kHz Max.
Output Current: 1.0A

Dimensions

212mm x 212mm x 45mm (W x L x H)
Weight: 2.7kg