SPL

“With the Diamond, SPL presents a DAC with integrated preamplifier for the playback of exclusively digital sources. It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kilohertz. Direct Stream Digital is supported up to a resolution of DSD256 or 11.2 megahertz.”

“Like all devices of the Professional Fidelity series, it is available with a silver, black or red front panel. Personally, I really love the design. The rounded edges of the housing harmonize perfectly with the controls on the front and their clear labeling.”

“Diamond offers each a stereo USB and AES input as well as each two optical and coaxial stereo inputs. Via USB, both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted. PCM audio is received in S/PDIF format, both coaxial (RCA), optical (Toslink F06) and balanced (AES/EBU). The source selection is done via the selection control on the front. The selected input is also shown in the dot matrix LED display: USB, COA1, COA2, OPT1, OPT2 or AES. Furthermore it is possible to connect an external word clock.”

“The volume is adjusted with a solid, milled aluminum, rotary knob. The high quality Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer gives a pleasant rotary feel. The analog volume control provides high-resolution dynamics even at low volumes.”

VOLTAiR technology:

“As with all components of the Professional Fidelity series, SPL’s VOLTAiR technology is also used for this product. The audio circuits are supplied with ±60 volts DC. This is twice the voltage used for discrete operational amplifiers and four times the voltage used for common IC-based semiconductor operational amplifiers. Due to the high operating voltage of 120 volts, VOLTAiR technology achieves exceptional technical specifications in dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom.”

“The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital-to-analog converter. It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kilohertz.”

“The Diamond features a dual low-pass filter, the DLP120. One filter is responsible for PCM and the other for DSD audio signals, since different roll-off frequencies are required. Of course, the SPL VOLTAiR technology is used here as well, which brings a plus in dynamics, headroom and sound.”

Sound:

“The strumming of the acoustic guitar was clearly accentuated, the music was free floating in the room, so to speak, a wonderful listening experience.”

“The Diamond’s very balanced, well-rounded sound is remarkable, as the music comes along very rhythmically, which makes you want to move your feed to the music.”

Conclusion:

“Richness of sound, flawless performance and dynamics are also included – together with a features set that should leave hardly any wishes unfulfilled: an almost irresistible offer.”

Tech Specs

• Type: DA Converter
• Channels: 2
• A to D: No
• D to A: Yes
• Sample Rate: Up to 768kHz
• Bit Depth: 32-bit
• Analog Outputs: 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA
• Digital Inputs: 1 x XLR (AES), 2 x Coax (S/PDIF), 2 x Optical
• USB: 1 x Type B
• Clock Inputs: 1 x Word Clock
• Clock Outputs: 1 x Word Clock
• Power Source: Standard IEC AC cable
• Height: 2.24"
• Depth: 11.81"
• Width: 11"
• Weight: 6.95 lbs.