The DAC-60 is a digital expansion card designed by Accuphase to enhance the digital audio capabilities of its compatible preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers. This card offers an elegant solution for integrating high-quality digital inputs into existing devices, allowing audiophiles to fully enjoy their digital sources without having to replace their entire system.
The DAC-60 stands out for its versatile connectivity options. It offers three types of digital inputs:
This variety of inputs enables users to connect a wide range of digital devices, centralizing all their audio sources within their Accuphase system.
At the heart of the DAC-60 is a state-of-the-art digital-to-analog converter (DAC) utilizing Accuphase’s “2MDS+” (Multiple Delta Sigma) principle. This system employs ES9016K2M chips from ESS Technologies, renowned for their excellent sound quality and low distortion.
The 2MDS+ technology uses multiple DACs in parallel for each channel, averaging their outputs to reduce noise and distortion. This approach achieves extremely precise conversion faithful to the original signal, preserving the integrity and richness of digital music.
The DAC-60 supports a wide range of digital audio formats, ensuring compatibility with most modern sources:
This extensive compatibility allows audiophiles to fully enjoy their high-resolution audio files, whether they are 24-bit/192 kHz studio recordings or native DSD files from SACD masters.
The DAC-60 is designed to integrate seamlessly with compatible Accuphase preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers. Its installation is simple and requires no modification of the host device. Once installed, the card is automatically recognized by the device, allowing for immediate use.
On models equipped with a front-panel DAC input selector, choosing between different digital inputs is done directly from the device’s controls. For models without this feature, the DAC-60 includes an automatic selection system that detects the presence of a signal on the various inputs.
A notable advantage of the DAC-60 is its ability to communicate with the host device to display the sampling frequency of the currently playing signal. This feature allows users to easily verify that their system is correctly reading high-resolution audio files, ensuring optimal music reproduction.
True to Accuphase’s reputation for excellence, the DAC-60 features meticulous design and craftsmanship. The components used are selected for their superior audio performance, ensuring exceptional sound quality and long-term reliability.
The board uses high-quality capacitors, low-noise resistors, and optimized printed circuit tracks to minimize interference and preserve audio signal integrity.
One of the main advantages of the DAC-60 is its ability to enhance an existing audio system. By adding high-quality digital inputs to an Accuphase preamplifier or integrated amplifier, users can modernize their setup without having to replace expensive components. This modular approach allows for targeted and cost-effective audio system upgrades.
The DAC-60 is compatible with numerous models of Accuphase integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers, spanning several generations of devices. This broad compatibility reflects Accuphase’s commitment to providing long-term, scalable solutions to its customers, allowing owners of older devices to benefit from the latest advancements in digital audio technology.
The DAC-60’s compatibility extends to many Accuphase models, including the C series (preamplifiers) and E series (integrated amplifiers). It is recommended to consult the list of compatible models provided by Accuphase or contact an authorized dealer to confirm compatibility with your specific device.
No, the DAC-60 is specifically designed for use with compatible Accuphase preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers. It cannot be installed in devices from other brands.
The installation of the DAC-60 should be performed by an authorized Accuphase dealer or technician. Although the procedure is relatively simple, it requires opening the device and careful handling to avoid any damage.
The DAC-60 does not directly affect analog sources. Its role is to add high-quality digital inputs to your Accuphase device. Analog sources will continue to use the existing analog signal path of your device.
In most cases, only one DAC-60 card can be installed per device. However, some Accuphase models may accept multiple expansion cards. It is best to consult your device’s manual or contact Accuphase for specific information regarding your model.
David
Although it’s equipped with a converter that could use an update, Accuphase has made the most of this converter (one per phase) for exceptional sound quality.
Comment from August 20, 2025 — Experience from July 31, 2025
