SPL Director Mk2 silver

SPL Director Mk2: The Audiophile Preamplifier with VOLTAiR Technology

The SPL Director Mk2 represents the evolution of the reference preamplifier Director from the German brand SPL (Sound Performance Lab). This stereo preamplifier combines extensive connectivity with a high-performance digital-to-analog converter. Made in Germany, it stands out for its VOLTAiR 120V technology, which provides exceptional dynamic characteristics and a highly precise soundstage. Available in black, silver, or red aluminum finishes, its retro design with mechanical VU meters gives it a unique charm that will appeal to the most demanding audiophiles.

An Elegant Design Combining Retro Aesthetics and Modern Functionality

The Director Mk2 features a 278 mm front panel with rounded edges, adorned with a matrix LED display and two old-school mechanical analog VU meters that display input levels from -20 dB to +5 dB. These VU meters are not merely decorative: they allow precise visualization of input signal levels with three selectable positions (0 dB, +6 dB, +12 dB).

The centerpiece of the front panel is undoubtedly the massive 45 mm volume knob, machined from aluminum. This knob, paired with the motorized Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer, offers an exceptional tactile feel, often described as a “spoon in honey” effect. A red LED marks the volume position, ensuring good visibility even in dark environments.

Source selection and volume adjustment can be controlled remotely thanks to a learning function that allows the Director Mk2 to work with any infrared remote control. This feature is activated with the press of a button, making daily use particularly convenient.

Exceptional Connectivity for the Heart of Your System

The Director Mk2 can accommodate up to ten different stereo sources, making it truly the heart of your audio system. Six inputs are dedicated to analog signals: four standard gold-plated RCA inputs and two balanced inputs on XLR connectors.

For digital sources, four additional inputs are available: AES/EBU (XLR), USB, coaxial, and optical. The matrix LED display indicates the selected source and the detected sampling rate after about two seconds. For example, “U768” means the USB input is receiving a 768 kHz signal.

On the output side, the Director Mk2 offers two pairs of stereo outputs: one balanced pair on XLR and one pair on RCA. These two outputs can be used simultaneously, for example, to drive a pair of speakers via one output and a subwoofer via the other. The volume of both outputs is jointly controlled by the main adjustment.

A notable feature is the inclusion of a Tape Monitor function, often omitted in modern preamps, which allows the connection of an analog recorder or an external equalizer. This function includes a -10 dB attenuation to prevent overloading modern recorders.

VOLTAiR Technology: A Unique Approach for Superior Sound Quality

SPL’s exclusive VOLTAiR technology is one of the major assets of the Director Mk2. Unlike most audio devices that operate at a voltage of around ±15V, the Director Mk2 uses an internal voltage of ±60V. This high voltage has a significant impact on dynamic range, distortion limits, and signal-to-noise ratio.

Dynamic values reach 137.6 dB in analog and 120.8 dB in digital, with an impressive bandwidth of 4 Hz to 300 kHz. This technology allows the Director Mk2 to handle peaks up to +17 dB, with an additional margin of over 15 dB, as clips can exceed the input level of +32.5 dB.

The linear power supply with a shielded toroidal transformer ensures stability and signal purity, essential elements for high-fidelity sound reproduction.

A Reference Digital-to-Analog Converter

The latest version of the Director Mk2 (Mk2.2) integrates the DAC768v2, equipped with the AKM AK4493 chip, replacing the AK4490 Velvet Sound from previous versions. This high-end converter supports PCM audio with a 32-bit resolution and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, 16 times the resolution of a standard CD.

The Director Mk2 is also compatible with DSD formats via USB, up to DSD512. The DAC automatically detects the sampling rate and resolution of the digital source, whether it’s a computer, CD player, or another device, without requiring additional configuration.

Analog filtering uses VOLTAiR technology to ensure better dynamics and increased sound precision. This combination of high-end components and advanced technologies allows the Director Mk2 to reproduce the finest sound details with remarkable fidelity.

Advanced Features for Optimal System Integration

The Director Mk2 offers several features that facilitate its integration into complex audio systems. A DIP switch on the back of the device allows the volume control to be separately disabled for the RCA and XLR outputs, transforming the respective output into a “Slave Thru.” This option is particularly useful for connecting a headphone amplifier with its own volume control.

Since hardware revision 2.2, the Director Mk2 also includes a home theater bypass function. This feature allows the preamplifier to be used in combination with a multichannel home theater system. The left and right channels of the home theater system can simply be connected to input 6 of the Director Mk2, and when bypass is activated, this input is no longer affected by the preamplifier’s volume control.

The amplifier control output (AMP CTL) allows devices equipped with a 12V trigger input, such as SPL Performer s800, m1000, or s1200 power amplifiers, to be put into standby mode. This feature greatly simplifies power management for a complete audio system.

Sound Quality That Wins Over Everyone

The Director Mk2 received the prestigious Diapason d’Or in 2020, a recognition of its exceptional sound quality. Listening reviews highlight its very open, quiet, and truly three-dimensional character. No artifice, no veil, no coloration comes between the listener and the music.

The terms frequently used in listening descriptions are “smoothness,” “sensuality,” “fineness,” and “realism.” The Director Mk2 conveys recordings in all their truth, without filters, revealing an approach where honesty and accuracy are paramount. Vocals are particularly well-rendered, providing intense emotion, while instruments like the piano are reproduced with striking presence.

This exceptional sound quality results from rigorous technical choices. Many important components are installed on the printed circuit boards using through-hole technology, allowing SPL engineers to select components that offer the best sound quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Director Mk2 and the original Director?
The Director Mk2 is an evolution of the reference preamplifier Director. It now offers compatibility with higher sampling rates (up to 32-bit/768 kHz) and DSD formats up to DSD512. The latest version (Mk2.2) also integrates the AKM AK4493 chip, replacing the AK4490 from previous versions, for even better digital-to-analog conversion performance.

Can I use any remote control with the Director Mk2?
Yes, the Director Mk2 can be controlled with any infrared remote control. The device features a simple learning function that allows it to memorize the commands of your existing remote. This functionality is activated with the press of a button and enables remote control of volume and source selection.

What is VOLTAiR technology and what are its benefits?
VOLTAiR technology is exclusive to SPL and uses an internal voltage of ±60V, far higher than the usual ±15V. This high voltage significantly improves the dynamic range (137.6 dB in analog), reduces distortion, and increases the signal-to-noise ratio. The result is a more natural, detailed, and dynamic sound reproduction.

How can I integrate the Director Mk2 into my home theater system?
Since hardware revision 2.2, the Director Mk2 features a home theater bypass function. Simply connect the left and right channels of your home theater system to input 6 of the Director Mk2 and activate the bypass function via DIP switch 4 on the back of the device. In this mode, input 6 is no longer affected by the preamplifier’s volume control.

What are the VU meters on the front panel for?
The mechanical analog VU meters display the input signal level for both channels, from -20 dB to +5 dB. A selector allows you to choose between three positions: 0 dB, +6 dB, and +12 dB. These indicators are not merely decorative; they provide precise visualization of signal levels and help avoid saturation.

What does the Tape Monitor function mean and what is it used for?
The Tape Monitor function, often omitted in modern preamps, allows for the creation of a loop to connect an analog recorder or an external processor such as an equalizer. This function includes a -10 dB attenuation to prevent overloading modern recorders. It is particularly appreciated by audiophiles who still use tape recorders or wish to insert external processing into their audio chain.

What digital formats can the Director Mk2 handle?
The Director Mk2 can convert PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and sampling rates up to 768 kHz. It is also compatible with DSD formats via USB, up to DSD512. The DAC automatically detects the sampling rate and resolution of the digital source without requiring additional configuration.

Technical Specifications

Design and Controls

• Massive volume knob made of aluminum (45 mm)
  • Motorized with Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer
  • Red LED indicator to visualize volume in the dark
• Remote control compatible with any infrared remote
  • Simplified command learning
  • Source selection control when the rotary switch is in “Remote” position

Connectivity

• 10 stereo inputs
  • 6 analog inputs: 2 XLR (balanced) + 4 gold-plated RCA
  • 4 digital inputs: AES, USB, COAX, OPTIC
• Matrix LED display indicating source and sampling rate
  • Example: U768 = USB 768 kHz
• Variable or Slave Thru stereo outputs
  • 1 pair XLR + 1 pair RCA (controlled together)
  • Slave Thru option to connect a headphone amplifier without affecting its volume
• 12V Trigger output (AMP CTL) to turn external amplifiers on/off

Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• DAC768v2: SPL reference converter
  • AKM AK4493 SEQ chip (replaces AK4490)
  • Supports PCM 32-bit up to 768 kHz (16 times CD resolution)
  • Supports DSD up to DSD512
  • Spartan 7 FPGA (new generation)
  • SLP120 analog filtering with VOLTAiR for better dynamics and sound precision

Advanced Audio Features

• Retro mechanical VU meters for input level visualization
• Tape Monitor circuit
  • Allows connection of a tape recorder, equalizer, etc.
  • -10 dB attenuation to prevent overloading modern recorders
• Home Cinema Bypass
  • Enables integration of the Director Mk2 into a multichannel home theater system

VOLTAiR Technology and Power Supply

• VOLTAiR 120V technology
  • Provides extended dynamics, less distortion, and natural sound
  • Internal voltage of ±60V (compared to ±15V for most devices)
• Internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
  • Operating voltage for analog audio: ±60 V
  • Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: +12 V
• Mains power supply
  • Selectable mains voltage: 200–240 V AC / 50–60 Hz; 100–120 V AC / 50–60 Hz
  • Fuse for 200–240 V AC [230V]: T 500 mA 250 V (time-lag)
  • Fuse for 100–120 V AC [115 V]: T 1 A 250 V (time-lag)
  • Maximum power consumption: 40 W
  • Standby power consumption: < 0.3 W

Technical Specifications

• Analog inputs and outputs
  • Connection types: XLR (balanced), RCA
  • Input gain and maximum output: 32.5 dBu
  • Input impedance (RCA): 47 kΩ
  • Input impedance (XLR): 22 kΩ
  • Output impedance: 75 Ω
  • Common mode rejection (XLR): -81 dBu
• Audio performance
  • Frequency range (0 dBu): 10 Hz – 100 kHz
  • Crosstalk (0 dBu, 1 kHz): -103 dBu
  • THD + N (0 dBu, 1 kHz, analog): 0.0030%
  • THD + N (0 dBu, 1 kHz, digital): 0.0016%
  • Noise (A-weighted): -99 dBu
  • Dynamic range: 132 dB
• Digital inputs (DAC768 v2)
  • AES/EBU (XLR), PCM sampling rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz
  • SPDIF coaxial (RCA), PCM rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 kHz
  • SPDIF optical (Toslink F06), PCM rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz, with optical fiber < 1 m: 176.4 / 192 kHz
  • USB (B), PCM rates: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192 / 352.8 / 384 / 705.6 / 768 kHz
  • USB (B), DSD over PCM (DoP), rates: 2.8 (DSD64), 5.6 (DSD128), 11.2 (DSD256) MHz
  • 0 dBfs calibrated to 15 dBu

Dimensions and General Information

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 278 x 100 x 300 mm
• Unit weight: 4.55 kg
• Shipping weight (including packaging): 5.9 kg
• German manufacturing: designed and assembled in Germany