Copland DAC-215

The DAC-215 from Copland is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter combined with a full preamplifier, designed for listeners who primarily use a computer as their music source. It receives audio files via an asynchronous USB input or several S/PDIF digital inputs, and restores the analogue signal both to headphones, via its front-panel output, and to a power amplifier, via its fixed or variable RCA outputs.

At the heart of the unit is a 32-bit ES9018 converter fitted in quad-mono configuration, meaning eight mono converters paired together in stereo. This architecture aims to reduce conversion noise and improve the accuracy of the restored analogue signal. At the output, the filtering section relies on a class A discrete-transistor buffer, a technology carried over from the brand's CD players, combined with an ECC88 (6DJ8 or 6922) valve gain stage that notably powers the headphone output.

On the digital side, the USB input accepts PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz as well as native DSD64 and DSD128, with internal conversion to i2s connected directly to the DAC chip. The coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs accept PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The USB section's power supply has its own transformer winding and regulated power supply, digitally isolated from the computer line to limit interference from the computer.

This DAC-215 is aimed at a user who wishes to use a computer as their main audio source, whether listening on headphones or preamplifying directly into a power stage, without a superfluous intermediate stage. The fact that it can operate in pure DAC mode, as a preamplifier with volume control, or as a standalone headphone source makes it a central piece capable of adapting to several system configurations.