Perreaux Audiant DP32
New Zealand-made preamplifier and digital-to-analogue converter built around the ESS Sabre32 ES9018 chip, for demanding audiophiles.
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Description
The Perreaux Audiant DP32 is a hybrid device that combines an analogue preamplifier and a digital-to-analogue converter within a single chassis. Designed by the New Zealand manufacturer Perreaux, it can serve as the centrepiece of a fully digital hi-fi system or as a conventional preamplifier placed ahead of a power amplifier.
The conversion core is built around the ESS Technology Sabre32 ES9018 chip, a 32-bit component recognised for its precision in signal reconstruction. The unit accepts up to six digital inputs: an AES/EBU connection, an asynchronous USB input, two coaxial inputs and two optical inputs, with resolution reaching up to 32-bit / 192 kHz (24-bit / 192 kHz via USB). This range of digital connectivity allows a network player, a CD transport or a computer to be connected alike.
On the analogue side, the DP32 features buffered inputs, available in balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA, as well as a selectable home cinema bypass that allows it to be integrated into a home cinema setup without disturbing the level settings of the other channels. Output levels are high, at 16 V RMS on XLR and 8 V RMS on RCA, allowing a comfortable gain reserve to drive power amplifiers with lower sensitivity. The signal-to-noise ratio is around 140 dB and channel separation exceeds 115 dB between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, two figures that reflect a very low noise floor and precise stereo imaging.
This preamplifier-DAC is aimed at a user wishing to simplify their setup by centralising digital conversion and analogue preamplification in a single unit, while retaining a level of performance close to high-end separate electronics. It suits both a pure stereo system and a mixed configuration combining digital sources with home cinema bypass.
Technical specifications
| Converter (DAC) | ESS Sabre32 ES9018 (32-bit) |
| Digital inputs | AES/EBU, asynchronous USB, 2 coaxial, 2 optical |
| Max resolution | 32-bit / 192 kHz (24/192 via USB) |
| Analogue inputs | Balanced XLR + unbalanced RCA (home cinema bypass) |
| Output level | 16 V RMS (XLR) / 8 V RMS (RCA) |
| Signal to noise ratio | ≈ 140 dB |
| Channel separation | > 115 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
What to check before buying used
The ESS Sabre32 chip ages well, but each digital input should be checked individually: a rarely used AES/EBU or optical connector can oxidise and cause dropouts or background noise. Also test the home cinema bypass and the XLR/RCA inputs, whose contacts can produce crackling if there is a loose connection. Finally, slight hum or loss of a channel at power-up often points to worn capacitors in the analogue stage.
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