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Graham Slee Majestic DAC Digital Stereo Preamp

Graham Slee Majestic DAC Digital Stereo Preamp
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 Graham Slee Majestic DAC Digital Stereo PreampGraham Slee Majestic DAC Digital Stereo Preamp 
£1,600.00
(£1,333.33 Exc. VAT)
  
  

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Free U.K. Delivery

Availability

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01892 532 995

  • DAC and a Pre-amp in one box
  • 3 S/PDIF coaxial inputs
  • 3 optical "toslink" inputs
  • Stereo analogue input to connect output of phono stage
  • Cool running stereo DAC voltage regulators
Graham Slee
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Why buy from us?

Graham Slee Majestic DAC - Multi-Input Stereo Digital Preamp

With a DAC and a Pre-amp in one box this is a pre-amp for the Digital Age!

More music sources today are digital, with perhaps one exception - you could also want to play vinyl records. The Majestic digital preamp/DAC was designed with this in mind.

It has three S/PDIF coaxial inputs and three optical "toslink" inputs for items like a CD player, DVD player, TV, Apple computer, DBS radio tuner, music streamer, wireless adapter - in fact, all of the digital sources that are becoming more common every day. These inputs accept up to 192kHz 24 bit on coax, and 96kHz 24 bit on optical. It also accepts USB up to 48kHz 24 bit.

But additionally, it has a stereo analogue input so you can connect the output of a phono stage, or any other line-out analogue source. Stereo analogue outputs comprise of a fixed level output that can be used with a headphone amplifier for private listening; and a balanced level-controlled output which can be used single-ended if required.

Because we've gone to serious lengths to protect signal purity, the volume is controlled manual only as preferred by a growing number of high-fidelity enthusiasts.

*Optionally we can make the fixed level output adjustable via the level control, and/or adapt optical input:1 to receive at 192kHz for only amp;pound;100 more. Please specify in writing at time of order.

Digital

The digital performance of the Majestic is as dependant on implementation as much as its chip-set. In the digital domain signal transitions are measured in nanoseconds (ns), and one nanosecond is the cycle time of a 1GHz frequency.

The Majestic stereo DAC splits switching, digital and analogue circuits between three optimised ground plane printed circuit boards, preventing ground return currents from modulating each other or transmitting themselves to different parts of the circuit.

Multiple voltage regulators (9 in total) isolate the various functions from each other.

That results in the Majestic's very low distortion, intermodulation, and appreciably low jitter (140 ns, 100Hz corner - actually measured and not quoted from the chip manufacturer's data-sheet!).

To ensure a smooth yet highly detailed analogue sound the D-A converter is run below full scale to prevent signal clipping. It is also run in hardware mode so there is no microcontroller adding its own signature through power supply modulation or interference. Even its mute function is deprecated to a manual front panel switch to remove another layer of complexity.

The Majestic stereo DAC uses a digital oversampling filter sending the Nyquist frequency to 364 kHz, thus allowing for a gentle roll-off and a more natural sounding analogue low pass filter.

Analogue

The differential DAC outputs drive modified Sallen-Key third order instrumentation amp low pass filters, so there is no analogue pass-band ripple. Phase lag reaches 45 degrees beyond audibility, yet it achieves 47dB sampling frequency attenuation.

The low pass filter and level control buffer are operated in our proprietary 'ultra-linear' mode, which sounds remarkably similar to valves (tubes), but with lower noise and distortion as well as the ability to drive much lower impedances.

The level control is a true analogue channel matched dual gang potentiometer, allowing for precise level adjustment. The scale is marked as an indication of the balanced output level. When driving 600 Ohm loads the output will be 6dB lower than indicated.

Prior to the level control an input for a stereo analogue source is provided, and for users who have only one analogue source the Majestic stereo DAC is an ideal manual operation preamp.

Cool Running

DACs operate at high current to be able to process all their digital functions. This usually means that high performance DACs run hot, but that can be disastrous for electrolytic capacitors, shortening their lifespan.

The Majestic stereo DAC voltage regulators are optimised for minimal power dissipation (but are still linear regulators) which keeps working temperatures low, prolonging lifespan, and alleviating the need for re-capping.

Shipping typically 1-3 days
  • Wolfson professional high-end WM8804/WM8741 stereo chipset. Supports 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz sampling frequencies.
  • 140 ps wideband jitter (100 Hz corner). 16 - 24 bit.
  • Input selection switches for up to 8 inputs: 3 x digital coax inputs (floating transformer coupled - accepts balanced or unbalanced) 192 kHz max.
  • 3 x digital optical inputs (Toslink) 96 kHz max. (192kHz on input 1available to special order)
  • 1 x USB input 48 kHz max.
  • 1 x stereo analogue input
  • Balanced and unbalanced (single ended) outputs: 1 x stereo analogue:
  • unbalanced output (fixed, variable option to special order).
  • 1 x stereo analogue balanced output (variable).
  • True analogue manual output-level potentiometer - gain matched to +/-
  • 0.5dB.
  • Low distortion - low noise - low negative feedback 'ultra-linear' gain stages.

Rated Output

  • Balanced, variable via level control:+8dBu/1.95V rms (into 22k Ohms); +2dBu/975mV rms (into 600 Ohms)Single Ended fixed low-level:-8dBu/309mV rms (into 22k Ohms) (Single Ended variable via level control:+2dBu/975mV rms (into 22k Ohms), *optional to order*)
  • Sensitivity for rated output:  Digital:-14 dBFS Analogue:-8dBu/309mV rms 0dBu= 774.6 mV rms
  • The following measurements taken at 24 bits and sampling rates of:  Coax inputs: 192kHz, Optical inputs: 96kHz (192 kHz to order - optical input 1)
  • USB input: 48kHz

Frequency Response: (-3dB points)

  • Coax input:11Hz - 36kHz Optical input:11Hz - 31kHz USB input:11Hz - 20kHz
  • Distortion (THD @ 1 kHz)
  • Coax inputs:0.002% Optical inputs:0.003% USB input:0.0025%
  • Distortion (THD @ 10 kHz)
  • Coax inputs:0.002% Optical inputs:0.003% USB input:0.0025%
  • Intermodulation Distortion (SMPTE)
  • Coax inputs:0.006% Optical inputs:0.014% USB input:0.008%
  • Dynamic Range (AES17)
  • Coax inputs:98dB Optical inputs:100dB USB input:96dB
  • Signal to Noise Ratio (A wtd.)
  • Coax inputs:<102dB Optical inputs:103dB USB input:96dB

Jitter

  • Wideband:100Hz corner (AES 117): 140 ps

Dimensions

  • Width:174; Height: 57; Depth: 188 (mm) Weight:2.6 kg packed - with PSU1, DC and power cords

UK Delivery

  • FREE delivery via DPD Local By 12pm on orders to value over £300, including one hour delivery window service 'Predict & Follow My Parcel'.
  • Royal Mail Special Delivery By 1pm costs between £5.00 - £10.00 on orders to value under £300, dependent on weight.
  • Saturday or Sunday delivery available upon request for supplemental charge.

EU Delivery

  • £25 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Road service (5-7 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
  • £50 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Air service  (2-3 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

USA & Canada Delivery

  • Services based on your order being shipped to the U.S. and Canada are calculated as follows:
    £100 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL international 'Day Definite' service per parcel.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

Exceptions

  • Not all products are available for order into Europe, USA & Canada

WARRANTY

  • Full manufacturer's warranty on all new purchases. Standard warranty is typically 12 months to 2 years with some goods coming with 6 years manufacturer's warranty.
  • Goods purchased in UK and EU are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

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