Audio Research DAC 9 Tube DAC

For decades, Audio Research has pursued a singular goal: to bring recorded music to life with a sense of realism that transcends the equipment. The DAC 9 is the embodiment of that philosophy for the digital age. It is a component designed not just to convert data, but to uncover the soul within the ones and zeros. By marrying a state-of-the-art, high-resolution digital engine with a pure vacuum-tube analog output stage, the DAC 9 bridges the gap between technical precision and human emotion. It delivers a sound that is incredibly resolving yet utterly natural, dimensional, and free from digital fatigue. This is not just a digital-to-analog converter; it is a musical instrument.

Key Features

• Pure Tube Analog Stage: The analog amplifier is a pure Class-A, zero-feedback circuit featuring two 6H30 vacuum tubes for their natural, dynamic, and musically engaging sound.
• Quad DAC Architecture: Utilizes four 24-bit D/A converters running in mono mode to lower the noise floor and increase dynamic range for breathtaking clarity.
• Native High-Resolution Playback: Supports native DSD playback and PCM sample rates up to 384 kHz without any conversion, preserving the integrity of the original file.
• Custom-Selectable Digital Filters: Offers a choice of fast, slow, and sharp digital filters, allowing you to tailor the sound to your personal preference and system synergy.
• Crystal-Controlled Oscillators: Dual master oscillators for 44.1/88.2/176.4 and 48/96/192kHz sample rates ensure the lowest possible jitter for pristine timing and focus.
• Comprehensive Digital Inputs: A complete suite of five digital inputs, including asynchronous USB 2.0HS, AES/EBU, RCA, and Toslink.
• Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs: Provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs for universal compatibility with any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
• Robust Power Supply: Features a regulated power supply with seven distinct regulation stages for pure, stable power to all circuits.
• Classic Audio Research Build: Housed in the iconic chassis with a brushed aluminum faceplate, custom-machined buttons, and sturdy handles.
• Intuitive Front Panel Control: All functions, including power, mute, input selection, upsampling, and filter choice, are accessible from the front panel.
• Dimmable Display: The front panel display is easily dimmable or can be turned off completely for focused listening sessions.

The Heart of the Music: A Pure Tube Analog Stage

While the digital section is state-of-the-art, the true soul of the DAC 9 resides in its analog output stage. This is where the ones and zeros are transformed into living, breathing music. Rejecting sterile, solid-state solutions, Audio Research has engineered a pure Class-A circuit with zero negative feedback, built around a pair of 6H30 vacuum tubes. This design allows the DAC 9 to produce a sound that is dynamically alive, harmonically rich, and dimensionally holographic. It delivers the kind of natural, grain-free presentation that makes you forget you’re listening to a digital source.

Digital Precision, Unprecedented Flexibility

The DAC 9’s digital engine is a masterpiece of modern engineering. It is built upon a sophisticated Quad DAC architecture, where four 24-bit converters work in concert to dramatically lower the noise floor and increase dynamic range. This allows the most subtle details and micro-dynamics in your recordings to be revealed with stunning clarity. This powerful engine handles native DSD and PCM files up to 384kHz with ease. For the first time, Audio Research also provides user-selectable digital filters, allowing you to choose between Fast, Slow, and Sharp roll-off characteristics to perfectly tune the DAC’s presentation to your taste.

The Foundation of High Definition

A great audio component is only as good as its power supply. The DAC 9 features a robust and highly regulated power supply with seven separate stages of regulation. This ensures that each section of the converter—from the digital inputs to the critical tube analog stage—receives immaculately clean, stable, and isolated power. This fanatical attention to power purity is fundamental to achieving Audio Research's signature "High Definition" sound, providing the silent, black background from which music can emerge with startling realism and focus.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The DAC 9 is instantly recognizable as an Audio Research component, built to the same exacting standards the company has upheld for over 50 years. The chassis is robust and beautifully finished, with the classic brushed aluminum faceplate and substantial handles. Every button provides a satisfying, tactile response. This is not a product designed for obsolescence; it is a handcrafted musical instrument, built in Minnesota, USA, and designed to provide a lifetime of listening pleasure and a direct connection to your favorite artists.

The Listening Room Difference

When you shop with The Listening Room, you get more than just gear. As a third-generation, family-run business with a passion for music and decades of experience, we offer personalized service that goes far beyond the sale. Call, text, or email, and you’ll get a real human who knows this equipment inside and out. From in-store demos to curated home system design and wide-radius delivery, we’re here to help you get the absolute best out of your purchase.

Specifications