SPL - Sound Performance Lab Director Mk2 DAC Preamplifier

SPL Director Mk2 DAC preamp

The director sets the tone.

The heart of the system is the preamplifier. With remote controllable source selection and volume control, tape monitor path, retro-look VU meter, premium DA converter and the outstanding VOLTAiR technology, the Director Mk2 ensures musical blockbusters.

From the full

The massive 45mm volume knob milled from aluminum is a haptic highlight. Its mass, combined with the Alps RK27 "Big Blue" motorized potentiometer, creates a wonderful "spoon in the honey" feel.

The red marking LED ensures good visibility of the volume parameter even in darkened environments.

remote control

The volume and source selection can be controlled remotely with any infrared remote control. The Director Mk2 learns how to communicate with it at the touch of a button.

source of joy

Up to ten (10 !) stereo sources can be connected to the Director Mk2.
Six of them are for analogue and four for digital input signals.

The source selection is shown in the dot matrix LED display: IN 1 to IN 6 for the analogue inputs. AES, USB, COAX, OPTICAL for the digital inputs. After about two seconds, the detected sampling rate is shown on the display when a digital source is selected. For example U768 = USB input with 768 kHz sample rate.

Source selection can be controlled remotely when the rotary switch is set to the Remote position.

The Director Mk2 offers two pairs of balanced inputs on XLR connectors and four standard inputs on gold-plated RCA connectors.

Four more inputs are added on the digital side. PCM audio is received in S/P-DIF format, both coaxial (Cinch), optical (Toslink F06) and balanced (AES/EBU). Both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted via USB.

Well informed

The DAC automatically adopts the sample rate and resolution of the digital playback source. No matter whether a streamer, computer or CD player is connected. No further settings are required on the Director Mk2.

The detected sample rate is shown on the dot matrix LED display. For example, U768 is an acronym for the source "USB" with a sample rate of 768 kHz.

The DAC768

The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound TM premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital/analog converter, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details.

It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bit and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is 16 times the resolution of CD. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256. In contrast to the DAC768xs, the DAC768 not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the SPL DLP120 with VOLTAiR technology.

The DLP120 (Dual Low Pass)

Any signal that is passed from a DAC chip into the analog world must be filtered through a low-pass filter. Two of these are installed in the DLP120: one for PCM and one for DSD audio signals, as different roll-off frequencies are required.

In contrast to all other DACs in the world, our analog low-pass filters use SPL VOLTAiR technology, which increases dynamics, headroom and sound.

Good old times

Two mechanical VU meters visualize the input levels for the left and right audio channel.
With the VU switch you can optimize the display for different signal levels.

posterior control

A tape monitor circuit is pretty retro.
Who still has a cassette recorder or a tape machine?
Who still loops in an equalizer?

Asked differently:
Who would like to and can't because no manufacturer offers a tape monitor circuit anymore?

So. Those who want can now again.

Today's audio levels are significantly higher than in the past and some recorders could be "run over".

Again, the Director Mk2 offers a solution. With a simple push of a button, the level to the recorder is lowered by 10 dB and raised again by 10 dB behind the recorder. Et voilà.

Everything settled - or rather Slave Thru?

The Director Mk2 has two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

One pair of outputs with XLR, the other with RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the large volume control.

However, the volume control for the cinch outputs can be switched from the signal path using the DIP switch on the rear of the device. For example, a headphone amplifier with its own volume control can be connected to it.

Everything under control - AMP CTL

The standby mode of devices with a 12V trigger input, together with the Director Mk2, can be switched on and off via AMP CTL. For example, the power amplifiers SPL Performer s800, Performer m1000 or Performer s1200 can be ideally integrated into the set-up.

Sounds good

With all devices in the Professional Fidelity series, SPL not only develops according to plan from the outset, but also by ear. Many of the basic components are mounted on the circuit boards in through-hole mounting (THT). This ensures that the components that sound best are installed.

The VOLTAiR technology

VOLTAiR is made up of the terms Volt and Air .
Volt is the unit of electrical voltage and Air is the English word for air.

VOLTAiR symbolizes the seemingly limitless dynamics resulting from the high audio tension.

120V technology is the SPL reference technology. It is unique in the world of audio because it works with a DC voltage of 120 volts. This corresponds to four times the operating voltage of IC-based semiconductor operational amplifiers. SPL calls this unmatched technology VOLTAiR technology in the Professional Fidelity series.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

120V technology operates at +/- 60V. In order to be able to handle such a high voltage, SPL has developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate at +/- 60V DC - the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. From a technical point of view, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and overload resistance. In terms of sound, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening pleasure.

Incidentally, the "120V" in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the socket. This is about the operating voltage in the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device's internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into the DC voltages required in the audio device.

comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can therefore process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. For example, if a DAC has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks in the music material would already cause clipping in the input stage of the device. All components in the audio device often work at their limit. The result is a noisy sound that causes stress and faster hearing fatigue.

Thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts, devices from SPL with VOLTAiR technology can process input levels of +32.5 dBu - i.e. offer 12 dB more headroom. As a result, all components work continuously in the optimum working range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.