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Compared with the MSB Signature DAC, the Diamond DAC IV offers:

  • 2 More Bits of Resolution -- You might think one more bit of resolution is just a little thing, but it actually doubles the size of the DAC. Our standard Platinum DAC has two 24 bit sign-magnitude DACs per channel resulting in 25 bits of resolution. The signature DAC has two 24 bit four-quadrant DACs per channel resulting in 25 bits of resolution and improved accuracy. The Diamond DAC contains four 26 bit DACs per channel for a true 27 bit resolution with greatly improved accuracy.
  • New Data Format -- The Diamond DAC has a new internal data format which results in a lower digital noise feedthrough.
  • Hand Shielding -- So here is the story with shielding. As electrical noise is minimized magnetic and temperature effects begin to dominate. The Diamond performance has reached a place where the remaining noise is magnetic in nature. Stray magnetic fields are unpredictable. Fortunately an amazing nickel alloy exists with which shunts magnetic fields about a hundred times more effectively than steel. The Diamond DAC modules themselves are made of this material, and shields are installed in the power supply, over the critical clocks, and around the volume controls. Then we set the unit up to our measurement system and begin the process of optimization. Each unit is a little different, so we work out what shields should be put where to get the best possible result. Remember that this material shunts magnetic fields so more is not always better. Just the right size shield must be put in just the right place. The result is stunning, with noise reductions of 10 or 15 dB!
  • Great Resistor Accuracy -- A precision resistor is defined as a 1% resistor, meaning its actual value falls within 1% of the nominal value. In our Diamond DAC modules, we have precise resistors made especially for us by a high-tech aerospace supplier, that are orders of magnitude more accurate. This DAC will never be mass produced and will never be affordable, but for those who want and can afford the best, MSB has set a new benchmark of performance. And on top of all that, these resistors are completely microphonic resistant (They are not sensitive to vibration).
  • Half the Output Impedance The Diamond DAC has an output impedance of 250 ohms, half that of the Signature DAC. Half the impedance means twice the output current and twice the noise immunity.
  • Greater Reliability and Temperature Insensitivity -- The Diamond DAC Motherboard, volume controls and DAC modules are coated with a low dielectric conformal coating that makes them impervious to surface contamination, moisture effects, ionic contamination and reduces sensitivity to vibration.
  • Clock Optimization -- The Diamond DAC was the first MSB DAC to make full use of the new differential clocking method employed in the DAC IV. As a result, no other MSB DAC modules will work in the Diamond DAC and the Diamond DAC modules cannot be used in older MSB DACs. This method results in lower jitter and higher sample rate capability.