B.dac EX
DAC / STREAMER / SERVER
The B.dac EX adds streaming and acoustic correction functionalities to the B.dac, our award wining reference D/A converter. These include a network input, as well as a USB slot for direct connection of storage media. Additionally, a DSP-based acoustic correction feature offers a wide range of possibilities for adjusting to the listening environment.
Its perfect balance and absence of coloration allow the B.dac EX to integrate seamlessly into any existing audio system. The recordings are rendered with a high degree of finesse, in a natural and realistic way, no matter the musical style.
Full elimination of source jitter
The B.dac EX incorporates our patented SJR “Source Jitter Removal” technology. This unique process totally eliminates the temporal inaccuracies that are inherent to digital signal transmission. It provides the best possible D/A conversion, from every source.
Design
Reflecting its exclusivity the B.dac EX relies on a modern and sleek design. The machined aluminium front panel integrates high quality ball-bearing mounted rotary knobs.
Power supply
The B.dac EX features two distinct toroidal transformers: one designated for the digital domain, and another for the analog domain.
To prevent any risk of interference, there is one dedicated regulation per stage (DSP, clock, DAC, output stages, DC servo, etc.)
Upsampling
Carefully designed upsampling filters are a must have on any high performance DAC.
The B.dac EX makes use of a custom designed convolution engine implemented in a built-in DSP dedicated to this task. This permits to implement an in-house developed linear phase filter with reduced pre-ringing artifacts, preserving the transient response.
Output stage
To keep the accuracy of the signal shape, low phase deviation filters are implemented. This results in preserving dynamics and micro-information.
Network functionalities
The available features include:
– access to streaming services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify …) via compatible iOS and Android applications
– compatibility with protocols UPnP, MPD, LMS, NAA, Roon, Airplay, Spotify
– playback of various formats: PCM up to 384kHz / DXD / DoP / native DSD up to DSD 256
– integrated UPnP server (makes data stored on USB media accessible over the network)
Acoustic correction
The onboard DSP features parametric acoustic correction to help make the most of the room and speakers. In-house developed, this functionality is based on a 64-bit architecture. The overall gain is determined automatically without user intervention, which guarantees the absence of saturation regardless of the parameters used. These specific features preserve the signal quality, thereby ensuring an optimal result.
Remote control
Each B.dac EX comes with a custom-made remote control made of massive aluminium.
REVIEWS
Hi-fi+ Editor’s choice Award
Learn more here:
https://www.b-audio.com/media/hi-fi+_230_Editor_Choice_AWARD-Digital-B-Audio.pdf
Hi-Fi+ – DAC of the year / Highly Commended Award
Learn more here:
https://www.b-audio.com/media/HiFi+202_Awards_DAC_B-Audio.pdf
HI-FI+ – B.dac EX review
Read the review here:
https://www.b-audio.com/media/HiFi+201_B-Audio_B_DAC_EX_review.pdf
6Moons – B.dac EX review
Read the review here:
https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/b-audio/
B.dac review by L’Audio Expérience
Read the review here:
http://www.laudioexperience.fr/b-dac-de-b-audio-le-dac-au-parfait-equilibre/
Grand Frisson award by l’Audiophile Magazine
Read the review here:
https://www.b-audio.com/media/Test_B_DAC_L_Audiophile_Magazine.pdf
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL | |
Power supply | Factory set : 220-230V or 100-115V, 50-60Hz |
Dimensions | 450x375x91mm |
Weight | 7,4kg |
TECHNICAL | |
Power stage total capacity | > 80 000µF |
Power stage regulation | custom designed |
Conversion type | multibit sigma-delta |
Clock management | patented SJR technology |
STREAMER / SERVER | |
Connectors | 1x RJ45, 1x USB DATA |
Streaming protocols | UPnP, MPD, LMS, NAA, Roon, Airplay access to streaming services (Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, …) via compatible iOS and Android applications |
Supported formats | PCM up to 384kHz / DXD / DoP / native DSD up to DSD 256 gapless playback with compatible control applications |
Integrated music server | UPnP / Openhome compliant |
ACOUSTIC CORRECTION | |
Architecture | 64-bit DSP |
Specifications | 8x parametric filters with automatic gain adjustment |
DIGITAL IN | |
Connectors | 2x SPDIF, 2x Toslink, 1x AES/EBU, 1x USB (type B) |
USB (type B) | |
operating mode | asynchronous |
Supported format | PCM (incl. DXD), DSD, DSD over PCM (DoP) |
Sample rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz (DXD), 384kHz |
Word length (PCM) | 16, 24, 32 bits |
Data rate (DSD) | 2.8224MHz (DSD64), 5.7648MHz (DSD128), 11.2896MHz (DSD256) |
Data rate (DSD over PCM) | 2.8224MHz (DSD64), 5.7648MHz (DSD128) |
SPDIF and AES/EBU | |
Supported format | PCM |
Sample rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
Word length (PCM) | 16, 24 bits |
Toslink | |
Supported format | PCM |
Sample rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz |
Word length (PCM) | 16, 24 bits |
ANALOG OUT | |
Balanced | |
Connectors | XLR |
Output impedance: | 100 Ohms |
Unbalanced | |
Connectors | RCA |
Output impedance: | 75 Ohms |