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+ – 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