CEN.GRAND DSDAC1.0 Standard Model (DAC)
The CEN.GRAND DSDAC 1.0 is a cutting-edge DSD audio DAC, developed over five years of dedicated R&D. It is available in three models: the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model, and the Deluxe Model. The DSDAC 1.0 incorporates three advanced technologies to minimize jitter and ensure precise digital-to-analog conversion:
High-Precision Algorithm for DSD Frequency Raising
Synchronous Direct Clock
Clock-Blocking Technology
Unlike conventional DACs, the DSDAC 1.0 is built on advanced DSD principles and features numerous proprietary innovations. It abandons traditional D/A conversion chips, using FPGA and discrete components for digital processing instead. The DSDAC 1.0 can upscale all input signals, whether PCM or DSD64, to DSD1024 before D/A conversion. For input data exceeding DSD128, it also offers the option to bypass upscaling for direct output.
The high-precision DSD frequency-raising algorithm is a complex mathematical process that the DSDAC 1.0 executes with exceptional accuracy. A year after the release of the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model was introduced, delivering further enhancements in performance.
Available to ship in ~14 days. Free shipping across Australia.
The CEN.GRAND DSDAC 1.0 is a cutting-edge DSD audio DAC, developed over five years of dedicated R&D. It is available in three models: the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model, and the Deluxe Model. The DSDAC 1.0 incorporates three advanced technologies to minimize jitter and ensure precise digital-to-analog conversion:
High-Precision Algorithm for DSD Frequency Raising
Synchronous Direct Clock
Clock-Blocking Technology
Unlike conventional DACs, the DSDAC 1.0 is built on advanced DSD principles and features numerous proprietary innovations. It abandons traditional D/A conversion chips, using FPGA and discrete components for digital processing instead. The DSDAC 1.0 can upscale all input signals, whether PCM or DSD64, to DSD1024 before D/A conversion. For input data exceeding DSD128, it also offers the option to bypass upscaling for direct output.
The high-precision DSD frequency-raising algorithm is a complex mathematical process that the DSDAC 1.0 executes with exceptional accuracy. A year after the release of the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model was introduced, delivering further enhancements in performance.
Available to ship in ~14 days. Free shipping across Australia.
The CEN.GRAND DSDAC 1.0 is a cutting-edge DSD audio DAC, developed over five years of dedicated R&D. It is available in three models: the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model, and the Deluxe Model. The DSDAC 1.0 incorporates three advanced technologies to minimize jitter and ensure precise digital-to-analog conversion:
High-Precision Algorithm for DSD Frequency Raising
Synchronous Direct Clock
Clock-Blocking Technology
Unlike conventional DACs, the DSDAC 1.0 is built on advanced DSD principles and features numerous proprietary innovations. It abandons traditional D/A conversion chips, using FPGA and discrete components for digital processing instead. The DSDAC 1.0 can upscale all input signals, whether PCM or DSD64, to DSD1024 before D/A conversion. For input data exceeding DSD128, it also offers the option to bypass upscaling for direct output.
The high-precision DSD frequency-raising algorithm is a complex mathematical process that the DSDAC 1.0 executes with exceptional accuracy. A year after the release of the Standard Model, the Super Clock Model was introduced, delivering further enhancements in performance.
Available to ship in ~14 days. Free shipping across Australia.
Difference Between the DSDAC 1.0 Standard Model and Super Clock Model
Enhanced Clock System:
The Super Clock Model features a more advanced clock system, achieving an RMS jitter as low as 100 femtoseconds (fs), significantly reducing timing inaccuracies for improved audio performance.Upgraded Components:
The Super Clock Model uses premium components to further enhance its audio fidelity compared to the Standard Model.Unique Identifier:
A special “Super Clock Model” mark is located on the back of the unit for easy identification.
1. R&D Background
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) audio coding provides near-perfect sound reproduction but comes with significant technical challenges. Its unique sonic characteristics have attracted a loyal following among audiophiles over the past decade. Today, more than 10,000 SACD albums have been released globally, forming a valuable musical archive.
However, due to limited disc storage capacity, SACDs use the DSD64 format, a lower-frequency variant of DSD. This introduces issues such as low D/A conversion accuracy and the presence of out-of-band noise (frequencies above 23kHz). To address these, most SACD players convert DSD64 to PCM before D/A conversion, diminishing DSD's inherent advantages. This was a key factor in SACD's competition with CDs.
With advancements in DSD coding and FPGA technologies, raising DSD frequencies (e.g., from 2.8224 MHz to much higher rates) has become feasible. Higher frequencies enhance D/A accuracy and shift out-of-band noise to levels that are easier to filter. These breakthroughs inspired us to develop a high-precision DSD frequency-raising algorithm.
2. R&D History
DSD technology remains largely proprietary, with limited publicly available information. Through extensive research, we developed a proprietary algorithm for precise frequency raising. In parallel, we introduced two novel clock technologies: Synchronous Direct Clock and Clock Blocking.
The analog circuit plays a crucial role in any DAC. Even the most advanced digital processing can be undermined by poor analog design. Our R&D team spent nearly a year designing and refining the analog circuit architecture, completing over 20 iterations. After extensive adjustments, the DSDAC 1.0 achieved reference-level performance.
3. Core Technologies
High-Precision Frequency-Raising Algorithm
The core of the DSDAC 1.0, this algorithm transforms all input signals—including PCM and DSD64—into high-frequency DSD1024 for D/A conversion. This complex mathematical solution significantly enhances audio fidelity, positioning the DSDAC 1.0 as a leader in audio DAC technology.
Synchronous Direct Clock Technology
The DSDAC 1.0's built-in femtosecond clock is sent directly to the shift register without intermediate conversions, ensuring that its precision directly benefits the analog output. Unlike conventional setups that use external femtosecond clocks or built-in crystal oscillators, this approach eliminates the additive jitter caused by frequency dividers.
Clock Blocking Technology
This innovation isolates the DAC from external clock signals, ensuring that only the internal clock drives the system. As a result, the performance of the DAC remains unaffected by pre-device clocks (e.g., digital turntables or CD players). This synchronization method avoids the sound quality degradation associated with ASRC systems, solving a longstanding problem in digital audio.
Advanced USB Interface
The DSDAC 1.0 supports native DSD playback and offers two input modes:
SPDIF: Accepts DSD64 in DOP mode.
USB: Accepts DSD512 in native mode using a customized XMOS XU208 solution with ground isolation, effectively minimizing interference from source devices.
Functional Parameters
SPDIF Sampling Rate: PCM 192 kHz / DOP64 (AES, Optical Fiber, Coaxial, BNC)
USB Sampling Rate: PCM384 / DSD512 (Native Mode)
Output Interface: 1 pair XLR, 1 pair RCA
Output Level: 5.0V RMS (XLR), 2.5V RMS (RCA)
Volume Control Range: -70 dB to 0 dB
Dimensions: 430 × 360 × 100 mm
Net Weight: 10.6 kg
Gross Weight: 13.3 kg
