1 piece available immediately. New condition with warranty.

DAC /  Preamplifier (1x SABRE32 ES9038Q2M)

An old-school DAC / preamplifier

We don't use DSP to oversample or post-process the original digital signal. And we haven't placed a tube output in parallel with a solid-state output to sweeten the analog signal and attract attention. Instead, the Composer 3X Performance faithfully reproduces everything from MP3s to native DSD512, without bass boost or sugarcoating.

Featuring a powerful SABRE32/ESS9038Q2M DAC chip, a minimal signal path, and a powerful power supply, the Composer follows an old-school design approach and reproduces the original with the utmost precision.

The power to connect

The Composer features excellent digital connectivity. Equipped with the Qualcomm/CSR8675 [+] Learn more Bluetooth receiver (24-bit/96 kHz / AptxHD) and the XMOS USB receiver (PCM 768 kHz / DSD 512), the Composer connects seamlessly to all PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Maximum performance

The Composer is a testament to the "less is more" design approach. A short signal path ensures accuracy, and clean performance ensures transparency.

The Composer's entire audio signal path is about the size of two postage stamps. This fully balanced, symmetrical signal path is free of inferior IC op amps. Instead, it uses discrete Burson V6Vivid operational amplifiers, widely considered the best-sounding in the world.

Power supply quality is as important to audio amplification as boiling water. That's why we dedicate the rest of the product's footprint to power regeneration. The Composer features four Burson-developed Max Current Power Supplies (MCPS). They boost the voltage frequency from 50 Hz to 170 kHz, pushing noise beyond the range of human hearing. The result is a transparent sound with incredible micro-detail.

Sophisticated preamplifier

The Composer is also a phenomenal preamplifier with low output impedance and two gain stages, making it the perfect partner for all amplifiers and active speakers.

Opamp rolling fun

The Composer 3X Performance comes with discrete Burson V6 Vivid op amps. But don't let us or anyone else dictate your listening experience. The Composer promotes op amp rolling with gold-plated DIP8 sockets along the signal path. With hundreds of audio op amps available, you have the freedom to tailor your listening experience to your preferences.

A timeless classic

But wait a minute! Don't many high-end DACs use ESS9038 and XMOS, and many DACs claim to use high-end components? Without a glowing tube output, a porthole to look through, and a fancy DSP selling point, what makes the Composer unique?

Every music composer works with the same set of notes. Those with the right focus and experience create timeless classics by arranging them in the right way. Those who want to shock and garner "likes," who compile drafts with the help of focus groups instead of using their heart, usually create something forgettable. The Composer 3X Performance is excellent because we did the hard work. It sounds incredibly old-school, and we know it's a classic.

Technical details

• 38 kOhms
• Frequency response: ± 1 dB 0 – 58Khz
• THD: <0.0017% Power Cable
• Output impedance (Pre Out / DAC Out): 10 Ohm / 25 Ohm
• Inputs: USB, Optical Toslink, BlueTooth 5.0, microphone
• Outputs: 1 x XLR Pre Out / DAC Out1 x RCA Pre Out / DAC Out
• Channel Separation: 142dB @ 1KHz, 135dB @ 20KHz
• THD+N: 0.0005% @ 1KHz, 0dBFS
• COAX & Toslink / SPDIF: up to 24bit 192K
• PCM Support: PCM ≤ 768kHz @ 16, 24 or 32bits
• Native DSD: Native DSD 64 / 128 / 256 / 512
• DSD over PCM: DoP64 / DoP128 / DoP256/Dop512
• Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD (Qualcomm CSR8675)
• iOS* , Android (OTG support)
• Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 Mac OS X
• Dimensions: 200mm x 250mm x 60mm

Scope of delivery

• Conductor 3X Performance (R-180X)
• remote control
• Power supply 24V
• USB-C cable

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