It's unprecedented. There has never been a true bit-perfect 384K asynchronous USB 2.0 DAC until now.

When we say unprecedented, we really mean it. Among its patent-pending technologies, Da Vinci
boasts 40 ultra-low noise power regulators, dedicated digital power, a three layer buffer,
3X Clocking, and a proprietary APU.

The Story

When we set out to design Da Vinci, we wanted the resulting audio
playback to be as close to an analog source as possible. We decided
that using any digital source as our reference was unacceptable.
Analog was the only way to go. So our dream team assembled a
reference system that is a good representation of true high-end,
which included a Clearaudio turntable, an SME tonearm, a Koetsu
Rosewood cartridge, and an Aesthetix tube phono amplifier. We used
this setup through all stages of our research and development process,
comparing it to Da Vinci the whole way through.

The Difference

Automatic LSB Correction
As we made our way through research and development, we found a
problem that appeared in our first beta product. Upon further research,
we learned that this problem effects every current DAC on the market: the
Least Significant Bit (LSB) extension error. LSB is a mathematical error that
occurs when you play 16 or 24 bit digital files that causes a mismatch of up to 3%
in every note you hear. Da Vinci solves this problem, at the expense of APU power, by
automatically detecting the problem and correcting it in each music sample.

The Search for Precision Timing
Timing is everything! To ensure our converter is not influenced by computer speed fluctuations and runs at a perfectly constant speed, Light Harmonic developed a proprietary and patent-pending 3L Buffer (three layers). Similar technology is utilized in many of today's high-speed CPUs; this is the first time such a design has been applied to audio.

Our 3X Clock architecture divides the tasks that are typically handled by one clock into three: one for 44.1K audio, another for 48K audio, and another for USB signal transmission. Additionally, we use only the best non-phase-locked loop (PLL) clocks and situate them in close physical proximity to the analog conversion module. We use advanced computer simulation and PCB modeling to ensure that every transmission length of each digital audio signal is identical, with a maximum possible error of one one-thousandth of an inch.

No Up-sampling!
It seems that 99% of the DAC manufacturers in our industry up-sample and over-sample. While engaging in this activity makes numbers appear impressive, we've found that it never sounds quite right. During Da Vinci's R&D, we attempted to make the industry's best up-sampler using the best delta sigma conversion technology we could imagine with a finely tuned digital filter. We scrapped the results because they just couldn't compete with our analog reference. In the end, we stuck to our guns: bit-perfection all the way!

Core DAC Conversion
Da Vinci refrains from using any common delta sigma IC for its core digital to analog conversion modules. Instead, we use a low noise, precision resistor ladder architecture with a complex programmable logic device (CPLD) and parallel mechanisms for core conversion. It uses 8 of the finest shunt local regulators we could build. The result: the most precise conversion possible.

Patent Pending Duet Engine
Our Duet Engine uses sophisticated aligned analog interpolation to effectively double low sampling rates. It does this without the use of digital up-sampling, over-sampling, or digital filters. This technology is especially apparent when listening to Red Book CDs. Putting the Duet Engine to work gives you smoother highs and eliminates the need for the notorious brick-wall filter.

Pristine Analog Output
In perfecting the conversion technology necessary to meet our goals, we didn't forget the analog output. Instead of opting for negative feedback, off-the-shelf IC or Op amps, we created a truly unique and proprietary analog stage— a dual mono, all discrete, balanced, non-negative feedback, single ended transistor with JFET buffer output. This output buffer, running in high bias, pure class A, has far less high order harmonic distortions than other designs that are on the market. And contrary to the standard and easy solution that others employ, Da Vinci doesn’t have any op amps for the analog stage.

While this design sacrifices what we consider to be synthetically impressive measurements, we’ve found that it offers a more natural sound, specifically in the high frequency range.

Six Piece CNC-milled Aluminum Chasis
We put in tremendous effort building and designing the best DAC chassis in the industry. It is constructed of CNC-milled aerospace-grade 6061-T6 aluminum blocks— a feature that provides exceptional thermal stability, RFI/EMI shielding, and resonance control. Between each layer of the chassis, special damping materials are used to minimize internal vibration. Weighing in at over 50 pounds, and thanks to its unique shape, Da Vinci effectively eliminates vibrations from outside sources as well.

Multistage Isolated Power
One look at Da Vinci and the first thing you notice is its unique shape. While it is aesthetically pleasing to look at, its two-piece design serves a very important purpose: power isolation and heat control.

All power supplies are isolated in the lower half of Da Vinci's two-piece chassis. The power chassis houses all AC to DC conversions, digital power, display and control power, analog power, clock power, and conversion power. It also houses a uniquely shaped heat sink that ensures Da Vinci runs within very specific heat tolerances.

To minimize AC and inter-modulation noises, Da Vinci uses 8 discrete shunt regulators in our core digital conversion module, 3 nano-volt noise regulators in the clock power circuit, 5 high precision regulators in the USB module, and 8 high-current discrete shunt regulators for each channel of the analog output and buffer. In all, there are over 40 high quality regulators, from top to bottom, in a single machine. And to keep EMI to an absolute minimum, Da Vinci employs an R-Core transformer.

Conclusion

Da Vinci is the culmination of thousands of hours of research and development by a team of engineers and designers that are dedicated to making the best digital to analog converter on the planet. The results are stunning.

Da Vinci's most significant characteristics are its lifelike soundstage, coherence, transparency, and best-in-class noise floor. When we set out to design Da Vinci, we wanted the resulting audio playback to be as close to an analog source as possible. We believe we've accomplished our goal and offer it to you now.

To try Da Vinci out for yourself, we invite you to visit your local dealer.