Thrax Maximinus mk3 DAC

DAC – Silver transformers, femto clock and Roon ready

This is the original multibit DAC concept with the most sophisticated implementation and highest precision.

FEATURES

Multibit conversion
Full Diferential operation
Shunt regulated power supply
4 quadrant sign magnitude operation
8 inputs (6 +2 optional)
DSD Support
Balanced outputs on RCA or XLR (selectable)
Transformer output
No I/V conversion
No filtering after DAC
Total galvanic isolation of internal circuits from outside world
Operates at 32bit/384khz
Internal clock generators
Selectable recklocking
Selectable upsampling
Selection of 4 digital filters
Firmware upgradable
modular design for field upgrades
Sealed solid aluminium enclosure
Streaming client option
Maximinus uses a concept called R2R ladder. This is a resistor matrix that is switched for the various output levels outputting a fraction of an internal reference (much like a volume control).
In order to bring the performance of multibit DAC’s to new levels a very fast and sophisticated switching logic to control them must be implemented. The result is analog like tone and performance than what was never been achieved by legendary NOS Philips or Burr Brown chips. We use an in house developed 1ppm precision conversion module. To take advantage of the available resolution and bandwidth we had to implement a state of the art digital pre-processing.
This is a suite of algorithms that would apply digital filtering and up sampling to the incoming data stream. After processing a 16bit 44.1kHz CD data stream it is converted to 32bit 352.8kHZ data fed directly to the DAC. This greatly improves low-level resolution and the sense of space. The process is all user controllable and defeatable for purist and non-oversampling use.
Apart from taking the uncompromising approach to the data processing we have taken exceptional care with the construction and operation of each circuit within the DAC and to make your investment future proof for new technology development we have provided 2 internal slots for options to be used when the time calls for it. We have no reconstruction filter at the DAC output providing the cleanest possible output signal.

We use a transformer matching the impedance of the converter resistors to the outside world and isolating them from external influence. We use transformer or optical decoupling of all inputs and outputs, meaning that contaminated ground connection and other interfering signals don’t make it to the inside of the unit. Each block in the DAC: the Converters, Clock, DSP and Control logic have floating ground planes and our unique constant current regulator technology. Then the whole assembly is mounted in a solid aluminum case for vibration damping and EMI/RFI screening following the same construction concept as our preamplifiers.
It’s a different league from all currently available high end DAC’s hence the name of a Roman Emperor.