LUXMAN DA-250 DAC

Luxman has released a new stand-alone DAC, the DA-250, to replace its DA-200. This new model handles all digital formats, including DSD 5.6MHz. The DA-250 uses a Texas Instruments’ 32-bit PCM1795 to upconvert all incoming signals to 352.8k or 384kHz/32-bit, and two different filter setting are provided, so you can switch between a 32-bit digital filter for PCM and an analog FIR filter for DSD. Low phase noise clock modules are mounted independently on both 44.1k and 48kHz channels to reduce noise around the oscillating frequency and to generate highly accurate low jitter clock signals. Luxman says it ensures the lowest jitter possible by using asynchronous communication for the USB input and a DAIR high accuracy clock for SPDIF. ‘ This new DA250 is much improved over the older DA-200 because Luxman’s engineers have focused on upgrading its sound quality, adding new features and incorporating the latest technologies,’ said Paul Clarke, of Audio Active, which distributes Luxman in Australia. ‘ One huge change is that in the new unit there are independent buffer circuits for each individual output— balanced, unbalanced, and headphone—so all can be used simultaneously without any interference between them, or any changes in sound quality.’ To ensure high-quality playback, Luxman provides its own music playback software (Luxman Audio Player) that can be used with FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV files. Luxman specifies the frequency response at 2Hz-50kHz (–3dB), THD at 0.0001% and the S/N ratio at 118dB. The unit measures 364×81×279mm (WHD) and weighs 5.4kg. It retails for $3,299 (RRP). For further information, please contact Audio Active on (03) 9699 8900 or visit the website at www.audioactive.com.au