At a glance
- Device type
- Network DAC
- Amplifier technology
- Solid-state
- Headphone outputs
- 6.3 mm
- Built-in DAC
- Yes
- Power
- 203 mW @ 32 Ω (from 2.55 V) · 219 mW @ 300 Ω (from 8.1 V)
Weiss DAC501-4Ch "Mk2"
The powerhouse in a new version - the ultimate network renderer, DAC and headphone amplifier in a compact housing, DAC501-4Ch, with DSP for EQ and room correction on board, now with 4 Channels.
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At a glance
- Device type
- Network DAC
- Amplifier technology
- Solid-state
- Headphone outputs
- 6.3 mm
- Built-in DAC
- Yes
- Power
- 203 mW @ 32 Ω (from 2.55 V) · 219 mW @ 300 Ω (from 8.1 V)
WEISS DAC501-4Ch
Precision high-end DAC/Preamp with DSP, streaming features, and a 4-channel architecture
ACCURATE AND FLEXIBLE
The DAC501-4Ch isn’t just one of the best converters on the market, enabling a precise and emotionally engaging rendering of music.
It also includes user-configurable processing options such as room EQ, de-essing, crosstalk reduction, loudness, and vinyl emulation.
HIGH CONNECTIVITY
The DAC501-4Ch offers digital inputs in multiple formats and provides both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. All common sample rates up to 384 kHz as well as DSD x64 and x128 are supported.
In addition, the unit functions as a preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and streamer (UPnP/ROON).
The DAC501-4Ch also integrates seamlessly with the JPLAY iOS app—so you can enjoy your favorite tracks from Qobuz, Tidal, and your local library in one unified collection.
PRODUCT COMPARISON
The DAC501(-4Ch) and DAC502(-4Ch) are identical, except that the latter has a larger chassis and an additional 4-pin headphone socket on the rear panel. Both models are available in aluminum or black.
SO WHAT ARE THE 4 CHANNELS FOR?
The simple explanation is that the new DAC chip itself supports 4 channels. That alone improves the stereo signal, because two DAC channels can be used per audio channel—then, after an internal comparison, only the better signal is output.
Since the main difference in the new version is this module plus the matching software, any DAC501/502 can also be upgraded to the 4Ch version.
Beyond that, Weiss asks: what else could be possible?
Note: These are not current DAC features, but they could potentially be added via software update if there is enough interest.
- 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel rear speakers for surround playback, adding another speaker pair behind you for a more immersive sound.
- 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel front speakers at a different angle—an especially interesting setup for enveloping sound, based on a design by Swiss audio company “Pawel Acoustics”.
- 2-channel front speakers + 1-channel front center + 1-channel subwoofer. Early stereo recordings sometimes used 3 channels (L/R/Center). A center channel can greatly improve realism; the fourth channel can be configured to feed a subwoofer.
- 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel subwoofers. For a proper full-range satellite/sub system, stereo subwoofers can be advantageous over a mono sub.
- 2-channel front speakers with Crosstalk Cancellation + 2-channel rear speakers with Crosstalk Cancellation. XTC aims to make speakers behave more like headphones (left to left ear, right to right ear), enabling a huge soundstage with convincing live realism. Adding a second XTC speaker pair behind you could create an even more lifelike scene.
- 2-channel headphones type A + 2-channel headphones type B for two listeners at once, allowing two people to listen to the same program with different headphones and individual processing.
Some more “exotic” ideas that still need refinement during the design process:
- 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel front speakers in an elevated position—another path to a concert-like presentation with a stage extending above the listener.
- 2-channel front speakers + 2-channel headphones for simultaneous speaker and headphone listening. With extremely open headphones, this could enable a new kind of listening experience.
Technical Specifications
| Digital inputs | Five digital stereo inputs: AES/EBU or S/PDIF via XLR, Toslink and RCA; UPnP/DLNA via Ethernet; USB; Roon Ready |
| Accepted formats | PCM 44.1 kHz up to 384 kHz; DSD 64× / 128× |
| Analog outputs | Line out unbalanced (RCA), line out balanced (XLR), headphone out (1/4") |
| Output stages | Discrete output stages for line and headphone outputs; no sound-degrading servo mechanisms |
| Level setting | Output levels adjustable in four coarse steps; line and headphone levels can be set independently |
| DSP / algorithms | Room Equalizer, Creative Equalizer, De-Essing, Constant Volume, Vinyl Emulation, Crosstalk Cancelling (XTC, speaker playback), Loudness Control, Headphone Equalizer, Crossfeed |
| Front panel | Rotary encoder (parameters/power), color touchscreen LCD, 1/4" headphone socket, IR receiver |
| Rear panel | Analog outputs on XLR/RCA; digital inputs on XLR/RCA/TOSLINK/USB/Ethernet; USB type-A; mains connector with fuses |
| Dimensions (DAC501) | Depth 30 cm (11.8"); width 18.8 cm (7.4"); height 6.6 cm (2.6"); height with feet 7.2 cm (2.83") |
| IR Remote dimensions | Depth 2.1 cm (0.83"); width 4.5 cm (1.78"); height 16.6 cm (6.53") |
| Power supply | Powerful non-switching PSU; dedicated regulators for sensitive voltages separated between left/right; semiconductor relay switches at mains zero crossings; two toroidal transformers; automatic mains voltage selection (measured before powering the electronics) |
WEISS-DAC501-4CH-MK2
Data sheet
- Device type
- Network DAC
- Amplifier technology
- Solid-state
- Built-in DAC
- Yes
- DAC architecture
- Delta-sigma
- D/A converter
- 2× 32-bit converter chips (dual mono)
- Digital inputs
- USB, AES/EBU, coaxial, optical, Ethernet
- Max. resolution
- PCM 384 kHz, DSD128
- Analogue outputs
- XLR, RCA
- Output level
- 7.96 V (XLR) / 3.98 V (RCA), 4 selectable steps
- Streaming/network
- Yes (network, Roon Ready)
- Power into 32 Ω
- 203 mW @ 32 Ω (from 2.55 V)
- Power into 300 Ω
- 219 mW @ 300 Ω (from 8.1 V)
- Headphone outputs
- 6.3 mm
- Balanced output
- No
- Pre-amp output
- Yes
- Product type
- DAC
