WEISS DAC502-4Ch

Precision high-end DAC/Preamp with DSP, streaming features, and a 4-channel architecture

ACCURATE AND FLEXIBLE

The DAC502-4Ch 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 DAC502-4Ch 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 DAC502-4Ch 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