Accuphase DAC-60

Overview

The Accuphase DAC-60 is an optional digital input board designed to slot into the expansion bay of compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and disc players. Rather than a standalone chassis, it transforms a host component into a fully capable digital hub, adding asynchronous USB, optical and coaxial inputs so a computer, streamer or transport can feed the host directly through Accuphase digital circuitry.

At the heart of the DAC-60 is a modern multi-element MDS type converter arrangement, the technology Accuphase developed to run several premium D to A converter devices in parallel. This approach lowers noise and improves linearity by averaging the small errors of individual converters, yielding a smooth, tonally natural presentation with strong low level resolution. The board handles high sample rate PCM and native DSD material over USB, with careful clock management and isolation to keep computer borne noise out of the analog signal path.

The DAC-60 is intended for owners of a supported Accuphase host who want to add streaming and computer audio playback without a separate outboard DAC and extra interconnects. It is a clean, elegant way to future proof an Accuphase system and keep the entire signal chain within one brand ecosystem.

Key Features

• Optional digital input board for the expansion bay of compatible Accuphase components
• Asynchronous USB Type B input for computer and streamer playback
• Optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial digital inputs for transports and external sources
• MDS type multi element D to A conversion for low noise and high linearity
• Supports high resolution PCM and native DSD playback over USB
• Precision clocking and isolation to reject source borne jitter and noise
• Keeps the full digital to analog path within the Accuphase ecosystem
• Simple internal installation into supported host components

How the DAC-60 Compares

Accuphase DAC-60 vs Audiolab D9 DAC

The Audiolab D9 is a full standalone DAC and headphone amplifier with its own display, remote and analog outputs, ideal as an independent digital hub. The DAC-60, by contrast, installs inside a compatible Accuphase host so its converter feeds directly into that component with no extra interconnects. The D9 suits a system built around separates, while the DAC-60 suits an owner who wants to expand an existing Accuphase amplifier or player. See the Audiolab D9 DAC.

Accuphase DAC-60 vs EverSolo DAC Z10

The EverSolo DAC Z10 is a feature rich standalone DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier with streaming and a touchscreen, aimed at all in one convenience. The DAC-60 takes a very different path as a modular board that adds digital inputs internally to an Accuphase host. Pick the Z10 for a self contained networked source, or the DAC-60 to keep everything within an Accuphase chassis. See the EverSolo DAC Z10.

Compatible Accuphase Components

The DAC-60 is designed to install inside a compatible Accuphase host, adding USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs. These components make excellent candidates.

• Accuphase E-4000 Fitting the DAC-60 turns this integrated amplifier into a digital hub, adding USB computer audio and optical/coaxial inputs without a separate DAC.
• Accuphase E-700 A pure Class A integrated that gains streamer and computer playback capability once the DAC-60 board is installed in its expansion bay.
• Accuphase E-800S The flagship Class A integrated accepts the DAC-60 to bring high resolution digital sources directly into one of Accuphase's most refined amplifiers.
• Accuphase C-2900 Adding the DAC-60 to this precision preamplifier provides onboard digital decoding for USB, optical and coaxial sources through the control center.
• Accuphase C-2300 The DAC-60 slots into this stereo control center to add digital inputs, expanding it into a full analog and digital preamplifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accuphase DAC-60?
It is an optional digital input board that installs inside a compatible Accuphase component to add USB, optical and coaxial digital inputs with onboard D to A conversion.

Is the DAC-60 a standalone DAC?
No. It is a modular board designed to be fitted into the expansion slot of a supported Accuphase host rather than used as a separate chassis.

Which components can the DAC-60 be fitted to?
It is designed for compatible Accuphase integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and players such as the E-4000, E-700, E-800S, C-2300 and C-2900. Availability of the slot depends on the specific model.

What inputs does the DAC-60 provide?
It typically adds an asynchronous USB Type B input plus optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial (RCA) digital inputs.

Does the DAC-60 support DSD?
Yes, it supports native DSD playback over its USB input, along with high resolution PCM.

What converter technology does it use?
It uses Accuphase MDS type conversion, running multiple D to A converter elements in parallel to lower noise and improve linearity.

Can I connect a computer to the DAC-60?
Yes. Its asynchronous USB input is designed to accept audio from a computer or compatible USB source.

Can I connect a streamer?
Yes. A network streamer with USB, optical or coaxial output can be connected to the corresponding input on the DAC-60.

Does it improve sound over the host's existing inputs?
It adds digital decoding capability that the host may not otherwise have, keeping the digital to analog path inside a single Accuphase chassis.

Can I install the DAC-60 myself?
Installation involves fitting the board into the host component. We recommend having it installed by an authorized dealer or technician to preserve warranty coverage and ensure correct setup.

Does the DAC-60 need its own power supply?
No. It draws power from the host component in which it is installed.

Will the DAC-60 work with any brand of amplifier?
No. It is designed specifically for compatible Accuphase components and their expansion slots.

Can I add the DAC-60 later after buying an amplifier?
Yes, provided the host component has an available compatible expansion slot. It is often chosen as a later upgrade.

Does the DAC-60 add a headphone output?
No. It provides digital input and conversion. Headphone functionality depends on the host component.

How does it compare to a standalone Accuphase processor like the DC-500?
The DAC-60 is an internal, space saving option, while the DC-500 is a dedicated standalone reference processor with its own casework and power supply.

Does the DAC-60 change the analog character of my amplifier?
It adds a digital input stage that feeds the host's analog section, so the amplifier retains its own tonal character while gaining digital sources.

Is the DAC-60 covered by warranty?
Yes. When purchased from an authorized dealer by the original owner it carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty.

Where can I find official specifications?
Full details are published on the Accuphase manufacturer page for the DAC-60.

Is the Accuphase DAC-60 in stock?
Yes, it is in stock. As an authorized Accuphase dealer in MD we can advise on compatibility with your host component.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Accuphase dealer offering genuine products with full manufacturer warranty, expert guidance on compatibility and installation, and dedicated support for building your Accuphase system.