IF you’re in the market for a cost-no-object, state-of-the-art DAC… heck, if you’re looking for a cost-no-bar anything, here’s something to tickle your hearing – the new Boulder 2120 DAC, now shipping… at a retail price of US$65,000.
This one is stacked with features. For digital inputs, it has coaxial, balanced , USB, optional HDMI and Ethernet connectors – multiple, fully-modular digital input options are available to tailor the 2120 to the user’s system needs. Say goodbye to obsolescence.
The digital processing features include asynchronous streaming, compatibility with a multitude of formats (PCM, DSF, AIFF, Apple Lossless, FLAC, WAV, MP3 and OGG Vorbis), and sampling rates of 16-, 20-, 24- and 32-bit at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8 and 384 kHz.
A digital volume control with an 80dB range and 1.0 dB step resolution allows direct connection to amplification. According to the literature, “a balanced variation of Boulder’s Precise Interval Clock substantially reduces noise in the clock circuit and maintains ultra-precise data timing at the DACs”. Also on board is the proprietary “Eigen-algorithm digital filter for optimised frequency and phase response.”
There’s a three-output power supply (analogue left and right channels, and digital), plus an independent supply for low power consumption standby modes. Separate power supply casework ensures optimal noise isolation. In fact, there are four separate chassis – left and right analogue, user interface and power supply.
Apple and Android apps can be used for control of the 2120. A full-colour, 31.2 cm, 1280 x 480 LCD display is provided, showing complete metadata readout, selected input or customised source listing, progress bar, resolution and data rate. Album art displayed when available.
The Ethernet port allows automatic software updates when hooked up to an active Internet connection.
