MEDEA D/A CONVERTER
| The MEDEA is a stereo 24 bit / 192kHz Digital to Analog converter designed with the aim of keeping an absolutely uncompromised audio signal path. Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input as well as the analog output stage. Both have in common the purest possible approach in audio design, aspiring for nothing less than excellence. This is coupled with an ergonomic design that gives the user immediate access to all necessary functions, while keeping an uncluttered and thus easy-to-use front panel. This combination makes a truly professional D/A converter catering for the highest expectations.
We engineers at Weiss refuse to accept any compromises in both electronics or software. We built the MEDEA to be immune to jitter down to subsonic frequencies. This means you simply forget about expensive digital audio cables. We also incorporated upsampling (oversampling) right into the DSP, taking the same algorithms as used in our professional audio product range. And we made the analog outputs not only Class A but also very low impedance, which assures that the MEDEA flawlessly drives subsequent cables and input stages.
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" No doubt, this is a
reference-level component."
MEDEA D/A Converter awarded "Product of the Year 2001" by "a HiFi Review" Magazine, Hong-Kong |
The Weiss Medea D/A Converter is a 2003 Golden Ear Award Winner from "The Absolute Sound" magazine! The awards are published in the December 2003 issue of TAS. | |
Technical Details:
Digital Inputs: There are three AES/EBU inputs on XLR connectors, and one on Toslink (optical). In addition each of the four inputs also has an S/PDIF (RCA) connector. Sampling frequencies can be 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192 kHz with a tolerance of +-80ppm. In the case of 176.4 or 192 kHz, inputs # 1 and # 2 can be used for the dual wire scheme of transferring 176.4 / 192 kHz data. All inputs accept up to 24 bits of data wordlength.
Synchronization: The MEDEA is synchronized by the input signal present at the selected input. Several signal reclocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation, making the MEDEA virtually immune to jitter.
DSP Algorithms: For jitter reduction, upsampling and de-emphasis.
Converters: Eight times oversampling multibit D/A converters are used. Our proprietary MRCS (Mutual Relation Correlation System) technology lowers converter imperfections.
Analog Outputs: The specially designed DC - coupled, short circuit proof, discrete Class A outputs with virtually zero Ohm output impedance can drive complex loads without stability problems. Output levels can be set with trim potentiometers between -infinity and +27dBu (+21dBu on the unbalanced outputs). The outputs are symmetrical on XLR connectors and asymmetrical on RCA connectors. No sound degrading servo mechanisms are used.
Power Supply: A powerful non-switching power supply is used. All sensitive voltages have their own regulators which are separated between left and right channels. The result is an analog output free of "digital noise" and channel crosstalk. The power switch only switches at zero crossings of the mains voltage, assuring a glitch free power switching. Mains voltage can be set to 100..120V or 200..240V.
Mechanical Design: The MEDEA employs a twin metal frame. The inner chassis is made of steel for effective shielding against electrostatic and electromagnetic radiation. The outer frame is individually made to our exacting standards from massive anodized aluminium for additional shielding, heat convection - and of course stunning looks.
Frontpanel controls: One power switch. Four switches with corresponding blue LEDs are used for selecting one out of four input sources. Two trim potentiometers set the output levels of the two channels.
Backpanel elements: Analog outputs on XLR and RCA connectors with output level range switch. Digital inputs 1 to 4 (four XLR, four RCA and one Toslink connector). Mains connector with fuses and voltage selector.