THE CENTRAL DIGITAL SOURCE OF A MODERN AUDIO SYSTEM

The M200 converts digital audio into a precise analog signal for an external headphone amplifier, integrated amplifier, preamplifier or active loudspeaker. Its USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth inputs allow several different sources to be connected to a single audio system.

RCA and XLR outputs provide compatibility with both unbalanced and balanced systems. Thanks to its integrated volume control, the M200 can operate as a fixed-level DAC or as a digital preamplifier with variable output level.

AKM AK4497EQ AND VELVET SOUND ARCHITECTURE

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by the 32-bit AKM AK4497EQ DAC chip. The converter uses AKM Velvet Sound technology, developed to provide low distortion, wide dynamic range and accurate reproduction of low-level detail.

The fully balanced analog signal path provides a dynamic range of 125 dB through the XLR output, while the RCA output reaches 123 dB. The 0.00015% THD+N figure indicates that unwanted distortion introduced during conversion remains at an extremely low level.

XMOS USB INTERFACE AND NATIVE DSD512

The asynchronous XMOS USB interface accepts PCM streams with resolutions of up to 32-bit/768 kHz. Native processing of DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DSD512 is also supported, avoiding the need to convert the signal into PCM first.

During asynchronous transfer, the M200 uses its own clock to control the timing of the digital data stream. This helps reduce the effect of timing errors, known as jitter, generated by a computer or other USB source.

OPTICAL AND COAXIAL S/PDIF INPUTS

The optical and coaxial inputs allow televisions, network players, CD transports and other digital sources to be connected. Both S/PDIF inputs accept PCM signals with resolutions of up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

The optical connection electrically isolates the source from the DAC, while the coaxial connection provides conventional electrical S/PDIF transmission. The two inputs provide flexibility when building systems around different digital sources.

BLUETOOTH 5.0 WITH HIGH-RESOLUTION CODECS

The Qualcomm Bluetooth 5.0 receiver enables wireless playback from smartphones, tablets and computers. In addition to the standard SBC and AAC codecs, the system supports aptX, aptX HD, LDAC and UAT.

LDAC supports transmission up to 24-bit/96 kHz, aptX HD up to 24-bit/48 kHz and UAT up to 24-bit/192 kHz from a compatible source. The available resolution and codec always depend on the capabilities of the connected source device.

BALANCED XLR AND UNBALANCED RCA OUTPUTS

The M200 provides two types of analog output. The 4.1 Vrms XLR output offers a balanced connection for compatible amplifiers and active studio monitors, while the 2 Vrms RCA output can be used with conventional home audio systems.

A balanced connection uses separate conductors for the positive and negative signal phases, helping to reduce external noise over longer cable runs. The RCA output provides a simple and widely compatible analog connection.

SIX SELECTABLE DIGITAL FILTERS

The AK4497EQ provides six selectable digital filter characteristics. These filters modify the impulse response, transient behavior and high-frequency response of the digital signal, allowing subtle adjustments to the presentation.

The settings do not operate like a conventional tone control. Instead, they fine-tune the behavior of transients, decays and the digital reconstruction process.

OLED DISPLAY AND CENTRAL CONTROL KNOB

The front OLED display shows the selected input, volume level, sampling frequency and several operating settings. The large rotary and push control is used for adjusting volume, navigating the menu system and confirming selected functions.

The supplied infrared remote control provides access to the main functions of the M200. These include power control, volume adjustment, mute, input selection, digital filter selection, display settings and Bluetooth pairing.

COMPACT METAL ENCLOSURE AND EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY

The electronics of the M200 are housed in a compact metal enclosure measuring 160 × 43 × 168 mm. Its 680-gram weight and low-profile design allow it to occupy minimal space in either a desktop headphone system or a full-size audio installation.

The external power supply physically separates part of the mains power circuitry from the sensitive digital and analog stages. The device consumes approximately 3.5 watts during normal operation and less than 0.1 watt in standby mode.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

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