dac8 PRO

8-channel D/A converter with top-tier analog performance

NEW: The recently released v1.6 firmware brings DoP decoding capability to AES/EBU inputs, enabling direct playback from SACD players. Available for download below.

One device, 3 modes, endless possibilities

Multichannel PCM/DSD playback

Home cinema

Active speakers with a PC-based crossover

Real-time, PC-based DSP from AES/EBU inputs

Recording and monitoring

Playback from processors (including Trinnov), receivers, SACD players

Full SPDIF compatibility (with an adapter)

With passion for music designed and made in Prague

From CNC machining to PCB assembly, Okto Research products are crafted with care in Central Europe. We procure most of the production in-house, and for everything else, we collaborate with local suppliers and manufacturers. This approach ensures the utmost quality, a standard we firmly believe in and one that makes us proud to deliver our products to you.

Reviews and testimonials

Specifications

Digital connections

USB (asynchronous, UAC2.0 compliant), 8-channel I/O, up to 192 kHz / 32 bit, DSD128 and DoP64
4x AES/EBU (resampling-free, up to 192 kHz / 24-bit)
1x AES/EBU output (transmitting data from channels 1 and 2)

Analog outputs

8x XLR balanced
4.2 V RMS full-scale
Capable of directly driving power amplifiers
6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output (routed from channel 1 and 2)

Analog performance

0.000032% / -130 dB full-scale THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
0.00011% / -119 dB full-scale THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise) or 119 dB SINAD
125 dB dynamic range (20Hz - 20kHz)
0.000224% / -113 dB THD+N @ 100mW into 32 Ohms headphone output

Additional features

Down to 1.5 ms playback latency and 1.67 ms recording latency
Per-channel volume
Routing matrix
Choice between 7 PCM reconstruction FIR filters
Configurable auto on / auto off
Configurable display timer 
Remote control learning 
Trigger output (pulse / continuous)
Adjustable 2nd and 3rd order THD compensation
2x 2.42" OLED displays

Dimensions

446 x 183 x 50 mm (17.56 x 7.2 x 1.97 in) excluding user-removable feet
Weight: 4.5 kg (10 lbs)

Power

120 V AC or 230 V AC
Power rating: 15 W

Warranty

2 years

Order

dac8 PRO

Please contact us if you have an EU VAT number and want to make a purchase with VAT excluded.

Accessories and extras

Remote control

Previously offered Apple Remote is no longer in production. We are currently developing a custom-designed replacement. Until this is available, the dac8 PRO can be paired with any remote that has a minimum of seven buttons.


Rack mounting brackets

Brackets for mounting the dac8 PRO into a 19" rack. Mounting holes are spaced 1.75" apart vertically.


Custom output voltage

Custom output voltage can enhance dynamic range in setups where the dac8 PRO interfaces directly to the power amplifier. Please specify the requested value in your order note. For more detailed information, refer to the "Driving Power Amplifiers Directly" chapter in the Owner's Manual.

Frequently asked questions

Availability

Q:  Where can I buy your products? Do you have any resellers?
A:  We do not partner with any resellers and the only way to purchase our products is directly through our e-shop.

Pricing

Q:  Do the listed prices include VAT?
A:  Prices shown include VAT for EU visitors and exclude VAT for non-EU visitors.
Q:  I'm from within the EU and have a valid VAT number. How can I make a VAT-excluded purchase?
A:  Please contact us by email for making a VAT-excluded purchase and include your complete business billing details and shipping address.

Delivery

Q:  What is the delivery time after placing the order?
A:  Estimated delivery time is 1-2 weeks after placing an order, depending on the shipping location.
Q:  Where are our products shipped from?
A:  We ship directly from our factory in Prague, Czech Republic.

Technical

Q:  How do I connect the dac8 PRO to a device that only has single-ended inputs?
A:  Please refer to the "Interfacing with legacy devices with single-ended inputs only" section in the Owner's Manual, where three methods of signal conversion are described. It's crucial to note that balanced-to-unbalanced cables and converters should not be used, as they contain a short that could decrease the analog performance of the dac8 PRO's analog stage. This could potentially overload the device and risk damage after prolonged use with high signal levels.
Q:  Why doesn't the dac8 PRO have a word clock input?
A:  When processing AES/EBU inputs, the clock is encoded with the signal. This means that even if multiple DACs are used, they will always operate synchronously with the source device. Additionally, the clock recovered by the dac8 PRO from the AES/EBU stream has lower jitter compared to the word clock received from a standalone unit, which is then internally multiplied upon reception to match the frequency used by the DAC chip. You can find online measurements comparing these two methods using competitor DACs. These comparisons typically show superior analog performance using the clock recovered from AES/EBU signal.