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Copland DAC215
The digital revolution has made music easily accessible. Thanks to the convenience and impressive sound quality of computer sourced digital music files, many audiophiles consider their personal computer or laptop as their primary audio source. Connected to a computer the DA215 will process audio data of extremely high resolution and the playback quality will be defined mainly by the data itself.
Connected to a computer the DA215 will process audio data of extremely high resolution and the playback quality will be defined mainly by the data itself.
The heart of the DA215 is an excellent D/A converter with multiple S/PDIF inputs, PCM, and DSD capabilities using the ES9018 Reference 32-bit DAC in quad-mono configuration, 8 mono to 2 stereo configuration.
Combining four in-phase and four opposite-phase converters per channel, the statistical properties of the signals are taken to advantage; the signal power of the phases correlate and add-up in constructive addition, whereas the noise power of the phases are de-correlated, improving the signal to noise ratio of the resulting analog waveform.
The class-A buffering technology of the analog filtering sections is borrowed from the highly acclaimed Copland CD-players and composed by discrete transistors producing a stunning sound quality with an unconstrained mobility and acceleration.
The DAC215 incorporates an asynchronous USB input, tree S/PDIF digital inputs, an analog input, two analogue outputs (fixed and variable) and a complete pre-amplifier with analog volume control and front panel headphone output featuring vacuum tube gain stages.
You can use the DAC215 for headphone playback. However, you can also use it as a high-end pre-amplifier with volume control, using the amplifier RCA outputs.
The volume control and pre-amplifier functionality can be bypassed for pure DAC mode. The DA215 USB input implementation is featuring USB 2.0 PCM 24/32 bit data transfer to 384 kHz, including native DSD64 and high resolution DSD128.
The input is converted to i2s and it is connected directly to the DAC chip. Once connected, the computer recognizes the DAC and routes the digital audio data to it, bypassing the source device’s internal audio circuitry.
The asynchronous USB-B port connects to the computer’s USB-A port. No power is taken from the computer. The regulated power supply for the USB input section has its own winding of the power transformer and the noisy computer line is completely interrupted by the use of digital Isolators.
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Professional Reviews 83/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Build Quality
78/100
Features Connectivity
79/100
Value for Money
76/100
The DAC215 shines with three-dimensional imaging, smooth organic tone and a naturally focused presentation that brings space and separation to speakers or headphones. Passion for Sound found its tube-enabled preamp stage especially compelling, pairing relaxed musicality with convincing attack and clarity. PCM 384 kHz and DSD128 support complete a distinctive all-in-one for systems needing a touch of refinement.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Tube-enabled preamp and headphone stages deliver smooth, natural tonality with clear attack rather than softened or bloated warmth.
Exceptionally focused, deep three-dimensional imaging gives instruments strong separation and presence, particularly in speaker systems.
Tactile volume and input controls make daily operation notably satisfying.
&
Cons
As a standalone DAC, it was judged expensive and dated versus modern alternatives, with a less competitive feature set.
It sacrifices a small degree of ultimate micro-detail and resolution compared with highly resolving reference DACs.
The tube heaters remain active in DAC-only mode, potentially using tube life when the tube stage is not needed.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
In its intended tube-output configuration, the DAC215 is described as unusually natural, smooth and focused, with strong spatial precision rather than a softened or blurred presentation. It trades a small amount of ultimate resolution for an easy, organic and highly engaging listen.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
91/100
Passion for Sound calls the presentation smooth, organic and naturally toned, while stressing that it is neither warm and flabby nor rolled off. It retains attack and clarity without becoming aggressive, making it especially appealing for long, relaxed listening.
Resolution and Detail
87/100
The DAC215 provides convincing separation, focused images and a strong sense of space around instruments. Against Chord's very resolving TT2, however, the reviewer heard a small loss of final micro-detail and resolution.
Digital Performance
88/100
The conversion is heard as smooth, clear and free of aggressive edge, with solid attack and a natural sense of dimensionality. The reviewer acknowledges that the underlying technology is older, but considers its implementation effective.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
78/100
The volume control and input selector are specifically praised for their tactile feel, with nicely designed knobs that make daily use satisfying. The review offers little further detail on chassis construction, internal layout or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
79/100
The DAC215 supports USB PCM to 384 kHz and DSD128, alongside coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs. It includes RCA output, a tube headphone amplifier and variable-level control suitable for preamp use, though it lacks balanced outputs and the broader connectivity expected from more modern units.
Value for Money
76/100
At roughly $2,200–$2,300, the reviewer considers it overpriced and outdated when judged strictly as a standalone DAC, particularly against competing products with broader features. The assessment becomes much more favorable when its tube stage, headphone amplifier and preamp capability are treated as the point of the product.
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Authorized dealers for Copland DAC215
- Absolute Sounds — in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- ALAIN CHOUKROUN — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- AMPL’HIFI — online and in-store — Nîmes, Occitanie, France (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Art Sonique — France (website)
- ATR - Audio Trade — in-store — Eltville am Rhein, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- Audio Magic — online and in-store — Preston, Victoria, Australia (website)
and 34 more verified dealers