Pathos Converto MK2
The Pathos Converto MK2 blends an engaging, musical presentation with the versatility of a DAC, headphone amplifier and preamp. Its fully balanced Class A stage, balanced outputs and broad high-resolution digital support make it a refined compact-system hub. What Hi-Fi finds its easygoing appeal especially compelling, though ultimate dynamic punch is not its defining trait.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
79/100
Build Quality
75/100
Features Usability
90/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Engaging, pleasingly musical sound that makes long listening sessions easy to enjoy.
Cons
Falls short of the strongest rivals for outright sonic drive and dynamic authority.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 79/100
What Hi-Fi finds the Converto engaging and lovely to listen to, pointing to an appealing musical presentation. Its main reservation is that it lacks the final degree of sonic drive needed to challenge the strongest alternatives.
Transparency Resolution
75/100
The review calls the performance engaging and enjoyable, but offers little direct discussion of detail retrieval, separation, openness or resolution. There is no specific comparison of its clarity against competing amplifiers.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
What Hi-Fi describes the Converto as engaging and lovely to listen to. That language supports a notably pleasurable, musically involving overall voicing, though the review does not further specify its tonal balance.
Dynamics
80/100
The reviewer explicitly says the Converto needs more sonic drive to beat the very best. This suggests a satisfying but not especially forceful sense of propulsion and dynamic authority.
Noise Floor
75/100
The review provides no direct observations about hiss, hum or background silence with headphones. Its published signal-to-noise specification is promising, but listener evidence with sensitive headphones or IEMs is absent.
Headphone Compatibility
76/100
Pathos specifies a low headphone-output impedance and 7 Vrms output level, which should be useful foundations for a range of headphones. However, the review does not document pairings with high-impedance dynamics, demanding planars, or sensitive IEMs.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
75/100
The supplied review does not comment directly on chassis construction, controls, sockets, heat management or long-term durability. The compact 2.5 kg enclosure is described in the specifications, but it is not evidence of ownership-level build quality.
Features Usability
90/100
The Converto combines a headphone amplifier, DAC and variable-output preamplifier in one compact component. Connectivity is strong, with two USB-B inputs, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, an analogue RCA input, and balanced XLR plus RCA line outputs; no reviewer commentary is provided on daily-operation ergonomics.
Value for Money
85/100
At a stated price range of $1,890 to $2,449, the Converto occupies a premium DAC/headphone-amplifier segment. What Hi-Fi does not directly assess its value against peers or say whether its performance justifies that asking price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Digital input sample rate
- S/PDIF 32bit up to 384 KHzUSB from Pc – PCM 32bit up to 384kHz, DSD64, DSD128
- Analog stage
- Fully balanced, class A, zero feedback
- Dynamic range
- 120dB
- S/N Ratio
- -110dB
- THD
- <0,01%
- Analog output
- 1x Balanced XLR, one Unbalanced RCA line
- Output impedance
- <30 Ohm
- Max FIX output level
- 3,2 V RMS
- Variable output level
- 0 – 6,3 V RMS
- Inputs
- 2x USB type “B” connector for computer1x digital S/PDIF RCA1x digital S/PDIF optic toslink1x analog stereo line RCA
- Output Power
- 1W @ 16 Ohm
- Output impedance
- <0,2 Ohm
- Output level
- 7 VRMS
- Frequency response
- 10Hz – 100 KHz
- THD
- < 0,02%
- Main voltage
- 90-250V 50/60Hz
- Power consumption
- 10W
- Dimensions
- 200 x 226 x 70 mm
- Net weight
- 2,5 Kg
Manufacturer's Description — Pathos
Converto Mk2 is a DAC amplifier with high quality performances and built up by selected fine components. It allows satisfying all those music lovers who want to get the best from their digital source.
Converto Mk2 means music without borders and easy to manage: this way the goal that the Lab Pathos has been established before tackling this new adventure. The answer was ready and clear with the birth of Converto Mk2, giving many performances at 32 bit and 384 KHz, due to the new ESS9018K2M converter, and prodding the best, easier and more complete enjoyment of digital music.
Converto Mk2 will be able to receive all your music from your PC by USB or from a digital source by S/PDIF.
High performance in headphones
Converto Mk2 supports a fully balanced circuit and gives appropriate input options, such as coaxial S/PDIF, optic S/PDIF, USB of type B for computer and analog RCA line.
Inside can be found an integrated amplifier, designed for headphones fans. Its minimal construction conveys elegance as well.
Italian design
Aluminum has been used both for painting and for frame, on the upper part can be found our carved logo. This unit works in a very simple way: two buttons on the front panel enable stand-by mode and inputs selection. A blue led on the upper front part also displays the latter function.
Featuring compact dimensions and clear design, Converto Mk2 is available in two finishes and, if combined with In The Groove and AmpliD, will set up a perfect audio system both for digital and phono source.
This product is entirely handmade in Italy.
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Authorized dealers for Pathos Converto MK2
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Audio Affair — online and in-store — Deritend, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Solutions — online and in-store — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States (website)
- Audio Zaal — online and in-store — Binnenstad, Utrecht, Netherlands (website)
- Auditorium — in-store — Hamburg-Mitte, Hamburg, Germany (website)
- COMMERCIAL ELECTRONICS — online and in-store — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (website)
- George Meyer AV — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
and 26 more verified dealers