Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) module for I25 and I35 integrated amps, and PRE35 preamp that features advanced digital to analog conversion and full MQA processing.

The DM36 is a completely new and thoroughly designed digital-to-analog converter (DAC), utilising an ESS ES9068A chipset with resolution of up to PCM 384 and DSD 256, significantly improving overall performance over its predecessor DM35, providing a sound that is more richly detailed and lifelike, with more precise three dimensionality within a larger soundstage.

DM36 replaces the previous DM35 DAC in our modular models, resulting in the new model’s name designating the inclusion of the new DAC module as listed below:

• I25 DAC DM36
• I25 PRISMA DM36
• I35 DAC DM36
• I35 PRISMA DM36
• PRE35 DAC DM36
• PRE35 PRISMA DM36

Inputs include 4 Toslink optical and 2 RCA coaxial for resolution of up to 192kHz/24 bit, and 1 USB B input for computer connection with resolution of up to 384kHz/32 bit and DSD256 (11.2MHz).

An RCA coaxial output provides native output for digital inputs and selectable 48 or 96kHz output for analog inputs.

A new feature found in the DM36 is the PCM up-sampling option, which when the setting is enabled allows 16/44.1 and 24/48 kHz signals to be up-sampled to 24/88.2 kHz and 24/96 kHz respectively for improved internal digital conversion and digital output, noting that 24/96 kHz and 24/192 kHz files will not be up-sampled regardless of setting.

Inputs include 4 Toslink optical and 2 RCA coaxial for resolution of up to 192kHz/24 bit, and 1 USB B input for computer connection with resolution of up to 384kHz/32 bit and DSD256 (11.2MHz).

An RCA coaxial output provides native output for digital inputs and selectable 48 or 96kHz output for analog inputs.

A new feature found in the DM36 is the PCM up-sampling option, which when the setting is enabled allows 16/44.1 and 24/48 kHz signals to be up-sampled to 24/88.2 kHz and 24/96 kHz respectively for improved internal digital conversion and digital output, noting that 24/96 kHz and 24/192 kHz files will not be up-sampled regardless of setting.

Additionally, the DM36 provides full MQA processing capabilities with both Prisma and Primare CD sources.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download.

This means that, with the associated Prisma application update, embedding both Qobuz and Tidal, the Prisma models listed above with the DM36 module will allow for the final MQA unfold to 384 kHz when playing Tidal Master files.  Noting that for all other Prisma models, including those using the DM35 DAC module, the update will allow for the first full MQA unfold to resolution up to 96 kHz, Qobuz resolution up to 192 kHz, and gapless playback for both platforms.

In our CD players and transports, MQA CD playback is supported with CD15 Prisma DD15, CD35 Prisma, and DD35 when using Toslink optical or RCA coaxial digital out connection to the DM36.’

Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

DM36 or DM35 module required to use Prisma module.