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Weiss Engineering DAC501
Compact DAC, AUDIO PROCESSOR, AND NETWORK RENDERER
Unveil the true sound of the audio material with the compact DAC501-MK2 digital-to-analog converter. The DAC501-MK2 goes beyond simply reproducing your sound — it also lets you correct frequency imbalances in your room and adjust the sound to better suit your preference.
Latest firmware: version 2.8.1 adds the Qobuz Connect featurewww.qobuz.com
ACCURATE AND ADJUSTABLE
The DAC501-MK2 is not only one of the best digital-to-analog converters available on the market today, offering an accurate and soulful presentation of the audio.
It also includes user-configurable settings, from room EQ and de-essing to crosstalk cancellation, dynamics compensation, loudness control, and even vinyl emulation.
HIGH CONNECTIVITY
The DAC501-MK2 comes with digital inputs in numerous formats and has both balanced and unbalanced analog outputs. All standard sampling frequencies up to 384 kHz plus DSD x64 and x128 are supported.
Furthermore, the unit functions as a preamp, headphone amp, and streamer (UPnP/ROON).
The DAC501-MK2 also seamlessly integrates with the JPLAY iOS app – you can enjoy your favorite tracks from Qobuz, Tidal, and your local collection, all in one unified library.
The standard two-channel unit can be upgraded to the MK2 version. The MK2 has in its 2 channel mode a superior performance compared to the standard DAC501.A description of the MK2 version can be downloaded from here.
DAC501-MK2 PRODUCT COMPARISON
The DAC501-MK2 and DAC502-MK2 are identical, apart from the latter using a larger enclosure and an additional 4-pin headphone socket at the back of the unit. Both models are offered in aluminum or black finishes.
The DAC501-MK2 includes all the audio processing features of the DSP501 — so one could view the latter unit as a DAC501-MK2 without the D/A conversion.
PURIST SIGNAL path
To achieve its exceptional performance specifications, the DAC501-MK2 uses dual 32-bit D/A converter chips, with two conversion channels per audio channel.
It also uses an internal high-precision/low jitter clock generator for ultra-stable clocking of the D/A converter section.
PROFESSIONAL PROCESSING
The built-in audio processing is based on the same trailblazing algorithms used in Weiss Engineering’s professional audio tools.
So with the DAC501-MK2, you can adjust your audio using the same professional-grade algorithms that were likely used to mix and master the original recording.
EASE OF USE
The DAC501-MK2 comes with an IR remote control which can be used to select the active input and output, the DSP audio processing presets, and switch power on and off.
Furthermore, it is possible to control and configure the DAC501-MK2 via a web browser, which adds detailed control of the DSP processing and preset management.
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
89/100
Value for Money
88/100
The Weiss Engineering DAC501 delivers uncannily open detail, vivid separation and a deep, precisely layered soundstage, pairing studio-grade insight with smooth treble and tactile bass. HiFi News praised its transparent, fast-moving presentation, while SoundStage Solo admired its harmonically convincing warmth. Extensive DSP room correction, streaming, preamp control and a capable headphone stage make it a remarkably complete digital hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally transparent, detailed sound with superb instrument separation and convincing soundstage depth.
Fast, energetic dynamics combine with smooth, spacious treble and strong, tactile bass.
Extensive DSP, streaming, preamp and headphone capabilities make it an unusually versatile one-box digital front end.
Impeccable compact construction, with expertly machined casework and a seamless touchscreen interface.
&
Cons
The touchscreen-and-rotary control arrangement can feel less intuitive than a fully touchscreen or button-led interface.
Its incisive, well-lit presentation may be less suited to listeners seeking a laid-back, overtly organic sound.
A costly component, despite its substantial capability and flexibility.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviewers describe a highly neutral yet involving converter, combining smooth, delicate treble and tactile bass with exceptional openness, separation, and soundstage depth. Its presentation is fast and incisive without being described as harsh, and the configurable DSP can usefully tailor playback to rooms, recordings, and headphones.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
93/100
HiFi News calls neutrality the DAC501's standout quality, finding its treble smooth, spacious, and delicate while bass is strong, tactile, and powerful. SoundStage Solo also heard appealing warmth and harmonically correct sound without excessive richness or softened transients; even compromised streams remained enjoyable.
Resolution and Detail
95/100
HiFi News gives unusually strong praise for its openness, translucence, and ability to strip haze from recordings, alongside excellent stage depth and separation of individual musical strands. SoundStage Solo similarly reports clearly delineated lines, convincing quiet passages, and instruments that remain distinct without obscuring one another.
Digital Performance
91/100
The DAC501 is consistently heard as clean, quick, and composed, with accurate spacing between notes and natural decay. HiFi News describes a fast, lithe delivery with an unusually transparent view into recordings, while its upconversion and DSP implementation are designed to reduce jitter-related effects.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
Construction receives emphatic praise: Alpha Audio calls the finish sublime, noting a seamless touchscreen, play-free control, near-invisible case seams, tight internal layout, and top-notch components. HiFi News likewise describes expertly machined steel casework, a substantial aluminum fascia, and immaculate finish.
Features Connectivity
89/100
This is far more than a conventional DAC, with AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, USB, Ethernet streaming, balanced and single-ended outputs, a dedicated headphone stage, and configurable output levels. Roon Ready and DLNA operation, touchscreen, remote, web control, preamp functionality, and extensive DSP—including room EQ, de-essing, crossfeed, and crosstalk cancellation—make it exceptionally adaptable.
Value for Money
88/100
At $8,400/£7,200 it is clearly a costly component, but reviewers see meaningful substance behind the price. SoundStage Solo calls it an easy recommendation against similarly priced competition given its headphone capability and DSP suite, while HiFi News considers the versatile design well worth auditioning.
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- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- à la carte productions — in-store — Palm Coast, Florida, United States (website)
- Addicted to Audio — online and in-store — Epping, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Akustik Strauss — in-store — Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Bayern, Germany (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Anquan — online and in-store — Glika Nera, Greece (website)
- Audio Natali — in-store — Montecatini Terme, Toscana, Italy (website)
- Audio Vision San Francisco — online and in-store — San Francisco, California, United States (website)
- Audiolife — in-store — Buren, Gelderland, Netherlands (website)
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