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Weiss Engineering DAC502
YOUR GATEWAY TO PERFECT SOUND REPRODUCTION
DAC, AUDIO PROCESSOR, AND NETWORK RENDERER
Unveil the true sound of the audio material with the DAC502-MK2 digital-to-analog converter. The DAC502-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 DAC502-MK2 is not only one of the best digital-to-analog converter 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 DAC502-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 a streamer (UPnP/ROON).
The DAC502-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 DAC502.A description of the MK2 version can be downloaded from here.
DAC502 product comparison
The DAC502-MK2 and its compact sibling DAC501-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 DAC502-MK2 includes all the audio processing features of the DSP502 — so one could view the latter unit as a DAC502-MK2 without the D/A conversion.
PURIST SIGNAL PATH
To achieve its exceptional performance specifications, the DAC502-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 that are used in Weiss Engineering’s professional audio tools.
So with the DAC502-MK2, you can adjust the audio using the same professional-grade algorithms that were used to mix and master the original recording.
EASE OF USE
The DAC502-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 DAC502-MK2 via a web browser, which adds detailed control of the DSP processing and preset management.
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Professional Reviews 91/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
89/100
Value for Money
88/100
The DAC502 marries dead-neutral transparency with muscular dynamics, precise imaging and a smooth, unforced presentation. SoundStage Solo heard exceptional detail without glare, while Fidelity Magazine praised its transient precision and signal fidelity. Comprehensive DSP room correction, Roon-ready streaming and independent headphone processing make this a remarkably complete high-end digital hub.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally transparent, detailed conversion with natural timbre and no harsh or etched edge.
Powerful, controlled dynamics and highly precise transient response deliver convincing bass impact and lifelike attack.
Extensive DSP, network rendering and independent headphone tools provide unusual system-matching flexibility.
&
Cons
Its revealing, analytical balance may sound slightly cool or matter-of-fact beside warmer, more forgiving DACs.
Manual Room EQ setup is comparatively involved and less user-friendly than app-integrated measurement systems.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers describe an exceptionally neutral, transparent and controlled presentation that combines strong transient authority with freedom from glare or hardness. Its character is more truth-telling than romantic, with unusually capable DSP available for listeners who want to tailor room, headphone or tonal behavior.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
93/100
HiFi Advice calls it “dead-neutral” with “perfect timbre,” while SoundStage found it clean, open and fast without becoming harsh or overly analytical. Fidelity also praised its smoothness, and found the Vinyl Emulation mode convincingly captured the tonal density and analog character of a fine turntable.
Resolution and Detail
94/100
SoundStage reports amazing micro-detail, superb separation and layering, plus less congestion in complex material. HiFi Advice likewise calls it highly revealing, while Fidelity heard superior precision in transient and impulse reproduction against a strong comparator.
Digital Performance
95/100
The DAC502 is repeatedly praised for clean, precise conversion: Fidelity cites phenomenal signal fidelity and an outstanding jitter-elimination system approaching a benchmark clock interface. SoundStage heard zero background noise and zero strain at extreme dynamic swings, with a natural, non-hyped analytical clarity rather than digital edge.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Reviewers describe substantial materials, including a thick solid-aluminum faceplate, folded stainless-steel enclosure and rigid lower plate. Fidelity particularly praises the rotary encoder as a masterpiece of precision mechanics, although the reviews offer limited long-term ownership commentary.
Features Connectivity
89/100
This is a notably versatile DAC, network renderer and preamplifier with AES/EBU, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, USB, UPnP/DLNA Ethernet streaming and Roon Ready operation. Balanced and single-ended line outputs, independent headphone facilities, volume control, touchscreen, remote/web control and extensive DSP make it unusually flexible; Audiophilepure notes that manual room-EQ setup is more involved than an app-integrated solution.
Value for Money
88/100
At roughly €10,000 or AU$13,700, the DAC502 is a serious high-end purchase, but HiFi Advice characterizes the range as still attainable rather than “arm and leg” territory. That assessment is supported by its unusually broad combination of conversion quality, network capability, headphone support and DSP functionality for this market segment.
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Authorized dealers for Weiss Engineering DAC502
- 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)
and 28 more verified dealers