Output Stage Build
How a DAC’s analogue output circuitry is built, after digital-to-analogue conversion.
Discrete uses individual active components, including discrete op-amp modules. Op-amp (IC) uses operational amplifiers built as integrated circuits. Transformer-coupled means output transformers carry the audio signal. These constructions can coexist, such as a discrete stage feeding transformers.
Here, Passive (no active stage) means the converter feeds the outputs directly or through passive components, without an added active output stage. The converter itself can still contain active electronics.
Output Stage Build — DAC
Use the product’s documented analogue output design. Its converter-chip architecture or headphone amplifier does not establish this field. Whether the stage uses tubes or transistors is recorded separately under Output Stage. A blank entry means unspecified, not passive.
Construction labels alone neither rank sound quality nor establish matching. Check output voltage and output impedance against the connected equipment’s input and load requirements.
Sources
- PCM1794A datasheet, rev. B — Texas Instruments
- PCM510xA datasheet, rev. C — Texas Instruments
Sources
- V7 discrete operational amplifier documentation — Burson Audio
- DAC 5 IZVOR design and components — Audio Note (UK)