Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC – D/A converter with tube output stage

The Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC focuses entirely on one task, namely that of a D/A converter. However, it has a special feature that will excite many, namely an output stage based on tube technology.

The Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC is a proven specialist, because as the name suggests, this solution is dedicated to a single task, namely the signal conversion from digital to analogue. The fact that this is accompanied by a special feature is also already in the name, because it is a D/A converter that has an output stage based on tube technology.

That this is the case is probably no surprise, after all, the Slovakian company Canor spol. s.r.o. has been a proven tube specialist for years.

Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC – A true specialist

However, it is a little astonishing that the company in Prešov decided to realise a product with this solution that is actually dedicated to only one task. After all, in recent months the market has seen an increasing number of D/A converters that always perform one or two other tasks, be it streaming via a network or at least Bluetooth, or acting as a preamplifier. However, solutions that combine a D/A converter with a headphone amplifier are particularly trendy.

With the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC, none of this is the case. Here, we are really dealing with a D/A converter alone, and we are sure that this will strike a chord with many users who are looking for just such a product.

Ideally equipped for hi-res audio

The Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC is a solution that is optimally equipped for all conceivable requirements that can be expected from a modern D/A converter.

The developers of the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC rely on ESS9038Q2M converters, a 32-bit converter from the specialist ESS Technology Inc. that is used here in a double version and thus in a dual-mono configuration.

This converter is capable of processing signals in Linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 768 kHz, and it also supports DSD signal processing, whereby the spectrum here extends up to DSD512.

Content encoded in MQA is also supported by the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC, which performs the complete deconvolution via a hardware decoder.

All relevant interfaces

In order to be able to connect digital sources, the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC primarily has an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface, which support signals in Linear PCM with up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. In addition, there is an AES/EBU interface that also allows digital data in Linear PCM format up to 24 bit and 192 kHz.

The full potential of the converter can be used via a USB 2.0 port with support for USB Audio Class 2 and asynchronous data transfer when using a PC or Mac as the source.

The Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC allows the user to choose between eight digital filters for the signal processing and thus to adapt the characteristics of the conversion to the signal or to one’s own taste.

Tube output stage

Before analogue signals leave the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC via a pair of RCA sockets and thus unbalanced or balanced via a pair of XLR connectors, they pass through a tube output stage, which the developers equipped with glass bulbs from Electro-Harmonix in the form of double triodes of the 6922EH type. Four of these tubes are used here.

Simple operating concept

The Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC has a simple control concept, centred on a 3.5 inch TFT display with 480 x 320 pixels, which can be dimmed. In addition, there are a few buttons and a centrally located rotary encoder directly on the front. A remote control is also included with the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC.

Prices and availability

The new Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC is now available from specialist dealers, with users able to choose between a silver or black finish. The recommended retail price is listed at € 3.499,-.

Getting to the point

The fact that Canor spol. s.r.o. actually focuses solely on the task of a D/A converter with the Canor DAC 2.10 Precision Tube DAC, thus omitting features that are common in this class such as a preamplifier, streaming options or an integrated headphone amplifier, will hardly bother you, because you get a real specialist that also comes with a fine tube output stage.