Marantz SA-12SE bit-perfect DSD DAC

Miska · July 8, 2023

Yesterday and today I have been testing another bit-perfect discrete DSD DAC (and SACD player). I opted for this instead of similarly priced SACD 30n, since I don't need the network part of 30n and rather prefer that money go elsewhere on the device. Both have the same DAC architecture though.

Works up to DSD256, both 44.1k and 48k base rates. Note that this device doesn't seem to have isolation for USB and measurably benefits from Intona USB isolator.

The built-in modulator for PCM inputs seems to be rather simple low-order one and digital filters are relatively slow roll-off type with mediocre attenuation.

Sonically, this DAC has familiar Marantz house sound. So no surprises on that front.

P.S. Pretty high-end'ish device to bring home! Boxed weight 22 kg! Marantz specs the device itself at 16.4 kg.

sixman · July 11, 2023

Hi Miska, the best results I have had with your software is with a dsd dac with no filter/modulator.

I have one from 7yrs ago (I think I started with HQP2/3) that was based on a AKM chip where you could turn off all processing and only have dsd conversion. Still the best sound I have got with hqp, much easier to hear differences between filters and a very easy/pleasing sound. Betters my previous ps audio and current topping, okto, e1da dacs with hqp.

Do any ESS dacs have this functionality? Cant find any multichannel dacs that do?

Miska · July 11, 2023

3 hours ago, sixman said:

Do any ESS dacs have this functionality?

Unfortunately ESS lacks such capability. You still have a lot of benefit running those from HQPlayer, with DSD. Since there is only minimal processing.

3 hours ago, sixman said:

Cant find any multichannel dacs that do?

Yes, that is difficult equation. In general there are very few multichannel DSD capable DACs. ESS is common in multichannel DACs, because the PRO series is 8 channels out of single chip. In stereo mode, 4 channels are just connected in parallel.