Accuphase DA-9601 (1998)
A high-resolution D/A converter from 1998 supporting 96kHz/24-bit digital audio with Accuphase’s proprietary MMB conversion method.
Overview
The Accuphase DA-9601 is a D/A converter manufactured by Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. and released in April 1998. Designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction, it supports digital inputs up to 96kHz/24-bit and features three input formats: AES/EBU, SPDIF, and SDIF2. It was positioned as a business-grade converter capable of precise digital-to-analog conversion with exceptionally low distortion and noise.
Specifications
| Total harmonic distortion factor + noise | 0.002% (24-bit input, at1kHz, 0 dBFS : full scale) |
| Frequency characteristic | 10 Hz to 42 kHz + 0.3-0.6 dB |
| S/N ratio (Nyquist band) | 108 dB min (acoustic compensation) |
| Channel separation | 108 dB min (10 Hz to 42 kHz) |
| Sampling frequency support | SPDIF, AES/EBU: Lock 32 kHz to 96 kHz input signal; 44.1/48.0/88.2/96kHz is locked with crystal accuracy ± 50 ppm; SDIF2: Lock only 44.1/48.0/88.2/96kHz at ± 50 ppm (32 khz, 44.056 khz, etc. can be locked at ± 50 ppm by attaching optional crystal) |
| Input impedance | AES/EBU : 250 Ω; SDIF2 : 75 Ω |
| Analog Output (0 dBU = 0.775 v) | Full Scale Level : 25 dBU + 0.5 -0 |
| Output difference between channels | 0.2 dB max |
| Analog output terminal | XLR-male 1pin:GND(shield) 2pin:Hot(positive) 3pin:Cold(negative) |
| Output load impedance | + 23 dBU : 600 Ω; + 25 dBU : 1k Ω |
| Output impedance | Between XLR2 and 3 : 10 Ω |
| Operating temperature | Ambient Temperature : 0 to + 40 ° C |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC (120 V, 230 V are internally switched), 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 23W |
| Maximum external dimensions | Width 482.5x Height 47x Depth 370 mm (Whole, Including Legs) |
| Panel size | Width 482.5x Height 44x Depth 5 mm |
| Rack mount | 1U (rack mount, 19 "standard rack mount) |
| Weight | 5.2kg |
Design
The DA-9601 uses Accuphase’s proprietary MMB (Multiple Multi-Bit) method, which drives eight carefully selected 20-bit D/A converters in parallel to achieve high-resolution audio output. The analog and digital sections are completely electrically separated to eliminate noise. It supports AES/EBU, SPDIF, and SDIF2 input formats and delivers a high analog output signal voltage of 25 dBU. Level control is handled via original noise-shaping volume technology, allowing low-signal-degradation adjustment even at levels above -90dB.
Context
Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. was founded in Yokohama, Japan in 1972 by a team of engineers led by Jiro Kasuga, formerly of Kenwood (then Trio-Kenwood). The company’s name combines “Accu” for accuracy and “phase” for audio phase integrity. From its inception, Accuphase emphasized precision engineering, heavy construction, and a signature champagne-gold finish. The DA-9601 reflects the company’s long-standing focus on high-end audio, continuing its expansion into digital components during the 1990s.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
- Catalog — archive.org
- Catalog (1991) — archive.org
- Catalog (1992) — archive.org