If you need top audio playback quality from your digital sources, look no further than the black Diamond from SPL, a premium DAC and preamplifier designed to handle digital audio from multiple types of sources and reproduce them with impeccable accuracy. With support for up to 32-bit / 782 kHz digital PCM and DSD250 audio decoding through the AKM AK4490 DAC and analog DLP120 dual low-pass filter chips, the Diamond can deliver the full sonic character of any digital source while also making sure no beat is out of step thanks to the ability to select between the clock from the digital signal or a dedicated BNC word clock input.

Flexible digital input options include AES XLR 3-pin, two S/PDIF RCA coaxial jacks, two optical TOSLINK S/PDIF jacks, and a USB-B port, which provides the highest sample rates, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are provided stereo analog connection to your speakers or mixer. The innovative onboard VOLTAiR technology and shielded toroidal transformer delivers superior rail voltage for the internal circuitry, ensuring that the Diamond provides the highest quality audio experience possible by vastly improving dynamic range, distortion, SNR, and maximum gain levels.

Premium Tabletop DAC for Home and Studio    Up to 32-Bit / 768 kHz Sample Rate    AK AK4490 Velvet Sound DAC Chip    2 x DLP120 Analog Low-Pass Filters    PCM and Up to DSD250 Decoding    Digital RCA & TOSLINK S/PDIF Input    AES3 XLR Input, USB-B Audio Input    Analog XLR and RCA Outputs    VOLTAiR Technology Supports 120V Rail    Selectable Digital or Word Clock Sync

The volume is adjusted with a solid, milled aluminum, rotary knob. The Alps RK27 Big Blue potentiometer gives a pleasant spoon in the honey rotary feel.

Up to six digital stereo sources can be connected to the Diamond, making this DAC/preamp an ideal heart for any digital audio system. Diamond offers both a stereo USB and AES input as well as two optical and coaxial stereo inputs. The selected input is also shown in the dot matrix LED display.

Via USB, both PCM audio and DSD audio can be converted. PCM audio is received in S/PDIF format, both coaxial (RCA), optical (TOSLINK F06) and balanced (AES/EBU).

Diamond can not only synchronize to the clock integrated in the digitally fed source signal. As a specialty for digital players, Diamond offers a word clock input. The source of the clock signal can be selected via the clock switch.

The DAC automatically picks up the sampling rate and resolution of the digital playback source, regardless of whether a streamer, computer, CD player, or an external word clock is connected. The detected sampling rate and the selected clock source are shown in the dot matrix LED display. For example, U768 is an acronym for a clock signal in the USB stream with a sampling rate of 768 kHz.

Diamond provides two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers. One pair of outputs utilizes XLR 3-pin connectors while the other uses RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the volume control on the front panel.

The volume control for the RCA outputs can be switched out of the signal path via DIP switch on the back of the device. For example, a headphone amplifier with its own volume control can be connected to one of the outputs.

The highly acclaimed AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound premium DAC chip is used as the converter chip in the digital-to-analog converter, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.

Every signal that is passed from a DAC chip into the analog world must be filtered be filtered by a low-pass filter. Two of them are implemented in the DLP120: One for PCM audio and one for DSD audio, since different roll-off frequencies are required. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low-pass filters here are built using VOLTAiR technology, which provides a plus in dynamics, headroom, and sound.

With all devices of the Professional Fidelity series, we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way, SPL can ensure that they use the best sounding components.

VOLTAiR is the synonym for SPL's 120V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. The audio signals are processed with an unequalled ±60V DC, which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and four-times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers.

VOLTAiR Technology reaches outstanding technical and sonic performances, especially in terms of dynamic range, headroom, and in reproducing the finest details and delivering a totally relaxed sounding audio experience. Music sounds absolutely natural.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will my San Disk cfexpress reader read the Lexar cards?

A: Yes, a SanDisk CFexpress card reader will read Lexar CFexpress cards.

Q: 2. Will this fit Sony WH-XB900N?

A: Yes.

Q: 3. Pyle Pro Ultracompact vs Pyle Pro For my old Technics SL-Q200. PP999 Phono Preamplifier. Are they quality wise the same audio output?. I'm only a hobbyist and digitizing LP's. Thanks

A: Both the Pyle Pro Ultracompact Phono Turntable Preamplifier and the Pyle Pro PP999 Phono Preamplifier will deliver quality audio from their outputs in a similar manner. The Pyle Pro Ultracompact Phono Turntable Preamplifier has an extra output as well, which differentiates it from the PP999.

Q: 4. I am planning to buy this card for my D500 and the Z8. Does both the cameras support this card?

A: Yes Lexar 256GB Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series is compatible with the Nikon Z8 and with the Nikon D500 if you have installed the firmware that allows it to work with CFExpress type B.

Q: 5. Is this Telefunken E88CC the same as a 12AX7A tube?

A: No, the pin configuration is different.

Q: 6. It says " Backwards compatible with select XQD cameras" "Compatible with firmware enabled CFexpress cameras" Do is it XQD Compatible or not? If is XQD Compatible it means I Can Use this card on my D4s?

A: No. The unit will only adapt to 1 CompactFlash card and 1 XQD memory type card.

Q: 7. Why am I unable to move images from my dell laptop computer running windows 11 to the lexar 128 GB CFexpress Type B memory card?

A: Transferring images from the Lexar 128GB Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series require the approriate card reader, like the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Reader (B&H # LERW550URNBN).

Q: 8. Will this work on my iPhone 13 Pro Max while using the Peak Design Everyday case?

A: Yes, the Movo Photo SPL-WA 18mm Wide Angle Clip-On Smartphone Lens will also work with the Peak Design case.

Q: 9. My husband is recording football games from the announcers booth. The 2x tele lens isn't quite enough and the 300mm is too much. Is there a lens you would recommend? He is using an iPad Pro 12.9 inch.

A: Unfortunately there is nothing that is mid ground between these two lenses.

Q: 10. Will this fit Tascam TH-02 heaphones?

A: Yes, Tascam TH-02 headphones will fit in the Slappa case.