Digital Reinvented with DDP-1
The newly released DDP-1 from Audio Alchemy is a 3-in-1 Digital Decoding Preamplifer / DAC / Headphone Amp, all housed in one compact machined-aluminium chassis.
Renowned sound engineer Peter Madnick set out to create the highest quality Preamp/DAC/Headphone Amp that could deliver exceptional, world-class sound for under $10,000. The result is the DDP-1 – a three-in-one powerful all-analog preamplifier, DSD-compatible digital-to-analog converter with dual digital signal processors and a headphone amp.
The DDP-1 employs sophisticated digital processing that Audio Alchemy says, "gives it superior sound quality, dramatic noise reduction and flexibility". The ability to select from four output filter profiles and output resolutions means that you can get the most out of each digital file. Layered on top is Audio Alchemy’s world-renowned jitter control technology, which gives digital files that "smooth, velvety analog quality."
There is also an optional, modular PS-5 balanced power supply said to maximise the DDP-1’s dynamic range and filtering to produce a rich sound that can compete with much larger and more expensive units.
The digital section uses dual 32/216 PCM/DSD AKM DACs with seven digital inputs. Internal DSPs provide four output filter profiles and user-selectable output resolution. A proprietary DAC configuration raises dynamic range of digital signals by approximately 8 bits, and a multistage phase-locked loop reduces jitter to the picosecond level. The analog section provides discrete FET driver and output stages, a high-precision Alps volume control and XLR and RCA inputs and outputs.
Features
- 3-in-1 Analog preamp, DAC with dual digital signal processors and headphone amp
- Resolution enhancement from 16 to 24-bit and 24 to 32-bit digital signals
- 7 digital inputs supporting a myriad of music players, PC’s and media devices
- 3 analog inputs to ensure your entire music collection stays on heavy rotation
- Optional balanced power supply to boost overall performance
- Small highly attractive design equally at home in tabletop or desktop use in smaller rooms or offices or high-end system rack
- A USB connector allows easy firmware updates
- Control is easy, thanks to an IR remote and illuminated front LCD
Thanks to the Australian distributors 'parity pricing' policy, the Audio Alchemy DDP-1 is available for $3,300 (RRP) and the optional PS-5 Power Supply is $1,000 (RRP), and will be available early September.
Audio Alchemy is distributed in Australia by Pure Music Group.
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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