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tance between the clock and the DAC has been
shortened, resulting in a clock design that would not
be possible without internal oscillation centred on the
DAC. This design thoroughly minimises the adverse
influences of jitter and noise. During Super Audio CD
playback, the vital DSD clock is frequency divided
from the high-accuracy master clock and supplied to
the DSD decoder on the slave side. As for clock
supply to the DAC, the master device, this is sup-
plied after the DSD clock is timing adjusted again by
the master clock. This process strictly adheres to
oscillation accuracy.
Fully balanced output using 4-DAC
configuration
The DCD-SA1's D/A conversion circuitry,
configuring a differential output circuit, uses 2 D/A
converters for each stereo channel. Independent con-
verters are used for each of the hot and cold termi-
nals to realise a fully differential balanced circuit. This
configuration is very different from a balanced output
configuration that uses an operational amplifier to
invert phase following conventional D/A converter
output. Since delays between hot and cold
terminals no longer occur and interference is avoid-
ed, it is an ideal high-quality sound output. The dif-
ferential drive circuit configuration is also used for
the unbalanced output circuit.
Triple floating power supply
The elimination of the adverse effects of
vibration from the power supply transformer not
only suppresses resonance among all components
and prevents noise from influencing the audio
signal, it also ensures a clean, stable supply of
power. The DCD-SA1 features a triple floating
construction from the base of the power supply
to the transformer.
(1) Vibration-resistant construction between the
transformer and the case: A base filling material is
first poured onto the bottom of the cast aluminum
case, and the power supply transformer is placed
into the case after it hardens. The filling material is
then inserted again.
(2) Suppression of vibration onto the secured base:
Shock absorbing material is inserted between the
transformer case and the cast aluminum transformer
base.
(3) Control of vibration transmitted to the chassis in all
frequencies: Four types of shock absorbing materials
of different resonance frequencies have been com-
bined between the transformer base and the chassis.
Thoroughly vibration-resistant
construction
To prevent external vibration and minute internal
vibration from adversely affecting sound quality, the
DCD-SA1 has been engineered to be thoroughly
vibration resistant.
- 4-layer bottom plate construction
Surface resonance of the chassis is sup-
pressed and rigidity is enhanced by three flat
plates that have been layered at the bottom of the
chassis.
- Cast iron insulator
The cast iron has a carbon content specified by
DENON following considerable sound quality
tuning. In addition, a special absorbent material
and high-quality habutae fabric have been added
between the insulator and bottom plate layers to
effectively suppress the adverse effects of vibration
components over a wide frequency range.
- Hybrid construction for all panels
Comprehensive vibration analyses have been
conducted for each of the side, top, and rear panels
forming the cabinet, and a vibration-resistant
construction combining hybrid materials has been
adopted to minimise the resonance frequencies of
individual parts.
- Vibration-resistant PC board design
Fluorocarbon resin has been applied between
the chassis and the PC boards in order to "float"
them and minimise their exposure to minute
vibration from the chassis.
Flexible input/output, also operates
as high-grade D/A converter
Since the DCD-SA1 supports digital input
signals of a sampling frequency up to 192 kHz, it
can be connected to a variety of devices offering
PCM digital signal output. The DCD-SA1 can also
be connected as a high-grade D/A converter with
Advanced AL24 Processing, allowing audiophiles
to enjoy a variety of high-quality sound sources.
Pure Direct mode
The Pure Direct mode turns off the display and
digital signal output to create an environment for
enjoying only the purity of music. When the high-
pulse signals of the display drive circuit have been
turned off, the audio circuitry is further protected
from adverse influences, ensuring an even cleaner
sound from music sources.
European Sound Tune
With the advance of Super Audio CD and other
new formats, fans of high-end audio are demanding
refinements in the quality of sound from audio
equipment. European audiophiles are particularly
keen to reproduce the naturalness of live sound,
including transparency, precise localisation, and a
thoroughly realistic ambience.
The parts for the DCD-SA1 have been carefully
selected for their ability to deliver superior sound
quality. Since some of these parts are hand-made,
they are difficult to procure and are currently used
only by DENON. The DCD-SA1 has a large number
of top-grade capacitors, for instance, that use a
natural silk textile on the inside and high-purity
copper wires.
DENON's technologies, design philosophy, and
strictly selected parts together produce a sublime
artistry that eminently befits a flagship audio com-
ponent.