The Stahltek Vekian is a new D/A converter designed to blur the line between digital and analog sound reproduction. The Vekian features a fully isolated and individual digital input stage, dual 24-bit DACs capable of accepting 32-192kHz signals, and four discrete hybrid bipolar/MOSFET Class A amplifiers for low impedance loads. In addition, the Vekian features a frequency response of 0-100kHz, a S/N ratio greater than 127dB, and a THD less that 0.005%.
The Vekian offers both RCA and XLR inputs and outputs; but it also includes a USB input for interfacing directly with an external hard drive or PC. The culmination of all these features, new technology, and quality design should allow the Vekian to find its way into audiophiles’ hands the world over.
Words from Stahltek
Stahl~Tek is proud to introduce the Vekian – D/A! After years of critical listening and R&D, we have designed a truly hi-end and exquisitely crafted D/A! The Vekian – D/A is constructed of materials that provide excellent structural integrity, superb mechanical dampening, and isolates the internal circuitry from outside electrical interferences. The Vekian – D/A’s design is not Spartan, it gives a stunningly sophisticated, elegantly sleek, and refreshingly clean presentation. Beauty is not just skin deep with this D/A: it is sonically breath-taking!
Sonic Characteristics
The Vekian – DA uses optimized digital / analog electronic circuitry to achieve high resolution performance and accuracy. As a result, the Vekian – D/A is extremely detailed, but reminiscent of analog vinyl reproduction. It truly brings out the best of the digital source material!
Features
* Individual/Fully Isolated Digital Inputs Circuitry Stage.
* Ultra-low jitter performance is achieved with the combination of the low-jitter input receiver circuit and a custom mechanically-damped/shielded Sample-Rate-Converter Module that is governed by a low noise precision master clock circuit.
* Supports 24-Bit resolution with Input Sampling Rates from 32kHz to 192kHz, which is automatically Up-sampled to 192kHz.
* Dual, Multi-channel, 24-bit Multi-bit segment/delta-sigma hybrid DACs configured for Symmetrically Balanced Two Channel Audio outputs.
* Four custom analog filter stages with no non-linear components in the signal path, designed to optimize phase linearity thought-out the entire audio spectrum, which is crucial to minimizing audible distortions and sonic degradation to spatial depth and imaging.
* Four Discrete Hybrid Bipolar/Mosfet High-Power Class A Output Stage Amplifiers optimized for two-channel balanced mode operations capable of driving low impedance loads.
* Oversized Transformers, Multiple Large Filtering Capacitors, and Multi-Staged Regulated Power Supplies for each Digital/Analog Sub-Circuits.
Inputs
* SPDIF (RCA and BNC)
* AES/EBU (XLR)
* High-End USB computer interface to allow user to hook into their Hard-Drive Based and On-Line Music Libraries (compatible with most Windows/MAC PCs).
Outputs
* Single-Ended (RCA)
* True Balanced (XLR)
NOTE: When utilizing the single-ended outputs, the unit has a manual gain adjustment to compensate for the 6 dB difference between true balanced and single-ended.
Retail Price: $14,500
Source: Stahltek
