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Merging’s Ethernet NADAC impresses at Munich High-End 2015

  • munich_high_end_2015_logoMerging Technologies have been pro-audio operators for some time – they make the Pyramix workstations found in recording studios – but this year sees the Swiss company edging into the home audio space. Their NADAC’s main point of difference is a biggie: it doesn’t receive data via USB but uses Ethernet, which apparently offers far more accurate clocking capabilities when used in tandem with the Munich-developed RAVENNA network protocol. This ain’t no DLNA/UPnP cop out. Ethernet transmission also makes it useful for those needing to put some serious distance between DAC and host PC.

    Once connected to a network, the NADAC itself dictates data transmission rates instead of the computer. In other words data handling is asynchronous.

    All current digital audio format trends are met head on: PCM up to 384kHz, DXD, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256. The business end of D/A conversion shows Merging Technologies’ roots: they’ve opted for an ESS’ 9008S chip.

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    The front panel sports both 3.5mm and 6.4mm headphone sockets, which can output the same or different musical content to that being piped out of the balanced XLR or single-ended RCA socketry out back.

    So how does a PC or Mac send digital audio to the NADAC when no direct connection exists? Merging have written ASIO and Core Audio drivers so that it appears as a sound output device in either the Windows Control Panel or OS X’s Preferences pane – just as if it were direct connected via USB. Clever!

    Merging supply their Emotion server/playback software free of charge with each unit but pretty much ANY playback software can be used. I’m thinking a lot of users will opt for Roon.

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    The news from the NADAC’s official launch at Munich High-End 2015 is that the pricing announced at CES four months ago was “way off” — US$8900 nets you the stereo version.

    (An 8-channel version is also available but that sits outside of DAR’s remit).

    Further information: Merging


    Munich High-End 2015 coverage sponsored by LH Labs:

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    Written by John

    John currently lives in Berlin where he creates videos and podcasts for Darko.Audio. He has previously contributed to 6moons, TONEAudio, AudioStream and Stereophile.

    Darko.Audio is a member of EISA.

    Follow John on YouTube or Instagram

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