Although we are great fans of analog and we have access to superb phono systems, as well as top of the line CD players, we learned that often high quality FLAC or DSD files are the best available versions of many recordings, easily superior to CDs in most cases. And let's face it, the convenience factor of hard drive storage is difficult to ignore for casual listening.
 
In pursuit of better digital experiences, Silbatone developed out first in-house digital product few years ago, the very successful DAC-105 USB processor. For 2023, we are proud to debut the DA-103, an upmarket model incorporating refinements on our original digital approach and the finest analog stage we could think up to create a USB DAC that truly satisfies.
 
The DA-103, a 2X ES9038pro processor that relies on our own control software, non over sampling on 16/44 and native DSD up to 32bits/384kHz sampling rate with automatic switching.
 
Most ES9038 designs are minor variations on the published reference circuit, leading to a routine similarity in sound, often considered very detailed but somewhat mechanical. This chip is highly configurable but most run it in the easy but inferior default configuration. Getting rid of the digital volume control was one of major improvement as was a thoughtful optimization of the filter algorithms. We tried all options and ended up very far from the mundane standard, transforming the performance of this popular platform into an instrument of great nuance and musicality.