Trinity Silver Reference DAC: VCOCXO Dual Oscillator in LIANOTEC Architecture

The German company Trinity Audio has unveiled the Silver Reference DAC. The new product demonstrates a signal-to-noise ratio of better than 120 dB and an exemplary linearity of characteristics. The Silver Reference is based on the patented modular architecture of LIANOTEC (Linear Analog Oversampling Technology) and is essentially four different DACs, and even equipped with additional devices.

In particular, the onboard USB interface has two independent signal paths. One is used for PCM, the other is for DSD. In this case, the asynchronous USB is galvanically isolated from the computer circuits. For synchronization, not one, but two Xrystal generators with common VCOCXO temperature control are installed. They resolve “frequency conflict” by supporting both 44.1 kHz (operates at 22.5792 MHz) and 48 kHz (24.576 MHz).

As the frequency of the generators drifts over time, the circuit provides a high-precision frequency counter based on the TCXO’s own reference. The frequency of the generators can be adjusted. The unit also features a timer output and the Silver Reference has its own USB hub with a separate power supply.

In addition, the DAC’s modular concept allows additional USB interfaces to be added. In asynchronous communication with a computer, the DAC becomes the master synchronization device, and the PC acts as a slave device that only delivers data at the request of the DAC.

Before starting operation, the DAC takes about 3 minutes to warm up the temperature control systems. The Silver Reference delivers low jitter of 28fs from 10Hz to 100kHz. Supports sampling rates up to 384 kHz with 24-bit resolution and DSD 64.

The Trinity Silver Reference kit includes anti-vibration mounts and a carrying case. The cost of the device has not yet been announced.