AUDIO-GD R-28 MK3 Discrete R2R DAC / Preamplifier / Headphone Amplifier Black

With the R-28 MK3, Audio-GD has updated its R2R DAC, which doubles as a discrete balanced preamplifier and headphone amplifier. All the qualities of its predecessor are retained, from the ladder resistor network controlled and corrected by FPGA to the symmetrical amplification of the signal by transistors, passing through a very low noise and ultra high speed power supply. This MK3 version is distinguished by the introduction of isolation between the digital and analogue stages of the device, improving sound quality, and by the addition of a brand-new NOS (Non-OverSampling) mode.

Audio-GD R-28 MK3 : Amanero USB interface

The Amanero Combo 384 USB interface is an asynchronous design designed to minimise the need for external noise sources. To achieve this, it works with a duo of low phase noise TCXO oscillators, a judicious construction when it comes to isolating the audio stream in all its clarity.

The interface is powered internally, which has the effect of relieving the pressure of interference and bringing out micro-details without having to over-process the digital signal transiting via USB with additional dithering. This design preserves the sharpness of the impulse image, restoring a deep soundstage with rigorously controlled dynamics.

What's more, thanks to this interface, the R-28 MK3 is capable of accessing PCM formats up to 384kHz 32bit and DSD up to DSD512.

Audio-GD R-28 MK3 : Flawless connectivity

A veritable convergence point for audio sources, the R-28 MK3 boasts hyper-complete connectivity that will make it much easier to integrate into all types of sound installation, starting with the most ambitious.

There are HDMI (I2S), USB, Optical and Coaxial inputs, as well as analogue XLR inputs, so you can combine digital and analogue audio sources on a single device and control everything from a single source.

On the output side, the R-28 MK3 is equipped with RCA / ACSS and XLR (balanced) connectivity, as well as two headphone outputs. All these options ensure optimum interoperability despite its high level of technical sophistication.

Audio-GD R-28 MK3 : Smooth control

The R-28 MK3 is controlled via the front-panel buttons, which can be used to navigate and select a plethora of options, including the following:

• The first symbol from the left designates the output mode, H the headphone output, P the preamp output with volume control and D the DAC output with fixed volume.
• The second symbol designates the gain level: L designates a gain of 13dB and H a gain of 26dB.
• The third and fourth symbols refer to the sampling rate: N0 designates the new NOS mode, N1 the classic NOS mode, 02 an oversampling of x2, 04 an oversampling of x4 and 08 an oversampling of x8.
• Finally, the fifth symbol indicates the mode selected for the outputs available on the rear of the device: P for an output with volume control, 2 for a 2Vrms DAC (XLR) output, 3 for a 3Vrms DAC (XLR) output, 4 for a 4Vrms DAC (XLR) output and 5 for a 5Vrms DAC (XLR) output.

It should also be noted that the RCA outputs are always half the level of the XLR outputs. The headphone outputs still have a volume control. Finally, XLR input 5 still has a volume control.

Audio-GD R-28 MK3 : Aluminium remote control included.

The unit comes with a solid aluminium remote control that looks great too. This allows you to comfortably control the basic functions of the R-28 MK3 without having to move around or disturb your listening experience.