Singxer offers with its SDA-1 a high performance DAC reflected and developed by the brand for more than two years. This is based on a third generation AKM converter, an AK4490. This is accompanied by an excellent USB XMOS Xcore 200 chip, a digital AK4418 interface and a 32bit STM32 microcontroller at the heart of the device to process all the informations.

The AK4490, a powerful and well accompanied DAC

In order to offer an efficient D/A conversion, the SDA-1 is based on an AKM AK4490 DAC. This 32bit converter promises a very low distortion rate and a wide dynamic range for a precise and crisp sound. The chip incorporates a new "OSR Doubler" switched-capacitance filter, enabling it to support many audio signals with very low noise and power consumption. It is thus able to decode files up to 32bit 384kHz via USB and I2S inputs but also native DSD256.

But the AK4490 is also well surrounded since there is a Xilinx FPGA in the device that takes care of the clock system and digital audio signal processing. To lower the jitter of the USB it is no less than 4 independent clocks which intervene. A high-performance hybrid digital-to-analog phase locked loop improves clock synchronization and recovery. In the I2S side is the Xilinx FPGA and the source synchronization technology allows to adjust the isolated signal, eliminating the jitter of the isolation chip.

Complete HiFi-oriented connectivity

The Singxer SDA-1 has a particularly rich and resolutely High Fidelity oriented connectivity. The input includes an XLR connector for AES/EBU, a Coaxial connector and a BNC connector for SPDIF, an HDMI LVDS connector for I2S signals and finally a USB-B connector directly connected to the XMOS Xcore interface. For I2S, the PCM and DSD signals are automatically recognized by the FPGA of the device. In addition, a series of switches under the device allows the different I2S modes to be adapted.

As far as analog outputs are concerned, two choices. One unbalanced output with RCA stereo connectors and one balanced output with XLR 3-pin connectors.

Review by Qobuz

Qobuz has tested the Singxer SDA-1 for you. Discover now their test by following this link !