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CATALOG
Accuphase DC-500
Accuphase DC-500
Accuphase DC-500
Accuphase DC-500

Description

The DC-500 is the second standalone digital processor in the Accuphase catalog, sitting below the reference-level DC-1000 model, from which it inherits its conversion architecture. It's designed for those building a system with separate components around a streamer, music server, or computer, and looking for Accuphase-level digital-to-analog conversion without having to resort to a reference-level two-chassis setup.

The conversion section uses a chip ES9028PRO ESS Technology per channel, whose eight internal converters work in parallel according to proprietary principles MDS++ (Multiple Delta-Sigma++) for PCM signals and MDSD (Multiple Double Speed ​​DSD) for DSD. Parallel operation averages the noise and randomizes the conversion error of the individual stages: Accuphase claims a theoretical improvement of 2,8 times (root of 8) in distortion, noise and linearity. The advantage is most evident precisely where traditional delta-sigma converters struggle, namely on very low-level signals and in the quietest passages of a recording. The MDSD principle deserves clarification: the DSD signal is not converted to PCM before filtering, as is the case in most DACs, but generates eight phase-shifted replicas that the converter processes as a moving average filter at fase linear.

The circuit acts on the output stage ANCC (Accuphase Noise and distortion Canceling Circuit), applied to both current-voltage conversion and Direct Balanced FilterThe latter maintains completely separate signal paths for the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs: the balanced output is a true differential signal, not a derivative of the line output. A selector switch fase allows you to invert the absolute polarity on the balanced output, useful when the upstream recording chain introduces an inversion.

On the connectivity front, the DC-500 offers six digital inputs: HS-LINK for connection to an Accuphase transport, two USB Type-B, two optical and one coaxial. The dual USB port is the most practical design choice of the model, because it allows you to keep a computer and a network player connected simultaneously without rewiring anything. If you are wondering how to connect a high-quality USB DAC to your PC, here the procedure goes through the proprietary USB Driver 4 driver supplied with the product, with support for up to 384 kHz/32 bit in PCM and DSD up to 22,5 MHz in modalinative speed (11,2 MHz via DoP). The optical inputs stop at 96 kHz/24 bit and the coaxial at 192 kHz/24 bit, physiological limits of the respective interfaces: for the high-resolution audio streaming it is better to prefer USB or HS-LINK.

Power is provided by two dedicated transformers, one for the analog section and one for the digital section, with custom filter capacitors totaling 120.000 μF. A proprietary muting circuit eliminates relay switching noise between tracks and during sampling rate changes, while the front display shows the frequency and bit count of the input signal in real time. Digital output level adjustment allows the DC-500 to be aligned with other sources already present in the system. The chassis is more compact than the DC-1000, with a hairline-finished anodized aluminum top, mirror-polished natural-grain wood sides, and high-carbon cast iron isolator feet. Claimed power consumption: 22 W.

Specifications

PCM max 384 kHz 32 bit
DSD max 22.5 MHz
DAC chip ES9028PRO 32-bit HyperStream
Digital inputs HS-LINK, USB Type-B × 2, Optical × 2, Coaxial
Dimensions (WxHxD) 465 × 114 × 386 mm
Year of production 2024
Frequency response 0.5 Hz – 50000 Hz
Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.0004%
Rapporto S/N 121 dB
Weight 15.6 kg
Electricity consumption 22 W
Alimentazione 120V / 220V / 230V AC, 50/60Hz
Trim Top in hairline anodized aluminum; sides in polished natural grain wood

About the brand

Accuphase is a Japanese brand specializing in integrated amplifiers, power amplifiers, and CD players that focus on linear frequency response and stable playback over time. They serve those seeking reliable components for mid- and high-end stereo systems, without compromises in construction, and who want to avoid distortion even during prolonged listening sessions.

To choose the right model, evaluate the nominal power in relation to the speakers (the E-470 and AD-60 integrateds cover different needs), the quality of the D/A converter if you use digital sources, and the compatibility with the rest of the chain. Audiocostruzioni carries the entire Accuphase range along with over 70 other brands: you can listen to the components in the Carpi listening room, receive advice on matching and choose between new, guaranteed used and ex-demo based on your budget.

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FAQ

DAC CONVERTERS

Accuphase
DC-500

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15.000 € *

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