MERASON
Music at last! To know I can surrender myself to music, relax and let myself be carried away by the music – that is Merason. That‘s what drives us to give our best every day and to create something extraordinary.
According to the motto „less is more“, Merason products are designed and created with one goal in mind: the pur- est musical reproduction possible. No shuffling through complicated menus or deciphering technical jargon, just pure music. That‘s what Merason products are for.
Made in Switzerland:
Merason DAC1
Made in Switzerland:
Merason frérot
Merason DAC 1
OUT OF PRODUCTION new model soon
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Input signal processing: The DAC1 has one USB, one RCA, one Toslink and one AES input. The USB input is based
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on Amanero technology and ensures a low-jitter music signal thanks to two precise oscillators, which is then galvanically isolated by capacitive isolator components. The signals arriving at the other inputs are also galvanically isolated and de-jittered by means of transformers. This guarantees that no external interference can affect the sensitive signal.
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Digital-to-analog conversion: The task of digital-to-analog conversion is performed by two 1794A converter mod- ules from Burr Brown. For a 5 dB improvement in dynamic range, each channel has its own device. The analog cur- rent signal is elaborately converted into a voltage signal in a discrete setup, which is buffered in Class A technology and routed to the output. The DAC1 is fully balanced, i.e. a total of four independent channels are implemented from the two converter modules to the output.
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Power supply: Each functional unit has its own power supply, and in total there are twelve of them. Two output channels each are supplied by a separate linear supply with an oversized transformer.
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Structure: The sound influence of components and circuit variants as well as various layouts were thoroughly tested in countless sessions by experienced listeners. This applies in particular to capacitors, voltage regulators, converter components, transistors, resistors, signal processing, I/V converters and output stages.
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Made in Switzerland: The manufacture of the housing, the front panel and the control knobs and the printing, component placement, assembly, commissioning and inspection are carried out exclusively in Switzerland.
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NLA as of 20/01/23 - Expected replacement due 2nd QTR 2023.
Merason Frerot DAC
NEW
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Input signal processing: as described for DAC1.
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Digital-to-analog conversion: As described for the DAC1, except that only one 1794A converter module is used here.
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Power supply: As with the DAC1, each functional unit has its own power supply, and there are ten in total. Unlike
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the DAC1, all four output channels are supplied by one sup- ply, which is generated by a switching voltage regulator.
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Structure: Meticulous attention has been paid to the lay- out and component selection to ensure that both ensure good sound, which has been verified in many sessions and confirmed by many listeners.
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Made in Switzerland: As with the DAC1, all critical work is done exclusively in Switzerland.
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Optional External Power Supply Upgrade Available
Available in SILVER and now BLACK as of 15/02/23
Note the Introductory price on the Silver units will end 30/01/23 this also includes the optional PSU.
Merason Frerot DAC
Merason DAC 1
10/01/23
We are very excited to announce the release of the new DAC1 Mk II D/A Converter. Over a year’s time was spent carefully considering how to improve upon our award- winning design to offer customers around the world even greater musical enjoyment, and we could not be happier with the results (see below). All existing DAC1 owners will have the ability to upgrade their units to Mk II status. The new DAC1 Mk II will begin shipping later this month while upgrades will begin in early February. Please consult with your local distributor for more information.
New Design: The structure and routing layout of the PCB was entirely re-designed resulting in a significantly reduced impedance and loss-free power supply delivery to each individual component. In addition, the shielding against external interference was also greatly improved.
Components: High precision SMD components are now predominantly used throughout the design due to their superior performance characteristics. Unlike the THT parts previously used, the SMD components offer a far shorter component to conductor path resulting in much lower losses. The capacitors in both low-pass filters now have a dielectric made of polystyrene, a material well proven for high performance audio applications.
Thermal concept: New in the DAC1 Mk II is a sophisticated mounting procedure of the power transistors to their individual heat sinks using custom designed disc springs. This intricate method allows for a precisely defined contact pressure, achieving optimal temperature equalization of the paired transistors. This application has dramatically reduced harmonic distortion in the signal path.
Result: All these measures have led to an even wider and deeper sound stage. The dynamics are clearly greater, with the transient speed and attack reminiscent of live music. Although the measured output level has remained identical, one has the impression that the Mk II plays louder with a much quieter background. Micro/Macro details are resolved more distinctly, with new details emerging from familiar recordings that were not previously recognizable. The sound image has become even airier and lighter, with bass now much more weighted and defined. All in all, a converter that plays in a higher league!!
RRP as of September 2023: $13,500 Available now, in silver, black, and cider
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The original DAC 1 is no longer on production however this price point will be replaced in the 1st QTR of 2024
Merason pow1
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The pow1 is perfectly tailored to the needs of the frérot. Two linear supplies power the audio section and a third lays the foundation for the individual supplies
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of the digital audio and logic sections in the frérot. The transformer with large dimensions is designed according to Merason specifications.
MERASON
