BRINKMANN RELEASES NYQUIST, MQA-READY DAC

For those scratching their heads wondering why this famously analog brand is talking digital, Brinkmann says:

Although Brinkmann is often “Typecast” as a designer and manufacturer of State-of-the-Art analog components, the company’s first DAC, “Zenith,” debuted in 1986 and still maintains a devoted cult following.

According to Brinkmann, it was during the development of their first DAC that they first recognised the importance of analog circuitry and passive filter implementation in the design of high end digital components.

With three decades of subsequent engineering experience, the culmination of Brinkmann’s vast audio design expertise and authored by the newly expanded Brinkmann design team, according to Brinkmann the Nyquist is “the world’s most advanced DAC”.

Supporting the Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) format, the Nyquist has been optimised to accommodate the latest digital formats. The Nyquist also supports current digital standards including PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bits as well as DSD 64 and 128.

Future proofing was a consideration in the design of the Nyquist, with both the Hardware and Software of Nyquist’s Digital Module being easily user-replaceable.

Like the Marconi Line Preamplifier and Edison Phono Stage, the Nyquist also employs hybrid circuit topology, with tubes used in the output stage.

Featuring USB, SPDIF, optical and Ethernet inputs, there’s also Balanced, single-ended and Headphone outputs.

Almost a necessity for higher-end products hitting the market today, the Nyquist is also RoonReady offering network playback and music management, eliminating the need for a streamer or another component.

The Brinkmann Nyquist DAC and RoonReady Streamer will be available from October this year and will sell locally for $24,990 RRP.

For more information visit the Brinkmann brand page.

Specifications

• Inputs USB 2.0, SPDIF, AES-EBU, TOSLINK, RJ45 ETHERNET for RoonReady option
• Formats MQA and PCM up to 384 kHz (DXD), DSD 64 and 128 via DoP (DSD over PCM)
• Digital module upgradable
• THD/IM distortion <0.01%
• S/N ratio >100 dBA
• Gain adjustment -20…+10 dB
• Output voltage maximum ± 12 V symmetrical
• Output impedance 600 ohms symmetrical
• Headphone output 30-600 ohms
• Dimensions (WxHxD) 420 x 95 x 310 mm (with granite base);
• power supply 120 x 80 x 160 mm
• Weight 12 kg; granite base 12 kg; power supply 3.2 kg