"DVA Digital Preamplifier" DAC

"DVA Digital Preamplifier" DACThe DVA Digital Preamplifier is easily the best DAC that AVA has ever produced and is quite possibly the best anywhere. So, if it's a DAC, why are we calling it a "digital preamplifier"? The DVA Digital Preamplifier is a DAC with a variable output level. This means it can be connected directly to a power amp for music lovers listening to digital sources essentially taking the place of a conventional analog preamplifier. For those who want to use a

The DVA Digital Preamplifier is easily the best DAC that AVA has ever produced — and is quite possibly the best anywhere.

So, if it's a DAC, why are we calling it a "digital preamplifier"? The DVA Digital Preamplifier is a DAC with a variable output level. This means it can be connected directly to a power amp for music lovers listening to digital sources — essentially taking the place of a conventional analog preamplifier. For those who want to use a conventional analog preamplifier, fear not — it makes for one hell of a conventional DAC as well.

The DVA Digital Preamplifier has USB, coaxial, and optical inputs and variable-level RCA and XLR differential (i.e., "balanced") outputs. Its design is based around a famed AKM DAC IC. Each of the DAC IC's differential output signals passes through only one discrete class-A reconstruction stage in a way that retains all the benefits of differential digital-to-analog conversion with both differential and single-ended outputs. This gives you the purest signal no matter which output you use!

Operation is via a touchscreen and remote control.

Everything you need. Pure and direct.

We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished with the DVA Digital Preamplifier. Calling it “stunning” is an understatement.

Do you want to use your analog sources as well with your "digital first" setup? Then be sure to check out our A2D audiophile analog-to-digital converter.

Specifications

Inputs

• One galvanically isolated USB input, USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2) compliant.
  
• Two transformer isolated S/PDIF RCA coaxial inputs.
• Two TOSLINK-style S/PDIF optical inputs.
  

Format compatibility

• PCM up to 192kHz sample rates (coaxial and USB) or up to 96kHz (optical).
• DSD256, DSD128, and DSD64 (USB only).

USB compatibility has been tested on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Currently, DSD 256 will not work with Apple operating systems. Windows users will need to install a no-cost and freely available driver for DSD and 176.4-192 kHz PCM support.

Outputs: One set of stereo differential (i.e., "balanced) XLR and one set of stereo RCA outputs.

• XLR: Full-scale level of 11.2 volts zero-to-peak at maximum volume and can drive balanced loads of 4kΩ or higher or differential loads of 2kΩ or higher per hot/cold output.
• RCA: Full-scale level of 5.6 volts zero-to-peak at maximum volume and can drive loads of 2kΩ or higher.
  

Power: 120 VAC.

Reviews and Awards

• Part-Time Audiophile Reviewers Choice Award
• Part-Time Audiophile 2025 Best Preamplifiers
• Part-Time Audiophile 2024 Best Preamplifiers
• Sound Advocate, "Unquestionably recommended"