Moor Amps Mana DAC
A PCM DAC built around two PCM1794A chips in dual mono, a discrete I/V stage and a supply with 18 regulators and three transformers. Optically isolated, reclocked USB and a mass-loaded composite case keep noise away from the conversion.
Made to order in 1-2 weeks. Delivery & returns
£6,250.00
including delivery and VAT
Have a question? Call us on 0161 399 0993 or contact us. We also offer part exchange and price matching.
About the Moor Amps Mana DAC
Dual-mono conversion with a discrete I/V stage
The Mana DAC is a stereo DAC from Moor Amps, designed to sit between a digital source and an analogue preamplifier or integrated amplifier. It uses two PCM1794A converter chips in dual-mono mode, one per channel, which is how it reaches a dynamic range above 124 dB.
The PCM1794A is a current-output chip, so its output has to be converted to a voltage. Moor Amps does this with a discrete I/V stage rather than an integrated op-amp, built around a pair of transistors on a single die so the two devices stay thermally matched. That keeps the stage stable and quick to respond to transients. A low intermodulation-distortion amplifier stage follows.
The Mana DAC is a PCM-only design. It handles 16- and 24-bit material at sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, which covers CD and most hi-res downloads and streams. It does not decode DSD.
Eighteen regulators, three transformers
In a DAC, noise on the supply rails or ground finds its way straight into the analogue output, so much of the Mana-DAC’s design effort has gone into power. It uses three mains transformers and 18 separate voltage regulators, with extensive inductor-capacitor (L/C) smoothing on the supply rails.
The aim is to keep digital switching noise out of the critical analogue stages – the I/V converter and the output amplifier – where it would otherwise blur low-level detail.
Isolated inputs and a reclocked USB connection
Each digital input is isolated from the converter. The coaxial S/PDIF input uses transformer isolation, the Toslink input is isolated by its optical fibre, and the USB input has full optical isolation, so electrical noise from a computer or streamer can’t travel along the cable into the DAC.
USB data is also reclocked, bringing jitter at the DAC chips’ clock input down to around 300 femtoseconds. Moor Amps links this lower jitter to more precise imaging and a clearer sense of space around individual instruments.
A composite case that isolates the circuit board
Rather than a conventional metal box, the Mana-DAC uses a composite enclosure. Its shell is a bioplastic made from renewable plant-based materials and reinforced with carbon fibre. A brass plate and copper sheet add mass, and polyurethane rubber layers damp the structure further.
Together, these isolate the DAC board from its surroundings, so vibration has less opportunity to reach the signal. The output is a stereo pair of RCA sockets at 2 V RMS, ready to feed a preamplifier such as the Angel Pre or an integrated amplifier such as the Angel 4i.
Features
Conversion & clocking
Dual PCM1794A in dual mono
One converter per channel, for dynamic range above 124 dB.
Discrete I/V stage
A thermally matched transistor pair on a single die converts current to voltage.
Low-IMD output stage
Analogue amplifier stage designed for low intermodulation distortion.
USB reclocking
Jitter at the DAC clock input reduced to around 300 femtoseconds.
Power supply & isolation
18 voltage regulators
Dedicated regulation across the digital and analogue stages.
Three mains transformers
Backed by extensive L/C smoothing on the supply rails.
Optically isolated USB
Full optical isolation blocks computer noise from the converter.
Isolated S/PDIF inputs
Coaxial input isolated by transformer; Toslink isolated by fibre.
Connectivity & build
USB, coaxial and optical inputs
Covers a computer, streamer, CD transport and TV.
PCM to 24-bit / 192 kHz
44.1–192 kHz at 16 or 24 bit; no DSD support.
2 V RMS RCA output
Standard line level for any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Damped composite case
Carbon-reinforced bioplastic, mass-loaded with brass and copper.
Specifications
| Brand | Moor Amps |
|---|---|
| Digital Inputs | 1 x coaxial RCA, 1 x optical Toslink, 1 x USB (Type B) |
| Analogue Outputs | 1 x unbalanced RCA (2 V RMS) |
| DAC Chip | 2 x PCM1794A (dual mono) |
| Supported Formats | PCM |
| Sample Rates | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz (16 or 24 bit) |
| Frequency Response | DC – 20 kHz ±0.5 dB |
| THD+N | <0.002% |
| Dynamic Range | >124 dB |
| Mains Supply | 230 V AC 50–60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 15 W, <0.5 W standby |
| Operating Conditions | 5 °C – 30 °C, max 90% humidity (non-condensing) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 305 mm x 201 mm x 53 mm |
| Weight | 3.69 kg |