Musical Fidelity V-DAC MK II

Musical Fidelity V-DAC MK II

Design background

When the original V-DAC was launched three years ago, it got excellent

reviews. The technical reviews, in particular, were outstanding, and the V-DAC proved to be popular with music loving audiophiles. Most competent reviewers realized that the V-DAC was the technical equal of other DACs up to ten times the price. The only real criticism was about its appearance.

In the last three years, computer audio has become more popular. To get the best out of computer audio, you need an asynchronous USB input. The original V-DAC did not have this.

The design brief for the V-DAC II

Improved appearance and finish

Add asynchronous USB input

If possible, improve the technical performance

1. Improved appearance and finish

Contrary to what many may think, Musical Fidelity listened closely to what was said about the aesthetics of the V-DAC and we took the criticism to heart. We have made a substantial investment in the extrusion fabrication techniques for the V-DAC II. The result is that it looks much better and the finish is also vastly improved. The V-DAC II looks classy and technical at the same time, which is a perfect combination for a DAC.

The fine line extrusion with premium finish brushing exudes quality. The front and back end pieces are now made from machined aluminium, twice as thick as before, giving the V-DAC II more perceived quality.

2. Asynchronous USB input

The new V-DAC II has an asynchronous USB input. This is exactly the same technology and programming as used in our highly successful, enthusiastically reviewed V-Link.

What an amazing combination: superlative 24bit 192k upsampling reclocking V-DAC technology and a super-performance, asynchronous USB in one box. This is amazing stuff!

3. If possible, improve the technical performance

The original V-DAC had superlative technical performance. With very low

distortion (0.005%), low noise, excellent linearity and low jitter, it was equal to, or in many cases better than, DACs that were vastly more expensive.

The V-DAC II improves upon the original V-DAC’s benchmark performance. We have halved the distortion (0.002%) and improved the stereo separation to an incredible –105dB.

By any standards, the V-DAC II is a new benchmark for superlative technical performance.