The Palisade DAC is a two-chassis digital-to-analog converter from MSB Technology: a Digital Director and an Analog Converter, joined by a fiber link. MSB describes it as a distilled version of its Cascade DAC, built for digital sources only.

Digital Director

Sources connect to the Digital Director, which has four slots for MSB’s isolated input modules. Modules fit any slot and swap at the rear, tool-free. MSB offers modules for network playback, USB, coaxial and optical S/PDIF, XLR S/PDIF, Universal I2S, and its own Pro ISL and ProI2S links.

Conversion and power

The Palisade uses four Hybrid DAC MKII modules, the Femto 33 MKIII clock and MSB’s Bit Diffusion Technology (BDT). The Analog Converter has a linear power supply built into its chassis, shielded from the analog circuitry. A new layout based on MSB’s EMI-protection work guards the conversion stage.

Volume and output

Volume uses passive, constant-impedance attenuation in the analog domain, in 1 dB steps, and the output is balanced XLR at 150 ohms. The Palisade can connect directly to a power amplifier. With an external preamplifier, the Preamp Off setting bypasses the volume control.

Control

The MSB remote covers power, volume, input, phase and display. A 12 V trigger links power with other MSB components, and an RS-232 port supports home control systems. The two chassis can be stacked or placed on separate shelves.

Specifications

• Formats (input dependent): PCM 44.1 kHz to 3,072 kHz, up to 32 bits; DSD 1x to 8x; DSD over DoP on all inputs
• Analog output: balanced XLR, 150 ohms, 3.32 V RMS maximum
• THD at full scale: <0.0008% (20 Hz–20 kHz, volume 100)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >125 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz, volume 100)
• Dimensions, each chassis: 17.5 x 15.5 x 3.125 in (444.5 x 393.7 x 79.4 mm); stacked 5.7 in (144 mm) high
• Weight: Digital Director 31 lb (14 kg); Analog Converter 33 lb (15 kg)
• Included: MSB remote, fiber link cable, two IEC power cords
• Warranty: 2 years; 5 years for the original owner with registration
• Built in California