Accuphase's discrete D/A conversion

From day one, 99.9% of all digital to analog conversion duties in commercial audio products are done by integrated circuit chips ("IC").  The 0.1% that I am aware of, are a couple of products with discrete D/A components from Accuphase of Japan.  It appeared in its 1988 DC-81 digital processor and DP-70 and subsequently DP-70v (1990).

Basically rather than using a chip to convert, they put together multiple current switches (from Intersil, a specialist in optoelectronics), which in turn form a 20-bit discrete digital to analog conversion network. 

pics from review33 website

At the time, this is the only method to get more than 16-bit resolution as all chips were only 14 to 16-bits.  Martin Colloms of Hifi-News and Record Review, the UK publication, gave the DP-70v the highest mark possible from digital players of its day, I was drolling.  It was, however, very expensive and difficult to get the matching and production done properly, Accuphase ditched the technology and opt for traditional IC-based machines in later models.


Discrete components, contrary to popular belief, are made to last.  So if anyone find a used one for sale, grab it.  It's a classic - and I bet it sounds as good as, if not better, than newer modern DACs.  I'm also a buyer so if you see someone selling it, please let me know!