The advanced DAC chip enables hi-resolution playback of classical music, emphasising on spatial reverberation, quietness and dynamic range
Designed for high fidelity audio equipment that is capable of high-resolution playback of audio sources, here’s presenting the new BD34301EKV, a 32bit D-A converter IC by ROHM Semiconductor.
It extracts and converts high-resolution audio data to analogue; audio DAC chips are one of the most important components for determining the quality of audio equipment.
The BD34301EKV DAC chip, developed as part of ROHM’s high-grade MUS-IC series, emphasises ‘spatial reverberation’, ‘quietness’ and ‘dynamic range’ – qualities important for reproducing classical music.
Key Features
1. Achieves best-in-class sound quality characteristics ideal for classical music
 The BD34301EKV delivers superior performance in audio equipment by improving sound quality in ways that cannot be defined by numerical characteristics (130dB S/N ratio, -115dB THD+N). For example, in the D-A conversion circuit, ROHM minimises the power supply impedance of each constituent current segment while optimising the wiring layout to reduce the clock delay as much as possible. In addition, the digital filter (FIR filter), a key function of the digital signal processing circuit processes even the smallest signals by achieving a rejection band attenuation of -150dB or less (a performance indicator of digital filters). This makes it possible to extract the full amount of information from sound sources and deliver sound quality characteristics that allow one to hear elements such as ‘spatial reverberation’, ‘quietness’, and ‘dynamic range’ important when listening to classical music.
2.Customizable digital filter allows designers to tailor the sound to audio equipment
The BD34301EKV enables selection of the digital filter (FIR filter) in the digital signal processing circuit from preset/custom/external settings. At the same time, both the filter’s calculation coefficients and oversampling rate are programmable. Constructing a unique digital filter makes it possible to achieve different sound quality tunings for each audio equipment, reducing development load while contributing to the creation of an ideal sound sought by audio manufacturers.
Tech Specifications
- No. of outputs: 2
- Resolution: 32-bit
- Sampling frequency: 32kHz to 768kHz
- S/N ratio: 130dB
- THD+N: -115dB
- DSD clock: 2.8MHz, 5.6MHz, 11.2MHz, 22.4MHz
- Digital FIR filter: Preset, Custom, External
- Package: HTQFP64BV
Not surprisingly, the BD34301EKV chip has been adopted by LUXMAN CORPORATION for the digital circuitry of their flagship model SACD/CD player, the D-10X. “The sound is natural and flat across the audio spectrum, making it easy to listen to for extended periods,” said Masakazu Nagatsuma, Director and General Manager of the Development department at LUXMAN.
The BD34301EKV is currently in mass production. An evaluation board (BD34301EKV-EVK-001) is also available to test the performance of the new IC.
