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SPL Audio Mercury Mastering D/A Converter
Brand:
SPL Audio
Product Highlights
- SPL Mercury mastering is a Stereo digital-to-analog “Velvet Sound” converter
- 7 digital inputs: 2 AES/EBU, 2 SPDIF, 2 TOSlink, and USB
- DLP120 (Dual Low Pass) module with 120V technology
- State-of-the-art analog, cutting-edge digital engineering
- Analog signals unfold with a massive dynamic range
Experience unparalleled audio clarity and precision with the SPL Audio Mercury Mastering D/A Converter, designed to deliver an astounding dynamic range of 135 dB for flawless sound reproduction. Featuring ultra-low total harmonic distortion of just 0.000992%, this converter ensures every detail in your mix is preserved with stunning accuracy. Discover how its advanced digital inputs and robust analog circuitry can elevate your mastering workflow to professional standards.
₹367,435
In stock
Estimated delivery dates: Apr 21, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
In stock
Mercury
Mastering D/A Converter
Mercury is the first mastering DA-converter in 120V technology. It offers seven digital stereo input sources, all of which can be synchronized with each other or with a word clock. The additional variable output qualifies Mercury as a monitor controller.
Seven Digital Sources
Mercury provides connections for a total of seven digital stereo input sources.
For each digital source there is a dedicated and illuminated tactile switch for quick selection and quick comparison.
The detected sample rate is shown in the display.
One USB input and two coaxial, two optical and two AES/EBU inputs are available. AES input 2 also supports Dual-Wire (DW) mode.
The Mid
Sync
The display shows the synchronization status and the detected sampling rate. Any source except USB can be synchronized to another source or to an external Word Clock.
If the sync “Source” is selected in the display, each source uses its own sync code embedded in the signal.
O dBfs
Holding the Sync button for more than two seconds Mercury will change to the 0dBfs display.
Mercury offers all reference levels in dBu corresponding to a 0 dBfs (full scale) digital signal: +14, +15, +16, +17, +18, +20, +22 and +24 dBu
Fix And Variable Outputs
Fix & Var
The FIX OUT is an analog balanced stereo output which can be calibrated to all common reference levels (see 0 dBfs).
Mercury offers a variable analog balanced stereo output. This output provides the same signal as the FIX OUT, but the level is continuously adjustable. Thus Mercury can also be used as a state-of-the-art monitor controller.
Variable Output
This analog potentiometer is used to control the level of the VAR OUT output. We use the ALPS RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer with a nice “spoon in honey” feel and excellent channel tracking. So not only the auditory but also the haptic experience of volume control is at the highest level.
The DAC768v2 – Only the best is good enough
The converter chip in the Mercury’s digital/analog converter is the highly acclaimed AKM AK4493 SEQ VELVETSOUNDTM premium DAC chip in the latest version of the SPL DAC “DAC768v2”, which thanks to its architecture reproduces the finest sound details. It impresses with even lower distortion characteristics and a wider dynamic range than its predecessor.
It converts PCM audio with a resolution of 32 bits and
a sampling rate of up to 768 kHz, which is equivalent to 16 times CD resolution. Direct Stream Digital is also supported up to a resolution of DSD4 or DSD256.
The DAC768v2 features the newest version of the Spartan FPGA – Spartan 7.
In contrast to the smaller SPL DAC “DAC768xs”, it not only offers an AES/EBU digital input, but also the new, optimized SPL SLP120 with 120V technology.
The SLP120 (Super Low-Pass)
The analog output of the DAC chip must be filtered by a low pass filter. In contrast to all other DACs in the world, the low pass filters here are built using 120V technology, which provides a plus in dynamics and headroom and sound. The filter specially optimized for the new SPL DAC768v2 is called SLP120 (Super Low-Pass).
The DAC768v2 inside the Mercury is equipped with the SLP120 – an analog “Super Low-Pass” filter with 120V technology.
The 120V technology
The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps.
The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.
The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers.
This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.
The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience.
By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.
The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.
The idea for SPL 120V technology and the SUPRA operational amplifier based on this technology were developed in the 1990s by SPL founder and chief developer Wolfgang Neumann.
With the goal of building the best mastering console ever, this basic technological philosophy then took shape for the first time – thus the SPL MMC1 Mastering Console for Galaxy Studios saw the light of day in 2000.
The outstanding sonic and technical features quickly got around in the scene – so further orders were not long in coming.
Besides the MMC 1, another legendary product with 120V technology was created with the PQ, the “King of Parametric Equalizers”.
Since that time, 120V technology has been the foundation for all SPL premium products. Meanwhile, not only for mastering applications, but also for the, studio or hifi use.
Comparison
Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device.
All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.
SPL devices with 120V technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.
These diagrams clearly show the superiority of the 120V technology in comparison to other circuits with lower, common operating voltages.
Tags: high-resolution audio converter, SPL Mercury mastering DAC, studio digital-to-analog converter
| Analog inputs & output | Maximum input & output gain : 32.5 dBu |
|---|---|
| Digital Inputs, DAC768 | AES/EBU (XLR), PCM sample rates : 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz |
| Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer | Operating voltage for analog audio : +/- 60 V |
| Mains Power Supply | Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber) : 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz |
| Dimensions & Weight | W x H x D (width x height x depth) : 482 x 44 x 300 mm, 19 x 1.73 x 11.8 inch |