Digital Processor Reviews

Sonnet Morpheus D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: 24-bit, nonoversampling digital/ analog converter with volume control. Digital inputs: AES3 on XLR, S/PDIF electrical on RCA, S/PDIF optical on TosLink, choice of either USB or I2S (the latter over RJ45). Analog outputs: 1 XLR, 1 RCA. Maximum output level: 4V balanced, 2V single-ended. Output impedance: 100 ohms (balanced and single-ended). Frequency response (44.1kHz sample rate): 1Hz–20kHz, +0/–0.25dB. Channel separation: 120dB.
Dimensions: 11.4" (290mm) × 2.4" (60mm) × 9.8" (250mm). Weight: 7lb (3.2kg).
Finish: Silver or black.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 21-11-09. Manufactured in the Netherlands.
Price: $3399. Approximate number of dealers: 3. Warranty: 2 years.
Manufacturer: Sonnet Digital Audio Bv, Daviottenweg 9, 5222 BH 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. Tel: +31(0)36-7856259. Web: sonnet-audio.com.

COMPANY INFO
Sonnet Digital Audio Bv
Daviottenweg 9, 5222 BH
's-Hertogenbosch
Netherlands
+31(0)36-7856259
sonnet-audio.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
windansea's picture
Submitted by windansea on November 5, 2021 - 10:49am

I keep on hearing about musicality of R2R DACs, but of the various components in the signal chain, I say the DAC ranks with cables as least-detectable element, with speakers then amp as most detectable. I sure wish Stereophile would include a little bit of ABX DBT analysis to tease out the significance of any differences. For example, if a delta-sigma DAC has oversampling turned off, does it sound indistinguishable from an R2R DAC? Is it actually the oversampling that lessens "musicality"?

That said, I've yet to listen to an R2R DAC yet, so I'll confess my ignorance.

Axiom05's picture
Submitted by Axiom05 on November 5, 2021 - 11:14am

A Delta-Sigma DAC requires oversampling since the DAC is only working with a "few" bits at a time. For me, the main interest of a NOS DAC is so one can use something like HQPlayer and explore oversampling and digital filtering in the software. You can use a powerful computer to do this part and with a NOS DAC you don't have an additional digital filter to "stack" on top of.

Archimago's picture
Submitted by Archimago on November 6, 2021 - 11:48am

While an SDM DAC will still convert the PCM input to typically multi-bit SDM, that doesn't mean it can't turn off the oversampling applied.

You can still get a "stair-stepped" NOS 44.1kHz playback (for example) with various DACs like the RME ADI-2 series or even the old TEAC UD-501.

Demonstrated here:
TEAC UD-501 - TI/BB PCM1795 "Advanced Segment" DAC:
http://archimago.blogspot.com/2021/10/revisiting-teac-ud-501-dac-2013-thdn.html

RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition - AKM AK4493 DAC:
http://archimago.blogspot.com/2020/09/measurements-rme-adi-2-pro-fs-r-black_26.html

georgehifi's picture
Submitted by georgehifi on November 5, 2021 - 11:24am

Seeing this has an output stage (100ohms and over 2v) that can drive any poweramp, it's a real shame it was not used direct using the the two preset switches to match for the loudest it can do into an amp. As this way to me it would be even better, as "the best preamp is no preamp"

Cheers George

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on November 9, 2021 - 4:39pm

Hi

Bingo !

Why add more harmonic & phase distortion of any premp to the music signals when a DAC with low impedance & 2V+ O/P can drive direct any power amps ???????

That's exactly what I've been doing with my 24bit/192KHz DAC - hookup to my design/built linestage with PASSIVE bypass switch ON, for a couple years now !!

YES, "the best preamp is NO preamp" !!!!!!!!

So my CD/DVD & streaming music go DIRECT to my all-triode SET via my DAC + passive linestage. The music sounds soooo transparent, fast, detailed with livelike performance environment. No problem of lacking power at all.

I never want to switch the linestage back to active mode again. It simply loses the sonic beauty & powerfullness of the above passive mode.

Listening is believing

Jack L

PS: That said above, I am still an vinyl addict !

Jack L's picture
Submitted by Jack L on November 11, 2021 - 5:58pm

Hi

"Great minds think alike" quoted d Belchien 1618.

Fully agreed to yr above statement. Why let harmonic & phase distortions add to the music signals passing through an active linestage preamp ???

Be a smart audio consumers by listening to the music performance in stead of the audio store salespersons' sales pitch.

I heard enough 'myths' rumouring any power amps can't deliver full powers without a preamp. Technically it is bullshit. Any CD/DVD players/DAC do deliver more than enough output voltage (2Vrms++) to drive any power amps (commercial made & home-brews like mine) to full output power. Period.

I've been using true passive line-amp since day one many many years back & then phono-preamp with its active linstage switchable to passive bypass. All are my DIYed design/built.

In passive mode, the music improvement over active mode of the same amp is sooo obvious: wide OPEN, airy, crystalline transparent, detail & FAST transient !! FYI, it is the fast transient response (shortest time the music signals swing from zero to their peak levels) gives our ears/brain the perception of the powerfulness (strength & latten energy) of the music performance that active mode come short !!

Playing vinyl does make such sonic difference even more pronounced. I know as I've compared the music by switching back & forth the passive bypass switch so often.

Listening is believing

Jack L

Panos.G's picture
Submitted by Panos.G on December 14, 2021 - 8:19am

Hi Alex,

Great article and insight on the Sonnet DAC.

I see you used a 3rd party ethernet (RJ45) I2S cable (Phasure ET^2) to connect the Denafrips Iris DDC to the Morpheus. My question here is, do you think that would also work for Singxer SU-6 or for Denafrips Hermes ?
Cause as it seems the I2S connection is the way to go, to get the full benefit of this DAC.

Many thanks
Panos

Nez7's picture
Submitted by Nez7 on October 4, 2023 - 9:31am

Hi, I am thinking about buying the Sonnet Morpheus as well s getting a Denafrips Hermes DDC to output the i2s signal. Can anyone point me to the specific i2s cable that is compatible with these components?

My understanding is the Sonnet uses an unconventional i2s input so an off the shelve generic i2s cable won't work.

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