Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

C10

reviews

[ { "title": "CH Precision C10 DAC", "thumbnail": "https://v5.airtableusercontent.com/v3/u/37/37/1737964800000/Wq6pSSa9Zs0kMdAaYk6-cA/mE6qJrpeaOKBzuDxPbo88LjU3bc4jDRdFJlbxnc_HMkRRrmwB-5HYHHTr16_UQ-vqzbOadEk-BDOu5PF6v0tbMNnwNbJiZIeTMSLMCWf7wGr8yjnTWWuxajbacnxbwEwEfKoiGZrwsZLIojvXdSsdQ/FLqDejb2vKBV9LOSsxEMB-RSHA2KkNB02VBbUtY_hxA", "link": "https://www.monoandstereo.com/ch-precision-c10-dac-2/", "source": "Mono and Stereo", "datePublished": "5/2/2024" } ]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Conversion resolution: 24 bit / 2.8824MHz or 3.072MHz
  • Bandwidth: DC to 150kHz (-3dB)
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: > 121dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: < 0.003%, full scale, 22kHz BW
  • Power consumption: Max 120W (Standby: < 0.5W)
  • Operating conditions: Temperature: +5°C to +35°C, Humidity: 5% to 85% (no condensation)
  • Dimensions: 440 x 440 x 133mm (W x D x H)
  • Weight: Converter 20kg, Power supply 23kg
  • Analog outputs level: Balanced XLR: Low 2V RMS, Mid 5V RMS, High 10V RMS; Single-ended RCA/BNC: Low 1V RMS, Mid 2.5V RMS, High 5V RMS
Meet the C10, not so much an evolution as a generational step change in performance. Like all 10 Series components, the C10 is a twin-chassis design, with separate audio and power supply boxes. Like all CH components it is modular, updatable, upgradable, expandable and future-proof.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • CH Precision's modular design allows for extensive customization and upgradability of its components, protecting customer investment and offering future-proof audio solutions.
  • They emphasize precise signal management through proprietary technologies such as ExactBias circuitry and adjustable feedback ratios, enabling optimization for various speaker systems and listening preferences.
  • The brand's components are built to exacting standards, using high-quality materials and construction techniques akin to luxury watchmaking, resulting in aesthetically refined and robust products.
  • CH Precision utilizes sophisticated software and hardware to continuously monitor and adjust the performance of its amplifiers, actively counteracting DC offset and optimising temperature for consistent and linear output.

M1.1 Two-Channel Reference Power Amplifier

  • Positioning: A versatile and high-performance power amplifier in CH Precision's lineup, known for its modularity and adaptability.
  • Description: Offers a sophisticated response to power amplification with its software-driven housekeeping capabilities, making it a standout for those seeking versatility and high power output. Unlike the M10, which provides even more power and configurability, the M1.1 is ideal for users who need a powerful yet adaptable amplifier for various speaker setups and room sizes, without the need for the M10's extreme power capacity.

M10 Stereo Power Amplifier

  • Positioning: The flagship stereo power amplifier, offering the highest power output and configurability in the lineup.
  • Description: Features massive power capacity and twin-chassis design, providing exceptional headroom and dynamic range. It surpasses the M1.1 in power and configurability.

C1.2 Digital to Analog Controller

  • Positioning: Serves as a high-end DAC and controller, offering extensive input compatibility and modularity.
  • Description: Excels with its advanced digital processing and modular input architecture, making it a top choice for those who need a versatile DAC with control capabilities. While the C10 focuses purely on DAC performance, the C1.2 provides additional control features, making it suitable for users who require both high-quality digital conversion and system control in one unit.

C10 Digital to Analog Converter

  • Positioning: A state-of-the-art DAC, designed to deliver exceptional digital-to-analog conversion performance.
  • Description: Features a novel DSQ Phase Array DAC architecture, offering precise and musical performance. Compared to the C1.2, which includes control features, the C10 is dedicated solely to DAC performance.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$75,001-$100,000
Used For Sale
13
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
178
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2009

Our take on the brand

CH Precision is known for its modular design philosophy that lets customers tailor and upgrade their units over time without replacing the entire component, with sophisticated controls accessible via tablet from the listening position. Their amplifiers offer five different operating modes (stereo, bridge, passive and active bi-amplification, and monaural) and allow users to adjust specific audio parameters like global feedback ratio and input gain settings for optimal speaker matching.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

No items found.

What competes at this price?

MSB
Cascade
95000
/
Released
2024
The Cascade DAC was born of an unwavering dedication to perfecting our craft, enabled by our enthusiasm for in-house design and vertically integrated manufacturing. This starts a new era—one built on twin foundations of innovation and experience. We began by reimagining the fundamentals of known DAC architectures from the ground up. Critical to the success of the Cascade DAC has been dividing the conversion process into three dedicated chassis and functions.
Check Amazon
MSB Technology builds their own discrete ladder DACs in-house instead of using off-the-shelf chips, with modular designs that let users upgrade input and output modules over time. Their DACs are made with in-house CNC-machined chassis and proprietary Femto clocks, delivering an analog-like sound that's often described as natural and organic.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Smooth, natural sound signature with impressive depth in the 3D soundstage.
  • Allows music reproduction closest to a private performance in the listening room.
  • Delivers a natural, smooth, and organic sound, reproducing every detail with maximum resolution.
  • Exceptional clarity and black background of the sound.
  • Performs excellently even with lower-quality content because of its smooth, clean playback and three-dimensional soundstage.

Product Considerations

  • The price is far beyond the reach of most audiophiles.
  • Comes with only one digital module as standard.
  • For optimal performance, it's recommended to place the units on separate shelves.
  • The reviewer only tested it as a DAC and did not evaluate its functionality as a preamplifier or streamer.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs MSB Reference DAC—the Cascade represents a significant upgrade.

Takeaway: The MSB Cascade DAC sets new standards for sound quality and is a digital marvel, providing a unique and powerful listening experience. It offers incredibly smooth and natural sound, creating a live music sensation.

Video review

Our take on the brand

MSB Technology builds their own discrete ladder DACs in-house instead of using off-the-shelf chips, with modular designs that let users upgrade input and output modules over time. Their DACs are made with in-house CNC-machined chassis and proprietary Femto clocks, delivering an analog-like sound that's often described as natural and organic.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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