The Imersiv D-1 DAC has picked up glowing coverage from three of the audio press’s most closely watched reviewers in the space of a few months, each independently describing it as one of the quietest and most transparent digital-to-analog converters they have measured.
A Different Way to Convert Digital to Analog
Unlike a conventional single-path DAC, the Imersiv D-1 DAC splits conversion across two discrete signal paths using the company’s patented HDR-A (High Dynamic Range Audio) architecture, then recombines them. Imersiv says the approach lets the D-1 reach a broadband self-noise floor of just 40 nanovolts, roughly 100 times quieter than many respected DAC designs, while still offering +22dBu of clean headroom.
The Imersiv D-1 DAC Impresses Sound on Sound’s Hugh Robjohns
Hugh Robjohns, technical editor at Sound on Sound and one of Europe’s most cited audio reviewers, spent months testing the Imersiv D-1 DAC in his professional studio before publishing a lengthy feature review. He called it a genuine step-change in DAC technology, pointing to noticeably improved room-acoustic depth and width and a marked reduction in distortion at mid- and low-level signals.
Independent Reviewers Reach the Same Conclusion
Two more reviewers who purchased their own review units, Steve Huff and Michael Lavorgna, arrived at similar conclusions after separate listening sessions with the Imersiv D-1 DAC. Huff described a new benchmark for analog performance and singled out how much more precise low-level detail became, while Lavorgna wrote about a natural, unforced presentation that let him hear individual instruments separated clearly in space.
Pricing and availability
The Imersiv D-1 DAC is available now in black and silver finishes through Millennia’s global network of professional and audiophile resellers, including nine newly added North American dealers and seven new international dealers. Pricing for the Imersiv D-1 DAC lands in the flagship bracket, in line with other reference-level multi-path and dual-mono designs; buyers should confirm current regional pricing with a local Millennia/Imersiv dealer.
Key specifications
- Multi-path HDR-A (High Dynamic Range Audio) conversion architecture, patented
- Broadband self-noise floor of approximately 40 nanovolts
- +22dBu (10V) of ISO-free headroom without raising the noise floor
- 28-bit / 168dB broadband unweighted linearity and dynamic range
- Self-noise roughly 25dB below the measurement floor of the industry-standard Audio Precision APx555B analyzer
- Available in black and silver finishes
Best of High End previously rounded up the field of reference DACs worth auditioning in its guide to the best streaming DACs; the Imersiv D-1 DAC’s reception from Sound on Sound and independent reviewers alike makes a strong case for adding it to that list. Full technical details are available on the official Imersiv product page.
