Unitra DSH-805 DAC
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Unitra DSH-805 DAC is a reference-class digital-to-analog converter engineered for listeners who demand nothing less than truth in sound. At its core lies the latest ESS SABRE® architecture, renowned for its ultra-low noise floor and exceptional detail retrieval. Unitra enhances this foundation with its own proprietary solutions, elevating performance beyond conventional DAC designs.
Crafted to unlock the full potential of today’s high-resolution digital sources, the DSH-805 focuses on absolute conversion accuracy and an immaculately clean signal path. Every detail—from microdynamics to the subtlest transient—is rendered with natural clarity and effortless musicality.
The result? A soundstage that feels alive. Bass with authority. Highs that shimmer without harshness. And a dynamic presence that stays true in every listening environment.
The heart of sound
At the heart of the DSH-805 is the flagship ESS SABRE® ES9039MSPRO digital-to-analog converter, which utilizes eight integrated DACs—four per channel—using the patented Hyperstream® IV architecture. This design guarantees absolute linearity, minimal distortion, and absolute precision in signal reproduction. This is the foundation for sound that remains faithful to the original and preserves the full detail of even the most demanding recordings.
Audio Output Engineering
The DSH-805's ultimate sonic character is shaped by its proprietary analog output section. Built around 18 OPA161x operational amplifiers, it delivers coherence, spaciousness, and natural reverberations. This is where pure technology transforms into a musical experience that combines neutrality and measurement precision with a rich, vibrant tone and fluidity. These elements make the music engaging and enjoyable to listen to for hours on end.
The output stage features gold-plated RCA connectors and balanced XLR outputs, ensuring a reliable and durable connection to your audio system. Carefully selected components and high-quality connectors minimize signal loss, guaranteeing stability and complete sonic transparency.
Format support – complete freedom in the digital world
The DSH-805 supports a wide range of music file formats, ensuring the highest sound fidelity. It supports all key high-resolution formats, including PCM, DSD native, DoP (DSD over PCM), and DSD64 DoP via S/PDIF.
Two methods are available for DSD data transmission: DSD native and DoP (DSD over PCM). Thanks to the integrated MQA decoder and renderer, the device faithfully reproduces the artist's original intent in both MQA and MQA Studio formats. OFS streams, pre-decoded by an external streamer, are also supported.
Sound tailored to the listener's preferences
The DSH-805 offers seven digital filters (PCM) that allow you to tailor the sound character to your individual preferences—from maximum neutrality to subtle tone modeling. This is a device for those who enjoy experimenting with fine-tuning their system and seeking their ideal balance.
Technical interface – clear and distinctive
The front of the device features a functional panel with an LED matrix that displays the active source, selected filter, and signal parameters: sampling rate, format, MQA, and DSD. This technically modern yet visually appealing solution is rooted in Unitra tradition and subtly evokes designs from the golden age of audio.
Clock Accuracy – Jitter Minimization
All digital inputs are clocked by the device's internal master clock. This minimizes jitter and maintains optimal timing accuracy regardless of the source. The clock dynamically selects the optimal frequency for the transmission, ensuring consistency and complete timing accuracy regardless of the signal type. As a result, the digital path always operates under perfectly controlled conditions, and the conversion maintains natural dynamics and sonic clarity.
USB galvanic isolation – protection against interference
Both USB inputs are equipped with galvanic isolation, effectively protecting the audio path from interference generated by computers and mobile devices. This connection supports the full spectrum of formats supported by the DAC and is the recommended signal transfer method. It guarantees stability, purity, and the highest conversion quality.
Stable power supply – the foundation of sound
The DSH-805 utilizes a linear power supply based on a transformer designed and wound in Poland specifically for the device's architecture. Thanks to EMI filtering, it offers very low noise, stable voltage, and ample power reserve. This translates directly into sound purity and dynamics.
Five independent secondary voltages, operated by separate linear power stages, ensure the isolation of the digital and analog sections. This design guarantees effective separation, stability, and complete transparency of the audio path.
Additionally, a dedicated reference voltage regulator for the DAC increases conversion precision and maintains optimal sound dynamics in all listening conditions.
Design and execution – a continuation of the Unitra heritage
The DSH-805 follows the design of Unitra's existing products. The metal housing and brushed aluminum front not only protect the electronics but also emphasize the professionalism of the design. The concept perfectly complements the flagship WSH-805 amplifier, creating a cohesive duo in a hi-fi system.
Engineering proven in vinyl mastering
The DSH-805 was tested using the expertise of the Takt vinyl pressing plant, where digital signals are converted daily into analog media. The tests conducted there confirmed the driver's natural and consistent sound even under the most demanding listening conditions.
Digital solutions in an analog world
The DSH-805 DAC was developed in response to the needs of our customers seeking a top-quality digital-to-analog converter. It is a natural complement to our flagship WSH-805 analog amplifier, enhancing it with high-quality digital features using carefully tuned and refined solutions.
Product specification
Converter specification
Converter
ESS SABRE® ES9039MSPRO (4 D/A converters per audio channel)
PCM filters
7 selectable filters
Supported digital audio formats
PCM (768 kHz 32 bit)
USB1, USB2
PCM (192 kHz, 24 bit)
COAX1, COAX2, OPT, AES/EBU
DSD 512 (Native)
USB1, USB2
DSD 256 (DoP)
USB1, USB2
DSD 64 (DoP)
COAX1, COAX2, OPT, AES/EBU
MQA / MQA Studio
Full MQA Decoder + Renderer
Audio parameters
THD+N (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) BALANCED
< 0.001 %
THD+N (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) UNBALANCED
< 0.00015 %
SNR (1 kHz, 0 dBFS)
> 125 dB
Channel Separation
> 126 dB
Rated output voltage impedance
2.3 V RMS
Frequency Response (+/– 0.1 dB point)
1 Hz – 20 kHz
Frequency Response (+/– 1 dB point)
1 Hz – 65 kHz
Reclocking
All inputs reclocked to internal master clock.
Unitra DSH-805 DAC