That stream feeds our SpectraWave 64-Tap Sequencer, lowering noise and distortion while perfectly time-aligning the signal. From there, it flows into a state-of-the-art, direct-coupled analog output stage. The result is breathtaking—fluid, natural, and as analog as it gets. With a built-in high-end streamer for seamless access to your music, the 512 is our best DAC ever. For the first time in PS Audio’s history, our founder’s name graces a DAC. Yes, it’s that good. And this time, it’s personal.
Design
Designing the PMG Signature 512 DAC was never about meeting expectations—it was about redefining what a digital source could be. This is a radical departure not only from traditional PCM-based architectures but also from conventional DSD implementations and off-the-shelf chip solutions. At its core is our all-new PureStream DSD512 engine, a proprietary design that upsamples every input—PCM or DSD—to a native 8X DSD stream. That stream is then refined by our SpectraWave 64-Tap Sequencer, a precision digital filter engineered to eliminate jitter, reduce noise, and preserve every nuance of the music. The result is pure sonic truth, passed into a fully balanced, direct-coupled analog output stage. With galvanically isolated inputs, a built-in high-performance streamer, and precision analog volume control, the PMG 512 is not just a DAC—it’s the heart of a no-compromise reference system.
Application
The PMG Signature 512 DAC is as versatile as it is revolutionary—and a major step above even the finest DACs we’ve ever built. Use it as a standalone directly into your power amplifier, thanks to its ultra-precise analog volume control, and experience purity, dynamics, and realism like never before. At its heart is PS Audio’s latest high-definition streaming module, fully galvanically isolated to eliminate noise and preserve absolute musical integrity. Whether paired with the PMG Signature Preamplifier for the ultimate reference system or run solo into your amp, the 512 delivers sound that is breathtakingly clear, natural, and alive. This isn’t just high-end performance. This is a whole new benchmark. The PMG Signature 512 DAC is music, uncompromised.
Technology
Think of the PMG Signature 512 DAC as the ultimate destination in digital audio—a no-compromise centerpiece for the most revealing high-performance systems. Whether your setup is purely digital or a hybrid of analog and digital sources, the 512 redefines what’s possible from a DAC. Built around our PureStream DSD512 engine and SpectraWave 64-Tap Sequencer, and featuring a fully balanced, direct-coupled analog output stage, the PMG 512 delivers sound with breathtaking realism, depth, and musicality. It supports I²S for a perfect connection to our top transport, and includes a world-class galvanically isolated streamer. Replace your DAC, your streamer—or even your preamplifier—and prepare to be stunned by the transformation. Rich. Pure. Effortless. The PMG Signature 512 DAC is the product of over fifty years of innovation and the first to carry the name of our founder. It’s not just the best DAC we’ve ever built—it’s the best DAC we know how to imagine.
Specifications – PMG Signature 512 DAC
Physical | |
Unit Weight | 21 lbs [9.53 kg] |
Unit Dimensions | 14” x 17” x 4” [ 36cm x 43cm x 10cm] |
Shipping Weight | 30 lbs [13.6 kg] |
Shipping Dimensions | 20.5”x 24” x 10” [52cm x 61cm x 25cm] |
Color Options | Black Silver |
Power requirements | |
Input Power | Auto Voltage: 120VAC or 230VAC 50 or 60Hz |
Power Consumption | 25W |
Digital audio inputs | |
Inputs | I2S (2), Coax (2), XLR Balanced (2), Optical, USB |
Sample Rates | Optical (TOSLink): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz S/PDIF (Coax and XLR): PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz; DoP64 I2S: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 705.6; DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256 USB: PCM 16 and 24 bits at 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, and 705.6; DoP64, DoP128, DoP256, DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256. |
Analog Audio Output | |
Connector | RCA single ended or balanced, XLR balanced |
Output Level High, Maximum | 4 VRMS Balanced 2 VRMS Single Ended |
Output Impedance | 100Ω / 200Ω |
Frequency Response | 20-20KHz +/- 0.25dB |
THD+N @ 1KHz (full scale) | <0.1% |
Output Stage | High-speed op-amp with discrete buffers. |
Data Handling | |
Format | PCM or DSD |
Sample Rate (PCM) | 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96.0kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz; 705.6kHz |
Word Length (PCM) | 16b, 18b, 20b, 24b |
Data Rate (DSD) | Standard (2.8MHz) or Double (5.6MHz) DoP as well as raw DSD on I2S and USB inputs |
Analog Conversion method | DSD Ladder DAC at 5.6, 11.3 or 22.6MHz |
I2S Digital Input | |
Connector | HDMI |
Format | PCM or DSD. DoP on all inputs as well as raw DSD on I2S inputs |
USB Digital Input | |
Connector | USB “B” Type |
Format | PCM, DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM), or Native DSD |
Transfer Mode | Asynchronous |
PS Audio Range
Bach Cello Suites – PS Audio Gold SACD
Carmen Sandim – Mini Brazilian Beasts – PS Audio Gold SACD
A marvel of modern jazz
In her first album recorded in Pure DSD, Brazilian pianist Carmen Sandim is a master of storytelling through her thoughtfully-crafted piano melodies and sophisticated harmonic structures.
Accompanied in expert fashion by Gilad Hekselman on electric and acoustic guitar, Greg Garrison on bass and Colin Stranahan drums, Mini Brazilian Beasts is a marvel of modern jazz that’s warm and bright, and one of Octave’s crispest, clearest DSD recordings to date.
Don Grusin – Out of Thin Air – PS Audio 180G Collectors Vinyl
Ex-Dem PS Audio DirectStream DAC Mk 2
- 1 unit ex-dem in silver with full warranty
- The DirectStream DAC is PS Audio's reference standard D to A converter. It is unlike any standard chip-based DAC, and has received countless awards, worldwide.
FoxFeather The Nature of Things – PS Audio Gold SACD
Gabriel Mervine – Say Somethin’ PS Audio Gold 180g Vinyl
PS Audio – Airlens Network Music Streamer
The AirLens™ interface brings perfection to streaming
Streaming audio via Roon or other services like Qobuz, Tidal, and Spotify offers millions of titles at the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, connecting your sensitive DAC to the noise generated by computers, routers, NAS, local networks, and modems via either WiFi or Ethernet cable is not a great-sounding solution to bringing high-performance audio into your listening environment. The PS Audio AirLens™ completely eliminates the problems of noise, jitter, and EMI influences through complete galvanic isolation and perfect reclocking of the digital audio signal. You’ve not yet heard how great streaming can sound until you experience audio through the AirLens.PS Audio – The Audiophile’s Guide and SACD
The ultimate audiophile reference setup music disc and book
A perfect companion for Paul McGowan's book, The Audiophile's Guide: The Stereo, unlocking the secrets to great sound. On the disc and vinyl you'll find channel and polarity checks, depth adjustment tracks, center imaging perfection, soundstaging, tuning the bottom end, a burn-in track, and adjusting for small, medium and large groups of musicians. From subtle to fireworks, it's all here in the one remarkable Audiophile Master. Couple this disc with Paul's book (see below) and together you'll upgrade your system to new sonic heights you never thought possible.
PS Audio DirectStream DAC Mk 2
- The DirectStream DAC is PS Audio's reference standard D to A converter. It is unlike any standard chip-based DAC, and has received countless awards, worldwide.
PS Audio Perfectwave AC5 Schuko Mains Power Lead Offer
PS Audio PerfectWave SACD/CD Transport
- PS Audio special offer
- 20% off while stocks last
- Silver or black available
- No other offers apply or can be used
- 2-State Of The Art CD and SACD memory player
- Unleash all that's been missing in your CD collection and, for the first time, hear what has been locked away on your SACD layer.
PS Audio PMG Signature 512 DAC
PS Audio PMG Signature SACD Transport
PS AUDIO STELLAR POWER PLANT 3
- Designed to match the existing Stellar components.
- 4 x UK sockets and PS Audio’s most affordable mains regenerator to date.
- Full feature count and technical specs on the PS Audio Website.
- Review in HiFi News magazine.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.