Neutron HiFi DAC V1
portable USB DAC with DSP

Neutron HiFi™ DAC V1 (aka Virtuoso 1) is an audiophile-grade, powerful, high-precision Digital-to-Analog Converter (USB DAC) from Virtuoso series of ultra-portable devices suitable for any type of headset.

  • Ultra-reliable asynchronous USB DAC
  • On-board DSP: Parametric EQ (PEQ), Frequency Response Correction (FRC, AutoEq), Crossfeed, Surround, PCM/DSD Balance
  • True high-res audio: up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM, DSD64 - DSD256
  • 7 linear-phase, minimum-phase oversampling filters including user-customizable
  • Drives all headset types - over the ear headphones (up to 600 Ohm) or IEMs
  • 3.5 mm 24K gold-plated single-ended output
  • OLED display with format/state indication
  • Supports In-line mic and media buttons
  • Virtual media buttons by double-tap
  • Energy efficient (does not drain battery)
  • Premium exterior: Aluminum and Gorilla Glass 3
  • Fully configurable with NConfigurator app
Neutron HiFi DAC V1

Perfection in every element
nothing overlooked

High resolution sound

Delivers true, high precision sound converted from up to 32-bit/384 kHz PCM or up to DSD256 digital signal. Hardware design is backed by leading DAC chip from ESS Technologies, ultra-low noise power supply and dual master clock.
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Reliable & Smart

The real-time ARM Cortex-M4 controller is driven by advanced Neutron HiFi™ firmware that ensures reliable high-power audio output and smart power consumption of your device at the same time.
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Informative display

High-contrast, low-power OLED display provides useful information about output audio format and device state. Display is made from Gorilla Glass 3 to be shock, scratch resistant and it looks and feels really gorgeously.
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Robust exterior

Well-thought, aluminum case is highly reliable as well as it protects sensitive internal components from external impact, including electromagnetic interference, that improves audio quality even more.

State of the art
hardware & firmware design

Digital and Analog

We meticulously considered every aspect of digital and analog audio processing during the design, ensuring ultra-low noise power throughout the system for exceptional audio quality. When designing the hardware and firmware, we used our rich experience gained since 2011 when developing the Neutron Music Player and its USB driver - the device works perfectly on all platforms, be it mobile devices or PCs!

DAC V1 is using flagship audio DAC chip from ESS Technologies which provides the most pleasant stereo image and audio quality.

Digital design

  • Eliminates audio glitches for a seamless listening experience by ensuring that all channels receive audio data consistently from USB bus to the DAC chip.
  • Prevents noise caused by timing issues (jitter, skew).

Analog design

  • Premium parts and advanced circuitry create pure, distortion-free audio.
  • We unlock the full potential of the DAC chip and supporting components for an unmatched listening experience.
  • All active components participating in audio signal reconstruction receive ultra-low noise power delivered by high quality Japanese LDOs.
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Note: This image does not reflect the real hardware design of the device.

Smart & Reliable
controller

Real-time ARM Cortex-M4 MCU

Experience flawless audio, always. Our cutting-edge, hard real-time system delivers crystal-clear, stable sound at any supported sample rate.
 
Device is operated by the proprietary Neutron HiFi™ firmware that enriches it with many features such as DSP (Parametric EQ, Crossfeed), persistent settings and smart power saving.

Stable Audio Quality

Realtime system ensures absence of audible glitches and instability, fully deterministic behavior guarantees highest possible audio quality.

Over-the-air updates (OTA)

Neutron HiFi™ firmware updates are backed by NConfigurator companion app over the Internet, therefore you get always latest and flawless firmware.

Power Saving

For longer music listening, we've developed smart power-saving features that optimize battery life of your mobile device without compromising the performance.

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Audiophile
clocking mode

Dual Master Clock

2x ultra-tolerant (10 ppm), ultra-phase noise, femto-precise Crystal oscillators (SPXO) eliminate jitter and ensure pristine audio quality. By operating in Integer Mode, we bypass fractional conversions, achieving the lowest possible distortion (THD+N) for unmatched listening. 

 

This dual clock mode is common in larger DACs or DAPs, but we implemented it in a tiny DAC V1 device to avoid any compromise on sound quality!

Clock: 45.1584 Mhz

For tracks with frequency: 44100, 88200, 176400, 352800 Hz

Clock: 49.152 Mhz

For tracks with frequency: 48000, 96000, 192000, 384000 Hz

XO 45.1585, 49.152 -> DAC

Highest possible
audio precision

Ultra-low noise design

For superb audio quality, the accuracy of converting digital information to analog sound is crucial. Inaccurate conversion can introduce unwanted noise, like pops and crackles, due to uneven variations in volume or timing.
 
Precision of audio signal and its noise can be measured and expressed as Total Harmonic Distortion Plus Noise (THD+N) where 0.0001% is the residual distortion of measurement equipment. i.e the lowest. Highest audio quality has lowest THD+N.
 
DAC V1 boasts an ultra-low noise design that delivers unmatched audio clarity. By minimizing distortion (THD+N), we achieve sound quality that surpasses even complex devices.

High-quality components

DAC V1 cuts no corners. Built with premium, ultra-low noise components exceeding industry standards, it delivers exceptional audio performance, remarkable durability, and virtually silent operation.

Intelligent routing

Our intelligent circuit design minimizes noise interference, ensuring pristine audio quality. We've carefully considered how components connect to prevent digital noise from affecting the sensitive analog circuitry.

Built-in DSP
for any audio content

Legendary Neutron HiFi DSP

Tiny device hosts high-quality advanced audio effects (DSP), well known to you if you are using Neutron Music Player. DSP is optionally available for any audio PCM content when using DAC V1, no matter whether you listen to the music or watching video, DSP is working for you in any scenario. It is completely platform and app independent DSP that means EQ and other effects will work with any app and with any OS! DSP configuration is saved on the device and does not require re-configuration every time the device is turned on again.

By default DSP is inactive and DAC V1 is operating in audiophile bit-perfect mode. DSP can be activated and managed via the NConfigurator app.

Parametric EQ (PEQ)

Fine-tune your listening experience with DAC V1's powerful 10-40 band per-channel Parametric EQ (PEQ). Adjust each channel for a personalized soundstage, or choose from a variety of presets optimized for different music genres.

Crossfeed

Crossfeed DSP mimics the natural sound experience of listening to speakers in a room. By subtly blending the left and right channels, it creates a wider, more natural stereo image that's easier on your ears during extended listening sessions.

Surround

Surround DSP is based on Ambiophonics R.A.C.E. algorithm. It creates the surround effect for any music conent when played through external speakers. Ambiophonics R.A.C.E. is a special technology that works with your regular stereo speakers to create a wider, more immersive listening experience.

Frequency Response Correction (FRC)

DAC V1 combats frequency inconsistencies in headphones with advanced correction. It utilizes a massive database (AutoEq) containing thousands of headphone profiles to automatically tailor the sound for your specific model. This ensures a balanced, accurate listening experience across all frequencies.

DSP Effect Chaining

DAC V1 supports execution of multiple DSP effects simultaneously (DSP chaining). Refer DSP Mode Max Frequency table for available possibilities.

Personalized audio
to please your hearing

Neutron HiFi DSP is caring for you

Hear music exactly how you like it. DAC V1 recognizes that everyone hears differently. Its advanced DSP lets you personalize the sound by adjusting for your unique hearing or preferences. No more unpleasant tones or disbalanced stereo image – just pure listening enjoyment.

Per channel EQ

Does your hearing favor certain tones? With DAC V1's Parametric EQ, you can tailor the sound to your preferences! Easily adjust the frequency response in each channel for a personalized listening experience.

Lossless Balance

Fine-tune your lossless listening experience. Adjust the balance for PCM and DSD audio, without sacrificing pristine sound quality. This ensures a perfectly personalized soundstage without altering the original audio.

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Versatile & Revolutionary
media controls

Control media playback easily

DAC V1 supports standard 3-button in-line headset media controller. We went even further and provide possibility to control media playback by simply double-tapping the device enclosure with a finger - no weak buttons, just tap the device!

Headset

DAC V1 supports 3-button media controller with Volume +/-, Headset/Play/Pause buttons. Implementation is fully compliant to the Android AOSP requirements (see Figure 3).

Double-tap action

Neutron HiFi™ firmware adds possibility to control media playback with a user-customizable double-tap actions. You can double-tap top/bottom or any side of device to invoke the desired media action which can be assigned via NConfigurator app. You get: Next, Previous, Pause actions in addition to the headset's media buttons.

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Informative
display

Know your audio output format

DAC V1's clear OLED display keeps you informed about the output format and device status, ensuring you're always in control of your listening experience.

Bits

Bit depth reflects the granulation of audio data. More bits result in better audio quality (less granular, lower Quantization Noise). DAC V1 supports all common bit depths - 16, 24 and 32 bits.

Frequency

Frequency reflects the density of audio data. Higher density results in higher audio quality. DAC V1 supports multiples of 44.1 kHz up to 352.8 kHz and multiples of 48 kHz up to 384 kHz.

State

Stay informed with Neutron V1's OLED display! It clearly shows if DSP effects are on, letting you know when you're in bit-perfect mode for purest sound. Plus, it indicates playback status, so you can see if audio is currently playing.

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Configurable
display

Convenient indication

See clearly, anywhere. DAC V1's intelligent display can be adjusted to your environment with convenient modes like inversion, static brightness, and even automatic rotation.

Inversion

Perfect for any lighting! DAC V1's display offers a sleek black-on-white mode for easy reading in bright environments or to match your design preferences.

Auto-Orientation

Always in view! No matter how you hold DAC V1, the built-in sensor automatically adjusts the display for perfect readability.

Configurable Orientation

Prefer a fixed view? DAC V1 lets you customize the display orientation through the NConfigurator app. Simply disable the auto-rotate and choose your preferred setting.

Stylish
accessories

Packed with custom accessories

Indulge your audiophile spirit with premium accessories designed to complement your DAC V1.

Genuine Leather Case

Luxurious genuine leather cases are available for unmatched protection and a touch of elegance. 5 colors are available: Black, Red, Green, Blue Grey and Pink!

Professional USB cable

Custom USB cables with 24K gold-plated connectors accompany DAC V1 and deliver a statement piece alongside top-notch performance.

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High-end functionality in a tiny form factor

PCM bits

16, 24, 32

PCM frequencies

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz

DSD

64, 128, 256
DSD over PCM (DoP): 64, 128

USB

USB-C jack
Via cable: USB-C, USB-A, USB Micro-B

Display

96 * 16 pixels
OLED, Gorila Glass 3

Enclosure

50 * 19.9 * 9.6 mm
Aluminum

Aesthetic design
practical and functional

The same in
Iron grey

Advanced & Serious  
but always your friend!  

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Verified
Hi-Fi Audio Performance

FAQ

What Does "V1" really mean, is "V1" a version?

The Neutron HiFi™ DAC V1 is not just a digital-to-analog converter; it's the inaugural model in our esteemed Virtuoso Series of devices. Here, "V1" doesn't signify a revision number, but rather denotes the Virtuoso 1 model – a specific, feature-rich audiophile-grade USB DAC engineered for unparalleled audio precision and portability. It's a powerful, high-precision instrument designed to transform your digital audio into a rich, immersive, and incredibly detailed listening experience suitable for any type of headset, all packed into a tiny and extremely portable device enclosure.

Think of it like the BMW X1. There are various iterations and packages of the X1 available, yet they all remain fundamentally the X1 model. Similarly, the Neutron HiFi™ DAC V1 (or Virtuoso 1) is a distinct and complete model within our lineup, characterized by its specific, high-performance capabilities and portability, rather than being merely "version one" of a product. It's built from the ground up to deliver a truly virtuoso performance.

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