SPL Director Mk2 Pre-amplifier/DAC Preview

See the complete review for the SPL Director Mk2 Pre-amplifier/DAC.

Made in Germany, SPL (Sound Performance Lab) has been making pro sound equipment for many years.

The Director Mk2 is a preamplifier/DAC combo that has a retro look with VU meters and a nice slim design factor and sports a rare tape loop output. Yes, if you use an equalizer or tape deck, rejoice! The Director Mk2 has ten inputs (six analog and four digital), including coaxial, optical, USB, and AES. When a digital source is selected, the sample rate is displayed in the red dot matrix display (U768 = USB input with a sample rate of 768kHz). On the back, there are two sets of XLR connectors and four gold-plated RCA connectors for inputs. Digitally, PCM and DSD audio can be converted via the USB input.

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The DAC is the highly touted AKM AK4490 Velvet Sound premium chipset. The Director Mk2 has two different low pass filters, one for PCM and one for DSD (up to DSD256) as they both have different frequency roll-off characteristics. What really sets the SPL Director Mk2 apart from almost any other preamp/DAC in the world is its use of VOLTAiR technology, which runs all internal electronics at 120 volts and not the usual step-down to 60 volts. This, in theory, will provide an increase in dynamic headroom which I’ll explain in some detail in my review. There is also a direct output for those who want to connect a headphone amplifier. What? No remote? No worries. The SPL Director Mk2 has a nifty feature that lets you use almost ANY infrared remote you already own to control the volume and input selector. I can say it was easy to use and works flawlessly. The SPL Director Mk2 comes in a choice of three colors: Black (my review sample), Silver, or Red. Look for my full review here soon.

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See the complete review for the SPL Director Mk2 Pre-amplifier/DAC.

Jim Milton

Jim Milton has been interested in high fidelity since his college years in the late 70's. It was there that he first became interested in classical music. He has been part of choral music, both in opera and oratorio and is an avid collector of classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. He enjoys an occasional night at Boston Symphony Hall or attending an organ concert at Merrill Auditorium in Portland, ME. Currently he is the director of Nuclear Medicine at the North Shore Medical Center, located just outside of Boston. He also serves as an adjunct professor for Salem State University where he teaches a course in nuclear instrumentation. During his leisure time, he enjoys listening to his music collection and an occasional movie with his wife of 30+ years. Living on the longest stretch of sandy beach north of Boston offers him plenty of opportunities to take a relaxing stroll or soak up some sun. "Remember, acquiring good A/V gear takes lots of time...but doesn't necessarily take lots of money."