Cantico J-DAC: Italian Handcrafted DAC with Transformer-Coupled Output Stage

Cantico has introduced the Cantico J-DAC digital-to-analog converter. The new product was developed and manufactured in Ponderano, Italy. Founded by Silvio Germano Ricci, the brand specializes in hand-assembled audio components and speaker systems. The Cantico J-DAC is built around a simplified signal path architecture. The manufacturer emphasizes galvanic isolation and separate power supplies for key modules.

The Cantico J-DAC's body is crafted from a single piece of aluminum. The component weighs up to 13 kg, and the aluminum base plate is 5 mm thick. Cantico intends this design to increase the device's mechanical stability and reduce the impact of external vibrations on the electronics.

One of the Cantico J-DAC's key features is its transformer-based output stage. Each channel uses a single JFET transistor, located between the conversion resistors and custom-made output transformers. According to the company, this design ensures galvanic isolation and the same level of quality on both the balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs. However, only one type of analog output can be active at a time. A physical switch on the rear panel of the enclosure selects between XLR and RCA outputs. This approach underscores the manufacturer's commitment to avoiding unnecessary switching circuits and maintaining the shortest possible signal path.

The Cantico J-DAC power supply is built around three separate toroidal transformers. Each is responsible for a separate section of the circuit: digital processing, the DAC section, and the analog stages. Additionally, the device utilizes 3D-printed conductive carbon shielding with a proprietary geometry, designed to improve electromagnetic isolation.

Cantico designs and manufactures all analog boards in-house. Instead of the traditional photochemical method of PCB manufacturing, the company uses a proprietary high-precision copper milling process. According to the manufacturer, this allows for more precise quality control of the analog component.

The Cantico J-DAC's connectivity includes a USB port, a balanced AES/EBU digital input, coaxial S/PDIF, and optical Toslink. The USB port supports DSD 2X and PCM formats up to 24-bit/384 kHz, while the other digital inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The Cantico J-DAC external DAC is now available with a suggested retail price of $12,000 .