d1-driver-sublime, the amplifier driver

The d1-driver-sublime is an analog driver. It is usually connected between a DAC and an amplifier.
It is an answer to the endless question "is it better with or without preamp?".
The strength of preamps is their active stage more than their volume control. The active stage helps driving the power amp.
Traditional preamps have been designed when people had several analog sources: LP, cassette, FM tuner, CD player...
Some of us still use LP today, in this case you can connect the LP via an Analog to Digital converter to the DAC, or keep a traditional preamp.
Many of us use just a DAC as source. The d1-driver-sublime is the solution in this case to get the best sound, the lowest noise and the most friendly volume control from a Totaldac DAC remote.

Its drive capability allows the d1-driver-sublime to improve the dynamic, bass control, articulation, presence, soundstage and life.
The d1-driver-sublime has no volume control because it relies on the DAC volume control but in case the complete system gain is too high (DAC + amp + speakers + room) an analog -15.5dB attenuation can be activated using a switch at the back panel.
This attenuator uses 12 pieces of 0.01% VAR Bulk Metal® Foil resistors from Vishay.
In case the complete system misses some gain with some tracks recorded very low, the latest Totaldac DACs offer a +12dB digital gain option.
This 2 selectable gain in a Totaldac system allow to optimize all configurations.
The d1-driver-sublime has been tested in association with the d1-core up to the d1-sublime DACs, and with the Amp-1-sublime as amplifier.

Totaldac d1-driver-sublime front

Specifications:
-one-box stereo version: RCA inputs, RCA outputs + unbalanced XLR outputs
-two-box monobloc version: RCA inputs + XLR inputs, RCA outputs + balanced XLR outputs
-voltage gain: 0dB gain (x1 factor) or -15.5dB attenuation, selected by a swict on the back panel
-very high bias current class A design for a natural low output impedance and low distorsion
-very high grade components in the signal path, and no capacitor in the signal path.
-extreme low noise due to discrete design (no IC at all) and external power supply, matching the noise of d1-sublime DAC
-input impedance: 12Kohm
-natural low output impedance plus added 33ohm pure resitor for a perfect interconnect impedance matching
-can drive anything above 100ohm without distorsion
-distorsion: 0.0025%
-frequency cut-off at -3dB, RCA output: 2.5MHz
-using 12 pieces of 0.01% VAR Bulk Metal® Foil resistors from Vishay in the attenuator and 4 in the balanced output
-aluminium and PMMA enclosure with massive pure copper antivibration plate
-power consumption 20W
-main box dimensions: height 110mm, width 360mm, depth 290mm
-power supply dimensions: height 65mm, width 122mm, depth 180mm
-weight: 7kg

Available options:
-damping feet.
-one-box stereo version or monoblocs version.
-two pairs of outputs for a subwoofer or a headphone amplifier or for bi-amping.
-silver massive aluminium front panel.
-115V power option.

prices

Rear view of the stereo version:
Totaldac d1-driver-sublime rear

d1-driver-sublime inside:
inside

Damping feet option:

Custom damping feet are available as an option for a nice sound quality improvement.
The optional damping feet are 15.5mm high whereas the stock feet are 13.5mm high, so the product gets 2mm higher.

Totaldac damping feet

mobile phone: +33 6 18 03 14 08 (European time zone, Whatsapp compatible)