BorderPatrol - DAC SE-i USB

Natural, sweet, open and organic are not words usually used to describe digital electronics but those were the design goals for the BorderPatrol DAC. Too many digital audio products sound processed, unnatural and un-involving and this is particularly true of many of the new generation of hi-resolution delta-sigma DAC’s.

The BorderPatrol DAC uses a R2R DAC chip with no over-sampling and no digital filtering fed from a very sophisticated choke input, tube rectified power supply to produce one of the most natural, ‘un-digital’ sounds it is possible to hear.

Many owners have said this is the first DAC that they can listen to for long periods without irritation or fatigue and that lets them emotionally connect to digital music for the first time.
Several vinyl diehards are now happily streaming and playing CD’s after previously giving up on digital audio.

This relatively low cost DAC is equally at home in affordable audio systems or in esoteric systems such as the BorderPatrol/Volti/Triode wire labs systems costing tens of thousands of dollars that it frequently finds itself in at audio shows.

Technical specifications

    Inputs : USB (asynchronous), Coaxial SPDIF
    Outputs: analogue RCA
    Converter: R-2R DAC chipset
    Power supply: Linear tube power supply with the option of a separate power supply
    Filtering: Passive filter without oversampling
    Compatibility: Compatible with PCM formats up to 24-bit/96kHz
    Chassis: Robust metal enclosure with wooden panels for optimum vibration isolation and elegant aesthetics

Sound characteristics

  Sound signature: The BorderPatrol DAC SE-i is renowned for its warm, musical sound. It offers a natural sound presentation with a wide soundstage and subtle detail. Bass is deep and well-defined, mids are rich and highs are smooth and clear.
    Transparent and natural: Thanks to its non-oversampling design and passive filter, the SE-i DAC reproduces music with great transparency and exceptional naturalness, respecting the original recording.

Benefits

    Outstanding sound quality: The R-2R design and tube power supply give the SE-i DAC a sound quality that rivals much more expensive DACs.
    Robust, elegant design: The metal case with wooden panels not only provides excellent isolation from interference, but also adds a touch of elegance to your audio setup.
    Universal compatibility: With USB and SPDIF inputs, the SE-i DAC can be used with a variety of digital sources.

Installation and use

    Easy installation: The BorderPatrol DAC SE-i is simple to install. Connect your digital source via USB or SPDIF coaxial and connect the RCA outputs to your amplifier or preamplifier.
    Intuitive to use: Designed for ease of use, the DAC SE-i requires no complex configuration. It's ready to use as soon as you plug it in.