Denon DA-300USB DAC for Computers and Headphones

Denon DA-300USB is a digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier for listening to a computer or other digital audio sources through headphones or a stereo system. A computer connects to the rear USB Type-B input. Two optical inputs and one coaxial input accommodate other digital sources. Headphone volume is controlled on the DA-300USB, while its analog output has a fixed level.

Who it is for

For headphone listening, use the headphone output and the DA-300USB volume control. For playback through a stereo system, connect the fixed-level analog output to the stereo amplifier and adjust the listening volume there. Knowing which device controls the volume is especially useful when switching between headphones and speakers.

Connecting a computer

The rear USB Type-B input operates asynchronously and provides bit-perfect digital signal transmission. It is the connection for a computer playing PCM or DSD recordings. The stated maximum PCM input resolution over USB is 192 kHz / 24-bit. This describes the signal the input accepts; it should not be confused with the rating used to describe the DAC chip.

DSD 2.8 and DSD 5.6 streams travel through the USB connection using DoP. If your music library includes DSD recordings, take this transmission method into account when choosing playback software. The USB input is intended for computer audio and should not be treated as a phone connection.

Other digital sources

The two optical inputs let you connect two sources with optical digital audio outputs. A coaxial input is available for a third source. Choose the input that matches the output on your source: an optical signal does not connect to the coaxial input. The stated maximum signal resolution for these digital inputs is 192 kHz / 24-bit.

Both optical connections and the coaxial connection are inputs. They receive audio from a player or another source. If your system needs to send a digital signal from the DA-300USB to another device, these connections do not serve that purpose.

Audio outputs and volume control

The fixed-level analog output is intended for equipment that has its own volume control, such as the line input of a stereo amplifier. Before starting playback, turn down the amplifier and then raise its volume gradually. The separate control on the DA-300USB adjusts the headphone output. It does not change the level of the analog output, so use the amplifier to set the volume when listening through a connected stereo system.

The specified headphone amplifier power is 50 mW into 32 ohms. That figure describes a measurement condition for the power rating. By itself, it does not tell you how loud every pair of headphones will play or establish suitability from headphone impedance alone.

Placement and construction

The DA-300USB can be placed vertically when that suits your equipment layout. Allow access to the computer connection and whichever digital inputs you use on the rear. The low-noise OELD display and headphone volume control remain at the front for everyday use.

Inside is the PCM1795 DAC chip, which Denon describes as a 192 kHz / 32-bit chip. That is a characteristic of the chip; the stated maximum resolution accepted by the USB and other digital inputs is 192 kHz / 24-bit. The DA-300USB also uses Advanced AL32 Processing and DAC Master Clock Design. Denon lists high-grade audio components and components customised for this model.

Technical specifications

Type	Digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier
Computer input	Rear USB Type-B input; asynchronous operation and bit-perfect digital signal transmission
Other digital inputs	2 optical, 1 coaxial
Supported signals	PCM; DSD 2.8 and DSD 5.6 via USB Type-B using DoP
Stated maximum input resolution	192 kHz / 24-bit via USB Type-B and the other digital inputs
Analog output	Fixed level
Headphone output	Provided, with a separate volume control
Headphone amplifier power	50 mW into 32 ohms
DAC chip	PCM1795, described as a 192 kHz / 32-bit chip
Audio processing	Advanced AL32 Processing; DAC Master Clock Design
Components	High-grade and customised audio components
Signal-to-noise ratio	112 dB
Channel separation	100 dB
Display	Low-noise OELD
Placement	Vertical installation possible

FAQ

How do I connect it to a stereo amplifier?

Connect the fixed-level analog output to a line input on the amplifier. Set the listening volume with the amplifier, and turn it down before playing music for the first time.

Can I use it with a home cinema receiver?

Yes, if the receiver has a suitable analog line input. The DA-300USB receives digital audio from your selected source; the receiver then controls the volume and subsequent playback.

Which connection should I use for a computer?

Use the rear USB Type-B input. It offers asynchronous operation and carries DSD streams using DoP. The optical and coaxial inputs are for other digital sources.

Does the headphone control change the analog output volume?

No. The analog output has a fixed level, so adjust the connected system’s volume on its amplifier. The DA-300USB volume control is for the headphone output.

Does the chip’s 32-bit rating mean the USB input accepts 32-bit audio?

No. Denon describes the PCM1795 as a 192 kHz / 32-bit chip, but the stated maximum USB input resolution is 192 kHz / 24-bit.

Can the optical connections output audio?

No. Both optical connections receive signals from sources. The coaxial connection is also an input; the analog output carries audio to a connected system.

How many digital sources can I connect?

You can connect a computer to USB Type-B and three more sources: two to the optical inputs and one to the coaxial input. Select the input for the source you want to hear.