TAD C2000 Stereo Preamplifier with DAC

The TAD C2000 stereo preamplifier is designed to manage analog and digital sources in a two-channel audio system. Its built-in converter and USB Type-B input allow a computer to be used as a digital source. A fully balanced analog signal path provides equivalent signal-transmission conditions for the left and right channels.

This is a stereo preamplifier intended for connection ahead of a separate power amplifier. It does not replace a power amplifier and cannot drive passive speakers directly. This arrangement is suitable for a system in which the sources, converter, and power-amplification stage are selected separately.

Digital Signal Processing

The built-in digital-to-analog converter uses two Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips operating in a dual-differential configuration. This architecture is designed to process the two channels symmetrically.

A UPCG crystal oscillator supplies the master clock signal. Its technology is derived from the TAD D600 disc player.

In an asynchronous USB system, data transfer is controlled by the receiving device. This approach is intended to reduce clock irregularities originating in the computer or transmission chain. The format used for USB playback depends on the computer software and its settings.

Balanced Analog Circuitry

The analog signal path is fully balanced from input to output. The circuits, boards, and internal wiring are arranged symmetrically. The left and right channels are installed on separate boards and use wiring of equal length.

The dual-mono construction separates the signal paths of the two channels. This is particularly relevant when building a system with balanced sources and a balanced power amplifier. Such a connection preserves balanced operation throughout the preamplifier.

The digital and analog circuits have isolated power supplies. The circuit boards use 70 µm copper foil, while the power-supply section contains a high-capacity toroidal transformer.

Chassis and Placement

The chassis is machined from a solid aluminum billet. Internal components are mounted directly to the chassis. This construction limits the transfer of vibration to the electronic circuits.

Cast-iron feet support the chassis at three points. The unit weighs 23.5 kg, so it requires a strong, stable shelf. Its chassis is 393 mm deep, and additional clearance must be left behind it for the connectors and the bending radius of the cables.

Analog Connections

Two balanced analog inputs and two unbalanced analog inputs are provided. Choose a balanced connection when the audio source also has a balanced output. The unbalanced inputs accommodate sources without balanced outputs.

Two balanced and two unbalanced analog outputs are available for sending the signal to a power amplifier. Match the output type to the power amplifier’s input. A balanced connection preserves the preamplifier’s fully balanced analog signal path.

Digital Connections and USB

Digital sources can be connected through one balanced and one unbalanced digital input. The physical connector standards are not specified. The digital cable must therefore be selected according to the actual socket type rather than the input description alone.

The USB Type-B input supports USB 2.0 High-Speed operation. Supported sampling rates are 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz. Playback at a particular rate depends on the operating system, driver, and playback application.

The USB environment was designed for Windows XP and later systems available at the time, as well as Mac OS 10.5 or later. Windows Vista and Windows 7 required a dedicated driver. Sampling rates up to 192 kHz were supported in the Mac OS 10.6 environment.

These compatibility details are historical and do not guarantee operation with current Windows or macOS releases. Before selecting a computer as the primary source, check the availability of a suitable driver and the capabilities of the intended playback software.

Use in Stereo and Home Theater Systems

In a stereo system, the preamplifier receives signals from the sources and sends them to a power amplifier. A separate power-amplification stage is essential when using passive speakers. The integrated converter can reduce the need for a separate DAC when supported digital sources are connected.

No dedicated home theater bypass function is specified, so automatic integration with an AV processor at a fixed signal level should not be assumed. No function is specified for linking or jointly controlling multiple preamplifiers of this type.

The power-supply version must match the local electrical network. The US version is designed for 120 V, 60 Hz power. The European and Asian version is intended for 220-240 V power at 50 or 60 Hz.

Technical Specifications

Model	TAD-C2000
Type	Stereo preamplifier with integrated digital-to-analog converter
Converter chips	Two Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips in a dual-differential configuration
Master clock	UPCG crystal oscillator using technology derived from the TAD D600
Analog circuitry	Fully balanced from input to output
Channel construction	Dual-mono, with separate channel boards and equal-length wiring
Circuit boards	70 µm copper foil
Transformer	High-capacity toroidal transformer
Analog inputs	2 balanced, 2 unbalanced
Digital inputs	1 balanced, 1 unbalanced
USB input	1 USB Type-B, USB 2.0 High-Speed
Analog outputs	2 balanced, 2 unbalanced
Rated output voltage	1.5 V balanced; 0.75 V unbalanced
Maximum output voltage	16 Vms balanced; 8 Vms unbalanced
Maximum permissible input voltage at -40 dB	20 V balanced; 10 V unbalanced
Rated harmonic distortion	0.003%; measurement conditions not specified
Frequency response	10 Hz-100 kHz, -1 dB
Gain	12 dB
Supported sampling rates	44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz
Historical USB environment	Windows XP and later versions available at the time; Mac OS 10.5 and later
Dedicated USB driver	Provided for Windows Vista and Windows 7
US-version power supply	120 V AC, 60 Hz
European and Asian-version power supply	220-240 V AC, 50 or 60 Hz
Power consumption	37 W
Standby power consumption	0.5 W or less
Dimensions	440 × 140 × 393 mm; 17-5/16 × 5-1/2 × 15-1/2 in.
Weight	23.5 kg; 51.8 lb.
Chassis	Machined from a solid aluminum billet
Supports	Cast-iron feet with three-point support

FAQ

Can this unit drive passive speakers directly?

No. The required connection sequence is: source → TAD-C2000 → power amplifier → passive speakers.

Which analog connection should I choose?

Choose a balanced connection when both the source and power amplifier support it. In other cases, use an unbalanced connection.

How many analog sources can be connected, and what types are supported?

Up to four sources can be connected at the same time, provided their output types match the two balanced and two unbalanced inputs.

What is required to play music from a computer?

Connect the computer to the USB Type-B input. The playback rate and format are determined by the application, operating system, and a suitable driver.

Will the USB connection work with a current operating system?

Support for current systems has not been confirmed. The historical compatibility information covers older Windows and Mac OS versions, so the availability of a suitable driver is important.