C1.2 Mono – Dual Monaural Digital to Analog Controller

C1.2 Mono Dual Monaural Digital to Analog Controller - CH Link Screen (front view, high angle)

Digital signals carry stereo information in a single data stream. That means that we cannot follow our normal approach to scalable system architecture, using independent C1.2 DAC Controllers for left and right channels, as we have to have a single input connection. Instead, to deliver improved performance we retain the C1.2 input architecture but then split the digital information into left and right channels for routing to dedicated external DACs, with a single chassis for each channel. This allows us to retain the exceptional functional flexibility of the C1.2 and the scalability of the system, while delivering a genuinely significant upgrade in performance.

Product Description

Feeding the left and right channels to independent DACs allows us to provide dedicated, fully regulated power supplies for the digital processing, upsampling and decoding functions, electrically isolating these critical processes from the control functionality and the optional analog inputs. By placing the DACs in completely separate chassis units, we achieve zero crosstalk between the two channels and prevent high-frequency contamination of the critical analog power supplies. The analog output from each DAC chassis retains the discrete, fully-complementary topology of the C1.2, but now with a dedicated power supply for each channel, further reducing noise and increasing stability. The improved performance of the output stage adds dynamic range and authority to the C1.2 Mono’s musical performance, to match the added resolution and reduced error of its digital stages. The end result is the most musically natural and satisfying digital replay we have ever achieved.

Owners of existing C1.2 (C1 or C1 Mono) units wishing to upgrade them to dual-monaural, three chassis status can do so by having their existing DAC/Controller modified and adding the separate mono DACs – without any cost penalty. The price of the complete upgrade is the same as the difference in cost between the C1.2 and C1.2 Mono. The C1.2 Mono is also compatible with X1 external power supplies, so that owners who have matched an X1 to their C1.2 can add a second output board to their power supply and use it to drive both DACs. Or of course, you can simply add dedicated X1s to both the DACs and the C1.2 controller, creating a six-box true dual-monaural system. For ultimate performance, add a T1 10MHz time Reference with its GPS facility, while a D1.5/X1 and CH-Link will provide optimum replay of material from CD/SACD and MQA discs.

Every CH Precision product conforms to our model of modular construction and scalable upgradability – but none take that concept as far, or offer the potential performance benefits enjoyed by the C1.2 Mono. It is our digital masterpiece.

Standard Inputs

  • Factory fitted with CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TosLink digital inputs
  • The CH-Link HD interface allows for synchronized transfer of high definition audio content (up to 32bit/768kHz) and DSD, offering the ideal interconnection to the D1 CD/SACD Transport or other CH-Link HD equipped units
  • Standard digital inputs accept PCM to 24bit/192kHz, DSD 1bit/2.822MHz (DSD64)

Optional Digital Inputs

  • The C1 can accept up to three digital input boards to allow multiple digital sources to be connected
  • Ethernet audio streaming input board, UPnP/DLNA compatible, allows connection to audio servers (NAS drives), streaming services and internet radio
  • PCM to 24bit/192kHz (384kHz for uncompressed formats)
  • DSD 1bit/2.8224MHz (DSD64), 5.6448MHz (DSD128) or 11.2896 MHz (DSD256)
  • Native DSD and DoP
  • WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC and MP3 formats supported in PCM
  • DSF and DFF formats supported in DSD
  • Asynchronous USB audio input board – PCM to 24bit/384kHz, DSD 1bit/5.6448MHz (DSD128, DoP encoded)

Digital to Analog Conversion

  • Four PCM1704 R-2R converters per channel
  • Fully complementary, dual mono symmetrical circuit topology
  • Discrete dedicated regulated linear power supplies for low noise and maximum channel separation

Processing

  • Independent 2.4GFLOPS DSP engines for each channel
  • Proprietary CH-PEtER synchronous data over-sampling processing
  • DSD to 705.6kHz PCM conversion
  • Resolution enhancement of audio material recorded at less than 24bits
  • Digital to Analog converters data scrambling
  • Linearization of the R-2R converters through on-board calibration process

Timing & Clocking

  • Ultra low jitter digitally controlled VCXO oscillators with dedicated power supplies
  • Optional master/slave Clock-Sync board allows synchronization with external clocks when used with the D1 CD/SACD transport, I1 Universal Integrated amplifier or computer-based audio source
  • Clock-Sync board also allows use of the T1 10MHz Time Reference clock

Volume Control

  • By-passable 0.5dB step hybrid volume control, coarse steps using relays and a resistor ladder and fine steps in the digital domain, to maximise system resolution

Analog Input Board

  • Discrete, fully differential analog input circuit
  • Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs
  • 6V RMS maximum input level
  • Input offset and balance user selectable

Analog-to-Digital conversion

  • DSD 1bit/5.6448MHz (DSD128) direct conversion

Analog Output Stage

  • Pure class A, fully symmetrical circuit
  • Fully discrete, ultra low noise, high slew rate design
  • Zero global feedback
  • One pair each – balanced XLR, single-ended RCA and BNC outputs
  • DC coupled
  • 5.4V RMS maximum output (balanced XLR), 2.7V RMS maximum output (single-ended RCA/BNC)
  • Switchable absolute phase
  • Channel balance in 0.5dB steps

Display

  • 480 x 272 pixel, 24bit RGB AMOLED
  • 15 standard, user-selectable text colors
  • User definable RGB option for text color

Remote Control Options

  • Infrared Remote Control handset for basic functions

Optional Hardware

  • Digital Input Board – CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TosLink
  • Network Player Input Board
  • Asynchronous USB Input Board
  • Clock-Sync Board
  • Analog Input Board – one pair balanced XLR, one pair single-ended RCA
  • Fully compatible with X1 External Power Supply
  • Compatible with T1 10MHz Time Reference external clock (with Clock-Sync board)

Conversion type

  • Linearized R-2R, 4x PCM1704 per channel
  • 24 bit / 705.6kHz & 768kHz

DSP processing

  • CH-PEtER upsampler, synchronous, DSD to PCM conversion and resolution enhancer

Full scale analog outputs level

  • 5.1V RMS balanced
  • 2.55V RMS single-ended

Signal to Noise Ratio

  • > 120dB

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise

  • < 0.001%, full scale, 22kHz BW

Weight

  • 20kg per unit

Dimensions

  • 440 x 440 x 133mm (W x D x H), 20kg per unit

C1.2 Mono Specific Downloads

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C1.2 / C1.2 Mono Firmware Version 1.7

1.9 MB Release Date: August 29, 2023
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USB Class 2.0 Windows Driver

1.60 MB Release Date: August 21, 2017
View Details
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1 Series Product Catalogue

1.28 MB Release Date: May 17, 2022
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CH Precision "The Collection"

1.41 MB Release Date: June 17, 2022
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Cables for CH Precision Components

59.01 KB Release Date: September 25, 2022
Download
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Installing CH Precision Composite Grounding Spikes

7.37 MB Release Date: September 25, 2022
Download

CH-Control App

Meet the CH-Control App – a control application that allows users direct access to every aspect of their CH system’s set up and use via any Android portable device. The software control systems used to set and monitor the operational parameters of each and every CH component offer the perfect opportunity for remote operation via a portable App.

To use the CH-Control App, all you will need is an Android device and to connect your CH components to an Ethernet network. That can be done either through the Ethernet control board fitted as standard to all CH units, or through the network streaming board that can be installed in C1.2, C1.2 Mono or I1 units. We would always recommend using a dedicated tablet and network for your music streaming and system control requirements.

Once your CH system is all hooked up, the App gives you touch screen access to every setting on every CH component, from your listening seat, a huge benefit when it comes to whole system set up or optimization for individual recordings. Either way, the CH-Control App allows you to make easier and more accurate judgements: Total control, quite literally at your fingertips.

The features of every CH product are accessible through the CH-Control App:

  • Built-in UPnP controller to stream dematerialized music, create playlists, etc.
  • Set volume level, select sources, reverse phase, mute, etc.
  • Access to all the advanced set-up parameters in every CH product.
  • Works on a standard Ethernet network.
  • The CH-Control App is freely available on Google Play.