C1.2 DAC

CH Precision C1.2 Digital to Analog Controller - CH Link Screen (front view)-Edit-Edit.jpg

Time. Resolution. Emotion.

The C1.2 DAC marks a new chapter in CH Precision’s approach to digital playback—where time-domain accuracy, processing precision, and musical expression converge. Building on the acclaimed C1 platform, the C1.2 introduces a newly developed clock architecture, enhanced power regulation, and significantly increased processing headroom. These refinements allow for greater resolution, lower noise, and a more natural rendering of space, texture, and flow—regardless of source or format.

The C1.2 is more than a next-generation DAC. With modular input architecture, dedicated streaming and USB pathways, a hybrid analog/digital volume control, and optional A-to-D functionality, it can be configured as the central control point in any system. A new high-resolution AMOLED display and seamless integration with the CH Control App ensure intuitive access to its extensive capabilities. Designed to adapt, built to last, and voiced for emotional fidelity, the C1.2 redefines what a digital hub can—and should—be.

Your System. Your Configuration. Your Evolution.

The C1.2’s proprietary PEtER Spline Upsampling Filter has been further refined to operate at 32-bit fixed-point precision, extending seamless compatibility across virtually all digital formats—from high-resolution PCM and DSD delivered over Ethernet or USB to native MQA decoding and CH-Link HD transmission from the D1.5 Transport. By prioritizing time-domain coherence and minimizing pre- and post-ringing artifacts, the Spline Filter preserves transient integrity, low-level detail, and microdynamic nuance regardless of source format or sampling rate.

At the conversion stage, the fully differential, dual-mono DAC architecture employs four precision R-2R converter networks per channel, with all resistors mounted on a common silicon substrate to ensure exceptional thermal stability, matching accuracy, and long-term linearity. This approach delivers outstanding dynamic range, linearity, and channel separation, and feeds a discrete, Class-A analogue output stage that is DC-coupled and fully symmetrical—ensuring that the time-domain accuracy established in the digital domain is preserved through the analogue output without loss or coloration.

At the heart of the C1.2 lies a newly developed clocking system built around a MEMS-based, thermally compensated, shunt-regulated oscillator engineered for outstanding temporal stability and vanishingly low jitter. This master clock not only governs internal processing but also supports a broad range of synchronization schemes, including external reference and networked clock architectures. Combined with refined local power regulation and four times the processing power of its predecessor, the C1.2 achieves a new level of time-domain precision—translating directly into heightened resolution, transparency, and musical coherence.

Performance Rooted in Principle

As with all CH Precision components, the C1.2 is modular and future-proof. A flexible input architecture allows users to configure the unit to their specific system requirements, while optional analogue input boards extend its role far beyond that of a traditional digital-to-analogue converter. These boards enable seamless integration with analogue sources—including turntables equipped with an external phono preamplifier—and support other line-level devices such as reel-to-reel decks. The result is a complete control centre capable of anchoring a highly streamlined, ultra-high-performance system without the need for a separate line preamplifier. Combined with its hybrid analogue/digital volume control and the CH Control App, the C1.2 functions as the central hub for both digital and analogue sources.

The C1.2 can be fitted with an optional Ethernet Streaming HD input board, enabling high-resolution playback from networked sources via UPnP or Roon, as well as direct access to online services including Qobuz, TIDAL, and Internet radio. In contrast to DACs built around off-the-shelf modules, CH Precision’s proprietary streaming architecture is engineered to maximize signal integrity, timing precision, and musical coherence. For computer-based audio, the dedicated USB_IN board supports USB input. The optional CLOCK_SYNC board adds a clock input and two outputs on high-quality BNC connectors, allowing seamless integration with external time references such as CH's T1 Time Reference. The third slot may also be configured with an additional Digital HD input board if required.

A Path to Greater Musical Truth

The C1.2 Digital DAC stands as a high-performance foundation, but its architecture is designed to evolve—deliberately and without compromise. The first and most immediate step in refining its performance is the addition of the X1 External Power Supply. By offloading power regulation to a discrete, ultra-low-noise chassis, the X1 significantly reduces the system noise floor, improves DC stability, and enhances resolution and dynamic control. More than a technical refinement, the X1 deepens the musical presentation—revealing finer textures, greater tonal shading, and a heightened sense of ease and flow.

To further elevate the system’s timing precision, the T1 Time Reference introduces a master-level 10MHz clock with GPS synchronization. When paired with the C1.2 (via the optional Clock-Sync board), the T1 brings an even greater sense of focus and spatial coherence to the music. Transients become cleaner, decay trails more natural, and the entire soundstage gains dimensional stability.

Finally, for disc-based playback, the D1.5 Transport offers an optical front end of extraordinary refinement. Short of CH’s own flagship D10, it is the most sophisticated and musically transparent transport available. Through the proprietary CH-Link HD connection, the D1.5 delivers native DSD and MQA data directly to the C1.2 while maintaining perfect synchronization between transport and DAC. As with all CH Precision components, each piece is engineered to operate independently at reference level—but together, they form a system whose performance is both scalable and transformative, shaped entirely around the listener’s priorities.

Flexible Architecture, Focused Performance

True to CH Precision’s modular design philosophy, the C1.2 DAC is built to adapt—both to the system it anchors and the evolving needs of the listener. Its configurable input architecture allows users to tailor the unit precisely to their preferred formats and sources. Standard digital inputs include CH-Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and Toslink, while optional boards enable high-resolution network streaming over Ethernet and asynchronous USB playback. This flexibility ensures native compatibility with a wide range of digital sources, from legacy transports to modern file-based playback systems.

For those integrating analog sources into a digital ecosystem, the C1.2 can be fitted with an optional analog input board, supporting both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections. A hybrid analog/digital volume control and built-in A-to-D conversion preserve signal integrity while enabling seamless control of both digital and analog inputs—making the C1.2 a true system hub. An optional Clock-Sync board allows for advanced synchronization capabilities, including full compatibility with CH’s T1 10MHz Time Reference, enabling further refinement of timing precision across a complete CH system.

The C1.2 is also fully compatible with the X1 External Power Supply, allowing users to elevate performance even further by reducing the noise floor and increasing DC stability. Whether configured as a streamlined DAC or a fully integrated control center, the C1.2 is designed to grow with the system around it—delivering musical and functional flexibility without compromise.

Document and Firmware Downloads

A resource built with the same precision and care that define our instruments, the CH Precision Downloads area provides access to the most recent manuals, firmware updates, spike installation guides, and product brochures. Each document reflects our engineering culture—meticulous in detail, exact in purpose, and designed to ensure that every component performs precisely as intended.

These materials are intended to support owners and partners in configuring, maintaining, and optimising their CH systems. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, we encourage you to contact your authorised CH Precision dealer or reach out directly through our Technical Support form. Our teams are committed to providing the same standard of excellence in service that we apply to our engineering—so that every listening experience remains true to the performance we envisioned.

International Press Honors

C1 Digital to Analog Controller - Rear-Edit

Digital Precision, Musical Purpose

The C1.2 DAC represents the full maturity of CH Precision’s digital architecture—a high-resolution DAC, digital hub, and control center, all built around proprietary signal processing, advanced clocking, and a fully discrete dual-mono output stage. Its modular construction allows users to tailor digital and analog input configurations to their system, while its precision volume control, low-noise regulation, and scalable processing platform ensure performance that remains at the cutting edge. From optional streaming and USB interfaces to external clock synchronization and power supply refinement, every element is engineered with a clear upgrade path—allowing the C1.2 to evolve as the system around it grows.

What sets the C1.2 apart is not just what it does, but how it does it: transparently, faithfully, and without imposition. It is a tool for revealing the full character of your music—its scale, nuance, and emotional depth. Designed to endure, engineered to evolve, the C1.2 is digital performance shaped by a singular purpose: to bring the listener closer to the music.

Specifications

General

Type: Digital-to-analog converter
Options:
- Additional digital input HD board
- USB audio board
- Ethernet streaming digital input HD board
- Analog input board
- Clock sync board
Upgrade path:
- External power supply (X1)
- External line preamplifier (C1.2 in pure DAC mode at fixed level)
- Reference clock (T1)
Color: Silver (standard), Anthracite or Champagne (option)
Dimensions: 440 x 440 x 133 mm (W D x H)
Weight: 20kg
Operating conditions: 5°C<T<35°C, 5%<humidity<85% no condensation
Power supply: Selectable 100V, 115V or 230V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz
Power consumption: <0.5W standby, 80W nominal

User interface

Display: 800 x 480 pixels, 24 bit RGB AMOLED
Control: Dual concentric encoder with push function, Infrared remote control, Android app (iOS app to be released)
Firmware update: via USB flash drive or the Internet

Digital input

Type:
- 1x CH Link HD, 1x AES/EBU (XLR), 1x S/PDIF (RCA), 1x S/PDIF (TOSLINK) per Digital input board (1x standard)
- 1x USB type B per USB input board (optional)
- 1x RJ-45 on Streaming HD input board (optional)
Sampling rate:
- CH Link HD: PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 22.5792MHz
- S/PDIF, AES/EBU: PCM 44.1kHz to 192kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz (DoP format)
- Ethernet: PCM 44.1kHz to 768kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 22.5792MHz
- USB: PCM 44.1kHz to 384kHz, DSD 2.8224MHz to 5.6448MHz (DoP format)
Bit depth: PCM 16 to 32 bit, DSD 1 bit
MQA: Full MQA decoding (unfolding and rendering) at 24bit/352.8-384kHz
File Format:
- PCM: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, AAC and MP3
- DSD: DSF and DFF
Services:
- Local: UpnP/DLNA, Roon ready, Audirvana compatible
- Streaming: Qobuz connect, Tidal connect, Web radio

DAC

Conversion type: Linearized R-2R, 24 bit / 16xFs (705.6/768 kHz), 4 DAC per channel
Upsampling filter: Proprietary ultra-short, low-ringing, time-optimized, synchronous, 32-bit fixed-point PEtER algorithm
Clocking option: clock master or synchronization to reference clock or optical disc transport

Analog Output

Type: 1x Balanced XLR, 1x single-ended RCA, 1x single-ended BNC per channel
Modes:
- Fixed level: 2.5VRMS single-ended (RCA, BNC) / 5VRMS balanced (XLR)
- Volume control: -99.5dB to +18dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: <0.004% (@ 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted)
Bandwidth: DC to 155kHz (-3dB)
Signal-to-noise ratio: >110dB (@ 20Hz-20kHz, A-weighted)
Noise: <16μVRMS, XLR output