PTA has truly enjoyed Merason DACs in the past. Dave McNair reviewed the first version of the Merason DAC-1 a couple of years ago, and Marc Phillips also reviewed the entry-level Merason Frerot DAC shortly after that. In fact, our editor-in-chief is busy reviewing the new Merason DAC-1 Mk. II right now, and he just listened to a Merason DAC at the Alma Audio East event last weekend. So it appears Merason of Switzerland is expanding its line with the introduction of the new mid-priced Merason Reuss DAC.

Here’s the press release on the Merason Reuss.

For Immediate Release

October 17, 2023
Worb, Switzerland
SWISS MADE MERASON REVEALS ITS NEW “REUSS” TO MUSIC
AFICIONADOS WORLDWIDE IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Swiss producer niedal audio lab announced today the launch of its long awaited Reuss DAC which will join Merason’s award winning converter line. CEO and brand owner Daniel Frauchiger states “I am excited about the Reuss. Our passion for music drives us each day and our new Reuss provides the purist musical quality and experience at an impressive price.

A ‘must have’ for all Audiophiles”.
The new Reuss’ namesake is inspired by the famous river in Switzerland where it’s fluidity of sound merges with Merason’s DNA of “less is more” and where “the main focus is on music quality.”

Following the successful DAC1 Mk II release, niedal audio lab has once again succeeded in producing a sonically outstanding digital-to-analog model at an affordable price. The Merason Reuss’ clean and neutral timbres, rich and energetic sound, distinctively deep and wide stage with precise localization and defined bass are just some of its outstanding qualities. Available in black and silver, the Merason Reuss has an elegant, sleek, and slim aluminum housing with a solid front panel grinded by hand. Made in Switzerland at their manufacture in Burgdorf in accordance with strict quality processes and controls.

SMD components are primarily used as in the Merason DAC1 Mk II. The printed circuit board responsible for conversion and buffering has a 6-layer construction to prevent interference from occurring in the first place. All power elements are cooled directly via the chassis and thus remain thermally stable. Components have been meticulously selected based on their sound characteristics and measured performance with listening being the final arbiter. The proven BurrBrown PCM1794A, one per channel, is responsible for the conversion to achieve the highest dynamic range.

As with all Merason products, the circuit topology is symmetrical, i.e. there are a total of 4 independent channels. The individual power supplies have a linear structure, with three transformers responsible for supplying power to the analog and digital circuits. The switching power supply, which is necessary for the standby mode, is completely deactivated during operation to eliminate possible interferences from the start. Available inputs are one SPDIF in RCA and in Toslink, one AES and one USB Audio Class 2.0. The dimensions are 454 x 275 x 50 mm3 and weighs 6 kg.

Suggested Retail Price: 4900 EUR
Availability: Now