UNITRA DSH-805 DIGITAL-TO-ANALOGUE CONVERTER LAUNCHED WITH ESS SABRE ES9039MSPRO DAC
Polish manufacturer Unitra has introduced their first standalone DAC, the Unitra DSH-805 DAC, a reference-class digital-to-analogue converter designed to partner with modern digital sources and complement the brand’s flagship amplifier.
Central to the Unitra DSH-805 DAC is the ESS SABRE ES9039MSPRO chipset, which uses eight DACs in total, four per channel, with Hyperstream IV architecture. This arrangement is intended to deliver linear conversion with very low distortion and a high level of precision in signal handling.
UNITRA DSH-805 DAC
The specification quotes total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) at less than 0.001% via balanced outputs and less than 0.00015% unbalanced, with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 125 dB and channel separation above 115 dB. Frequency response is stated as 1 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.1 dB, extending to 65 kHz within ±1 dB.
OUTPUT STAGE, FORMAT SUPPORT, AND FILTER OPTIONS
The analogue output stage of the Unitra DSH-805 is built around 18 OPA161x operational amplifiers, chosen for their low-noise and wide dynamic capability. Connection options include gold-plated RCA connectors for unbalanced output and balanced XLR sockets for systems requiring higher rejection of interference. The DAC supports a broad range of digital audio formats, with PCM up to 768 kHz/32-bit via USB and 192 kHz/24-bit via coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs. Native DSD playback is supported up to DSD512 through USB, with DoP handling up to DSD256, and DSD64 DoP available via S/PDIF. An integrated MQA decoder and renderer allows for playback of MQA and MQA Studio material, and OFS streams pre-decoded by an external source are also supported. To provide flexibility in tailoring playback, the Unitra DSH-805 includes seven selectable PCM digital filters, enabling listeners to adjust tonal balance from neutral to subtly shaped profiles.
INTERFACE, CLOCKING, AND USB ISOLATION
On the front panel, the Unitra DSH-805 features a clear LED matrix display that shows active input, filter choice, and signal data such as sampling rate, file format, and MQA or DSD status. The design references classic Unitra products of the past while maintaining a modern, functional layout. Digital inputs are reclocked to the device’s internal master clock to reduce jitter, with the circuit dynamically adjusting to the most suitable frequency for the incoming signal. Both USB inputs feature galvanic isolation, separating the audio path from noise and interference typically generated by computers and mobile devices. This is presented as the optimal connection for stability, format support, and consistent conversion quality.
POWER SUPPLY, BUILD, AND DEVELOPMENT
A linear power supply underpins the Unitra DSH-805, incorporating a transformer designed and manufactured in Poland specifically for the DAC’s architecture. The supply includes EMI filtering and delivers five independently regulated secondary voltages, separating digital and analogue sections to reduce crosstalk and improve stability. A dedicated reference voltage regulator feeds the DAC stage itself, aiming to preserve conversion accuracy and dynamic response. The chassis is constructed from metal with a brushed aluminium front panel, visually matching the WSH-805 amplifier and providing mechanical durability. Unitra also tested the DAC in partnership with the Takt vinyl pressing plant, where digital material is regularly converted to analogue for mastering. These sessions were used to assess consistency and sound character across demanding professional applications.
UNITRA DSH-805 DAC SPECIFICATIONS
Converter specification
Converter ESS SABRE® ES9039MSPRO (4 D/A converters per audio channel)
PCM filters 7 selectable filters
Supported digital audio formats
PCM (768 kHz 32 bit) USB1, USB2
PCM (192 kHz, 24 bit) COAX1, COAX2, OPT, AES/EBU
DSD 512 (Native) USB1, USB2
DSD 256 (DoP) USB1, USB2
DSD 64 (DoP) COAX1, COAX2, OPT, AES/EBU
MQA / MQA Studio Full MQA Decoder + Renderer
Audio parameters
THD+N (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) BALANCED < 0.001 %
THD+N (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) UNBALANCED < 0.00015 %
SNR (1 kHz, 0 dBFS) > 125 dB
Channel Separation > 115 dB
Rated output voltage impedance 2.3 V RMS
Frequency Response (+/– 0.1 dB point) 1 Hz – 20 kHz
Frequency Response (+/– 1 dB point) 1 Hz – 65 kHz
Reclocking All inputs reclocked to internal master clock.
UNITRA DSH-805 DAC PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Unitra DSH-805 digital-to-analogue converter is available now in either silver or black finish. Retail pricing is set at €2,999.
HiFi PiG Says: Unitra products are now available in the UK, read more here.
