Femtosecond clocked r2r dac

The Czerny is LADDER’s flagship digital decoder. Built around a proprietary R2R + DSD architecture with true balanced 24-bit R2R and 6-bit DSD conversion, a 32-step FIR filter, and FPGA-based processing, it's made for clean switching between sources, balanced XLR output to your amp, and support for modern high-rate files over USB, including DSD1024 and PCM1536.

Proprietary r2r + dsd decoding

Instead of a typical delta-sigma DAC chip, the Czerny uses a discrete R2R path for PCM alongside a dedicated DSD approach. In plain English, it’s designed to convert digital to analog with tight control over accuracy and consistency, using hand-matched 0.01% resistors to keep channel balance and linearity as tight as possible. 

True balanced output you can actually use

The Czerny is made for balanced gear. You get balanced XLR output for longer cable runs and better noise rejection in real rooms, plus single-ended RCA when you need it. Output levels are rated at 4.0Vrms on XLR and 2.0Vrms on RCA.

Low noise, measurable performance

Total harmonic distortion plus noise is listed at 0.004%, signal-to-noise ratio at 115dB, and dynamic range at 119dB. These numbers translate to a quiet background and clean headroom, especially noticeable late at night, low volume, and with resolving headphones or near-field monitors.

Clocking and buffering for cleaner timing

Timing errors show up as haze and softness. The Czerny leans on dual femtosecond crystal oscillators (45.1548MHz and 49.152MHz) and a FIFO buffer to steady the data stream before conversion, giving you more stable edges and image placement.

FPGA processing with oversampling or nos modes

The signal processing is handled via FPGA, with selectable oversampling (OS) and non-oversampling (NOS). OS applies digital filtering and can sound tighter and more controlled depending on your chain. NOS skips that stage for a more direct path. 

Inputs for all

USB, coaxial, optical, and I²S are all here, so you can keep a streamer, CD transport, and computer in rotation without unplugging anything. USB is the high-rate path with support for DSD1024 and PCM1536. 

65W toroidal transformer

The internal power design starts with a 65W toroidal transformer and a bank of ERSE capacitors, then splits into 8 independently regulated supplies. That matters because digital, clocking, and analog output stages all want different kinds of power behavior. Keeping them isolated helps the output stage stay steady when the rest of the unit is working hard.

Compact, rack-friendly sizing

This is a desktop-sized component that still feels like real hi-fi hardware. The overall dimensions are 9.45 in × 10.63 in × 2.36 in (240 mm × 270 mm × 60 mm), with a net weight of 13.78 lb (6.25 kg). It fits easily on a credenza, under a monitor stand, or in a rack shelf where height is tight.

Product highlights

• Proprietary R2R + DSD architecture
  
• True balanced 24-bit R2R + 6-bit DSD conversion
  
• 32-step FIR filter
  
• FPGA digital signal processing
  
• Oversampling (OS) and non-oversampling (NOS) modes
  
• Dual femtosecond crystal oscillators: 45.1548MHz, 49.152MHz
  
• FIFO buffer and low-noise power supply
  
• USB supports DSD1024 and PCM1536 (listed)
  
• Digital inputs: USB, coaxial, optical (TOSLink), I²S
  
• Analog outputs: balanced XLR and single-ended RCA
  
• Windows Thesycon USB driver support
  
• No driver required for Mac and Linux (listed)

Specs

• Product type: Digital decoder (DAC)
  
• Material: Aluminum alloy
  
• Color: Black
  
• Dimensions: 9.45 in × 10.63 in × 2.36 in (240 mm × 270 mm × 60 mm)
  
• Package dimensions: 17.72 in × 14.96 in × 6.30 in (450 mm × 380 mm × 160 mm)
  
• Net weight: 13.78 lb (6.25 kg)
  
• Gross weight: 21.39 lb (9.7 kg)
  
• Analog outputs: RCA 2.0Vrms, 625Ω
  
• Analog outputs: XLR 4.0Vrms, 1250Ω
  
• Frequency response: 20–70kHz (-3dB)
  
• THD+N: 0.004%
  
• SNR: 115dB
  
• Dynamic range: 119dB
  
• Stereo crosstalk: -124dB
  
• DSD support: All inputs support DSD64-DoP; USB input only supports DSD1024 (listed)
  
• PCM support: 24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz on all inputs (listed)
  
• USB PCM support: up to 1536kHz (listed)
  
• Digital inputs: Coaxial ×1, Optical ×1, I²S ×1, USB 2.0 Type B
  
• Power requirements: 100–240VAC, 50/60Hz (manual selection listed)
  
• Power consumption: ≤20W
  
• Fuse: T2A/250VAC, 5×20mm, 2A slow-blow
  
• Operating temperature: 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C)
  
• Relative humidity: ≤90%
  
• Atmospheric pressure: 86 to 106kPa

What’s included

• Czerny digital decoder