AES, New York, US, 5th October 2007 – Wolfson Microelectronics (LSE: WLF.L) today launched the WM8741, a new ultra high performance stereo DAC (digital analogue converter) for high-end audio applications. The innovative WM8741 reinforces Wolfson’s leadership position in high performance audio and provides further foundation for the Wolfson AudioPlus™ growth strategy. A strategy that integrates incremental mixed-signal technology and key elements of the audio signal chain to enable new or improved end user experiences.

Combining ultra high performance, Wolfson’s renowned out-of-band noise and linearity, and a unique combination of programmable advanced digital filters, the WM8741 creates a more natural “analogue feel” sound than previously achievable in traditional DAC.

Capable of delivering 128dB SNR (mono), the WM8741 can be configured to meet the performance requirements of the most demanding applications, by tailoring the audio filtering to the required listening experience. The WM8741’s unique set of advanced digital filter options provide a high degree of control over the many parameters which affect the audio output, allowing users the flexibility to choose many different characteristics; group delay, phase and latency, impulse response and transition band roll off. Such features and performance are ideal for any high-end audio application requiring high fidelity audio, such as high end home audio, professional recording and studio equipment.

With its unique low order modulator and multi-bit DAC architecture the WM8741 achieves low out of band noise and world-class linearity to also improve sound quality. The WM8741 is a complete differential stereo audio DAC system with a range of audio interface options for both SACD™ and CD playback. The system includes a dithered digital interpolation filter, fine resolution volume control and digital enable de-emphasis, as well as a multi-bit sigma delta modulator and switched capacitor multi-bit stage with differential voltage outputs.

“The WM8741 has to be heard to be believed and reinforces Wolfson’s brand position as the leading supplier of high-fidelity audio converters. For high end audio equipment manufacturers, the listener’s audio experience is paramount. The WM8741 uniquely addresses the unnatural pre-ringing and latency effects found in conventional DACs to provide a clearer more natural sound for music reproduction.” commented Julian Hayes, VP Marketing at Wolfson. Hayes continues, “High performance audio is the foundation of Wolfson’s AudioPlus™ growth strategy. Building upon this foundation, Wolfson’s AudioPlus™ strategy integrates incremental mixed-signal technology and key elements of the audio signal chain to enable new or improved end user experiences.”

The WM8741 is the next generation of Wolfson’s popular WM8740 DAC and can be used as a drop-in replacement for the WM8740 in some PCM mode applications, helping to minimise time to market for certain designs.

Availability and Pricing
The WM8741 is available for sampling now, packaged in a 28-pin SSOP package.

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