The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II combines advanced digital conversion technology with a sophisticated 6922 vacuum tube analogue buffer. Featuring two ESS SABRE ES9018 converter chips and an upgraded USB interface, it offers extensive connectivity for high-end digital audio systems.Availability: Pre-order
Contact Chameleon Audio for digital-source matching, lead time and international delivery.
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II Tube DSD DAC is a premium digital-to-analogue converter designed for audiophiles who want advanced high-resolution digital playback combined with the distinctive engineering of a vacuum tube analogue output stage.
Building on the original KD-2000, the MK-II introduces an updated USB interface while retaining the sophisticated dual-mono ESS SABRE ES9018 architecture, two carefully selected 6922 vacuum tubes, independent power supplies and extensive digital connectivity.
With six digital inputs, balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs, user-adjustable digital filters and built-in volume control, the KD-2000 MK-II is designed to integrate with demanding high-end stereo systems.
The result is a versatile digital source component combining modern conversion technology with Canary Audio’s approach to traditional valve-based analogue circuitry.
Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II – The Evolution of a Reference Tube DAC
The original Canary Audio KD-2000 earned attention for its combination of a sophisticated ESS SABRE conversion platform and a dedicated vacuum tube analogue buffer.
The KD-2000 MK-II continues this design philosophy while introducing an important update to its digital interface.
The manufacturer identifies the newly designed USB controller as the principal addition of the MK-II version.
This allows the DAC to work with a broad selection of compatible USB audio sources and high-resolution digital formats.
For listeners who already own a quality CD transport, streamer or computer-based music system, the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II provides a dedicated conversion component rather than an all-in-one network player.
True Dual-Mono ESS SABRE ES9018 DAC Architecture
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II employs two ESS SABRE ES9018 digital-to-analogue converter chips.
One converter chip is dedicated to each stereo channel, creating a genuine dual-mono conversion arrangement.
Each ES9018 incorporates eight internal D/A conversion channels, allowing Canary Audio to implement its chosen dual-differential conversion configuration.
The purpose of this architecture is to provide dedicated processing resources for the left and right audio channels while managing noise, distortion and channel interaction.
The final conversion performance depends on the complete implementation, including power supplies, clock management and the analogue circuitry following the DAC chips.
Dual-Differential Digital Conversion
Canary Audio uses the internal ES9018 converters in a dual-differential arrangement.
Differential conversion is a recognised engineering technique in which complementary signals are combined to obtain the required analogue output.
When properly implemented, this approach can contribute to improved rejection of certain unwanted signal components.
The dual-chip arrangement also gives the KD-2000 MK-II a dedicated conversion platform for each channel.
These features form the technical foundation of Canary Audio’s digital-to-analogue conversion system.
New MK-II USB Interface
The most significant update in the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II Tube DSD DAC is its redesigned USB input architecture.
According to Canary Audio, the new USB controller supports driver-free operation with the manufacturer’s listed compatible systems, including Windows 10, macOS, iOS and Android.
Compatibility with later operating systems, mobile adapters and individual source devices should be verified before installation.
The USB interface supports high-resolution PCM audio at the following sample rates:
44.1kHz
48kHz
88.2kHz
96kHz
176.4kHz
192kHz
352.8kHz
384kHz
The manufacturer specifies support for up to 32-bit PCM data through USB.
The highest sample rates are available through the USB connection rather than every conventional digital input.
DSD64, DSD128 and Manufacturer-Listed DSD256 Support
The KD-2000 MK-II supports DSD playback through a compatible USB audio source.
Canary Audio lists DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 via USB using DoP in the MK-II product description.
DoP, or DSD over PCM, is a digital transport method that packages DSD data for transmission through a compatible audio interface.
The DSD music data is preserved within the DoP transmission structure rather than being converted into ordinary PCM music samples.
Technical clarification: Although the manufacturer explicitly lists DSD256, the accompanying frequency examples on its website cover only rates associated with DSD64 and DSD128. Customers requiring DSD256 operation should confirm the precise supported source configuration and firmware with Chameleon Audio before purchase.
This additional format listing is an important distinction from the original KD-2000 product description.
6922 Vacuum Tube Analogue Output Buffer
One of the defining features of the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II is its dedicated 6922 vacuum tube buffer stage.
Two carefully selected 6922 valves are used in the analogue section.
The 6922 is a small-signal dual-triode vacuum tube widely used in premium audio electronics, including line stages, preamplifiers and digital source components.
Canary Audio combines this valve-based circuitry with its ESS SABRE digital conversion platform.
The manufacturer developed the arrangement to bring together detailed digital reproduction and its preferred analogue circuit characteristics.
The tube buffer is an integral part of the KD-2000 MK-II design rather than an external accessory or optional processing effect.
Canary Audio KD-2000 Series – Internal Circuitry
The following photograph is retained from the original Chameleon Audio product description and illustrates internal circuitry associated with the KD-2000 product series.
Technical image from the KD-2000 series. Internal component layout may vary between the original model and the MK-II revision.
Separate Analogue and Digital Power Supplies
Power supply design is a major consideration in the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II.
The manufacturer specifies two isolated and separately arranged power supplies serving the analogue and digital sections.
Digital processing circuitry and sensitive analogue amplification stages have different electrical operating requirements.
Separating these sections is intended to reduce unwanted interaction and provide suitable power conditions for each circuit.
This approach is part of Canary Audio’s broader design philosophy, which places considerable emphasis on the relationship between power supply engineering and audio reproduction.
Custom-Wound Toroidal Transformers
The KD-2000 MK-II uses two audiophile-grade, custom-wound toroidal transformers.
Canary Audio describes the transformers as epoxy-potted and employed as part of the DAC’s substantial power supply architecture.
An additional EI transformer supplies the tube buffer section.
The use of multiple transformers reflects the manufacturer’s intention to provide dedicated power arrangements for the different sections of the converter.
Transformer quality and supply implementation are especially important when digital circuitry and sensitive vacuum tube stages operate within the same enclosure.
Canary Audio KD-2000 Series – Power Supply Construction
This second image is also preserved from the existing Chameleon Audio description and shows the construction of the KD-2000 series.
Archive technical photograph of the KD-2000 series. Confirm the physical revision before using this image as a specific MK-II internal photograph.
User-Selectable Digital Filters
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II allows listeners to adjust selected aspects of its digital conversion behaviour.
The ESS SABRE-based architecture provides digital filter settings including:
Fast finite impulse response (FIR) filter
Slow finite impulse response (FIR) filter
Selectable IIR filter options identified by Canary Audio
Digital phase-locked-loop (DPLL) adjustment
Digital reconstruction filters influence how the DAC processes sampled audio before producing its analogue output.
Different settings may alter aspects of impulse response or high-frequency roll-off.
The preferred filter setting can depend on the recording, associated equipment and individual listening preferences.
These are selectable technical processing options, not a guarantee that one setting will outperform another in every system.
Digital Phase-Locked Loop and Clock Management
The KD-2000 MK-II includes digital phase-locked-loop functionality associated with its conversion circuitry.
Digital audio conversion requires accurate management of timing information received from the source.
Unwanted timing variation is commonly described as jitter.
A digital PLL can help the converter manage incoming timing information and maintain suitable internal operating conditions.
The extent to which timing behaviour influences a complete audio system depends on the digital input, source equipment and the converter implementation.
Six Digital Inputs for High-End Audio Systems
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II includes six digital audio inputs:
2 × Coaxial S/PDIF inputs: For compatible CD transports, digital players and other sources
1 × AES/EBU input: Balanced digital connection for suitable transports
1 × Optical Toslink input: Optical digital connection
1 × I2S input: For compatible I2S-equipped digital sources
1 × USB input: For computer and compatible high-resolution digital playback
This range of connections allows the KD-2000 MK-II to become the conversion centre of a system using several digital music sources.
Each interface has its own technical limitations and compatible formats.
I2S Digital Input
The KD-2000 MK-II includes an I2S digital input for use with appropriately configured digital transports.
I2S is a digital audio interface that carries audio data and associated timing signals using dedicated connections.
Unlike consumer S/PDIF, I2S pin assignments and connector implementations are not universally interchangeable between audio manufacturers.
Before connecting an external digital transport, confirm the physical connector, electrical format and pin configuration.
Never assume compatibility solely because two components advertise I2S connectivity.
Balanced XLR and Single-Ended RCA Outputs
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II offers two types of analogue output:
1 stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs
1 stereo pair of single-ended RCA outputs
These connections allow the DAC to be used with a wide selection of compatible integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers and other analogue audio electronics.
XLR connections are particularly useful in systems equipped with suitable balanced analogue inputs.
The final connection choice should consider the receiving amplifier’s input characteristics, cabling and system configuration.
Built-In Volume Control
The KD-2000 MK-II includes a user-adjustable volume function.
The manufacturer also specifies individual adjustment of the left and right channel output levels.
This functionality provides additional flexibility when integrating the converter with compatible amplification equipment.
For direct connection to a power amplifier, confirm output levels, operating behaviour and safe volume settings before use.
A dedicated preamplifier may still be preferable depending on the system and the listener’s requirements.
Independent Review – HomeTheaterReview
The original Canary Audio KD-2000 was reviewed by Terry London for HomeTheaterReview on 11 February 2015.
The review praised its substantial construction, carefully engineered power supply and combination of digital transparency with the tonal character associated with its tube-based analogue section.
The reviewer also discussed the DAC’s ability to reproduce both standard CD-resolution material and high-resolution recordings.
Review note: This independent review concerns the original KD-2000, not the later MK-II USB revision. It remains valuable historical information about the design family.
The original KD-2000 also received coverage from Srajan Ebaen at 6moons in June 2015.
The review provides additional insight into the original model’s design philosophy and performance within a high-end listening system.
As with the HomeTheaterReview article, this coverage predates the MK-II and should not be interpreted as an independent review of the updated USB interface.
Who Is the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II Designed For?
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II is particularly interesting to listeners who want a standalone digital-to-analogue converter with extensive connectivity and a vacuum tube analogue stage.
It is suitable for consideration in systems using:
Dedicated CD transports
Network audio streamers with suitable digital outputs
Computer-based high-resolution PCM and DSD playback
Compatible AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital sources
Appropriately matched I2S digital transports
Integrated amplifiers or preamplifiers with RCA or XLR inputs
The KD-2000 MK-II is a dedicated DAC. It is not an independent network streamer or music server, and it does not include an internal CD transport.
Explore High-End Digital Audio at Chameleon Audio
Discover more High-End DACs at Chameleon Audio, including alternative conversion technologies and analogue output architectures.
Specifications are based on the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II product page. Some figures differ from the older original KD-2000 manual. DSD256 support should be confirmed for the intended software and USB connection.
It is a dedicated high-end tube DAC combining two ESS SABRE ES9018 converter chips with a 6922 vacuum tube analogue buffer and extensive digital connectivity.
What is the main difference between the KD-2000 and KD-2000 MK-II?
The MK-II introduces an updated USB controller with manufacturer-listed improvements in operating-system compatibility and additional DSD format support.
Does the MK-II use different DAC chips?
No. Canary Audio lists dual ESS SABRE ES9018 chips for both the original and MK-II designs.
How many vacuum tubes are used?
Two 6922 vacuum tubes are used in the analogue buffer section.
Does the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II support DSD256?
The official MK-II product page lists DSD256 via USB DoP. However, its accompanying frequency examples stop below the standard DSD256 rates. Confirm compatibility with the intended source and firmware before relying on this feature.
Does it support 32-bit / 384kHz PCM?
Yes. Canary Audio specifies USB PCM support up to 32-bit / 384kHz.
Does the KD-2000 MK-II have a built-in streamer?
No. It is a digital-to-analogue converter. Network streaming requires a compatible external streamer or computer-based source.
Can I connect a CD transport?
Yes. The DAC provides coaxial S/PDIF, optical Toslink and AES/EBU inputs for compatible digital transports.
Does it have an I2S input?
Yes. An I2S digital input is included. Check connector wiring and electrical compatibility before connecting a third-party transport.
Does it have balanced analogue outputs?
Yes. The unit provides a stereo pair of balanced XLR outputs as well as a stereo pair of RCA outputs.
Can I adjust the volume?
Yes. The manufacturer specifies built-in volume control with separate channel-level adjustments.
Can the KD-2000 MK-II connect directly to a power amplifier?
This may be possible with suitable equipment, but gain matching and safe volume settings must be checked before making a direct connection.
Are the analogue and digital power supplies separate?
Yes. Canary Audio specifies isolated and separately arranged supply sections.
What digital filters are available?
The manufacturer lists fast and slow FIR filters, selectable IIR options and DPLL adjustments.
Have independent magazines reviewed the KD-2000 MK-II?
Well-known independent reviews exist for the original KD-2000, including HomeTheaterReview and 6moons. These reviews should not be mistaken for tests of the later MK-II USB revision.
Is the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II available internationally?
Contact Chameleon Audio for the current pre-order lead time, destination-specific shipping arrangements and availability.
Why Choose the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II?
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II Tube DSD DAC combines a true dual-mono ESS SABRE conversion platform with carefully developed vacuum tube analogue circuitry.
Its updated USB interface, high-resolution PCM support, manufacturer-listed DSD capabilities, selectable digital filters and six digital inputs make it a flexible choice for serious digital music systems.
The substantial power supply architecture and balanced XLR outputs further distinguish it from more conventional compact desktop DACs.
For listeners seeking a dedicated high-end digital converter with the distinctive engineering of a tube buffer stage, the KD-2000 MK-II offers an appealing combination of technology and traditional audio design.
Dual-Mono Digital Conversion. 6922 Tube Analogue Engineering. High-Resolution PCM and DSD.
Order the Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II from Chameleon Audio
The Canary Audio KD-2000 MK-II is listed at Chameleon Audio for €7,600, with pre-order availability.
Contact Chameleon Audio for confirmation of delivery lead times, digital-source matching and international shipping arrangements.
Specifications
Sample Rates:
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
(352.8kHz and 384kHz through USB only)
Total Harmonic Distortion:
0.0002%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio:
118dB
Dynamic Range:
130 dB
Input:
2 x Coaxial (S/PDIF)
1 x I2S
1 x Optical (TOS-Link)
1 x AES/EBU
1 x USB
Output:
1 pair x Balanced (XLR)
1 pair x Analog (RCA)
Tube Complement:
2 x 6922
Dimensions:
18.5″ W x 13.5″ D x 4.25″ H
Net Weight:
35 lbs
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