Grace Design m905 Monitor Controller

The Grace Design m905 represents a new benchmark for audio playback quality. DAC performance is on par with the finest esoteric mastering equipment available. Our redesigned s-Lock™ PLL ensures ultra-low jitter clock regeneration. An asynchronous USB class 2 interface allows the Grace Design m905 to act as the master clock of the computer’s USB audio bus, effectively eliminating interface-induced jitter for computer audio playback. Finally, meticulous analog circuitry measures with outstanding numbers in dynamic range, distortion and noise performance, ensuring bracingly open, detailed and musical playback of any input source.

All main audio and power supply circuitry is housed in a 2U rack mount mainframe, while a sleek, ergonomic remote control unit manages system control. This new RCU combines dedicated hardware and a colour graphical LCD display. All primary monitoring features are accessed via hardware switches and a rotary encoder, while all system information is presented by the graphic LCD and illuminated switches. This hybrid design allows for the solid feel and function of traditional hardware with a graphical user interface’s added power and functionality.

Now supported is DSD 128x (5.6448MHz) via DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM frames). DSD audio can be sourced from the AES3, S/PDIF or USB digital inputs. While still a niche playback format, DSD has held its ground over the years, and now, more and more content is available via download. And playback is now supported by a number of players. DSD sounds stunningly natural, especially rendered through the rest of the playback circuitry of the Grace Design m905. So If you’re the type to seek out this kind of fidelity, the Grace Design m905 is a great way to enjoy it.

The GUI is designed so that any engineer unfamiliar with the m905 can use the system immediately and confidently. Then, with minimal time investment, advanced functions can be easily accessed and controlled. Additional features include naming individual inputs and speaker outputs, calibrating level offsets of any input and output, setting preset levels, and much more. The setup menus only ever drill down one level, so the main operating screen is always one button away. When returning to any previously visited setup menu, its previous edit status is remembered, keeping redundant navigation and editing to a minimum.

The m905 offers the ability to transfer up to 10 channels of digital audio (8 channels of ADAT and two of AES3, or S/PDIF or TOSLINK) over USB to a computer, making the Grace Design m905 capable of operating as a standalone USB audio interface. This is an advanced feature as there are clock issues to be aware of, but it works and is documented in the owner’s manual.

With stunning sonic performance and timeless design, the Grace Design m905 is a mark of genuine progress in the pursuit of high-quality audio production. Intuitive, reliable and beautiful, it is the perfect studio centrepiece – home base for your ears, eyes and hands.

Analog Option
The Grace Design m905 Analog is now available without the built in DAC. This system is offered for users who already have an investment in DACs, whether stand-alone or built into their interface. System configuration is exactly the same, with all the same great monitoring features, except no digital inputs and an second pair of balanced analog inputs.

The Grace Design m905 Analog brings this world class performance into reach of almost any engineer or recording studio. Also, users can always upgrade their m905 Analog to the Digital version at anytime. NOTE: the analog only version incudes a simplified remote cable that does not carry headphone signal to the RCU. To enable the headphone output on the RCU, ask your dealer to upgrade to the premium remote cable.

Phono Preamp Option
The Grace Design m905 phono module is a high performance RIAA preamplifier. This option is available on new and existing units, the latter requires the unit to be returned to our factory to be upgraded. If you are an overseas customer, please contact your Grace Design distributor for details.

It can be optimized for a wide range of phono cartridges via a number of internal jumper settings. To access these jumpers, remove the top cover of the m905 and refer to the Jumper Location diagrams in chapter 18 of the Owner’s Manual.

Infrared wireless Remote Option
Also now available is the Grace Design m905 IR Remote Option, which is available on new or existing units (Digital and Analog). This feature allows wireless infrared remote control of a select set of monitoring controls via a legacy Grace Design Remote (discontinued), a standard Apple Remote, or with iOS and Android via the Logitec® Harmony Remote.