Pre/Power Amplifiers

Although founded in 1974, it took until the late 1990s for Exposure to embrace the notion of 'digital' and release its first CD player [HFN Mar '99]. Even now, nearly a quarter of a century later, its focus remains on analogue audio – it's only the compact XM series where you can buy a CD spinner, or a preamp and integrated with digital inputs. Nevertheless, the integrated and preamp models in the 3510 series [and 5010 preamp, HFN Nov '18], can be upgraded to support digital sources via a plug-in DAC module selling for £450. This is not new, being introduced back in 2015 for the 3010S2D integrated amplifier, and revised in 2016. Described by Exposure's designer Tony Brady as being a 'simplified' version of the Cirrus (née Wolfson) WM8742-based Exposure 2010S2 outboard DAC that debuted in 2012, it introduces playback over BNC/coaxial and USB-B inputs. The module handles PCM files up to 192kHz/24-bit, and DSD64 (via DoP) over USB.

This DAC plug-in is one of three possible modular upgrades to the 3510 preamplifier, alongside MM and MC phono boards (there's no network audio/Bluetooth option) that were first introduced in 2009. Exposure says these modules can all be retro-fitted by a 'competent DIY-er', but it's preferable to have the job done by your local dealer or specified at the point of order and factory fitted. Note however that only one plug-in can be installed at a time, so you'll need to choose between vinyl and hi-res audio…