Pathos Converto MKII DAC/Pre/Headphone Amplifier

Pathos Converto MKII DAC/Pre/Headphone Amplifier

High-resolution digital playback with the warmth, musicality and unmistakable character of Pathos.

The Pathos Converto Mk2 combines a high-performance DAC, preamplifier and dedicated headphone amplifier in one compact Italian-built component. Its fully balanced Class A analog stage is designed to give digital music greater body, texture and presence, making it a strong choice for listeners who want detail and resolution without a presentation that feels cold or overly analytical.

Digital without the clinical edge

High-resolution playback should still feel like music.

The Converto Mk2 supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz along with DSD64 and DSD128, but Pathos puts just as much emphasis on what happens after the digital conversion. Its fully balanced Class A, zero-feedback analog stage is designed to preserve tone, dynamics and dimensionality, helping vocals feel more tangible and instruments more naturally placed within the soundstage. Hi-Fi Class praised this character in its review, highlighting the Converto Mk2's ability to deliver both “emotion and tangibility” rather than simply chasing detail for its own sake.

A fully balanced Class A design

Pathos brings its amplifier philosophy directly into the Converto Mk2.

Rather than treating the analog stage as an afterthought, Pathos uses a fully balanced Class A topology with zero feedback to maintain a smooth, expressive and involving presentation. Reviewers have particularly noted the Converto Mk2's rounded, natural midrange, controlled bass and detailed treble that avoids becoming metallic or aggressive, qualities that make it especially easy to enjoy over long listening sessions.

DAC, preamp and headphone amplifier in one

One compact component can become the centre of an entire digital system.

The Converto Mk2 can be used as a dedicated DAC with fixed output or as a preamplifier with variable output, connecting directly to a power amplifier through balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA. An additional stereo RCA analog input gives you room for another line-level source, making it easy to build a clean, compact system without giving up flexibility.

A serious headphone amplifier

The headphone output is designed as part of the product, not added as a convenience feature.

With up to 1 watt of output into 16 ohms and an output impedance below 0.2 ohms, the Converto Mk2 is capable of driving a wide range of quality headphones with strong control and very low noise. Audiofanatyk praised its performance across different headphone designs, noting its energetic presentation, quiet background and strong ability to adapt to different pairings.

Flexible digital connectivity

Multiple inputs make it easy to bring your digital sources together.

Two USB Type B inputs allow multiple computer-based sources to remain connected, while coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs accommodate streamers, CD transports and other digital components. Whether the Converto Mk2 is used in a desktop headphone system or a full two-channel setup, it gives you enough connectivity to grow around it rather than quickly outgrow it.

Handmade in Italy

High-end performance comes in a compact and distinctly Pathos design.

Built in Italy and housed in a beautifully finished aluminum chassis, the Converto Mk2 carries the same sense of craftsmanship found throughout the Pathos lineup. Its compact footprint makes it easy to integrate into smaller systems, while its combination of DAC, preamplifier and headphone functionality allows it to replace several separate components without sacrificing the character expected from serious high-end audio.

Who is the Pathos Converto Mk2 for?

For listeners who want digital convenience without sacrificing warmth, involvement and musical character.

The Converto Mk2 is especially well suited to someone building a high-quality digital or headphone system who wants resolution without sterility. Its combination of flexible connectivity, balanced outputs, a capable headphone stage and Pathos' Class A analog design makes it an appealing all-in-one front end for listeners who care just as much about how music feels as how much detail a system can reveal.