Tri-level scrambling in a digital to analog converter system is achieved by, in response to a tri-level binary code input, disabling a negative data directed scrambler circuit when the input code is in the positive cycle portion, disabling a positive data directed scrambler circuit when the input code is in the negative cycle portion and disabling both scrambler circuits upon a zero input code for reducing low level distortion due to a reversal of current during crossover between those cycles.