Asynchronous USB DACS


All of the products here use our Streamlength Asynchronous USB code that I developed. These are all USB DACS they do NOT have antiquated SPDIF inputs like other dacs. These are optimized and superior to the older SPDIF technology.

DAC Modules for the Crimson and Cosecant

A great and simple way to upgrade a product is though our DAC Modules. These small circuit boards have all the components required to make the difference in any product. All products are shipped with the Numerator module at no increase in price. DAC Modules are available (but not interchangable) for the the Cosecant and Crimson standard and High Speed Models.

Note on 24 bit Computer DACs: The computer will convert all Red Book 16 bit data to 24 bits by padding, adding 0's to the most significant 8 bits of the 24 bit sample. This is the same way it works on CD/DVD players and other DACs.

Transcendental 16/44.1 DAC Module
This is our Zero or Non Oversampling, Non Digital or Analog filtering DAC Module. To some this is what sounds most realistic. This is available for all TAS1020 based design Cosecant and Crimsons and special order for the Brick.

Numerator 24/192 DAC Module, Shipped standard on the Crimson and Cosecant.
This is our standard module for the Cosecant and Crimson based on the Wolfson dac chip. In the TAS1020 version this can play to 24/96 and in the High Speed (HS) versions to 24/192. On board Master Clocks are powered by ultra low noise regulators for really low overall jitter.

Denominator 32/192 DAC Module
Based on the 32 Bit Sabre DAC Chip, the Denominator uses the best of the best. We start out with our ultra low jitter Master Clocks at 45.1584/49.152 to support the range from 44.1K to 192K sampling rates. The Sabre32 is used in what is called "Synchronous" mode in that the Master Clock and the Sampling rate are Synchronous. We use discrete power supplies for all the analog supplies and the Master Clocks.

Quotient PCM and DSD 32/384 DAC Module
Based on the 32Bit ESS Sabre DAC Chip and an FPGA Based DoP section the Quotient Q1 design allows the Crimson (soon to be available for the Cosecant) decode both PCM and DSD to their highest quality. The Sabre32 is used in what is called "Synchronous" mode in that the Master Clock and the Sampling rate are Synchronous. We use discrete power supplies for all the analog supplies and the Master Clocks. The FPGA automatically sets the ESS Sabre DAC chip into either DSD mode or PCM mode. The new analog section features a quad matched transistor output stage. In the Crimson this differential output is tied to transformers for single ended output to the tube stage. In the Cosecant this stage goes directly to the tube output stage. The Quotient module can be plugged into the Crimson or Cosecant and get DSD/PCM performance. To get 384/DSD128 you will also have to plug in a new USB module capable of those speeds (included).

If you have the need for a custom DAC module or have something interesting that I might want to try please contact me.



Crimson HS Directly Heated Triode all tube USB DAC specifications:

USB High Speed opto isolated ground between computer and DAC.
Output Impedance ~ 600 ohms.
Volume Control Option: Penny & Giles 10K RF15 manual only.
Auto Mute Circuit, power up and power down follows the state of the computer.

External Power supply, 115/230Vac capable.

Tubes: 2x 71A gain/driver, 6V4/EZ80 tube rectifier, Balanced version 6H30 Dual Triode, 6V4/EZ80. Base price is $7500.00

10" wide by 12.75" deep, by 3.5" high chassis, with tubes 7~8" high, 30 Pounds.

Wood Options: Cherry, Maple and Walnut are included with the listed price, exotic from $350.00

Numerator Module is included with price. Denominator or Quotient Q1 Module is $1500 extra

Tube Options: Western Electric 101M/L or Telefunken RE134, both require custom build of
the Crimson and therefore cannot be used as replacement tubes for the standard 71A
circuit or damage will come to the Crimson. Price on request.
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Crimson HS Directly Heated Triode all tube USB DAC with DAC Modules;

The High Speed version of the Crimson isolates the Computer from the USB DAC with high speed optical isolators. The new HS version allows the user to operate at any sample rate from 44.1K to 192K and either 24 or 32 bits depending on which DAC module is selected.

The Crimson is the flag ship of the Wavelength line and the output section is totally tube driven. The high voltage section is rectified by the EZ80/6V4 rectifier which is smoothed by a filter choke and a host of Black Gate capacitors. The 71A output tubes (optionally WE101M/L or RE134) are supported by massive custom built (USA) MagneQuest Audio Chokes and Output Transformers.

Either 71A or Balanced Crimson $7500.00, Volume control option add $750, Silver output transformers price on request. Price for alternative Western Electric 101M/L or Telefunken RE134 (both require custom circuit) price on request.
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Balanced Crimson

Cosecant Triode tube USB DAC specifications:

USB High Speed opto isolated ground between computer and DAC.
Output Impedance ~ 600 ohms.
Power up and power down follows the state of the computer.

External Power supply, 115/230Vac capable.

Tube: ECC86/6GM8 dual triode: Made In Germany (Siemens) or Holland (Amperex).

6.5" wide by 6.5" deep, by 4.5" high, 10 Pounds.

Wood Options: Cherry, Maple and Walnut are included with the listed price, exotics from $250.00

Numerator Module is included with price. Denominator Module is $500 extra, Quotient Module is $750 extra.
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Cosecant HS USB DAC with 6GM8/ECC86 tube transformer output and upgradable dac modules:

The Cosecant is where it all started at CES 2004. At first I did not think this technology would work.... was I wrong! The Cosecant v3 connects the USB controller to a DAC module connector. The USB firmware to run that dac module resides there so each module has it's own developed code. The output of the module connector is sent directly to the 6GM8/ECC86 dual triode output tube which drives the transformer coupled output. The Cosecant has an external power supply with IEC connector to isolate the power from the DAC and it's audio transformers. The Cosecant is also available with an optional volume control if you want to control your entire system from the computer output.

Since the Cosecant has transformer coupled output the Cosecant is actually fully balanced. A simple adapter (or custom cable) can be used to convert the RCA to an XLR connection.

Priced from: $3500 Numerator (Denominator +$500, Quotient +$750), Silver Upgrade Price on Request, Volume Control +$500
See the DAC Modules above for information on those.

Stereophile Class A Rated Component. Also runner up for the 2009 Digital Product of the Year in Stereophile.


Brick Triode tube USB DAC specifications:

USB Full Speed 24/96 USB DAC.
Output Impedance ~ 600 ohms unbalanced only.
Power up and power down follows the state of the computer.

External Power supply North American standard, Mortar international plus $250.

Tube: ECC82/12AU7A typically sent with JJ selected tubes.

6.5" wide by 6.5" deep, by 4.5" high, 8 Pounds.

The output circuit called reactor follower is capacitor coupled and best used into a
10K or better preamplifier/integrated amplifier input.
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Brick USB DAC v3 (now with ASYNC mode to 24/96) with 12AU7/ECC82 reactor follower output:

The latest Brick retains the 12AU7A Reactor Follower output stage. But it adds the capabilities required for high resolution audio. A Wolfson dac is used to get the 24 bit output with also a lot higher output voltage than the v2 NOS dac chip did. So the new Brick outputs a full signal at 2vrms (standard CD output voltages).

Priced from: $1750, Mortar international power supply for the Brick $250

Brick USB DAC v2 (now with ASYNC mode) with 12AU7/ECC82 reactor follower output and NOS Style DAC technology:

I am going to retain the v2 in the line up for people who are looking for NOS Asynchronous USB DACS.

I first thought of the Brick as a way to bring greater attention to the idea of computer audio. It turned out to be much more than that as indicated in Art Dudley’s Listening #33. This review gave the Brick the Stereophile Class A rating. The Brick uses similar technology as the Cosecant. The Brick uses custom code developed by Wavelength Audio to support USB ASYNC mode. The Brick has a very low jitter central clock that runs the entire audio section. The output 16/44.1K of the TDA1543N2 (5% top selected) multibit dac and passive I/V is directly connected to the 12AU7A/ECC82 output tube which in turns drives the reactor follower output for excellent drive and sound.

$1750 US Retail, Mortar international power supply for the Brick $250