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 Technology
Before we get to the products
it is probably a good idea to address the differing
technology associated with the DAC's in these products. In
the Crimson and the Cosecant there are DAC modules. These
circuit boards have DIN connectors for which they can be
plugged into the mother board of the product and take on a
different personality. The Firmware that runs the USB
controller (TAS1020B) of the product is located on the DAC
module and therefore changes the way the DAC and the
computer talk to each other. Settings like bit size (i.e.
16 or 24 bits) and sample rate (i.e. 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K and
96K) will be communicated to the computer. All the
DAC's on this page use Asynchronous USB mode. Each
DAC module has the required low jitter master clock(s) that
all the signals will be based on, with matching discrete
low noise regulation for the best results. None of these
DACs use any type of operational amplifiers (opamps) in
their design. The DAC module is the only Solid State
portion of the overall DAC. The output stage of all but the
Proton are tube based and the key design element which is
responsible for their overall sound. In the Proton, close
respect in regard to component usage and filter settings
makes this dac approach their tube siblings.
If you have a version 2 Cosecant it will need to be
upgraded to a version 3 before modules
can be ordered.
Transcendental 16/44.1 DAC Module
This is the basis of the Brick and modules are available
for the Crimson and Cosecant. Basically Transcendental in math terms means
irrational numbers. The reason I used this name was
because this technology is really an irrational approach
that yields really good results. I have used this name
for these DACs since the late 80's. These DACs
incorporate the TDA1543N2 (select top 5%) DAC chips with
passive I/V using Shinko Tantulum resistors in a
configuration that does not use analog or digital
filters. Some people call these NOS DACs or what I call
zero DACs. The data input is the data output without any
up/oversampling or other manipulation, which seems to
make for a very analog presentation.
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/DVDplayers and other DACs.
Numerator 24/96 DAC Module
Keeping with the math analogy the Numerator is what we
would call part of the rational number. This DAC module will
work at 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k and 96k sampling rates at 24
bits. The Numerator uses a High Performance Wolfson DAC
to output the analog signal. Special regulators are done
for all the analog and digital sections to make this DAC
a stellar performer. Available for Cosecant ($250) and
Crimson ($500) only. Either the Crimson or the Cosecant
can be ordered with either the Numerator or
Transcendental at no extra cost.
Denominator Sabre DAC Module
I am working on the new details of the Denominator. Since
ESS has a new 32 bit dac we are investigating a new design
to be available in the near future. For the Crimson only at
this time.
If you have the need for a custom DAC module or have
something interesting that I might want to try please
contact me.
Crimson
USB DAC with upgradable dac module
and DHT outputs:
The Crimson is unique in
that it is completely programable from the USB side of the
equation. Therefore the code for this process is housed on
the dac module so that each dac module can completely
change the characteristics of the Crimson. The DAC chips on
the Crimson are run from an internal battery that is
charged when the computer is a sleep or off. The Crimson
also uses Directly Heated Triodes (71A, WE101L/M and RE134)
as the output tubes. A 6V4 tube rectifier powers the high
voltage.
Priced from $7500 71A outputs, Silver upgrade +$7500,
Volume Control +$750 WE101L/M +3dB output +750, Telefunken
RE134 +5dB price on request.
Standard 16/44.1 DAC Module uses the TDA1543N2 (top 5%
select dac chip) with Shinko Tantulum resistors for passive
I/V and no filtering.
New 24/96 DAC module features a Wolfson dac with the
capabilities for 24 bit usage and 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96K
sampling rates (yes 16 bit source will work also).
Ultimate DAC using the ESS Sabre DAC chip with custom
copper transformers for differential to single ended
conversion will be available with standard copper
transformers or silver transformers.
Cosecant
USB DAC v3 (now with ASYNC mode) with 6GM8/ECC86 tube
transformer output and upgradable dac modules:
The Cosecant is where it
all started @ 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.
Priced from: $3500, Silver Upgrade +$6500, Volume Control
+$500
Standard 16/44.1 DAC Module uses the TDA1543N2 (top 5%
select dac chip) with Shinko Tantulum resistors for passive
I/V and no filtering.
New 24/96 DAC module features a Wolfson dac with the
capabilities for 24 bit usage and 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96K
sampling rates (yes 16 bit source will work
also).
Brick USB
DAC v2 (now with ASYNC mode) with 12AU7/ECC82 reactor
follower output:
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.
Priced from: $1750, new Mortar power supply for the Brick
v2 $250
Proton
24/96 USB DAC with headphone output:
The Proton is for desktops, home audio, travel whatever!
The idea is to make a dac that could run without a power
supply and still sound wonderful. The idea is simple: we
can use the USB power to provide for the necessities and
then for the critical areas the LiION battery can supply
the extra clean power for the dac and the headphone
outputs. The Proton supports 24 bit data at 44.1, 48, 88.2
and 96k and is indicated on the rear by four leds. The
volume control icon for the headphone output will appear on
the computer desktop. Setting the volume slider on the
computer will result hardware in the Proton to set the
analog volume control for the outputs to the desired
setting.
Priced from $900