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 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 +$1000.
Cosecant USB DAC v3 (now with ASYNC mode)
with
6GM8/ECC86 tube transformer output:
The Cosecant is where it
all started @ CES 2004. At first I did not think this
technology would work.... was I wrong! The Cosecant uses a
dynamic multibit convertor with passive I/V connected to
the 6GM8/ECC86 which drives the transformer coupled output.
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
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. But out of the
multibit passive I/V is directly connected to the output
tube which in turns drives the reactor follower output
for excellent drive and sound. Priced from:
$1750
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
headphone output level to the desired setting. Priced from
$900 available March 2008.