PSU transformers, part 2: Model S USB inside
As a follow up to the previous article on transformers, here is how this part is done in the Model S USB. This is also the first public appearance of Model S USB interior.
Digital, Technical
Digital
D/A converters topics
Digital
Model S MkII
Two and a half year after its release, the Model S goes through a couple of changes. Admittedly, there were no previous plans for substituting the Model S with MkII successor and, as perfected as it is, the overall architecture remains actually intact.
Digital
D-09 discontinuation notice
Released in November 2009, D-09 was a sort of AYA II/III DACs successor, so moderately priced unit yet capable to address very serious requests. And what D-09 offered remained in fact unique in its price tag all the time: natural sound performance achieved by real audiophile architecture with fancy discrete analogue circuit, highly elaborated supplies and layout, and quality parts, and with everything packed into the cute chassis, featuring all types of commonly used inputs.
Digital, Technical
TDA1541A and Model S USB, part 4: TDA1541A grades and series
Audial DACs are famous for using all quality parts, and not one or two for marketing purposes. Still, is S1 (single crown) really better than plain TDA1541A (or non -A), and is S2 (double crown) then better than S1?
Digital, Technical
TDA1541A and Model S USB, part 3: TDA1541A today
It is important to understand that TDA1541(A) wasn’t one simple point in DAC chips history, but the end and crown of its own era, in which DAC chips did not perform any kind of processing.
Digital, Technical
TDA1541A and Model S USB, part 2: Simultaneous data mode
In the Model S USB, TDA1541A operates in simultaneous data mode, and this is why Model S USB is practically free of data related jitter artifacts.
Model S USB is the only DAC with TDA1541A operating in simultaneous data mode.
Digital, Technical
TDA1541A and Model S USB, part 1: 192 kHz?
Tthe Model S USB uses TDA1541A and it is up to 192 kHz compatible device. It means that it does not downsample, neither inside the DAC nor at PC side, but it just converts any 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz file directly, at its native frequency.
Digital
Model S USB release
Audial range of DACs is now being expanded by the Model S asynchronous USB equivalent, and it retains no-compromise, state-of-the-art topology and solutions of its elder S/PDIF brother.
Digital
Model S USB, on a more specific level
Those technically oriented might want to look at the overall architecture drawing.