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.
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.
Those technically oriented might want to look at the overall architecture drawing.
As opposed to the S/PDIF, USB is a bidirectional protocol that makes possible to make a peripheral device (here the D /A converter) act as a master device, and PC as a slave that delivers the data only when and as requested by the DAC. This way, the overall clock performance at the DAC is not related to and limited by the quality of PLL used, or by PC. It is solely determined by the quality of free running oscillator, placed locally in the DAC. Such a solution became lately known as an “asynchronous USB”.
Audial will completely stop selling the DIY items during the first week of June. In the future, Audial will concentrate on producing completed devices only.
Due to misinterpretations following WLM Acoustics D/A converter, displayed and used at WLM demo room during previous audio show in Munich, official Audial statement on this matter follows.
An interview with Pedja Rogic has just been published in a high-end audio online magazine Mono & Stereo. By Matej Isak.
