Back to the roots: 14 bits (of TDA1541A)
By measuring standard low level performance at -60 dBFS (dithered sine wave), there was practically no difference between its regular 16 bit, and this 14 bit “mode” of operation. Noise floor, on the other hand, is somewhat higher, roughly speaking 6-12 dB, and that is what you would expect, given 2 bits difference.
read moreUSB to simultaneous data (or I2S) board
Audial quality USB interface. At one side it connects to PC via USB port, and on the other it outputs “raw” PCM signal, in simultaneous data or I2S form.
read moreTransformer coupling pros and cons (in a nutshell)
Purely sonically, transformer coupled output has more calm presentation, with more quiet background, and somewhat more precise soundstage. On the other hand, transformers can lack some definition at the most bottom end. Still, possible benefits and shortcomings depend also on the environment.
read moreCermet potentiometers
Audial Model A uses cermet potentiometer as premium part. The reason is simple: cermet is sonically clearly superior to any other potentiometer type. Cermet potentiometers are still however relatively unknown, so more information follows.
read moreModel A volume control
Model A uses the low impedance shunt potentiometer. This article brings more details about this ultimate volume control.
read moreAsynchronous USB to simultaneous data converter board, interest check
Asynchronous USB Audio Class 2.0, galvanic isolation, two oscillators, and reclocked simultaneous data output. With U.FL output connectors it would be adequate companion to AYA II 2014 or DS board, and of course the great possibility to connect PC to Model S MkIII.
read moreModel A, one year later: Binding posts
Model A now sports copper plated copper binding posts. Here is why.
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