Devilsound USB DAC v2.1

NEW CRYO-TREATED VERSION!

They said it couldn't be done – but that only encouraged them: a DAC without a power supply. Surely it's not possible to create a proper digital-analog converter inline that draws all its power from the unregulated current sloshing along a USB cable? Yet, strangely, it is. And thanks to Devilsound's completely out-of-the-box thinking/engineering and uncompromising, top-notch specification it sounds astonishing in its latest cryo-treated incarnation.

At one end there is a gold-plated USB-B terminator; at the other, the world's finest connectors: Eichmann Silver Bullets terminating a pair of pure silver interconnects. In the middle is a matchbox sized non-oversampling DAC running – almost literally – on a shoestring of current. All components are now deep cryo-treated to extract their maximum potential.

By eliminating the harsh digital filtering used in most commercially available audio devices, the Devilsound DAC creates exceptionally open, natural sound. The DC-coupled output insures exact reproduction of low frequency notes, with no time-smearing. The result is clear, detailed audio, with deep, articulated bass.

Improvements in v2.0
• Increased capacitance on power supply lines, with fast tantalum capacitors and "flip-type" ceramic bypass capacitors.
• Revamped power implementation of the USB receiving chip (PCM2706) results in additional jitter reduction in the recovered digital audio signal.
• To accommodate these changes the enclosure is slightly large than the previous version, however, the connecting USB cable is thinner and has strain relief.
Improvements in v2.1
• Full cryo treatment of cables, DAC and connectors

These upgrades add up to considerably improved performance when compared to the Devilsound v1 DAC. Please note that some of the following are extracted from reviews of the earlier, inferior version of the v2.1 DAC currently shipping.

[Version 2.0] “I couldn't believe my ears! If I hadn't just plugged it in myself, I would have accused who ever did so of playing a trick on me. The sound is simply amazing even though it is powered from inside the PC! There is absolutely no shortage of powerful bass - and it's very tuneful too. It's the sort of sound that just grabs you . . . How is it possible with a supposedly noisy power supply from inside the PC? And how does such a tiny device make such a big sound?” – TNT Audio

[Version 1 review] "The Devilsound DAC sounds incredibly pleasing to the ear. The top end is smooth and unobtrusive, and the soundstage offers depth alongside definition; it's a remarkably pleasant playback path. I stacked the DAC against various convertors from RME, Digidesign, MOTU and Presonus—all at least five times the price of the DAC. And I've got to say it sounded very sweet. For a 'listening' system, i.e., one that you'll have playing for appreciation of recordings, the DAC will be very hard to beat." – Brad Watts, Audio Technology Magazine, Issue 63

[Version 1 review] “The DAC by Devilsound is a one of a kind product. It's a USB cable, digital / analog converter, and an analog RCA cable all in one piece. Excellent sound quality, reasonable price, and absolutely simple to use. I hate to say it but I was surprised that such good sound could come from this little device . . The Devilsound DAC is certainly a must hear for many audiophiles. Sound quality and simplicity are strong points of this DAC. At $249 USD I know this is an incredible value! I've spent time with more than a few DACs below and well above this price. I think you'd be foolish not to consider the Devilsound when looking for a DAC under $1k.” – Chris Connaker, computeraudiophile.com

For further technical details, see here . . .

• 2m standard length
• 16-bit NOS DAC
• Digital conversion: pair of matched AD1851
• Comes with 2m USB extension lead

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