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Item Audio Linux DAT1 UNCOMPROMiSED DIGITAL AUDIO TRANSPORT • Linear audiophile power supply Following extensive auditioning of parts and peripherals, we can now offer a range of computers for optimal audio playback: 'digital transports' for the computer audiophile. Although primarily intended (and entirely optimised) for no-compromise audio use, we saw no reason to exclude Spotify, iTunes, BBC iPlayer, and online library management from the specification. So one box does it all: 16-bit, 24-bit; 44.1–192kHz audio, internet radio, CD-ripping, album artwork grabbing, etc. This computer has been developed with specific intent for high-end audio use – deploying linear power supplies, vibration damping, EM shielding and bespoke DC cabling. Inside, you'll find carefully chosen computer components: precisely no more powerful or energy consumptive than they have to be: streamlined for minimal galvanic noise and maximum efficiency. Just like a good amplifier, we pay special attention to shielding and layout: As if we weren't mad enough spending weeks auditioning motherboards, we go the extra mile and completely deep cryo-treat the entire transport: it now runs cooler and sounds better. This isn't just a Dell in fancy dress. You've heard claims about 'whisper-quiet' computers, but the DAT1 is entirely silent during playback: no fans, no whirring drives, no gaudy LEDs, no hum. Just music. The operating system and your favourite tracks and stored on a state-of-the-art, ultra-fast solid state drive; optical and hard drives are powered down when not in use, saving energy and reducing interference: another example of audiophile minimalism applied to computing. Where else would you find Stillpoints fabric installed inside a number-crunching PC? We do everything possible to reduce electromagnetic interference from the motherboard. The base machine is intended for use on a network, but it is quite possible to go 'standalone' by specifying 2Tb onboard hard drive storage, or an external RAID connected via eSATA or Ethernet. The entry level Linux DAT1 features a dual-core Intel Atom 330 processor, 2GB DDR3 RAM and a 40GB Solid State Drive: compared to a laptop or conventional desktop, this low-energy, cool running specification can potentially save you the purchase cost during its lifetime in electricity savings alone! The OS is similarly lean: dual-booting into Admin or Playback modes for optimal performance in each operation. All necessary software for file handling, CD ripping and optimal playback is included. The base machine has a heavily optimised USB output stage. Optionally, the Linux DAT1 can be supplied with SPDIF coaxial or AES/EBU outputs, depending on which is favoured by your DAC. Much depends on the converter's implementation. A range of monitor and storage upgrade options are available. Very large libraries can be accommodated on external eSATA or network drives. We can even, if pressed, restored the wireless functionality . . . . So how do they sound? In a word, transparent: the way a transport should: just pure, highly resolved music with a big, natural soundstage: no sonic signature of its own, no inflated mid-bass or raspy treble induced by switching supplies or imprecise low-level detail masked by jitter. Because many of the components of the base-spec machine are available off the shelf, it is possible to build something delivering similar performance by following our latest DIY Audiophile Computer Recipe. Please join the forum or contact us by email if you require advice about parts specification or system-building. |
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LINUX DAT 1: £999
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