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Scott Nixon USB Tube DAC

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by Josh Ray on February 13 '06

Smallusbtdrear
Scott-Nixon has been all up in that modding game for years now and here he is with the damn cheap $475 usbtd. Basically, he took one of his Tube DACs and brought in a custom I2S USB solution for the cleanest signal path. USB + Tube DAC = usbtd, get it?

There will be a USB version of the Chibi DAC by the end of February for people who like the sound of $250. The Chibi DAC is a Tube DAC sans tube. The chassis is, as Scott describes, "First offered in the terribly exotic and rare ABS plastic enclosure." I love it. Later on, he'll have a full metal chassis for an additional price. You can also upgrade your little usbtd with a separate power supply for $125. (Thanks Dennis for the tip!)

Comments

As a long time Nixon DAC user (it is an addiciton), I can't wait to hear the USB version. Oh yeah, and I HIGHLY recommend the power supply upgrade. It is the best $125 I could imagine spending on a system with this DAC. The DAC is so insanely simple, it thrives on high quality power in my experience. It will also react to any changes in power. I've been able to change the soundstage height just by switching the multiwave on a Power Plant with the DAC plugged in. Talk about eerie. . .

Posted by: B. Riley | February 13, 2006 8:55 PM

OMG, this is soo cool. The guys at American Wired had me intrigued with their review of the Wavelength Brick DAC. And now comes this Nixon for a fourth of the price (or even 10+ times less) of the Brick and with tubed output to boot. This is the kind of kickass, reasonably priced product that will help high end remain relevant and bring on new converts for years to come. I want one ASAP too!

Posted by: beto | February 13, 2006 10:03 PM

Yeah, this product looks pretty killer. Word is a review sample is making the rounds so expect to see some comments shortly. And, Beto, you're absolutely right. These little DACs done right will turn everyone's laptop into a killer music server. Int amp and some speakers and you're ready to rock.

Posted by: Josh Ray [SonicFlare] | February 15, 2006 4:59 PM

Has anyone compared the Scott Nixon USB Tube DAC to the Stereo-Link USB DACs (http://www.stereo-link.com)? Their 1200 model is about $250, and their 1400 top-of-the-line model is about $400. Curious how they compare.

Posted by: Michael Litwak | October 18, 2006 7:01 PM

VERY VERY GOOD

Posted by: JOHN KAROUTAS | December 12, 2007 10:05 AM

FOR YOU I WANT TO BUY Nixon USB Tube DAC VERY VERY GOOD THE BEST ( USB ) I KNOW LITTLE ENGLISH PLEASANT VERY JOHN ATHENS.

Posted by: JOHN KAROUTAS | December 12, 2007 12:29 PM