Powerful sound in a small, affordable package.
Don't let its diminutive size fool you: the uDAC family packs a proverbial punch when it comes to improving the sound you get from your computer, meeting or exceeding the performance of audiophile-grade CD players. uDAC is also flexible: its outputs include analog RCA, digital coaxial, and high-performance headphone outputs to accommodate most computers and self-powering headphones.
Why the little uDAC can make such a big difference.
The DAC (Digital Audio Converter) in most laptops are typically not designed to deliver best-quality sound. This can result in subtle errors in the rebuilding process, diminishing audio quality. Advanced NuForce DACs create a warmer, more detailed approximation of the source file. Audio sounds richer and fuller, with more clarity on the high and and more depth and power in the mids and lows. You'll hear details in your favorite music you never heard before. Your favorite headphones and speakers reproduce sound to their full potential.
About Asynchronous USB Audio
The uDAC-2SE (Special Edition) and uDAC-2SGE (Signature Gold Edition) are designed for Asynchronous USB Audio mode. The difference between synchronous and asynchronous USB audio is detectable by most, but best left for the individual audio enthusiast and audiophile to decide.
That's why if you're new to appreciating high-quality USB audio, we recommend that you start with our baseline uDAC-2 model without Asynchronous USB Audio to avoid the more involved setup required for AA. If you ever decide to upgrade to a uDAC-2SE, we provide the option to purchase a kit ($140) that includes a replacement circuit board and stainless steel front and back panels*
No matter what uDAC you choose to start with, you can expect to hear detail, warmth and clarity from your computer's digital audio files you've never heard before.
Features
- Discrete USB audio receiver and D/A converter
- Coaxial S/PDIF output
- Double jitter-reduction mechanism at data level and at oversampling filter stage
- High voltage 2V analog output
- A highly linear TOCOS volume control for improved channel tracking at low listening levels
- No capacitors in any of the audio signal paths
- USB-powered, no external power supply required
- Headphones impedance between 16 ohm to 300 ohm are suitable for use with Icon uDAC-2
Notes For Recording Engineer: The uDAC-2 is designed for consumer playback of digital music and has not been calibrated for professional recording. At the 9 o'clock volume indicator, there is hardly any signal; further, analog pots do not behave reliably. At normal listening levels, the volume tracking is within 1dB. The uDAC-2 volume maxes out at around 0dB input (maximum digital input). THD+N around 1% is intentional to target the voltage rail limit in order to achieve the loudest possible, but