East west Audio Nieuwsberichten..jan feb 2012.

The Calyx DAC 24/192 is a leading edge product using the very latest digital conversion technology, in a simple aluminium enclosure that is so easy to use, and even easier to enjoy!


There are currently two words that get audiophiles excited right now, one is asynchronous, the other is Sabre. The Calyx is an asynchronous USB DAC capable of receiving up to 24bit/192kHz data, so from a format and protocol point of view, this is the best possible way of extracting the data from your computer. As well as the USB input, the Calyx DAC also has a single coaxial input for that legacy CD player or DAT recorder.

From a technical point of view, the Calyx is all cutting edge. The Sabre DAC chip is the hottest chip right now, and the Calyx does not compromise here. Not content to use a single DA converter, the Calyx uses 8 Sabre 32bit converters! For those not familiar, the SABRE32 Reference audio DAC series is the world’s highest performance 32-bit audio DAC solution. "With ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE32 Reference Stereo DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR of up to 135dB and THD+N of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts."

As well, the Calyx DAC has two separate clock generators, one for 44.1/88.2/176.4kHz and one for 48/96/192kHz data rates. Finally, the analogue output stage gives you the choice of unbalanced RCA or fully balanced XLR outputs. If you are using this with a computer the Calyx DAC will take power from the USB buss, making setup even simpler, one less wall wart!

The new Calyx Coffee is a 24bit/96kHz USB DAC that offers both line level RCA output for direct connection to your sound system or powered monitors, as well as headphone output capable of driving more difficult headphone loads.

Coffee features an ESS Sabre DAC chipset that offers 112DB of dynamic range with patented Hyperstream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. The USB port offers plug and play simplicity via an asynchronous connection to your computer.

The line level outputs are muted when a headphone is inserted, allowing you to keep your system connected at all times.

In what is a first for a product of this kind, the Calyx Coffee offers control of the host source. So if you are running iTunes, Foobar or J-River on your computer, the top mounted controls of the Coffee will control the host application. If you have the Camera Connection Kit for your Apple iPad, you can control that too.

Finally, like it's more costly sibling, the Calyx DAC, Coffee is milled from a solid billet of aluminium making it a very solid and beautiful audio device to use.