Blacknote DSS 30 Tube Digital Music Computer

Call it a digital-to-analog computer or a computing digital processor, but don't call the Blacknote DSS 30 Tube a mere "DAC." It combines the functionality of a traditional digital-to analog converter (with a few interesting wrinkles) with the computer functionality needed to allow for direct play of music files. Just provide a storage device like a thumb drive or external hard drive and you're ready to hear music at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

There are five USB 2.0 inputs: two on the front and three around back.

Once a storage device is connected, you are able to see what files are available for playback via the DSS 30 Tube's front-panel display. The unit's operating system is Linux-based. One of the most interesting features is the inclusion of three different DACs: AKM, Burr-Brown, and Analog Devices. The user can select among them, tailoring the sound. The DSS 30 Tube will display text information if it is included, and it has wireless capabilities.

The DSS 30 Tube is fully balanced and uses a pair of 6922 tubes in its output stage. It costs $4500. A fully balanced solid-state version that omits the tube output stage costs $2800.

Designer Aterini with the DSS 30 Tube.