When should we expect a GSP DAC?

Thanks for your question ICL1P.

I'm working on two...

1] The "big DAC", a 24 bit 192kHz S/PDIF, 24 bit 96kHz optical (Tos-link) and 16 bit 48kHz USB. The price I don't know yet because it's too early in development to hazard a bill of materials cost.

2] The "little DAC" (USB powered), probably won't be popular amongst specification fans at 16 bit 48kHz, but I'll put it out via the loaner program to let people listen to the result and hopefully they'll comment on the analogue side.

Both DAC's analogue outputs will not be "run of the mill". I've been asked numerous times to do a DAC with the same sonic capabilities as the phono stages - the Reflex M in particular. This will also mean the analogue output tech spec won't look as good as all those pattern parts you read about in the glossies. Does this worry me? Not at all. There won't be anything audible other than the music, but I suppose the "bat-eared" may comment on hearing a minuscule amount of hiss at volume levels that if music was playing would take your head off.

We're a few months away from any launch, but the easiest job is the "little DAC", and that will feature a "free" USB cable on an initial selling quantity. The cable will have had my "Lautus" interconnect treatment - it does make the difference.

I also want to put as many other features on them as I can. The "little DAC" will hopefully have optical and S/PDIF outs in addition to the line/headphone output. Still looking at what's possible on the "big DAC".

Graham

Ifor, quick correction - 96kHz not 98kHz - probably a typo.

The "big" DAC supports any of the regular frequencies up to 192kHz but the optical input is limited by the performance of the optical receivers available, so we use the fastest we can get which will do 96kHz with some margin above that.

The DAC uses a Wolfson chip-set which works out what it's receiving so there isn't a problem.

I tend not to follow anything other manufacturers do and do things the way I think they should be - don't take this as being arrogant.

Many Thanks for the update.
Interesting times ahead, I'm particularly looking forward to the little DAC, which will no doubt whet the appetite for the big DAC.
I also note with interest the compatibility problems that ICL1P suffered. such problems can be difficult to avoid given the lack of, or misinformation that accompanies many products or their advertising. It does lead to the conclusion that many don't really understand their own products.