This rather flashy-looking USB DAC is ALO Audio's new The Island. It will go toe to toe with Meridian's Explorer and the glut of USB interfaces that have hit the market lately. Unique to The Island is balanced headphone output. And of course the bright colour schemes. And the giant three-stage volume pot on top- something I think headphone lovers will really appreciate.
Otherwise, The Island's rather hi-flight specs, and its 299$ USD price fall in line with what is out there today.
Description:
The power and performance of balanced audio has arrived in The Island. Spacious sound stages are delivered with a superior sonic punch. Chewy bass lines underpin sparkling highs.
Specially machined volume knob paired with 3 gain stages gives you finer control of your listening, regardless of your headphone selection. The 24 Bit / 192 kHz capable Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC chip offers plug and play convenience with high-fidelity asynchronous fully balanced performance on both PC and Mac. (PC’s require included drivers for 24 Bit /192 kHz playback.)
A simple design and anodized aluminum enclosure makes The Island a solid choice for portable listening with your laptop as well as home desktop listening sessions. Available in Blue, Gold, Silver and Black anodized finishes.
Tech specs:
Input 1 x mini -USB
Output 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack socket
Output 1 x Stereo jack(Balanced)
Input: USB 2.0 Audio
Output: stereo analog, balanced
Sampling Frequency
44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4khZ, 192kHz
Resolution
16 up to 24 bit
Output power-Balanced :
130mW @32 Ohms
200mW @50 Ohms
160mW @300 Ohms
83mW @600 Ohms
Output power-Unbalanced :
130mW @32 Ohms
200mW @50 Ohms
660mW @300 Ohms
330mW @600 Ohms
Frequency response:
5-22kHz (+/-1dB)
THD+N:
0.001% @ 1kHz
Power:
5V DC from USB bus .
Amber indicator light illuminates when powered.