CES 2010

Furutech GT40 USB DAC with Phono Stage

Jon Iverson  |  Jan 8, 2010

Here's a product that should warm the digits of anyone with a vinyl collection. Furutech, who is generally known for its high quality connectors and cabling, will be releasing the $450 GT40 USB DAC with built-in phono stage this March.

The company says that you can plug your turntable into the analog inputs (switchable between line or phono level) on the back, and plug the USB port into your computer to transfer your records to hard drive at 24bit/96kHz resolution. Other options include Toslink and SPDIF input and output and a pair of analog outs.

The product looks incredibly well built for the price, and features a large level control on the front.

COMMENTS
Peter G.'s picture
Submitted by Peter G. (not verified) on January 8, 2010 - 7:16pm

That is a great idea. Finally something worth buying!!!!!

Paul S.'s picture
Submitted by Paul S. (not verified) on January 9, 2010 - 7:29am

Interesting. So you are essentially getting a preamp, phono preamp, D>A converter, A>D converter, headphone amp all in one package. This product leaves nobody out.

John F.'s picture
Submitted by John F. (not verified) on January 9, 2010 - 10:56am

I want a review of this from Mr. Fremer, stat!

rudy yniguez's picture
Submitted by rudy yniguez (not verified) on January 9, 2010 - 7:04pm

This looks like just what I need.

Stu G.'s picture
Submitted by Stu G. (not verified) on January 9, 2010 - 7:25pm

Why pay $1500 when a $500 DAC will do? Why pay $500 when a $250 DAC will do?What I want to see is an article that describes in very clear terms what, if anything, an additional spend for a DAC gets. Maybe something; maybe nothing. Given that DACs are the hot item of the year, that would be a great article provided the piece doesn't kow-tow to advertisers.

Eric's picture
Submitted by Eric (not verified) on January 10, 2010 - 11:06am

This is not a DAC. A dac is digital to analog converter. This is a ADC. Analog digital converter. Dac means sounds enter in digital format and exit in analog format. This product does the opposite and the description is very misleading.

Franklin's picture
Submitted by Franklin (not verified) on January 10, 2010 - 7:22pm

Eric - what are the analog outs and headphone jack for then? Looks like it does indeed convert both ways.

James's picture
Submitted by James (not verified) on January 11, 2010 - 11:36am

Looks like a rip-off of Firestone Audio's Cute series like up.

DustyC's picture
Submitted by DustyC (not verified) on January 11, 2010 - 12:10pm

Agree on the DAC. If it does what is described it would have to have a ADC too. Nice item, I hope it has a higher input impedance than the ASUS soundcard, easier for tube pre's to drive.

stu Gatz's picture
Submitted by stu Gatz (not verified) on January 11, 2010 - 4:07pm

I will convert my Mac to a dac and then an adc and the a dac. Jitter? I laugh at your jitter.

suits_me's picture
Submitted by suits_me (not verified) on January 11, 2010 - 8:12pm

Now this product at least looks like there's a typo in its reported price.

GEORGE's picture
Submitted by GEORGE (not verified) on January 31, 2010 - 7:36am

What are Wolfson DAC chips going for now, $10? in bulk? ckt boards, Chinese labor, box, hmmm, $299 and it would be pricey. It's about high end SOUND but lately it's just high PRICES. Is this the audio BUBBLE that is soon to burst? Why not build in the plastic demag?

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