RMAF 2009

For those of us with DACs that lack USB and/or FireWire inputs, getting uncompromised, full-range sound out of our computers is a bit of a challenge. There are a number of interfaces on the market, but most are slaved to the computer's inferior clock. I've tried one of these, and it conveys neither the bass nor the clarity of my transport.

Enter J. Gordon Rankin of Wavelength Audio, whose asynchronous solution to the problem has already been incorporated in Ayre's new DAC. Gordon was showing off his forthcoming Wavelink asynchronous computer interface. Priced under $1000, each WaveLink 24/96 Asynchronous USB-to-S/PDIF converter will come complete with Nirvana Audio's new T0 BNC-to-BNC digital cable and BNC-to-RCA adapter. The WaveLink runs its most important circuits off a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is automatically recharged when the WaveLink is not in use. I can't wait to try it.

Gordon was also showing off Wavelength's Brick v3 Asynchronous 24/96 USB DAC and Crimson Denominator 32/96 USB DAC, with dual asynchronous oscillators and automatically rechargeable batteries. Both are answers to many an audiophile's prayers.