The Tube Magic

This is my May's refreshment, the last refreshment that I got for myself during the 3 months internship.
But I ordered it in the middle of April. So, it reached me in the early of May.

This is the Tube Magic D1 from Maverick Audio.
It is not available in Malaysia yet. I met someone who was willing to bulk for it and I have decided to join the bulk. Thus, I have to wait for weeks for Maverick Audio to produce those D1 and send them from Singapore.

The Tube Magic D1 is a combination of DAC and amp.
What is a DAC? Basically the DAC is what we called "soundcard". Our source files are in digital format but all audio play back ends up at an analog device such as speakers and headphones. Therefore, no matter how high your digital music file’s bit rate is, it will have to be converted to an analog audio signal before you can hear it. The device that does the converting is called a "Digital-to-Analog Converter", in short, "DAC"

D1 has another feature which caught my attention - the tube preamp output.
The preamp output is powered by the Vintage 5670 vacuum tube, which will add some warmth and smoothness. It plays well with vocal and Jazz genres.

Below are the D1's specifications :

Audio inputs

• Optical audio input x 1 (Digital)
• Coaxial audio input x 1 (Digital)
• USB connector x 1 (Digital)
• Analog audio input x 1 (Analog)
• Line-in audio input x 1 (Analog)
• Optical connector: TOSLINK 660nm
• Coax connector: RCA, 500mVpp into 75 ohms
• Analog connector: RCA, 1000k ohms
• Accepted sample rates: 32khz, 44.1Khz, 48Khz, 88.2Khz, 96Khz
• Accepted audio format: linear PCM, 16, 20 or 24 bits per sample

Audio outputs:

• All RCA connectors are gold-plated
• Volume control is provided for all outputs
• Two dedicated linear power regulators for DAC and line-out stages
• Dedicated linear power regulators for Tube stage
• Analog RCA outputs signal-to-noise ratio: >96dB
• Tube pre-out outputs signal-to-noise ration: >90dB
• Total harmonic distortion: less than 0.001% (RCA outputs), less than 0.1% (Tube pre-out outputs)
• Maximum output power: 1000mW x 2 (32 ohms), 500mW x 2 (300 ohms), 300mW x 2 (600 ohms)

Headphone outputs:

• Standard 1/4″ jack
• Minimum headphone impedance: 16 ohms
• Maximum headphone impedance: 600 ohms
• Headphone output power: 300mW ~ 1000mW

Power:

• R-core Linear 110/220 manual switch

Physical:

• Dimensions: 10″W x 2.1″H x 6.5″D (260mm x 55mm x 167mm)
• Finish: brushed aluminum in black color