"The STYX USB DAC is based on the Texas Instruments USB receiver, which includes the 24bit/192Khz advance sampling converter (Delta – Sigma). The Converter can accept all digital files using 38, 44.1, 48 kHz sampling rates. Components are top-notch from companies like Beysclag, and WIMA. The Digital USB (Type A connector) input works with USB 1.1 (12Mbps) standard, so even if you have an older computer this baby will still sings its best tunes. The USB 2.0 (480Mbps) standard is also compatible. Designer Igor Jez explained in his notes that the USB digital connection holds many advantages over standard and mostly used S/PDIF. The USB protocol, communicates in both direction (to computer and back) and this should result in less errors than through the S/PDIF input. Problems with asynchronous communication become apparent with these types of devices that do not support that kind of two-way communication. The STYX is also powered from an outlet power supply to avoid any problems that could occur with powering the DAC from the computer universal serial bus. So how does this 2010 black monolith behave? It is above expectations. I had three different converters at the time of testing. The STYX is surprisingly, naturally balanced and on the first notes of music I could recognize familiar richness of analogue playback. It is quite interesting how a digital device could have such a characteristic, but it is apparent. While I would not say that it is on the same level as a high-end analog source, it shares many of its best attributes. The STYX is somehow free of the typical digital harshness accompanied by most DAC’s. ----- Who should or would dream about this device? I think that any serious audiophile looking to use their computer as their primary digital platform should really consider it. The STYX is a rare little gizmo. It is made with love for music and esthetics. If you need a high end note in your home, connected to your laptop or PC, do not think twice. I used it with my Apple Mac book pro and this combination just screamed out luxury, design, quality, and top class sound. There are definitely some doors still to be opened to the higher ground, but that will require as usual, a lot more money. The STYX is a no-brainer from a purchase perspective. Find one and try it." http://www.onheadphones.com/product-reviews/dac/stylos-sys-had-dac.html
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