As more and more music lovers incorporate computers into their various listening systems, demand grows for greater system flexibility and improved digital sound quality. Tokyo-based Furutech’s Alpha design Labs (ADL) responded to that need with the release of the GT40, an “impressively affordable high-performance” piece of kit.

Combining USB DAC with A/D converter, MC and MM phonostage and headphone amp, this extraordinarily handy little gadget was hailed as the audiophile’s “Swiss army knife”.

Now comes its successor, the GT40α (alpha), which can record and play back at a bit depth/sampling frequency of 24 bit / 192 kHz – a doubling of the original GT40’s 96 kHz rate.

The outer design has also been subtly tweaked, including the addition of a new discrete red ‘clipping’ light which warns of digital recording overload. Used in combination with the new three-position recording attenuation switch, success in making high definition digital recordings becomes a breeze.
The ADL GT40α is available now priced at £395 (including VAT).