The Onset is a network music streamer that, say the designers, ‘sets new standards in digital audio playback’. Specifically designed to act as a bridge between your network and DAC, the Onset is the result of three years of intensive research, design and development by new British company Stack Audio.

Stack Audio say that they have made no compromises, ‘The finest components have been transformed into a ground-breaking system using advanced automation and traditional hand craftsmanship’.

Their goal is: ‘To deliver advanced digital sound quality with a new level of fidelity that rivets the most discriminating audiophiles and music lovers’. Theo from Stack Audio explained further: ‘Jitter and common mode noise in the audio signal are key challenges in digital audio and all-too-frequent culprits in marring or limiting the listening experience. The Onset features a combination of advanced technologies designed to solve the problem from the outset. First, a unique power supply achieves the perfect audio signal by ensuring that the audio circuitry is never in contact with the mains source, alleviating the need for excessive filtering which can otherwise restrain sound quality. Second, rather than seeking to minimise jitter, the Onset’s advanced asynchronous low-skew clocking system eliminates it from the outset. Its pioneering upgradeable digital processing platform has been custom-designed to extract the best possible performance from the Onset’s two ultra-low phase noise oscillators. Noise? History’.

The Onset’s bodywork is precision- machined from a special aerospace-grade aluminium and finished to an exacting standard. As well as providing an elegant and robust housing, the casing also delivers effective isolation from both mechanical and EMI interference thanks to its individually machined compartments for the circuit boards and transformer.

Key Features:

•Low-noise design enables bit-perfect data transmission and two-channel asynchronous streaming for jitter-free stereo playback.

•Supports up to 24bit 192khz PCM as well as DSD over DOP. Future updates will enable playback of DXD 384khz (over dual wire) and native DSF and DFF files.

•Ultra-low phase noise oscillators measuring in the low femto seconds.

•Supports studio-level clock syncing and dual-wire AES mode used to separate transmission of left and right channels in leading digital-to-analogue converters for ultimate fidelity.

•Asynchronous USB to SPDIF converter to improve the sound quality from your USB source.

•Bespoke ‘Never Connected’ power supply isolates the Onset from the mains, eliminating the adverse effects of mains pollution.

•Multi -regulated linear power supply with two separate power rails – one for the sensitive clock circuitry and another for the DSP – to help eliminate ground loops.

•Individually machined pockets for the circuit boards and transformer, plus added vibration dampening pads, to isolate both mechanical and EMI interference.

•UPNP™ compliant and gapless playback supported.

The Onset is now available. RRP Silver £2695 Black £2745 ex VAT Silver £3234 Black £3294 Inc Vat

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