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Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The Aesthetix Romulus is a vacuum tube-based CD player and DAC that integrates the features of the Pandora DAC with a dedicated Red Book CD transport. It supports USB, SPDIF, AES/EBU, and Toslink digital inputs, with USB capable of Class 1 audio up to 96kHz/24bit and Class 2 up to 192kHz/24bit. The Romulus uses an asynchronous USB transfer mode with ultra-low jitter fixed-frequency crystal clock adjacent to the DAC, significantly reducing jitter. The CD transport uses a special TEAC mechanism with data retrieved from the IDE bus, allowing the DAC's master clock full control for minimal jitter. The unit features a fully differential zero-feedback vacuum tube amplifier stage (12AX7) and output buffering with 6922 tubes, both run in pure differential mode with zero feedback, providing balanced benefits for single-ended outputs. Power supplies are highly sophisticated with multiple separate transformers and regulation stages to isolate digital and analog sections and reduce noise. The Romulus also offers an optional high-resolution relay-based volume control that operates partially in the digital domain for small steps and analog domain for larger steps, preventing resolution loss. The Signature edition upgrades passive components with Dynamicaps capacitors and uses Harmonic Resolution Systems Nimbus Couplers for improved noise floor and soundstage. Dimensions are approximately 18" W x 4 3/8" H x 18" D, weighing about 35-40 lbs. It is available in black or silver finishes and includes remote control, RS232 control, and 12V trigger functionality. The Romulus is highly regarded for its open, expansive sound and is often chosen by discerning audiophiles.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Components that show up alongside the Romulus in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The CD6005's weight is 6.6 kg (15 lbs) against the Romulus's 18.1 kg (40 lbs) and its height 105 mm against 111 mm. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The CD21's weight is 10 kg (22 lbs) against the Romulus's 18.1 kg (40 lbs) and its height 100 mm against 111 mm. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The DX-7555's weight is 8 kg (18 lbs) against the Romulus's 18.1 kg (40 lbs). Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and height (111 mm).
The C 546BEE's weight is 4.9 kg (11 lbs) against the Romulus's 18.1 kg (40 lbs) and its height 89 mm against 111 mm. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
Marantz CD5004
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