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Estimated price (community-sourced)
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The Empirical Audio Overdrive SX is a third-generation USB DAC and preamplifier that offers a breakthrough in sound quality. It features 16 Hynes-technology regulators tailored for specific applications, an ultra-simple pure Class-A analog signal path, and a fully balanced analog output stage with point-to-point silver wiring. The DAC uses a Sigma-Delta modulator architecture but achieves the live sound quality of NOS and R2R tube DACs without tubes, providing superior accuracy and dynamics. It supports PCM formats up to 24-bit/192kHz via USB or Ethernet interfaces, coaxial S/PDIF, and I2S inputs. The device includes selectable digital filters (low, medium, high) to optimize sound quality and a volume control with low noise and distortion. The Overdrive SX is praised for its extremely low jitter, low noise floor, wide and deep soundstage, and precise imaging. It also incorporates a preamp function superior to most external preamps. The DAC outputs are available in RCA and XLR with selectable output levels. The unit is powered by a fast-reacting hybrid power supply with dedicated regulators and uses high-quality output coupling capacitors such as V-Caps, Sonicap Platinums, or Duelunds. The Overdrive SX received the "Best Bits" designation from Audiostream.com in 2018 and is recognized for its exceptional detail retrieval and lifelike presence in both timbre and dynamics. It does not support DSD playback. The product is manufactured and sold directly by Empirical Audio in the USA.
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
Analog signal output specifications
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
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The L2's signal-to-noise is 115 dB against the Overdrive SX's 106 dB and its thd 0.002% against 0.001%. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The Aavik D-280's thd is 0.005% against the Overdrive SX's 0.001% and its output impedance 100Ω against 40Ω. Both share bit depth (24-bit) and max sample rate (192 kHz).
The D03's signal-to-noise is 115 dB against the Overdrive SX's 106 dB. Both share bit depth (24-bit), max sample rate (192 kHz), and thd (0.001%).
The N-05XD's bit depth is 32-bit against the Overdrive SX's 24-bit, its max sample rate 384 kHz against 192 kHz, its signal-to-noise 105 dB against 106 dB, and its thd 0.002% against 0.001%.
Esoteric K-01XD
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