Cypher Lab's AlgoRhythm Solo - a portable iPod transport & DAC

[Racio]

Cypher Lab's AlgoRhythm Solo

"Cypher Labs LLC is pleased to announce the AlgoRhythm Solo, model ARTMSOLO3601, which delivers uncompressed, high quality audio from an iPod, iPhone or iPad to portable or home audio DACs and amplifiers, via both digital and analog outputs. There are currently no other portable devices competing with the AlgoRhythm Solo.

The "AlgoRhythm Series,” consists of high-end, portable audio products designed to unlock the high resolution features of the most popular digital music players available today. AlgoRhythm Series products showcase reference-level digital-to-analog converters, headphone amplifiers, as well as converter products that deliver high-resolution digital audio to other makes and models of audiophile equipment. The AlgoRhythm Solo is the first product release in the series.

Key features include:

· Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad Certifications are pending
· Wolfson Microelectronics™ digital-to-analog converter
· Decryption of the Apple USB output  (not a "pass through" of the line-out)
· Asynchronous mode USB to SPDIF conversion
· 1/8” stereo analog output and RCA digital output
· Extremely low jitter!!
· Two Li-Ion batteries in parallel AC switching is totally isolated
· Portable design with short and clean signal paths
· Connects to home and portable headphone amplifiers and DACs
· USB-A docking cable included
· AC adapter and power cable included (international adapters widely available)
· Designed to match in size and audio character with the ALO RxMark 2 headphone amp
· Designed and assembled in the USA

Available in black or silver with prices starting at $579"  ()

(click on the image to launch their website)



Comment: I wonder if they'll offer this without the internal DAC at a much lower cost. 

[Boymasskara]

This transport is too late IF ever the option to attach the next gen iPods to a DAC via usb camera dock is true.

[Ed]

meh too expensive even with the built-in DAC. Once you hook up the amp it's already desktop sized

[airwax]

Hmm, I'll just wait for pre-owned ipods to surface in the FS section.

[Racio]

meh too expensive even with the built-in DAC. Once you hook up the amp it's already desktop sized

I agree. 

[shoktongxxx]

meh too expensive even with the built-in DAC. Once you hook up the amp it's already desktop sized

very expensive nga.

OT: boss Ed mas gusto ko yung dati mong avatar.

[Racio]

This transport is too late IF ever the option to attach the next gen iPods to a DAC via usb camera dock is true.

Apparently, the new iPod Touch will not work with the Apple camera connection kit.   It looks like this AlgoRhythm Solo transport/DAC will be the only available portable product to offer an option for outboard DAC compatibility with iPods.

[airwax]

Hmm, should I get an ipod? confusing thought.

[Racio]

New pic with the ALO Rx portable headamp at the bottom...

[Racio]

I just received an email from Cypherlabs yesterday saying that the Solo is already available for pre-orders and will start shipping them out by Jan. 10, 2011. Here's the link to ALO's pre-order page.

Latest pics:











However, reading from their FAQ page, it seems that they will not work with 5.5 gen and older iPods, sad...   

[Racio]

Given that Cypherlabs are now accepting orders for their product, I wonder when will Fostex finally release their own iPod Transport/DAC/headamp combo.

Here's some pics of their early prototype:





Link to the Head-Fi thread.



Concept drawing and another previous Fostex prototype.

[mbc0528]

taken from headfi:
about CYPHERLABS SOLO.

"Guys
Ok we are looking good to ship orders by the end of the month!!!! I am so excited to finally get the show on the road. This project has given me the most gray hairs than anything I have done or been involved with ever. Learned a lot and hope to not make the same mistakes next time. I want to thank all the customers to hung in there and so patiently waited.
 
Thank you
 
Ken"

[mbc0528]

the FOSTEX amp dac for ipod looks a lot cooler than the cypherlabs.
wow...gotta wait for this.

[sperandeo]

A friend of mine in the UK got his Solo and LOVES it.

He says his portable setup is going to be hard to beat.

He normally suggests for me to get something, this time he didn't suggest it, he just told me to DO IT !!!

Any else get one yet??

 

[sherwino]

After watching episode 3 of Head-fi TV, I just noticed how come Apple lovers here have not tried this thing yet?? Freakin' expensive is definitely for one but if what Jude's saying is legit, then maybe worth it since it apparently sounds desktop quality!

Ipod Classic + AlgoRhythm Solo + Amp + Headphones will definitely expensive.
If it does beat the HM602 + Amp + Headphone combo in terms of SQ alone, then it might be worth it...
Although you are carrying something heavier and bulkier, it will also have 160GB and great UI.

And if it does sound better, it might be the strongest reason ever to finally jump the Apple bandwagon!!