MAGAZINE
Violectric's new DAC / headphone amplifier is designed to replace the often weak integrated DACs and amps that are part of mobile devices. The housing, milled from solid metal, is closed off by glass panels at the top and bottom.
Its digital-to-analog converter chip works with resolutions of up to 32 bits/384 kHz and also decodes DSD 256. Two times 30 mW output power into 32 ohms or two times 5 mW into 600 ohms aim to allow for the operation of even the most demanding headphones.
Measuring just 44.5 x 24 x 10 millimeters, the Chronos simply connects to the mobile device via one of the three included adapter cables – USB-C, Micro-USB or Lightning. After that, it starts playing instantly, as no installation of drivers is required. Thanks to a maximum power consumption of 200 mA, it also only puts a minimal strain on the battery of the device used for playback.
When playing audiofiles in the PCM format, the font lights up green; high-resolution DSD files are displayed in blue. Buttons on the side of the device allow for volume-adjustment. Violectric's Chronos headphone amplifier and DAC will be available from select retailers starting at the end of July. The MSRP is around €200.
