Minis make high resolution audio simple. There are no processors, touch screens, or software updates. Minis convert lower resolution digital music to high resolution. The Mini re-clocks and upsamples the digital music to 24 bit 96kHz. Music is played back by discrete transistors that are Class A biased. The result is a much more musically involving experience. Some say tube like without the tubes.
Minis come with either a single optical or single USB input. Both models share the same upsampling DAC circuitry, low noise power regulation, high quality opamps, and discrete output transistors. The difference lies in the extra chip needed for the USB input (USB Mini on the right). Make no mistake, Minis do not skimp on parts or design. Although their transistors are smaller, the rest of the design is the same as in any Swan Song Audio full size DAC. Changes to the user interface and battery power allows the full scale DAC design to fit into a smaller case.
The standard chassis is silver anodized aluminum and designed to take abuse that comes with traveling. A powder coated chassis can be ordered. Either way, a ceramic coat treatment is applied to minimize the affects of small scratches.
The "tube like" Mini sound is due to the purposeful injection of harmonics to remove the harshness from USB streaming. The plot to the left is a USB Mini measuring .05% distortion at 1 volt into 47 ohms. Adding harmonics that are below 60dBs adds a bit of realism typically associated with tubes.
The small size of the Minis makes them excellent travel companions or additions to a home system. They can fit in a pocket or on a cramped shelf. The 11 hour battery life allows them to travel long distances or provide hours of home use without the need for expensive power cords or conditioners.
Specifications
Chip set TI Burr Brown and Analog Devices
PCM files up to 24 bit 96kHz
Music is re-clocked and upsampled to 24 bit 96kHz
Headphone output impedance less than 2 ohms
Distortion .05% at 1kHz 1 volt into 47 ohms
Inputs
Outputs
Power output is 0.2 watts into 30 ohms
11 hour battery life
Standard cables and charger USB A or C to Mini B
Dimensions are 2.75" wide by 5" deep by 7/8" tall
Weight is 8 ounces
