This is a unique concept as only Schiit Audio is only able to present. The company's new product is promoted as CD Transport with digital out via AES3 and SPDIF coaxial. But the new Urd (again a Nordic mythology-inspired name to keep with the company's tradition) also features several USB connectors in its back panel. And all are now modern USB-C connectors - no more discontinued, clumsy USB Type B or Type A things.
From those USB connectors, users select a Unison USB output, which means any CD will play directly to a USB-input DAC. And because there are two USB input ports, it's even possible to connect two external USB streaming sources (a computer and a dedicated streamer, as an example) and use the Urd as an A/B hub/switcher to the downstream DAC (which normally only have one USB input port). The Urd can even convert those two USB inputs to SPDIF, and output via coax.
And as always, Schiit highlights that these are not just any USB interfaces. They use the company's very own Unison USB technology - not based on the usual C-Media or XMOS chips "or any other off-the-shelf USB receiver out there." Instead what Schiit calls Unison USB is a proprietary solution based on a Microchip PIC32 microprocessor described as "a higher-performing USB input than anything else on the market," fully optimized for PCM digital. And because the whole design is optimized for audio, it leverages very high-quality local clocks and offers complete electrostatic and electromagnetic isolation from the source. It also provides lower power draw and complete USB Audio Class 2 (UAC2) compatibility.
"Urd is the CD player, re-booted," says Mike Moffat, Schiit’s co-founder and head of digital development. "It’s the first and only CD player with a USB output, yes, but it’s really a lot more — it’s the center piece, the focal point, of a complete digital system that includes CDs, streamers, and computer or tablet sources. By providing two USB digital inputs and a USB output, you can run an all Unison USB system. Or you can run it out to SPDIF. Urd also does the normal ‘transport stuff,’ like digital SPDIF output from a CD, but the main thing is that it does everything, does it seamlessly, and integrates with nearly anything."
No doubt, the Schiit Urd will be appreciated by the fact that it allows playing CDs and use the USB output to connect to any existing or future DAC. But the Urd also allows switching between two USB inputs and get a conversion of any USB source directly to SPDIF, useful to connect older integrated amplifiers, etc. "This flexibility allows an Urd owner to spin CDs, then immediately switch to a streamer or computer source (or tablet or phone) for the convenience of a large library, or to compare to the original CDs. With many streamed sources being remastered, the comparison is sometimes very eye-opening," Schiit explains.
Schiit also underlines the fact that this is not just any CD transport. The Urd features a StreamUnlimited metal tray-loading CD mechanism, which is normally found in products costing much more. This CD tray is manufactured by StreamUnlimited Optical Storage (SUOS-hifi), which is a separate company from StreamUnlimited Engineering, although they originated from the same entity.
From the CD drive, four 32-bit microprocessors, 100% linear power supply, including two transformers (separate transformers for the drive and digital sections), aluminum remote control, and a slim, sleek, all-metal, made-in-USA chassis, and a 5-year warranty attest to Urd’s focus on quality.
"I was a late convert to Urd," confesses Jason Stoddard, Schiit’s co-founder and head of analog design. "I mean, I figured it would be good. I have several thousand CDs, and I was thrilled to be able to play them on our own transport. But what I didn’t know was how great it would be to have everything integrated — streamer and computer and CDs — and be able to switch between them. Urd is absolutely fantastic in that respect."
The new Urd, like all Schiit products, is designed and produced in the USA, at the company's Valencia, California facility. Urd chassis are made minutes from that facility, transformers are from NorCal, and printed circuit boards are from Simi Valley.
The new design is exactly the same size as other Schiit products and stacks well with the company's DACs, preamplifiers and even the fantastic Loki Max equalizer. Available in black and silver finish for $1299 and $1349 respectively.
Schiit offers a 5-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. One exception in this case is the drive mechanism. That’s covered for 2 years.
www.schiit.com
