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Eitr 2

Forkbeard-Enabled DDC and Digital Preamp

Version
Voltage/Plug

$99.00

Ships 1-3 days

Description

Specs

FAQ

Downloads

Convert any USB output to a high-quality AES or SPDIF source. Add Forkbeard and turn any old DAC into a full digital preamp and EQ. Yes. That’s Eitr 2!

Turn Any Old Computer, Phone, Or Tablet Into a Spectacular Digital Source
Forget overpriced streamers. Turn any old computer, tablet, or phone into an uber-quality digital source with Eitr 2. AES, SPDIF, and optical outputs are all provided, for ultimate compatibility.

Turn Any DAC Into a Full Digital Preamp and EQ
Order “Digital Preamp” to add a Forkbeard module and transform any old DAC into a full digital preamp. It doesn’t even have to be a Schiit DAC! Forkbeard gives you digital volume, parametric EQ, and Loudness via your iOS or Android device, for ultimate convenience.
 
USB-Powered or Linear Supply—Your Choice
Eitr 2 runs happily off from its USB input, no other power supply necessary. But if you’re using a battery-powered device, or want the security of an external low-noise linear supply, we’ve provided a wall-wart as well.
 
Super-High-Quality Parts and Design
Eitr 2 includes Unison USB™, our own dedicated USB interface we designed exclusively for audio. But that’s just the start. Proper transformer-coupled outputs for both the AES and coaxial outputs, and a high-speed optical output capable of 192kHz sample rates are also a key part of Eitr. 
 
Designed and Built in the USA. For Real.
By “designed and built in the USA,” we mean it. Our PCBs are made on our own dedicated line in Corpus Christi. Our chassis are made in California. Everything we make is 100% tested with instruments and ears. No joking, no fooling, no games.
 
3-Year Warranty, 15-Day Easy Returns
Eitr 2 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty, and backed by a company that’s been making audio gear for more than 15 years. And if you don’t like your Eitr 2, you can send it back for a refund, minus 15% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
 

Resolution: up to 24 bits/192kHz, bit-perfect 

Inputs
  • Unison USB™, USB-C connector
Outputs
  • AES-EBU, Neutrik 3-pin XLR connector, transformer coupled, 110 ohm output impedance
  • Coaxial, RCA connector, transformer coupled
  • Optical, TOSLINK style, 24/192 capable*
*176kHz and up via optical is extremely cable- and device-dependent. Don't be surprised if it doesn't work reliably.
 
Power
  • USB powered, reports as 500mA device
  • Or, wall-wart powered, 6VAC 1000mA or more, reports as 0mA device via USB when wall-wart powered
Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
 
Weight: 1 lb
 
 

So I can get this and turn my crappy old laptop into the equivalent of a car-priced streamer?
Pretty much yes. A streamer is simply a computer that some people think is better than other computers at streaming audio. Just order “Converter Only” for $99.

You really think you can produce giga-cost performance with this fast-food-priced product?
Absolutely. Look at the measurements. It’s essentially a perfect conveyor in the digital domain. No bits lost. No degradation. 
 
But what does that mean for your own DACs?
Our own DACs already include Unison USB™, simply the best USB audio interface on the planet. It’s the only one designed (by us) to do one thing and one thing only: to convey PCM digital audio from your computer to our DACs as perfectly, reliably, and painlessly as possible. No workarounds or bizzarity for weirdo niche formats, just PCM, or, in other words, 99.995%+ of all digital audio on the planet.
 
So why do this for other DACs?
Because we aren’t assholes. Everyone should have great music.
 
Okay, moving on. Eitr 2 is Forkbeard-enabled?
Yes. Order it as “Digital Preamp” and we add a standard Forkbeard module so Eitr 2 can turn your DAC into a complete digital preamp. Or you can use any Forkbeard module, if you already have an extra.
 
What do you mean by digital preamp?
We mean volume control, balance control, parametric EQ, loudness…you know, all the preampy things you expect from a preamp. You can control all of this from your iOS or Android device…and integrate seamlessly with other Forkbeard-enabled products.
 
Wait a sec. So with Eitr 2, I can run my DAC straight into my power amp, no separate preamp necessary?
Yes.
 
Even if I like ancient DACs from the dawn of time like Theta Gen 5s or something like that?
Yes.
 
Even if I like modern DACs that don’t have digital preamp capabilities?
Yes.
 
Holy moly.
Yes.
 
How good is your digital volume control and other digital processing capability? I hear from some people that there are some that have white papers and patents saying how great they are.
Our founders have literally been doing digital since the year started with 198. They’ve invented most of the foundation of modern digital audio. They almost certainly could school anyone in digital audio in a big ugly way. 
 
So it’s good?
Absolutely. Based on both measurements and listening tests.

But…I can’t get past the price.
We can’t get past the price on $2 million watches and much audio gear. Your choice. We get it either way.
 
But…I don’t want any of this smart app tech crap anywhere near me, spying on what I do, making my life miserable with complex setups and accounts, trying to squeeze money out of me for monthly subscriptions and stuff.
Yep. We get it. Which is why we made Forkbeard to be the complete opposite. No account needed, no pairing, just turn it on see your stuff add your stuff and go, never any fees, no subscription pricing on anything…it’s like nothing you’ve used before.
 
But it’s just a remote control system, right?
No. It’s the only unified control that can actually improve your system. With Forkbeard, you get unparalleled insight and visibility into how your audio system or system is running, in real time. Features like Visual Volume show exactly how much headroom you have at any given time, while Real-Time Power shows exactly when your amp comes out of Class A, and how much you have left on the dial.
 
And Eitr 2 gets me into the Forkbeard system?
Yes. Add a Forkbeard module and you’re off and running.
 
Holy moly!
You already said that.
 
I still don’t like it. It’s too easy. It’s too versatile. It’s too cheap. What’s the catch?
Not a whole lot. Maybe just the fact that Eitr 2 is a UAC 2 device. UAC 2 is the accepted, universal standard for digital audio over USB that came into existence around the time the world cooled. If you’re using a really antique computer with an operating system that shouldn’t be connected to the internet, it won’t work with Eitr 2. 
 
Translate the above to English, please?
If you’re a crazy person using Windows XP or 7 or something like that, you’re out of luck. Some Android devices that are super old may not play well with the USB input on Eitr 2. Apple iOS stuff will have its typical nervous breakdowns regarding power draw from USB, probably requiring you use the wall-wart to power Eitr. Besides that, we don’t know. 
 
Wasn’t there an Eitr a long time ago?
Yes. It converted USB to SPDIF coaxial. It cost more than Eitr 2. This is a new world. There is actual progress. Enjoy it.
 
What is Eitr?
In Norse mythology, Eitr is a liquid substance that is the origin of all living things. Yeah. Maybe best not to think about that one too much.
 

Eitr 2 Manual