Oriolus opens pre-orders for OA-JC3 USB DAC and OA-JC5 headphone amplifier kits with integrated vacuum tubes
Oriolus has started pre-order sales for two easy-to-assemble audio kits - the OA-JC3 USB DAC and OA-JC5 headphone amplifier. Both devices utilize vacuum tubes for warm, rich sound reproduction and can be assembled by novices without soldering.
The OA-JC3 DAC utilizes a resistive ladder network (R2R or R-2R) along with a 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube to convert the digital signal to an analog audio output. The USB-C DAC handles most common music codecs, from MP3 to DSD, MQA, and PCM. Analog audio is output with a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 KHz (+/- 2 dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 83 dB. Total harmonic distortion is a low 0.15% at 1 KHz. The OA-JC3 outputs audio using stereo RCA jacks and provides a maximum output of 2V rms. The DAC measures 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches (125 x 100 x 70 mm).
The OA-JC5 amplifier also utilizes a 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube in conjunction with high-power 2SA1943 and 2SC5200 transistors to produce rich, warm analog audio. The amp has stereo RCA input jacks to connect to audio sources. Amplified audio is output with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 80 KHz (+/- 1 dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB. Total harmonic distortion is a low 0.4% at 1 KHz. The OA-JC5 outputs audio using a 6.35mm (1/4”) audio jack and provides a maximum output of 720 mW at 32 ohm. The amp supports headphones with an impedance of 8 to 600 ohm and provides adjustable gain up to +12 dB. The amplifier measures 4.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 inches (125 x 100 x 70 mm).
Both kits require an external USB-C power supply with USB PD (power delivery) compatibility and a minimum rating of 20V 1.5A, although a 20V 2.5A supply is optimal.
The OA-JC3 USB DAC has an MSRP of 28,600 yen (~$190), and the OA-JC5 amp has an MSRP of 24,200 yen (~$160). Both are available for pre-order at Cyras Direct in Japan and will be released on October 21, 2024. Readers who are itching for a DIY kit that has them using their soldering irons can pick up a Bluetooth speaker kit from Amazon or an AM/FM radio kit from Heathkit.
