[soundaware]

New firmware V1.0.21 was launched, with added AirPlay function, which can transfer any available audio data from iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Mac (request OS X Mountain Lion) to SOUNDAWARE desktop players, (through music services on your iPhone or Mac, such as Spotify and so forth).
Firmware V1.0.21 Download Address

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Spoiler: Master control and FPGA architecture

FPGA chip decodes the DSD or PCM data from the input source, transferring the I2S or DSD signal to the inside DAC. Meanwhile the chip is able to manage the clock, receiving the outside S/Pdif signal, transporting the digital data out through the RCA coaxial output interface. Dual high precise crystal oscillators are utilized on A280 Ⅲ.
The superiority of SOUNDAWARE proprietary FPGA architecture is that both decoding part and the clock management are processed within the FPGA chip, which is completely different with traditional architecture used in normal digital players. Some traditional architecture uses the FPGA or CPLD chip to manage the clock part in the DPLL (digital phase locked loop), but the received I2S signal is decoded by the master control (like ARM or MIPS) chip. The tiny different process could bring great inevitable interference to the transferred data, which obviously affect the sound quality output from the loudspeakers or headphones.

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Spoiler: CS4398 advantage on SOUNDAWARE FPGA architecture

Soundaware A280 utilizes a normal CirrusLogic CS4398 DAC chip, which objective tested value is not as good as ES9018S, but the sound quality is the outstanding advantage of CS4398. Below are the reasons:

1) Based on the SOUNDAWARE professional high-fidelity streaming music playback architecture, FPGA deals with the digital clock, decoding and jitter part. It can complete most part of the digital processing work of any other single independent DAC. If using ES9018 on SOUNDAWARE products, its important DPLL function is undesired, should be closed. Because only the pure DA process of DAC is needed, like A200S just using AD1852 is enough. Through four generation updating, Adopting ultra-low noise clock system and receiving audio data isolated from FIFO, the FPGA architecture has the outstanding ability of maintaining the native source data, different from other normal architecture using DAC handling I2S data passively. SOUNDAWARE audio decoding program is designed without using the digital process synchronism function, as it can obtain better performance.

2) CS4398 has two channels, one is original PCM DA channel, which is similar with AD1852, another one is original DSD channel. With present audio format, CS4398 could maintain top-level DA effect proven by the excellent actual test value. Compared with PCM1792 or ES9018, CS4398 is almost reach the same performance level on processing ultra-high bit data. When the THD+N is lower than 0.001% and the dynamic is higher than 110db, the main influential factor is not the DA chip, instead PCB design is the key.

3) As we all know, present index could not reflect high fidelity performance completely. Besides, audiophiles focus not only on the HI-FI performance, but also mostly on the music feeling. Using CS4398, the output sound is more smooth, matched with what SOUNDAWARE want to transfer to listeners. All in all, in SOUNDAWARE integrating desktop products, CS4398 certainly is the best choice.

Review
6moons audio reviews
A280III Chinese review from Soomal
 1. Function and Operation 
 2. Core proceed architecture
 3. Test value
 4. Sound feeling
 
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Spoiler: Contact Us

Soundaware Audio Co.,Ltd.
Room 4-409, Mingfa Commercial Plaza, No.99 Yulan Road,Nanjing City, JiangsuProvince, P.R.C.
You can also visit Soundaware Audio Websites 
 
Service Hour
Mon - Sat: 9:00 am to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00
Close on Sunday and Public holidays
 
Tel: +86(0)25-52894989
Skype: mary.cui89
WeChat: 157072420
E-mail: market@soundaware.net‍ 
            service@soundaware.net  
Post code: 210000        

 

[whitedragon551]

I as just looking for something like this for an office enviornment. How much does one of these run?

 

[HK_sends]

Is anyone going to have a chance to do a review? Also, does it support gapless playback of separate audio files like flac? Thanks!
Cheers!
HK sends

P.S. - I'm looking for a dedicated desktop transport/player. This looks like a very good prospect!

 

[soundaware]

 
I as just looking for something like this for an office enviornment. How much does one of these run?

A280Ⅲ is RMB6898, about $1069USD without freight or tax.  

 

[soundaware]

Is anyone going to have a chance to do a review? Also, does it support gapless playback of separate audio files like flac? Thanks!
Cheers!

HK sends

P.S. - I'm looking for a dedicated desktop transport/player. This looks like a very good prospect!

Yes, it supprts gapless playback.

 

[HK_sends]

Yes, it supprts gapless playback.

Sweet! I got a desktop player a few years ago and that was its biggest shortcoming. I tried to work with the manufacturer to have it implemented but unfortunately there was a bit of a language barrier and possible limitation with the audio control chip at the time. It's really nice to see that's being addressed.
Cheers and Thanks!
-HK sends

 

[soundaware]

And Merry Christmas! 
Wishing you a song in your heart at Christmas and bless sings all year long.
 

 

[HK_sends]

To you as well!! 

Cheers!

-HK sends

 

[RonyIS]

There are several questions.
1. What volume control (analog inputs, no headphone output) in the A280:
a) digital
b)  analog chip
if b) is what model?
Thank you.
ps:sorry for my English

 

[soundaware]

  There are several questions.
1. What volume control (analog inputs, no headphone output) in the A280:
a) digital
b)  analog chip
if b) is what model?
Thank you.
ps:sorry for my English

You're welcome. Your English is not bad.

You said is A280 Ⅱ. the volume could be changed through digital.

 

[soundaware]

  There are several questions.
1. What volume control (analog inputs, no headphone output) in the A280:
a) digital
b)  analog chip
if b) is what model?
Thank you.
ps:sorry for my English

Hi RonylS,
I think I have to correct my answer for you. What you said may be A280 Ⅰversion, has no headphone output.
Besides, three versions of A280 all have no analog input, but all have analog output. Hope I am not making you confused 

 

 

[soundaware]

Chinese Review for you guys reference A280III Chinese review

 

[soundaware]

So love the pictures, taken by a friend, nicknamed Chenyifaer.

I saw the Little dot, which I am unfamiliar with. Want to learn more.

 

 

[soundaware]

New firmware V1.0.21 was launched.
Firmware V1.0.21 Download Address