Schiit’s Unique URD CD Transport – First Look

All Image Credit: Schiit

Schitt Audio was founded in 2010 by Jason Stoddard and Mike Moffat. The company has grown into a leader in affordable high-end audio, with a wide range of products spanning DACs, headphone amplifiers, and preamplifiers. The URD CD transport is designed and produced in the USA with its chassis made minutes from their Valencia facility, the transformers are from NorCal and the PC boards from Simi Valley.

The just released Urd is a complete re-invention of the CD transport and contains no DAC”s. the Urd can serve as a digital hub for an entire modern digital audio system, easily integrating streamers and other digital sources with integrated Unison USB digital input and output, plus USB to SPDIF conversion for simple compatibility with legacy DACs.

• CD transport to SPDIF output (AES and coaxial)
• CD transport to Unison USB output
• USB inputs (x2) to USB output—USB switching
• USB inputs (x2) to SPDIF output—USB to SPDIF conversion

The rear panel contains the usual S/DPIF digital outputs, coaxial or AES/EBU that can be used to connect a third-party DAC to handle D/A conversion. The unique function of this transport are its ability to hand off its digital disc data through a USB-C output to a USB DAC. According to Schiit; “Urd’s unique USB output was the focus of several person-years of development at Schiit, in order to assure rock-solid performance and broad compatibility. Urd works with all UAC2-compliant sources and DACs that have been through Schiit’s testing; UAC2 is the accepted international standard for USB audio, and is supported by all modern operating systems.

Featuring a pair of USB-C inputs allows the Urd to connect to network streamers, tablets and smartphones for seamless switching between streaming sources and CDs. This functionality allows the Urd to act as a; USB-S/PDIF converter with USB in and coaxial/AES out or as a USB re-clocker with USB in and USB out. This extensive data manipulation is supported by no less than four 32bit microprocessors.

Build quality and electronics have not been skimped on, with a metal CD tray and mechanism from StreamUnlimited, a 100% linear power supply that includes two transformers (one just for the drive), an aluminum remote control, a slim, sleek, all-metal, chassis and a 5-year warranty.

Control is available via the aluminum Freya-styled remote control and/or front panel buttons for transport control and input/output selection, plus a display that shows; transport status, input icons and CD time. The URD is also exactly the same size as Freya and Loki Max so stacks well with those products.

Specifications:

• CD Transport:
  • Formats Supported: Redbook
  • CD only Gapless Playback: Yes
• Inputs:
  • Two (2) Unison USB™ Inputs
  • Maximum Sample Rate/Bit Depth: 192kHz, 32 bits
  • Switchable USB inputs: Yes
• Outputs:
  • One (1) Unison USB Output
  • One (1) AES digital output
  • One (1) Coaxial SPDIF output
• Maximum Sample Rate/Bit Depth on all outputs: 192kHz, 32 bits
• Simultaneous USB/SPDIF output
• CD Drive Type: StreamUnlimited real actual CD drive, tray load, metal construction
• Power Consumption: 15W maximum
• Size: 16”W x 8”D x 2”H
• Weight: 8 lbs

MSRP (silver/black):

• US: $1,299.00/$1,349.00

For more information visit: Schiit Audio.

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