AX4B-533 Tube
[Image: http://www.aopen.com/products/mb/images/ax4b533tube-b.jpg]
Woah, and you thought vacuum tubes were dead.
5 public posts in this discussion.
Post 2
somehow i knew that slashdot article would get regurgitated here.
Post 3
I actually read about it on the Linux Audio Developer mailing list.
Vacuum tubes are supposedly very good for audio purposes, although it was brought up that it probably was using an onboard DAC.
Post 4
Another problem they just brought up.
Vacuum tubes require around 100V to operate, this would have to be created on the motherboard and could easily create alot of EMF that may harm sound quality.
Designed for Audiophiles, but apparently not that well designed.
Post 5
Yeah looks sweet hey.. I heard about it from OCAU myself but someone probably got it from slashdot anyway.
Dunno if you've read this Eaglehawk - probably would have, or at least the specs, etc.
I'm no audiophile but I've heard many great things about the sound that comes out of valve's and I find it pretty cool they can bring something old like this and mix it with something new like that. Certainly something you would never think you'd see in a computer today. The fact that they did it and that they got it working and presumably well and within the constraints of time/money/space, speaks for their ingenuity, skill, etc.. sure plenty of others could have done it, but they actually did. I'm sure AOpen wouldn't have minded throwing them a bit of dosh to develop this anyway.. good pr :)
Reminds me of this review at Dans Data. The Bit88 uses a valve. Sure it's nothing out of the ordinary.. plenty of valve amps still around and this ones not integrated into the motherboard but this one was reviewed for use with thy PC :) Bah.. hehe.