Romulus

About the Romulus

The Aesthetix Romulus is a vacuum tube-based CD player and DAC that integrates the features of the Pandora DAC with a dedicated Red Book CD transport. It supports USB, SPDIF, AES/EBU, and Toslink digital inputs, with USB capable of Class 1 audio up to 96kHz/24bit and Class 2 up to 192kHz/24bit. The Romulus uses an asynchronous USB transfer mode with ultra-low jitter fixed-frequency crystal clock adjacent to the DAC, significantly reducing jitter. The CD transport uses a special TEAC mechanism with data retrieved from the IDE bus, allowing the DAC's master clock full control for minimal jitter. The unit features a fully differential zero-feedback vacuum tube amplifier stage (12AX7) and output buffering with 6922 tubes, both run in pure differential mode with zero feedback, providing balanced benefits for single-ended outputs. Power supplies are highly sophisticated with multiple separate transformers and regulation stages to isolate digital and analog sections and reduce noise. The Romulus also offers an optional high-resolution relay-based volume control that operates partially in the digital domain for small steps and analog domain for larger steps, preventing resolution loss. The Signature edition upgrades passive components with Dynamicaps capacitors and uses Harmonic Resolution Systems Nimbus Couplers for improved noise floor and soundstage. Dimensions are approximately 18" W x 4 3/8" H x 18" D, weighing about 35-40 lbs. It is available in black or silver finishes and includes remote control, RS232 control, and 12V trigger functionality. The Romulus is highly regarded for its open, expansive sound and is often chosen by discerning audiophiles.