SW1X VDT IV Special

The SW1X VDT IV Special is SW1X Audio Design's flagship Valve Digital Transport, sharing the VDT III Special's valve master clock, three-stage split-rail power supplies, integrated SSD storage, and copper Super HiB DC core transformers, but in a heavier chassis that accommodates further internal refinements. The most complete expression of SW1X's valve digital transport philosophy. Made in the UK.

Type and Technology

Flagship valve digital transport and network music server with valve master clock, integrated SSD storage, and three split-rail discrete power supplies. Identical tube complement and topology to the VDT III Special, valve master clock (6DJ7 + EZ80), three-tube valve output stage (EC86 + 6X5 + 5Y3), three independent valve-rectified and choke-filtered linear power supplies. Special designation: copper Super HiB DC core transformers and chokes throughout. The VDT IV Special's additional weight (15kg versus 13kg for the VDT III Special) reflects further internal refinements within the same 445mm-wide chassis footprint. All internal wiring with SW1X Magnum, Genesis, and Opus conductors. Copper foil-in-oil signal decoupling capacitors. Streaming via Volumio on audio-optimized Linux. Compatible with SW1X DAC products.

Sound Character

The culmination of SW1X's approach to the digital source, maximum valve involvement, minimum transistors, and every power supply independently filtered and rectified through a valve stage. For those building the complete SW1X system, the VDT IV Special is the reference starting point.

Build and Finish

145 x 445 x 410mm at 15kg. Available in matte Black or satin Silver front fascia.

Tube Complement

Master Clock: 1x 6DJ7 (ECC88), 1x EZ80. Output Stage: 1x EC86, 1x 6X5, 1x 5Y3.

Best For

The most serious SW1X system owners who want the highest-specification valve digital transport as the source anchor of a complete SW1X DAC and amplifier system.

Specifications