Audio Note DAC 2.1x/II DAC

Audio Note DAC 2.1x/II DAC

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Price on Application
Finish

The Audio Note (UK) DAC2.1x Digital to Analogue converter has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria: -

 

Valve rectification

Materials and component quality

 

Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher oversampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal.

 

Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.

 

As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.

 

In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC2.1x has no oversampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for oversampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).

 

 

The filter-interface coils / transformers are of extremely high quality, and are custom designed and manufactured in-house by us.

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The DAC2.1x Signature also features an abundance of upgraded components in comparison with the standard edition, including our own Audio Note (UK) Tantalum resistors and Copper coil capacitors used in key areas. It also features a valve-rectified power supply (the standard DAC2.1x uses solid state rectification).

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The DAC2.1x/II Balanced features an upgraded version of the classic Audio Note (UK) Line preamplifier output stage, using a pair of ECC82 / 5814a double triode valves.

Unlike the preceding models in the Audio Note (UK) DAC range, the DAC2.1x/II Balanced features a pair of custom designed and manufactured output transformers.

It is also enclosed in a full sized 'Balanced' DAC chassis.

These devices not only have exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible.

The analogue output has provisions for both single ended and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.

To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a power supply with valve rectification. This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides well isolated short and clean analogue signal paths.

Internal components are of extremely high quality, as is expected from an Audio Note (UK) product.

 

Technical Specifications

INPUT

RCA  75 Ohms SPDif

XLR   110 Ohms AES/EBU

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

600 Ohms, RCA/Balanced or Single Ended

(Balanced version, <10 Ohms)

REFERENCE OUTPUT

3.2V RMS

CHANNEL BALANCE

Less than 0.2dB

VALVE COMPLEMENT

Standard: -

2 x 6DJ8

Signature: -

2 x 6DJ8

1 x 6X5

Balanced:-

2 x ECC82 / 5814a

1 x ECL82

1 x 6X5

UNIT WEIGHT

5.1 kg

UNIT DIMENSIONS

145mm (h) x 300mm (w) x 415mm (d)

DIGITAL SYSTEM

18Bit Analogue Devices AD1865N

44.1 / 48 / 96KHz input capability.

NOTE

Due to Audio Note (UK)'s ongoing research and development program, specifications are subject to change without notice.

 

About In-Store only, or click and collect products....

  • Different suppliers have different policies regarding shipping, some require that you physically come in to the store to get the benefit of advice and demonstration and in addition some items require professional installation and/or setup as part of our dealer agreement and to ensure you get the very best performance from your investment.

    Although not all our items are available as direct 'add to basket' we can often arrange to deliver the items and install the equipment ourselves.

    There is usually a charge for these services so please contact us first and we can discuss any queries and options with you.


  • We do stock many of the items featured on our website, but due to the large range of equipment we offer and the variety of finishes and options on some products it would be impractical to stock all products in all finishes. Some products will be special order, and stock levels rise and fall on popular items, so if you are coming in to see a particular item please contact us first to check we have it available. A few brands are mail order only and we do not generally have them on display in the showroom.

  • Yes, we are located on a mixed residential and commercial street and there is reasonably priced pay and display parking both outside and in the surrounding streets. It is free after 5.30pm if you want to check our the local restaurants in the evening to celebrate your purchases!

  • If you know exactly what you want great, we can provide. However many of our customers find that a product demonstration and comparison has helped them make the correct decision for them. As many of our products are special orders, we do not always accept products back if you change your mind. If you come in to audition you can ask any questions and listen in a relaxed, no pressure environment before you purchase- We have 30+ years of experience in making customers happy and we may be able to suggest something you might not have considered. We know how careful component matching can make the difference between a system you can listen to or really enjoy for many years! Just give us a call in advance so we can give you our full attention.

London Showroom

61-63 Webbs Road
London
SW11 6RX

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02079242040

Monday 10:30am - 5pm

Tuesday 10:30am - 5pm

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