The AudioNote Kits DAC Range General Product Information

Audio Note realized very early that when it comes to the digital-to-analog conversion phase that simplest was best. Although many other manufacturers' DAC's may measure really well on the test bench using their upsampling or oversampling techniques, the Audio Note method of no oversampling (also referred to as 1xOversampling), direct-from-disk technique simply sounds better. This means that no digital filtering is performed on our DAC's. What's more is that analog filtering has also been eliminated from our designs to yield yet another improvement over the accepted norm.

Digital Board Standardization

Once the Digital-to-Analog conversion side of things was finally decided upon, we settled on a digital board that could be used throughout our DAC kit range without the need to upgrade it. It is still however available with an N-type Black Gate option if required (while stocks available). All our digital boards come fully assembled and include one digital input transformer. The digital board offers switching between any two digital sources. The two sources can be chosen from S/PDIF, XLR, or USB (using the optional USB add-on board).

Having a standard digital board, in combination with using a standard chassis, meant that we could offer a range of DAC's that are highly upgradeable and also meant that we could concentrate on component and design qualities throughout the range - so offering excellent performance / value-for-money ratios at each stage.

The DAC Range Explained

So what are the differences throughout the range if they all have a standard converter? The other important things in a DAC (and also most other audio products) are:

• Power supply
• Linkage between stages
• Output stage
• Component quality

Varying component qualities are available at each stage of the DAC range. We tend to offer Standard and Signature versions of most models. However, it is also possible to exceed the Signature versions still further if required although cost can be a significant issue (please enquire if you wish to more about extreme component upgrade possibilities).

So, let's now look at our DAC range in a little more depth in terms of how they change from one model to the next:

The DAC2.0 is our entry level Digital to Analog Converter. We have basically taken the popular DAC1.1 kit and put it in the large chassis and added optional USB support so that customers can upgrade through the DAC kit offerings - The Kit uses a single 12AU7 tube on the line stage which is a purist approach. The kit has been very popular since its introduction by Audio Note and continues to be highly regarded - An excellent first kit to get started in the DIY hobby

The whole DAC kit 2.1 range use our highly acclaimed M2 power supply (taken from the Audio Note finished product of the same name). It uses valve rectification (6X5) and valve regulation (ECL82) for its H.T. supply. It also provides two solid-state filament supplies. We believe the M2 power supply provides an excellent quality / value ratio - it has also proved itself in terms of both its reliability and sonic virtues many times over in other of our products. Choice of Output Stage The DAC Kit 2.1 Level A and B now also provide a choice of two different output stages. Our first offering was a dual 6922 output stage. Recently, however, we have also introduced an optional dual 12AU7 output stage that some people prefer. Both of these options are available for the same price and can be obtained in either PBC or silver hard-wired variants. I/V Transformer Coupling The Level B version is identical to its Level A counterpart but adds I/V transformers to couple, and maximize energy transfer, from the digital converter to the analog section. The I/V transformers can be seen at the middle-bottom of the lower picture shown opposite contained in circular metal cans.

M2 Power Supply Board

This DAC takes the DAC Kit 2.1 Level B and completely replaces its output stage with a transformer coupled output arrangement as used in many of Audio Note's higher level finished products. It actually uses the same output stage as our top-of-the-line pre-amplifier kits - the L3 Line Mk2 and L3 Remote. The output stage uses a dual 5687 based analog board to drive two 33:1 output transformers. Transformer coupled outputs have many advantages both sonically and for matching purposes. Its low impedance, for example, means it will match with virtually any pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier - valve or solid-state - making it highly versatile. Choice of Output Transformers There is also a choice of output transformers - I/E core (unbalanced), I/E core (balanced or unbalanced), or HiB Double C-core. In addition, the H.T. supply also benefits from extra choke-decoupling circuitry.

DAC Kit 3.1 Output Stage

Never before has such an advanced DAC as this been made available to the DIY market.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has been informative and clearly describes the differences between each model in our extensive DAC range. To look at a specific DAC model, choose one from the links at the foot of this page.