Hi-Rez Highway: REVIEW: Audio Note Audio Note DAC4.1x Manufacturer: by chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com

Model:	Audio Note DAC4.1x
Category:	Manufacturer:
Suggested Retail Price:	£4950
Description:	Tube-output DAC
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Note

Review by chris.redmond2@bushinternet.com on August 26, 2001 at 11:08:48
IP Address: 212.159.151.204

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for the Audio Note DAC4.1x

After owning an Audio Note DAc3.1x for some months now and not posting a review, I thought I`d best do the honours with the DAC4.1x before apathy set in. First impressions out of the box were that the increased use of transformers in this unit meant a far heavier unit than the DAC3.1x, the addition of a gold front-plate to the facia was particularly welcome, and provision of balanced operation meant that this avenue could be explored via my Meridian 518 some time in the future. Now, bear in mind that my ears are more lead-like than gold when it comes to A-B`ing, so if I can spot the differences they MUST be present - also consider that this DAC4.1x is a used or ex-demo unit making a long running-in period unnecessary; a few hours warming up and away we go. What struck me first was how `fuller` the sound was than it`s little brother the DAC3.1x; not massively so - indeed, it was more a case of all-round, subtle improvements which you`d expect when introducing superior components into a circuit (black-gates, transformer de-coupling, more silver etc...) combining to elevate all aspects equally. At a certain price-point, most DACs will do the usual hi-fi tricks very well, such as wide soundstaging, deep bass, good detail retrieval and separation. However, it`s the subtleties which add that indefinable extra dimension - what makes you more appreciate the performance going on in your room, rather than be impressed with your hi-fi. While one will keep you up way past bed-time listening to "..just this one last CD...", while digging up all those discs you previously dismissed as not being of the necessary sound quality to enjoy. The other will have you repeatedly playing the intro to `Hotel California` to the amazement of your friends "..Wow! That bass is soooooo deep", before you replace it in it`s case which normally resides alongside the other audiophile discs while you watch the late film. It`s perhaps a little ironic that the more we pay for a DAC, the less we want to hear it; in this respect the DAC4.1x remains very inconspicuous, providing you actually know what a live performance sounds like that is. To go on stating the difference would be subjecting you to the usual variations on a theme, and I`d probably be being disingenuous to be honest - the simple fact is that for the extra money you`re expected to pay for the DAC4.1 you`d expect it to be noticably superior to the DAC3.1x - this it achieves and damn those diminishing returns. At this elevated level of performance, what appears to be a small increase in performance can actually have a greater effect on the ability of a product to portray the character of the musician, not just that of the instrument he/she plays. My own exposure to the best Vinyl is only fleeting so I can`t make too many comparison`s with `analogue`, but I`ve had a LOT of exposure to bad digital, and the DAC4.1x along with it`s sibling 3.1x is a wonderful panacea if you`re dissillusioned with Redbook, and are starting to cast flirtatious glancesl towards Hi-rez or Turntables. There you have it then - another review for the Asylum pot, easy-peasy, so can anyone reading this please post one of their own? As I`ve just demonstrated, no technical/journalistic expertise is needed, just an honest-held opinion; considering the number of inmates using the Asylum, this should be the largest data-base of reviews anywhere available - be a part of it and help other`s make informed decisions with their hard-earned cash into the bargain.

Product Weakness: Makes music - hard to tear yourself away from the damn thing; found myself listening to, and enjoying, the `Spice Girls` today - very disconcerting (did I mention I`d kissed Mel `B`?).
Product Strengths: Makes music.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Michell Alecto Monoblocks.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	I use a Meridian 518 as a digital volume control between Transport and DAC.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Wadia WT3200 Transport
Speakers:	Tannoy 15" Monitor Gold drivers (dual-concentric) in 108kg MDF cabinets, Russ Andrews cross-overs.
Cables/Interconnects:	Trichord Pulsewire digital IC.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Everything bar heavy-metal or C & W.
Room Size (LxWxH):	15` x 15` x 9`
Room Comments/Treatments:	Furnished living room, carpeted, wood-panelled walls.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 days and counting....
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P600 Powerplant, all mains cables from components through to separate consumer-unit is Kimber High-current mains leads.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Also have modest HT system in the form of a Yamaha E492 Processor, Mission 752 centre speaker, Mission 731 Pro rears.

Product Weakness:	Makes music - hard to tear yourself away from the damn thing; found myself listening to, and enjoying, the `Spice Girls` today - very disconcerting (did I mention I`d kissed Mel `B`?).
Product Strengths:	Makes music.