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Digital Drive: REVIEW: Audio Note One.1x Signature DAC Processors by Ol

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REVIEW: Audio Note One.1x Signature DAC Processors

217.236.109.98


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Model: One.1x Signature
Category: DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price: $ 1599
Description: 24Bit/96KHz compatible converter, AD1865N chip, digital filter free 1xoversamplingâ„¢ direct from discâ„¢ technology. Black Gateâ„¢ capacitors, Audio Noteâ„¢ copper foil signal caps and copper wired digital input transformer in Zero style chassis, 6111WA anode follower no feedback (NFB) output stage.
Manufacturer URL: Audio Note
Manufacturer URL: Audio Note

Review by Ol ( A ) on August 01, 2004 at 14:14:20
IP Address: 217.236.109.98
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I was keen on the Audio Note DAC for quite a while: As you could see from the associated equipment part of the listening chain is a Behringer DEQ 2496. In my eyes that ugly litte thing was one of the best investments I have ever made... I really the appreciate the opportunity to correct some of the listening room´s failures as well as making the setup sound the way I like it!

But one thing about the Behringer left me not absolutely satisfied: It´s taken quite a few steps to fully understand the way the Behringer works to get the best out of it - that´s the reason why I´ve added volume controls to the power amplifiers, the pre-amp is only used to achieve usage of the full dynamic range of the source´s signal fed to the Behringer. But even then the Behringer adds a certain dryness on the music which I am not used to when I listen to my setup without the equalizer. This effect for me is most obvious on sibiliants, as well as in the highs, which are crisp but sometimes a litte bit stressing. Even though I was happy, the advantages of the Behringer by far outweigh it´s small acoustic signature.

I then thought that it might be interesting to try a tubed DAC instead of the build in DAC + output stage of the Behringer. I´ve ordered the DAC from Audio Note Singapore, everything went smooth and fast!

So now, let´s go for the target item of this review: I hooked up the AN DAC behind the Behringer (using the AES/EBU connection), data stream is 24bit@96kHz, which the AN is truncating down to 18bits. I was a litte worried whether the output voltage (3 volts I believe) of the DAC would suffice to drive the power amps to full level, also the rather highish output impedance of the DAC left me wondering whether it´ll work with the power amps. Fortunately these have an input impedance of 100kOhm + x, so there´s no reason to worry.

Okay, I turned on the music, first trying how loud it can get (okay, okay - not very "high-endish"... but FUN!!!). It could be a little more... but I have to admit that I have a very wide volume range with the three 3 volts - and at full power it´s playing really loud. One thing was plain from the beginning: The AN DAC sounds completely different than the Behringer playing on its own. The dry acoustic signature of the Behringer I described above was obviously completely gone... the sound now is much smoother, fuller and dynamically "more interesting" (I guess the SET-experienced crowd knows what I mean, it seams as if microdynamics have made a large step ahead). Also with the AN the music just becomes more natural, especially well perceivable on classical music - the different instruments now sound more realistic and full-bodied. The illusion of the music just happening (every SET-listener surely knows it)is much more convincing with the AN. Nice :-)))

One thing I have to say: The AN is quite new (less than week here)... but I feel so happy with it, that I had to write this review, something that normally really is not my kind of stuff. The AN also seems to become even better with the days, probably due to the Black Gate Caps.

The AN will surely stay in my setup (I wasn´t sure about this when I ordered it, I´ve never read anything about using a tubed DAC in this unusual position). I would recommend trying it to anyone who has a comparable setup to mine, i.e. SET, Behringer equalizer + high-efficiency-speakers. The only thing you have to look at is that the AN just fits the other components of your setup (output level + impedance of the AN).

Also I would like to excuse for my English... my German´s much better!!! :-)

Regards and thx for your interest!
Oliver


Product Weakness: Read review
Product Strengths: Read review


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Custom build SET, 1x RGN 1064 (Rectifier), 1x REN 904 (Driver), 1x 2A3 (Power), volume-adjustable - two Monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Custom build, 1x RGN 1064 (Rectifier), 1x 6080 (Gain), transformer-coupled outputs
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Dynavox Dynastation Mk 1.5 (Sony PS One combined with Tube output stage and tube rectification), Lenco L75/Decca International/Shure M44-7, Custom build phono stage with tube rectifier (1x RGN 1064, 2x ECC83)
Speakers: Altec 604C in reflex enclosures
Cables/Interconnects: Dynavox Dynalink, Dynavox Speakerlink
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classic, Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronical Music
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Behringer DEQ 2496, working between pre- and power amps
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Audio Note One.1x Signature DAC Processors - Ol 14:14:20 08/1/04 ( 9)