With the huge success of our DAC product line since 2004 where we introduced the DAC2.1 , DAC4.1 , DAC5.1 – We decided to make a smaller foot print lower cost DAC with alot of the same technology – a dream for a DIYer who can stuff the best parts in it – the 6×4 rectifier on the power supply is super smooth and this DAC has potential to bring the ultimate in Audio Note DAC technology to the entry level budget!
DAC 1.1 Features
- Pre-assembled Digital DAC board with Toroidal Input Transformers and Elna Cerafine capacitors.
- 6×4 rectified Power Supply uses high quality RubyCon Electrolytics and Mundorf MLytic Electrolytic Capacitors.
- 6922 Driver Board with Takman Film Resistors or AudioNote Tantalum Resistors(Signature version), Elna Cerafine Capacitors and Audio Note Tin Foil Bypass Caps.
- Support for standard 75 ohm RCA (SPDIF) and 110 ohm AES/EBU.
- RCA Output.
- USB input board.
The DAC 1.1 boasts numerous features and supports up to 24/96khz sampling and data widths. The DAC has the 6×4 tube rectified power supply for ultimate smoothness. To complete the pure digital to analog design of the DAC 1.1 the digital board has no analog filtering (analog filtering has been totally removed). Sound reproduction with no digital artifacts and smooth as velvet output is realised in the DAC 1.1.
R-2R v Delta-Sigma – Things to Be Aware of When Choosing an Audiophile Level DAC
Using the Audio Note DAC strategy calls for a Resistor Ladder DAC architecture as opposed to the more common Delta-Sigma computer processing style DAC. Delta-Sigma DACs and R-2R resistor ladder DACs are quite different. Rather than using feedback loops and high frequency oversampling clocks to produce an ‘approximation’ of the digital data as Delta-Sigma types, an R-2R DAC will turn on each required bit in the digital ‘word’ and the exact amount of current will flow from the chip to reconstruct the analog waveform. The method is perfect in its simplicity and is reflected in the sound quality.
I/V Transformers
Our I/V transformers were specially designed by Audio Note Engineering to provide an affordable yet highly effective transformer for the DAC 4.1. I/V Transformers are used to maximize the energy transfer during the Current-to-Voltage phase of the conversion resulting in increased dynamics.
6922 Output Board
The 6922 output board has Takman non-magnetic film resistors and Audio Note Tin Foil Capacitors. An efficient and effective line stage to compliment the digital and power supply sections of the DAC 1.1.
There are many 6922 tubes available, many being classic 50’s new old stock. The line stage sounds very undigital and has a lovely natural sound.
Specifications
| Output Tubes | 2 x 6922 |
|---|---|
| Rectifier Tube | 6X4 |
| Inputs (any 2 switchable) | 1. Standard 75 Ohm RCA (S/PDIF) 2. 110 Ohm AES/EBU 3. USB (optional board) |
| Outputs | Single Ended Stereo RCAs |
| Output level | 2.0V RMS both channels |
| Impedance | 1.3K |
| Depth | |
| Chassis | 3mm Aluminum with Black Powder Coat |
Parts Compliment
- 2 x I/V Transformers
- Torriodal Digital Transformer
- Digital PCB (pre-assembled)
- Takman 1W Resistors (power supply PCB)
- Takman Non-magnetic Metal Film Resistors
- Audio Note Tin /Mylar foil Caps *
- Audio Note Copper Film .47uf Caps (Signature Version)
- Elna Cerafine Bypass Caps (output PCB)
- PTFE Silver Plated Hookup Wire
- Audio Note Silver RCA’s
