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Deep bass response of Audio Note 2.1x Balanced DAC

I've had this DAC for the past month and have been very impressed with it overall except for its seeming (in)ability to reproduce very deep reverberent bass, mostly from an acoustic bass. I hear--oddly not all the time--distortion and smearing from standup bass, in mostly jazz combos. I've changed the stock tubes,and reverse phasing it, but I'm finding it more and more musically unsatisfying when the sonic picture is marred by tubby or smearing of deep bass notes. Since my preamp allows me to switch inputs to hear the output of the CD player near-simultaneously, it is clear the roll-off is pretty pronounced from the AN. A significant flaw (?) in an otherwise fine DAC. I hear it when the transport is either my Sony XA777ES or my cheapo Pioneer DVD player, so don't think it's transport related. By the way, the dealer says this is the trade-off for a tube-based DAC. Is this common with others? Curious as to others experience with AN DACs, especially with deep bass output.
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Showing 2 responses by albertporter

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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
What tubes does this use? I ask because tubes have a distinct personality and I might be able to suggest a substitute.

Isolation is a big deal on the Audio Note DAC. Have you tried Still Points or Symposium Roller Blocks under it?

I also suggest putting some weight on top of the Audio Note. Begin with a large book, if that helps you can make a permanent load from a flat plastic container with tight lid (like you see for fish lures) and fill it with sand or lead shot, depending on the amount of weight needed.

Only other issue, you mention comparing sound between Audio Note and your Sony by switching your preamp. Unless the interconnect cable in these two positions is identical, you may be auditioning interconnect as well as DAC performance.
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albertporter
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Mama, I don’t necessarily disagree with your assessment of DAC’s in general. All are compromised due to the limitations of the format.

However, the gentleman ask for solutions for a problem with HIS particular Audio Note, for which I assume he paid good money. I am an analog guy with a stock Sony for digital. However, I respect those looking for better digital and make suggestions based on experience.

Unless you have an unlimited budget, experimentation is often the only option available to move the sound where you want it. The tweaks suggested here are fairly powerful in relation to their cost.
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