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Audio note Dac question

Hi

I don't hear much talk on the Gon about the Audio Note Dac kits. I know they may be a bit dated but they still look interesting to me. I am in the market for a new dac and really like building kits when ever I can. I was considering either the 2.1 or the 3.1 kit. If anyone can shed some light on them it would be a great help.

I am also considering the Benchmark Dac 1 usb. I had one when they first came out with the NE5555 opamps and ended up selling it. I wasn't that impressed with it at the time, then again the system I have now is much better than what I had. I have also heard they sound better with the LM4562 opamps.

Thanks for the help
Frank
128x128fc911c
fc911c's avatar
fc911c OP
44 posts
 
Thanks Joncourage

Did you upgrade to the 2.1 A or B?
fc911c's avatar
fc911c OP
44 posts
 
anyone else on the AN Dac?? I changed my mind on the Benchmark.
grateful's avatar
grateful
104 posts
 
Hello,
I have an EXTENSIVELY & HIGHLY modified AN kit DAC - it started life as a 3.1 equivalent - you'll have to check out my system page. It blows away every other digital source I have personally heard without doubt and was my end-point, crowning achievement for my digital front end. If you enjoy the analogue sound rather than the analytical sound of CD's than you will be VERY happy and the kit offers the added ability to "pay as you go" upgrade, with the sky as the limit... caps, resistors, and transformers offer real improvements as you go up the ladder. I would highly recommend the TRANS-497 I/V transformer upgrade as pretty high on your list, they will add significant cost ($3,000 aprox for the pair) yet you will get significant improvement in micro and macro resolution - amazingly natural and acoustic. As far as caps go - you can go up the AN line to stick with the AN sound or you can go to V-Caps. I have V-Caps in mine but some folks feel its sacrilegious lol.

Cannot wait till I can eventually finish mine with the Super Perma nickel core double silver wound output transformers at a staggering $11,000 aprox for the pair they will double my investment by themselves.
fc911c's avatar
fc911c OP
44 posts
 
Hi,

Thanks for sharing that it looks like a very nice Dac. I don't think I would be able to take mine to your level but you sound very happy with it. I was thinking of starting with the 2.1A and go from there. The 497 transformers would be something I might consider later on.

What would you say the best upgrades would be for the 2.1A on a budget?

Thanks
Frank
joncourage
185 posts
 
FC, mine is the 2.1a, built by Pete Fulton (digitalpete).

I may replace it with the 3.1 next month, to get the balanced outputs.

(if you're in the market for a 2.1a around then, get in touch)
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