Audio Note DAC Owners- please share your thoughts


Hello to All-

Although I’ve been reading this forum for years I’m relatively new to posting here. I’ve read most of the archived posts regarding Audio Note products- unfortunately the majority of them are fairly old.

For the last few years I’ve been wondering about AN DAC’s as I rarely hear about there being any downside to them (other than the entry fee) and have also noticed that they are fairly scarce on the used market.

I’m currently using a Aqua La Scala Optologic MKII and while I enjoy it very much I am always wondering “how good is an AN dac and would it be worth purchasing?”

If you happen to own one of these mystical pieces of technology would you mind helping me understand more about their qualities? Like-

1) I’ve heard they are remarkable when it comes to Redbook playback- flawlessly true to the source

2) I’ve heard them described as warm, some say like syrup and others say neutral.

3) Looking under the hood (pictures) seems straight forward- like old school yet it still competes with the latest designs

4) If you’ve owned one and sold it what did you move to, why and did you regret it?

5) Some folks have decided to pass on the high ticket price and have bought the AN Kit instead. Are these even a close facsimile of the original?

I am very fascinated with this product as it seems to hold a high place in audio gear history- it’s reputation makes it almost one of those things that you shouldn’t have to ask about but I’d like to know a little more before making the spend. Any help on this would be appreciated!

Designsfx

 

designsfx

Showing 3 responses by jeffseight

Audio Note, Spectral, Totem, PMC and others march to a different drummer.

One look at the websites will clue you in. Different and proud of it.

KGFY if you bother us. Of course I could be reading too much into this. 

Audio Note rooms at shows I have visited twice. The first time I was non-plussed.

The 2022 Axpona Room was setup by someone who knew what they were doing.

All Audio Note gear I believe. 

I have been using an ANK 4.1x DAC for about 6 months. It is sold as a kit

or assembled +$500. All in $3,500. 

I have a friend with the same DAC. His system did some special things.

ANK does not do above 96k, not for SACD or DSD, no I2.

The 4.1x uses an AD1865 chip. Been around.

 

 

Designer,

 

What part of the world are you in? By mentioning that someone with your product of interest may offer an audition.

 

I am in Phoenix, BTW.

 

I had a Pontus 2 immediately prior to the ANK.

RE the system I was listening to: There is really no way to attribute the

amazing sound at his home to a specific piece of gear. It seems you would

likely spend $5-7k for a better DAC. 

 

 

 

 

Screw the dealers. In LA there are plenty of privately owned Audio Note DACs.

Someone??

Or

6 hours to Phoenix,