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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
fc911c

Showing 5 responses by joncourage

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)
joncourage
185 posts
 
I upgraded to the 2.1 from the 1.1 and haven't yet heard a dac under $3k that I prefer, the Benchmark included.

USB and balanced in/out are options, and the chip supports up to 24/96 so I don't consider it dated enough to outweigh that I really appreciate the AN's sonic signature.
joncourage
185 posts
 
overall it would be just about the same cost to upgrade the 2.1 to balanced outputs as it would to sell the 2.1 and get a 3.1 with balanced.

the cost of the upgrade components, installation, and shipping the unit back and forth, not to mention the inconvenience of being without a DAC for a couple of weeks, turn out very close to just getting a 3.1 balanced made new.
joncourage
185 posts
 
of course, that's not accounting for my investment in premium NOS tubes, but I tend to exclude that since it was money spent after-the-fact (logical or not!)
joncourage
185 posts
 
Hey FC,

I put a couple of matched nos amperex bugle boys and an RCA in. One other I don't remember atm.

You can find me at joncourage(at)ymail(dot)com
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