Ideon DAC's


Been looking for a DAC/Streamer for about 1 year and still have not decided on one. My system is pretty basic, which started out as a dedicated home theater and decided I want to stream music. Currently streaming from Qobuz from via my IPad.

I was introduced to Ideon (never heard of previously). Was thinking of the following two products. Ayazi or Ion dac+ preamp with a Bluesound node.

Current system is as follows:

ATI 4005 amp

Marantz AV7706 processor

Sonus Faber Sonneto V Speakers

Any input  or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

singere

I currently have the Ideon Absolute epsilon. To say it is exquisite is to fall short of its level of performance. It is my preference out of my 3 best DACs out there (one I can't afford anyway😀)

Some time ago I had to downsize and sold most of my rig incl. my MSB Select II, and settled for an Ayazi at the recommendation of a consultant I had at the time (hadn't heard of them until then). I mention this to say that I ended up not missing my beloved Select II; my little Ayazi performed way beyond any expectations I had, better than it had any right to! Transparency is top notch and bass is well articulated and strong, no problem playing complex music (classical).

It must be one of the best deals out there, based on my experience at home and recently at the Munich hi-end. Keep it on all the time, it takes about 24 hrs to reach optimum operation and add two little 3R reclockers and you won’t believe the result!

Ion: I had the Ion + pre version at home recently (just to compare with my own). I currently use a TVC into Symphonic Line Kraft. To make a long story short, the sonic result of the Ion in pre + dac guise was excellent, not very far from the Epsilon + TVC. BTW, it’s also built like a tank -- a heavy tank and likes to sit on its own feet or stillpoints. 

Between the two, the Ion is far superior -- except that you'd expect that at 3x the price. Regardless, at least you'd be getting a SOTA piece, you won't worry about pre's and DACs for a while!

Generally speaking I find that with Ideon, what you pay for is what you get -- except for the top gear which is seriously better than their price point would suggest. 

Michael Vamos, the US importer, is very friendly and helpful

 

we showed with the ideon dac and our 432Evo Eon server at capitol audio fest the combo was outstanding

 

Dave and troy

Audio intellect nj

US.importer 432EVO music servers

@gregm - sounds like the ION + preamp is the way too go according to your post. I appreciate the information. Where did you purchase it from? Thanks.

Note: If you have over $75k in your budget for a dac, streamer and external clock, the Ideon absolute epsilon system may be worth a try. 

I will pass for now.