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
Thanks for the response. There seem to be many positive comments on the ANK 4.1 which makes me even more curious about the kits. @roxy54 shared a little of his experience with his updated/modified ANK and seems to be totally satisfied. He recommended speaking with Brian at ANK with regards to how far the kit implementation can be taken. Thanks for the True Sound recommendation. I came across Nick’s contact info earlier this last week- just need to make time to give him a call. |
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Thanks for the note. I had read your impressions on the ANK 4.1 earlier and even though it sounded as if from memory it gave me the impression you were liking what you heard (at least for a while). Seems like you’ve found something special with the Weiss and Chord duo in your system. As for 24/96 I’m not seeing that as a limitation- and I’ve tossed this thought around a lot over the last couple of years.I think for the near future I’m going to stick with the CD format as that is all I own (get rid of my records 30 years ago). I’m realizing this curiosity in Audio Note may take a while to realize due to availability and logistics but I’m not going to rush as the DAC I’m currently using is pretty amazing. It’s the AN tube output stage that intrigues me- |
