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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
kstirman
9 posts
 

@designsfx currently the modified Orchid described above.

designsfx OP
787 posts
 

@larryi 

While I haven’t had the opportunity to hear all models in the AN Dac lineup I think I had heard enough to know it wasn’t for me after all. I had been searching for a 4.1x balanced for sometime but (as you note above) was not going to go for a new unit because I felt the asking price to be overly excessive. I found one for sale in the UK that I felt to be an acceptable price but the issue of converting power prior to the sale was farther than the seller wanted to go.

After that I considered a 4.1 balanced signature model but couldn’t secure an in home audition. I did notice that particular model came up for sale more frequently (in the UK) but the asking prices were very high and units seemed to be for sale for very long periods of time. This reinforced the thought that they were severely overpriced.

Finally I was able to hear one in early 2023 in a digital setup and after hearing it (and knowing the sales price) I was not that impressed.
Shortly afterwards I auditioned a Lampizator Pacific and being inspired with what I heard I started seeking a used Pacific balanced Dac. Through various conversations with Lampi owners regarding the cost of tubes and considering the recent changes made within the product line I decided it might be wiser to start with the latest TRP 3 balanced with Engine 11. 
I’m glad I purchased this unit as it is latest circuit design so no need for near term upgrading. This Dac is also not just limited to the world of pentodes as I run single/dual triodes as well. The presentation is very impressive.

 

larryi
3,726 posts
 

I've heard a couple Lampizators (don't recall the models) and I like them too.  They are examples of good sounding tube DACs that aren't merely a tube buffer tacked on as an afterthought.  I can see why they would be someone's favorite.  

 

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