All
DACs — Audio Note DAC 0.1x
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Audio Note DAC 0.1x
Image source — © Audio Note
The DAC 0.1x is the most compact and least costly digital to analogue converter in the Audio Note (UK) range, pairing a 16-bit Philips TDA1543 converter chip with a single valve in the analogue output stage. Like every DAC the company makes, it is built around its 1x oversampling direct from disc approach, and it is offered with an anodised aluminium fascia or a black or white acrylic front.
Key specs that matter
Digital inputs comprise one 75 Ohm RCA S/PDIF socket and one USB port, and the converter accepts signals at 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz. The reference output level is 2.6 V RMS, output impedance is below 2 kOhm, and the maker holds the difference between channels to less than 0.25 dB. The casing measures 96 mm high, 300 mm wide and 270 mm deep including connectors, and the unit weighs 3 kg.
Engineering and use context
Audio Note deliberately leaves out any oversampling stage, and the circuit likewise has nothing to correct jitter, shape noise or regenerate the clock, since the company argues that such correction measures break the time continuum of the music signal. In its own words the design dispenses with all the correction measures inherent in other D/A converters. The DAC 0.1x applies no analogue filtering either, so the output of the TDA1543 goes directly to the valve stage. That stage is built on one sub miniature 6111WA double triode running without feedback. Component choices listed by the maker include Beyschlag resistors and tin foil paper in oil capacitors in the signal path. The USB port allows a laptop or desktop computer to play into the unit alongside a CD transport or streamer on the coaxial socket, which makes the unit usable as a first external converter in a smaller system. Because the casing is small, it sits comfortably beside compact electronics without requiring a full-width rack position.
Pairing
The single-ended RCA output level works with the line inputs of most integrated amps and preamps, and the output impedance of up to 2 kOhm means a partnering input impedance well above that figure is the safest match. A CD transport with a coaxial digital output, or a streamer with S/PDIF, can feed it directly, while a computer connects over USB. Its width matches the smaller Audio Note components, so it stacks with electronics of that footprint.
Alternatives
One rung higher in the Audio Note converter line, the Audio Note DAC 1.1x/II moves to an 18-bit AD1865N converter with a pair of ECC88 valves and both RCA and XLR digital inputs.
Key specs that matter
Digital inputs comprise one 75 Ohm RCA S/PDIF socket and one USB port, and the converter accepts signals at 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz. The reference output level is 2.6 V RMS, output impedance is below 2 kOhm, and the maker holds the difference between channels to less than 0.25 dB. The casing measures 96 mm high, 300 mm wide and 270 mm deep including connectors, and the unit weighs 3 kg.
Engineering and use context
Audio Note deliberately leaves out any oversampling stage, and the circuit likewise has nothing to correct jitter, shape noise or regenerate the clock, since the company argues that such correction measures break the time continuum of the music signal. In its own words the design dispenses with all the correction measures inherent in other D/A converters. The DAC 0.1x applies no analogue filtering either, so the output of the TDA1543 goes directly to the valve stage. That stage is built on one sub miniature 6111WA double triode running without feedback. Component choices listed by the maker include Beyschlag resistors and tin foil paper in oil capacitors in the signal path. The USB port allows a laptop or desktop computer to play into the unit alongside a CD transport or streamer on the coaxial socket, which makes the unit usable as a first external converter in a smaller system. Because the casing is small, it sits comfortably beside compact electronics without requiring a full-width rack position.
Pairing
The single-ended RCA output level works with the line inputs of most integrated amps and preamps, and the output impedance of up to 2 kOhm means a partnering input impedance well above that figure is the safest match. A CD transport with a coaxial digital output, or a streamer with S/PDIF, can feed it directly, while a computer connects over USB. Its width matches the smaller Audio Note components, so it stacks with electronics of that footprint.
Alternatives
One rung higher in the Audio Note converter line, the Audio Note DAC 1.1x/II moves to an 18-bit AD1865N converter with a pair of ECC88 valves and both RCA and XLR digital inputs.
Specifications
Model name
DAC 0.1x
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
Philips TDA1543
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
up to 16 bit / 96 kHz
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
2.6
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
750
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
<2000
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
96 x 300 x 270
Weight (kg)
3
Official link
More components
DACs
Audio Note Izvor
DACs
Audio Note DAC 5
