The Audio Note DAC 4.1x IZVOR uses a discrete 18-bit R2R ladder DAC module filled with Audio Note’s own resistors to convert digital to analog with no oversampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping, and no re-clocking.
Before and after that conversion happens there’s lots of other Audio Note UK’s own stuff inside including in-house designed and manufactured copper / copper filter-interface transformers, non-magnetic Tantalum resistors, copper foil signal capacitors, standard and Kaisei NP electrolytic capacitors, in-house designed and manufactured copper / copper SHiB core output transformers, in-house designed and manufactured BA I-E mains transformer, and an in-house designed and manufactured I-E PSU choke. Must be a big house.
Why ‘IZVOR’? From IZVOR designer Darko Greguras:
“The word ‘Izvor’ can have many meanings, but one stood out and best reflected the intention behind this project. For me, ‘Izvor’ represented going back to the fundamentals of digital-to-analogue conversion; exploring the engineering essence while staying in harmony with the materials and metallurgy. This project has been driven for years by a passion to return to the basics, using selected, well-known and refined components to create a harmonious, discrete multibit digital-to-analogue converter.
Why? Because, as with the 5670 Audio Note phono stage, when you apply a carefully balanced group of parts, every step forward yields a fuller, smoother, and richer performance, without changing the underlying circuit. In much the same way musical instruments are built, the key lies in harmonious and complementary properties.”
More on the signal path from Audio Note:
Once the audio signal exits the IZVOR discrete R2R Ladder DAC module, it is fed into a pair of our in-house designed and manufactured copper / copper filter-interface transformers. The air gaps in the two filter coils are matched across the full frequency range to within 0.1dB of each other, using a specially designed program to supplement an Audio Precision System 2 test rig.
The two versions of the DAC4.1x IZVOR Balanced feature an upgraded version of the M6 preamplifier line stage, using a ECC82 and a 5687 (6463 in the Signature version), both of which are dual triode valves. These are coupled to the output transformers, which are wound with Audio Note (UK) copper wire for the primary and secondary With a 33:1 step-down ratio. These output transformers not only have exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output provides both single ended / RCA and balanced / XLR connections.
The DAC4.1x IZVOR Balanced features a choke filtered power supply with valve regulation and rectification, as developed for the M2 range of preamplifiers.
If you want more details, I’ll send you over to the IZVOR press release.
The Balanced version in for review includes balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs. On the input side we find a single Coax S/PDIF and AES/EBU that support PCM resolutions up to 96kHz, specs that combined with that opening list of no’s plus no USB input and no DSD support means this DAC was designed for people who don’t care about or need that stuff. People like me.
Tube compliment:
1 x ECC82
1 x 5687
1 x 6X5
1 x ECL82
If we add all of these facts and bits up it’s safe to say the only way to properly get to know the Audio Note DAC 4.1x IZVOR Balanced is to listen to music through it which is exactly what I plan to do. Asap.
Stay tuned!
Audio Note DAC 4.1x IZVOR Balanced
Price: $26,243
Company Website: Audio Note
Technical Specifications
Input: RCA 75 Ohms SPDif, XLR 110 Ohms AES/EBU
Output Impedance: <10 Ohms, Balanced or Single Ended
Reference Output: 3.2V RMS
Channel Balance: Less than 0.2dB
Valve Complement
1 x ECC82
1 x 5687 (6463 in Signature version)
1 x 6X5
1 x ECL82
1 x 5651 (Signature version only)
Unit Weight: 22 kg
Unit Dimensions: 145mm (h) x 450mm (w) x 425mm (d)
Digital System: 18-Bit IZVOR DAC module | 44.1 / 48 / 96KHz input capability
Note: Due to Audio Note (UK)’s ongoing research and development program, specifications are subject to change without notice.