I was impressed by what I heard and saw from Ideon Audio at the Capital Audiofest, so much so, that I asked for review samples of their Ayazi mk2 DAC and 3R Master Time Black Star USB-reclocker. And here we are.
The Ayazi mk2 DAC is built around an ESS Pro D/A converter with a reclocking Coax S/PDIF input and high speed async dual clock USB audio input. Two CCHD-957 oscillators from Crystek are employed to help reduce jitter and noise below perceptible levels according to the company.
The 3R Master Time Black Star re-clocks the USB signal using ultra-low jitter oscillators, minimizing transmission losses. The USB input offers an optional 5V of power for DACs in need. I am looking forward to getting my ears on both pieces, together and apart. Stay tuned.
Ideon Audio Ayazi mk2 DAC: $3500
Ideon Audio 3R Master Time Black Star: $3900
Ayazi mk2 DAC Specifications
| DIGITAL INPUTS | USB type 2 and above, SPDI/F |
| OUTPUT FULL SCALE | 2.0V RMS |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 10Hz-25kHz (+/- 0.5dB) |
| SNR (DC to 20kHz) | >112dB |
| CROSSTALK | -110dB |
| SNR (A WEIGHTED 20HZ-20KHZ) | >130dB on all outputs |
| THD+N (1kHz FS 96 kS/s) | <0.002%E |
| USB INPUT | Transfer mode: Asynchronous (dual clock) Device class: Type 2 or above Bit depth: 32 bit Sampling rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz |
| DIMENSIONS (W X H X D) | 29cm X 17cm X 8cm |
| SPDIF / COAXIAL INPUT | Bit depth: 24 bit Sampling rates: 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz |
| CONTROLS | On/off switch, led indicator USB / SPDI/F input, sync led indicator |
| POWER REQUIREMENTS | 230 / 110 V AC, 1A, 20W max |
| OPERATING TEMPERATURE | 0-35˚ C |
| RELATIVE HUMIDITY | 5-95% non-condensing |
| OUTPUT | Stereo unbalanced impedance: 250 Ω |
Specifications 3R Master Time Black Star
| USB | type 2.0 hi speed: 480Mb/sec |
| PCM, DSD | Full Compatibility |
| OPERATING SYSTEM SEAMLESS OPERATION | With USB Stack Support (no special drivers required) |
| USB POWER RAIL | Switchable 5V on/off |
| Four Asynchronous Endpoint Buffers | |
| POWER SUPPLY | Triple ultra-low noise linear power supply |
| OUTPUT POWER | 600ma ultra low noise 5 volt USB |
| APPLICATION | Computer audio systems / DAC / ADC |
Company Website: Ideon Audio
US Distributor’s Website: Audio Skies
