Audio note dac 2.1 x balanced8/19/2023 ![]() ![]() The full extent of this becomes clear, sometimes almost ashamedly so, when switching to the Aqua DAC or even the CH C1.2 DAC, both of which sound markedly cooler, flatter, and emotionally more restrained. It’s an effect that is almost unconscious in that it makes you stay seated while listening track after track after track. Rather, it offers the kind of performance that draws the listener in by providing a thoroughly involving musicality. While the DAC is not setting new records in detail retrieval, bass precision, articulation, or transparency and the similarly-priced Aqua Formula xHD pulls ahead in these areas, the DAC III is not far behind in terms of resolution and is actually airier, more fluid, and more refined.īut this DAC is not about excelling in certain audiophile aspects. Importantly, it is lively and upbeat and it passes the toe-tapping test. ![]() It offers a very natural and convincing acoustic with a good dose of smoothness, deep tonal saturation, and a gentle touch of warmth and richness but it is far from being soft, slow, or fat. Well, that’s an aspect where the DAC III has no problems whatsoever. Classic 1541 CD players tend to sound very round and while that can be viewed as pleasing and romantic, I am at a point in my audio journey where I find this to be less realistic. Typically for the TDA1541 DAC chip, the SW1X DAC III sounds smooth and organic, but rather untypically for the TDA1541, it has a rather solid bass with good impact and impactful dynamics. It is therefore not recommended to swap the tubes for other types. Where tubes are used, people can be triggered to try alternatives but it needs to be noted that Slawa creates audio components much like a Michellin-star cook prepares a meal: all the ingredients are carefully selected and applied in an ideal balance. There are 2 x EL84, 1 x 6N6P, 1 x 5U4GB 1 x E180F, and 1 x EAA91. Inside, the DAC III is a thing of beauty, with an interesting selection of tubes. I used it with the Grimm MU-1 and a Jorma AES/EBU cable. The DAC is available with a USB input but this model has only S/PDIF and AES/EBU inputs only. This is because it contains Black Gate capacitors which are known to need some time to sound their best.įor this reason, Ron made sure to leave the DAC switched on and in use for well over a week, and I did my critical listening only after it had been switched on for several hours. Black Gate CapacitorsĮspecially since my initial listening session would be brief, Slawa of SW1X emphasized the importance of allowing the DAC ample running in time. The DAC III employs the classic Philips TDA1541 DAC in a non-oversampling, non-filtering configuration, and luxuriously decoupled using Black Gate capacitors. For instance, the DAC III can be configured in 8 different versions. The version that I am listening to carries the designation DAC D3BALSP which refers to the DAC III Special in the Balanced version with all copper-wound “Super HiB” DC Core output transformers. SW1X models are available in a wide range of versions. The DAC was with me for only one week, but it will return, and an in-depth review will follow later. Look at it as an appetizer, or teaser review, if you will. Now, the brand is back in casa HFA, courtesy of Ron Ploeger of Callas Audio, who recently acquired the distribution rights for the Netherlands.įor this occasion, I will publish my initial findings in the form of a “Quick Impression” article. One year later, George Sallit wrote a HFA guest review of the DAC II Special. That year, I reviewed the LPU 1, DAC 1, and DAC 2. My first experience with SW1X dates back to 2017. Retail price in the Netherlands including 21% VAT: 13.750 euro ![]()
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