Anti-Audiophile MUSIC FIRST DAC - Audio Note 0.1x Tube/R2R DAC

I currently use one of the best R2R Audiophile DAC from Denafrips but recently tried out an affordable Audio Note Tube DAC in my Home Audiophile Sound System.
Audio Note 0.1x DAC: www.audionote.co.uk/dac0-1x
Related videos:
Why This Pro Musician Chose Audio Note. COMPLETE Home Audio System by Vincent Bélanger !: • Why This Pro Musician ...
Is GR-Research XLS Encore DIY KIT Speaker a Giant Killer? vs Sonus Faber Electa Amator III: • Is GR-Research XLS Enc...
Our Journey For The BEST HiFi Experience an Audiophile Can ask for ! - LES9 @gfnproductions: • Our Journey For The BE...
Support on Patreon: / jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: / jays_iyagi
follow on Facebook: / jayiyagiofficial
Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: • Jay's Soundstage! reviews
My Daily Components (All Tested And Proved To Work in Blind Tests)
Fancy speaker stands I use: shop-links.co/choe8oQHC9w
Speaker stands I use (budget): amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Desktop Speaker Stands I Use: shop-links.co/chofc1R7mpT
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
Speaker Isolation Feet I Use: shop-links.co/choffy3csSK
Turntable Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofgeNORJP
Component Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofhTC3wc7
#hifi #audiophile #homeaudio

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks for stopping by to hear my story with the Audio Note 0.1x DAC. Don't forget to like this video ! Also I am curious about your experiences with Tube DACs (good or bad) please feel free to share in the comment section below. Related videos: Why This Pro Musician Chose Audio Note. COMPLETE Home Audio System by Vincent Bélanger !: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIvGlJ2pjap4qMU Is GR-Research XLS Encore DIY KIT Speaker a Giant Killer? vs Sonus Faber Electa Amator III: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJTJY6ePrrisd7s Our Journey For The BEST HiFi Experience an Audiophile Can ask for ! - LES9 @gfnproductions: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGS9nqqnp6d3pZY Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: kzbin.info/aero/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 *My Daily Components (All Tested And Proved To Work in Blind Tests)* Fancy speaker stands I use: shop-links.co/choe8oQHC9w Speaker stands I use (budget): amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Desktop Speaker Stands I Use: shop-links.co/chofc1R7mpT acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM Speaker Isolation Feet I Use: shop-links.co/choffy3csSK Turntable Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofgeNORJP Component Isolation I Use: shop-links.co/chofhTC3wc7 #hifi #audiophile #homeaudio

[@PetraKann]

Oh No.....what are you going to do now with this device? Will you survive as a human being?

[@tallpaull9367]

Hi Jay, How is your AC power setup? Tips: Upgrade your AC line to your amplifier. 1-40 feet use 10 AWG wire, 40-60' 8 AWG, 60+ 6 AWG. If you need to run 6-8 AWG wire, run to a junction then short 10 AWG wire to receptacle. Use a Hospital Grade (or PS Audio) receptacle on a 20A breaker. Preferably, your new breaker should have silver or silver tungsten contacts. Dedicated line for amp is potentially better, but not necessary, could have all audio gear on the same circuit. The heavier gauge wire is the important part, lower resistance (vs typical 12-14 awg 120V circuits). If you do have other audio gear that is on another circuit, ensure that the breaker is connected to the same leg in the panel (same phase), this will mitigate any potential RF interference. Use McMaster-Carr Silver paste on all AC connections (including back of breaker) to reduce contact resistance. This AC line upgrade will very likely yield more improvement to your sound quality than a high-end to high-end amplifier upgrade.

[@tallpaull9367]

Hi Jay, Thanks for review. Would be great if you could review the Dangerous Music ‘Source’ (DAC/PRE). Connected straight to power amps would be ideal. Just an idea anyways

[@MarcelNL]

Hmmmm I am now in so much doubt again about what to buy. Buchardt A500? Keep my current NAD 165 + 275BEE combo for now and add a Denafrips Pontus to it? (Later replacing the amps) Or go for the Vincent 237 with this dac? At this very moment this last option seems best. (Although I am also still interested in the Heaven11 Billie hybrid amp.)

[@hifijunkieTX]

Have you tried any of the Lampizator DACs?

[@geodog6854]

I've been wanting to listen to an Audio Note DAC for a while. Thanks for the video!

[@francisclaverie7414]

I love my 0.1x. I replaced my (more expensive) Moon 280D with the Audio Note Dac and I am very satisfied with my choice. Highly recommended.

[@andrewconger5045]

I have found it challenging to find a site in the USA that sells the 0.1x - the dealer websites that do apparently sell Audio Note products are pretty primitive by today's standards.

[@r423sdex]

Why the more expensive in brackets ?

[@reggieralph1773]

where can i buy this dac?

[@scottwolf8633]

Been using the Audio Note Kit DAC since 2005 and extremely pleased, when used as the source for my Tube OTL's. Their later DAC's eliminated analog filtering post the I/V stage, by employing the resistor/transformer/resistor topology, which is the least compromised technique available.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Magic: the art of producing a desired effect or result through the use of incantation or various other techniques that presumably assure human control of supernatural agencies or the forces of nature. Alternative alchemy, devilry, black art, hocus-pocus, enchantment, artifice and mythical. Great review about a product that I know very little about-- I am putting together a system for the first time in over 30 years!! This review is helping a lot Jay! This is part of my journey as well.

[@kiavaxxaskew]

Magick*

[@gg0297]

GG for the new haircut, Jay. I can't wait to see your take on those TAD (?) speakers.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Yes, a reference does not need to be the best , it is a just a point to ground your ear. I used the Vandersteen 5 as a tool for other speakers because it had few problems . Your reviews are getting better as you gain more time. Well done Jay.

[@MrBonger88]

I love Vandies. I had auditioned a pair of 2c’s a while back. I’d say they are truly great bang for the buck. I can only imagine how awesome the 5’s sound

[@BootJamesOut]

Q

[@nicktube3904]

That’s why I love my AN Dac3.1x/II and ofcourse the rest of my AN gear.

[@archiemacdonald553]

hi Jay back in scotland after 35 years in Canada 🇨🇦 still miss it very much .this dac sounds very interesting .and thinking of getting a tube preamplifier and get rid of my solid state preamplifier .all best from Scotland 🇨🇦

[@3Schneewittchen]

I've been running an AudioOptimum NOS-DAC based on the TDA 1543 for almost 3 years. I used a Pro-Ject RS2 T as the drive. I would never want to go back to another type of converter (i.e. with oversampling). So organic, so musical, especially in connection with a high-end drive and the corresponding chain behind it.

[@vincentbelanger5078]

Very nice my friend ! And many thanks! See you soon dear Jay!

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks for lending me the dac vincent! You may never get it back 😂😂

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

The old Philips chips can make a wonderful DAC. Tremendous variation available on the theme based on implementation. They all sound good, but with extra care can be amazing. I started with a very good Peter Daniels implementation of the 1543. Very good. Rich and authoritative in the bass. Then Lucas Fikus got me into the 1541a. Several cd players with Lampizator mods for 6n2p tube output and then a lampy DAC got me hooked. Ended up making my ultimate version with a 1541a S2 chip, tons of Blackgate caps and supercaps, and dual mono choke based 6n2p tube output. The input is I2S from a streamer with FIFO reclocking and a SOTA ultra-low phase noise clock. The result is very natural, holographic, laid back but incredibly detailed with pinpoint sound stage and space. And this is with redbook material. I think hires is not required.

[@r423sdex]

Not even close to modern technology .

[@badgerdms]

@@r423sdex Who cares?

[@jyy9624]

I guess the cd7 I had could have been tuned

[@Truthtalks86]

Can you post anything on here about how you did that or how somebody could end up at the same place you did? I'm very interested

[@badgerdms]

An interesting comparison would be this DAC with the Border Patrol SE-i DAC. Same chip, really well implemented and probably the most natural sounding DAC I have heard.

[@pkats9093]

I would love to check this dac out someday. Don’t have a lot of experience with dacs but did try the Jolida glass FX tube dac. Honestly didn’t impress me at all. Not much different than my MacBook. Just picked up an Aries two and wow what a difference. Like night and day! Enjoying it very much!

[@johnshaw359]

TDA1543 must be the best kept hifi digital secret of all time. I love my NOS-TDA1543x8 dac-ah so much I bought a spare one. Hard to describe how 3D and solid is the sound is from this $150 DAC.

[@Plastpackad]

I love the sound of my old B&O CD7000 with the Philips CDM-4 transport and the TDA-1541A DAC (same basics as in the best Macintosh CD-players of the same era). It's more analog sounding then a lot of modern Delta-Zigma-dacs. Better depth in the sounds-stage, a more homogeneous presentation, better tonality, better PRaT. Not as transparent and detailed as modern dacs but it delivers Music. The CD7000 is waiting for a recap (the main caps have a short life span). Another recommendation, perhaps a more affordable and accessible one is to go for a used Rega Dac-r. Uses two Wolfson dac-chips, one per channel and is working in non-oversampling. Also very "musical", added a lot of PRaT, and is analog sounding . Bought one not long ago for £250 (almost the same in USD).

[@necrodh]

There is dac kits using philips chips, those are the best sounding ever

[@patrikbjorling4391]

​@@necrodh What kits?

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Great stuff !

[@seanb3303]

I hope to see more videos with your French friend. He is great entertainment.

[@lopinooll]

Hey jay,🎉great topic and explanation, which format or source streaming you used and which music did you reference too. Thanks a lot for your work.

[@andyrocha]

@Jay’s iyagi nice review. Separate one coming for those TADs? Cheers

[@brando8923]

What a haircut man, your barber deserves some clout

[@kabardink]

T plus + gaia ddc is a BEAST! Reference sound

[@MrTheBurbster]

Hi Jay great review, been experimenting myself with various audio note components. Are they Gato PWR 222 mono blocks in the background? If so are you planning a review soon?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yeap!

[@paulmastermann2200]

I saw the new Vincent amp in your video. Do you review it? If yes, when we can expect the video? Thanks

[@JNElectrics]

Good explanations

[@jeffkalina7727]

I use the ANK 4.1X DAC. It has 4 tubes and employs the AD 1865 chip. You can buy it assembled by Digital Pete for $3,500. Used as low as $2,500. With the Innuos Zen3 it is perfect. Powered by Pass INT25.

[@markbroadheaf1593]

Just sold mine after buying a Cambridge CXNv2 as a streamer. Was surprised to find that the internal DAC was no worse than the ANK after direct a/b comparisons.

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

It's a killer dac. Use the coax instead. It's much better that way. I have the dac 5 special myself. Best dac in the world if you ask me.

[@V1ralB1ack]

Isn't that thing $33,000?

[@riccitone]

You don’t know me from shit…but I would just love to visit and listen and hang with you and Vincent Belanger for a day. Regardless, more vids with you guys listening and supplying wonderful (and hilarious) music/system/life analogs 🎉

[@mesonto]

This is why I picked my May KTE over the Terminator+.... It was just more musical, spatious and holographic and still with excellent detail (not as much as the term+). The best, or at least a great compromise between the exacting Terminator and a tubbed DAC.

[@Jayiyagi]

Great choice. I went with the term plus in the end but the may kte is smoother and holographic for sure

[@mesonto]

@@Jayiyagi actually you were one of a couple of the people that reviewed both, thank you! It was great to have these reviews before I sat down with these 2 DACs and made up my own mind. Synergy, right?!

[@kabardink]

T plus + Gaia DDC sound better than may kte.

[@rafaeltoribio2103]

Jay What exactly are those great panels behind you.are they difussers? Thank you

[@dougg1075]

Your hair is beautiful

[@michaelscheerer1986]

Design is how old, 13 years? That‘s a huge period in digital era.

[@scottchegg1209]

I have an Audionote p1se signature. 10 watts PSE. El84.Magic. You should try their type j and type e speakers.

[@tchevy99]

Came for the Audio Note, stayed for the comments about Jay's hair. Also, at that price I wonder how it would stack up against the Pontus.

[@tomwebb7091]

A few years back a kind dealer came to my home to demo some Heko speakers i was looking to drive with my MingDa Cavatina 805 monos and he bought some Audio Note single ended 300b monos and an Audio Note 2.1 cd player. The monos were double the cost my Mings and only had 8w per channel vs the 40w per channel of the Mings. I was gutted how much better they sounded. 8W into 95db speakers in a 4x5m room kicks ass but it was MORE dynamic, more refined and more spacious. 300b is a better sounding valve than 805. But then i realised half of the magic was from the AN cd player.... it was popped alongside my Luxman D-06 sacd player yet cost half as much at the time. And yet it was sooo much more musical... ive always regretted this moment because the AN stuff is beyond my budget but i was eye opened by the simplicity of the AN cd player being faithful to the original designs of the 80s. It injects life and naturalness into red book digital like nothing i had heard. I wanted a slice of this pie so i went for the Opera Consonance Linear cdp and got that purist tube cdp which really sounded lovely and organic if not quite at the AN level but was 1 fifth the price. I definately recommend the AN stuff but its just abit too expensive for me. The build quality was also very much an afterthought, cheap and plasticky.

[@512bb]

It truly is simply amazing, chalk it up to a bunch of marketing & audiophile insecurities...Audio Note defy's what you think should be possible.

[@uterpia]

Thank you

[@bazassaminoteii8225]

Recently attended a hifi show in the UK and described the same DAC as having a natural magicness, 🤔

[@Zero1O6]

I know many AN adepts would recommend modern 3.1x/II dac or higher based on AD chip. But I really recommend to try older DAC 2 or 3 or 4 based on Burr Brown PCM-63 in Signature models, full of Black Gates. You would really surprised how natural they sound.

[@Zero1O6]

BTW I think 0.1 is still a bargain. With this level of music presentation without any big flaws it should cost much higher than Peter Q asks for it

[@studioschimpf6338]

Are you familiar with the Monarchy Audio NM-24? Also a tube dac with a line level preamp section. EXCELLENT and outstanding value on the used market (they're no longer made).

[@bimmer28]

Hi @Jay , good day writing in from SG. Wanna seek your advice if it’s worth to get the AN 0.1x DAC as an upgrade to my bluesound streamer and a Marantz cd player, both basic stuff. Will I hear significant differences? Or I shouldn’t be looking at this upgrade at this point in time due to my current gears.

[@connorduke4619]

Great review. Personally I am not a fan of the AudioNote philosophy that less is always more. They argue that loudspeakers without bracing are better, Dacs without overclocking are better, etc. If they are right, then virtually every other manufacturer must be wrong.

[@allenh.7373]

Very good haircut, perfectly balanced with your face shape. Whoever cut it did an excellent job. Oh yeah, cool DAC.

[@adriancatanailie]

@Jay’s iyagi please please make a review for the Vincent amp

[@phantomplastics6582]

Just got the Peachtree GaN1 - it blows away my system at the cost of the interconnects from that system (Holo KTE, Holo Serene, Kinki EX-B7 monoblocks). Hope you review it Jay. It converts digital to digital using GaN and it sound is on another level. Prepare for a shock. The whole system is iFi Zen Stream (linear PSU) to GaN1 to speakers and using the iFi app to play and adjust volume.

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks. Will try !

[@goodsound4756]

Sounds interesting. A PWM Amp with an digital in, so no need for a DAC.

[@jmcott14]

I’ve heard the orchard audio gan amplifier out classes the peachtree gan implementation. I hope to build one when I can afford it.

[@olegyamleq7796]

HOLY shitttttttttttt, i just checked out the product page, it looks insaneeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :-)

[@olegyamleq7796]

"can connect ANY device that has a variable coaxial digital audio output: a streamer, a CD player, a TV, a cable box" so, can i connect a cd player to a DAC to the GaN1?

[@jeffkalina7727]

What the best thing about clicking on one of your videos? The anticipation felt as the camera sweeps up to expose your latest affectation. Have you sent Danny a Thank You for the room treatment motivation? He would like that.

[@Jayiyagi]

Haha. Thanks man. I did thank Danny for making great products Not sure if Danny took the credit but the room treatment wasn’t motivated by Danny at all. It was planned way ahead of time and he does not have quadratic diffusers

[@davideslama]

Hi Jay :) I would love for you to try the Aqua La Scala DAC from Italy. Look them up, love your video's.

[@mrfightgreg]

Hello from Waterloo Ontario! Jay, Love your reviews. You seemed more excited and impressed with the Doge 7 tube DAC when compared to the Audio Note. Is the D7 still the best $2000us tube DAC on the market? I have a vintage Sansui QRX-9001 and I'd like to add a tube DAC to my system. Thanks! Greg

[@Jayiyagi]

Doge7 is still considered one of the best tube dac under 2k but customer service and qc sucks.

[@512bb]

I can"t express enough how important customer service & QC ultimately is' There is no shortage of good equipment but good customer service is as rare as hens teeth, heed Jay's advise for peace of mind.

[@HailKingCeezer]

I liked the o.1x a lot. This entire time i was under the impression that you chose the holo may over the terminator +

[@dmgmail7021]

Same here

[@BastianUllr]

That’s normal among salesmen.

[@dr.paulj.watson4582]

Can you review the Park's Audio Waxwing, especially for it's intrinsic musicality? I currently run a Moon 110LP v.2, and find that a great phono stage for my system modest, affordable system.

[@Coneman3]

I have an old Audio Alchemy DAC from the 90s. It has a really warm and sweet sound like you describe. Maybe no DAC does it all?

[@Coneman3]

Jay, is that a Jay’s Audio DAC you have above the Terminator? If so, how do they compare?

[@JingoLoBa57]

Lampizator Amber III DAC was ok rather boring. Sold it after weeks of trying. Best tube DAC I have now is Audio Research Ref CD9. Stunning sound. Run my Pioneer N70ae through the ARC with substantial improvement.

[@AWEG-qu8bz]

Don't forget: "listening" to music is ultimately a whole body experience. ears, skin, eyes. The difference in hearing with your eyes open or closed is enormous. And another aspect: everyone who is talking about sound here should first have their actual hearing ability tested by a doctor. This is helpful when considering your own real possibilities. There are apps for smartphones that measure the volume of the environment. Look how much noise surrounds you all day long. And that has an impact. If you live 20-30 or 40 years at a level of 60, 70 dB or more your hearing just won't be good. So: stay relaxed.

[@tonezou3918]

Can this (or other) tube DACs be paired well with Vincent SV-237mkii amplifier? Both are warm, is the pair way too warm?

[@zajunc69]

I see Gato audio monoblocks in the background. Are you planning the review?

[@Nightjar726]

Jay. 40 years musician here. Try an older model. Marantz HD DAC1. They are cheap on the user market but I can’t find anything better yet. And yes I tried the Venus II and benchmark DAC3 and many others. The Marantz bests them all. Try it. Trust me

[@truman4956]

Where did you get your quadratic diffusers?

[@CaptainJamesTKirk-en4kt]

Jay, can't seem to find anyone in the US that carries these? I do see some GATO gear sitting in your background which I love. ;) I do have a ladder array dac "Aqua LaVoce" which I really like.

[@Jayiyagi]

I’d contact Vincent or email audio note to find out if they can help you out with that

[@Rene_Christensen]

Is that an Atoll amp in the background? Test coming?

[@toddhupp]

Is it the chip or the tubes Jay? The early 1990s Nakamichi cd players had that chip-sounded great really,Interested in your opinion of the new Ladder Schuman dac.

[@Jayiyagi]

I believe it is the combination

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

You should review Musical Paradise MP-DX. Tube dac with upgradable clock, capacitors and tubes....

[@Plastpackad]

Get rid of all the junk and just keep Vincent Bélanger in your listening room.

[@Jayiyagi]

@@ianjohnhorwood2605 Not even close

[@jyy9624]

Nice

[@JC-ig4xy]

Hello Jay thank you for your review. I am currently looking at 3 models. I am looking at Border Patrol SE-i, Audial DAC S5 and Audio Note 0.1x. Are you familiar with the other two? I am looking for a true-to-life sound presentation. Also I understand what you mean by magic. To me the magic makes you believe what you are hearing is in the room with you instead of a recording.

[@jerkobralic8359]

I have owned both Audio Note and Border Patrol and in my humble opinion AN is better.

[@willmac5642]

Audial Aya 5 is a 1541 based dac I'd like to try.

[@stonefree1911]

Interesting, but I'm more interested in the Vincent amp you have in your rack. Vincent gear is greatly under-covered in the US.

[@jakus514]

Noticed that too! SV-737? Have the 237 and love it, hope he reviews it and gets the news out :)

[@georgevardigoreli7710]

Jay little bit out from theme but could you please compare this TAD bookshelf's with triangle anniversary Duetos? your opinion?

[@Jayiyagi]

TAD is more balanced across all frequencies. Better imaging capabilities due to coaxial design. Digs deeper in bass The triangle has more high freq extension and brilliance. More open sounding with lots of air. Better soundstaging

[@mikecole2632]

Can you describe the difference between the Ares II and the AN 0.1x? I listen in the nearfield (desktop system) at low volumes if that helps.

[@Jayiyagi]

Ares ii is more detailed and nuanced like the terminator plus (less so than the terminator plus) but not as holographic as the audio note For destktop use; many love the ares ii

[@NikaVinyl]

Sometimes you hear claims that audio kit sounds better or as good as items costing x3 the price so on, this is not always the case but Audio Note 0.1x is just that it is above it's pay grade, it is very good.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

How many times was the wotd dac spoken ? . Guess then replay you may be surprised.

[@grahamjohnsparks]

" Both of best worlds"

[@RenRenification]

You should check out the decadac if you like this. I own the Celibdache myself.

[@Jayiyagi]

Will do! Thanks

[@Superman54]

good hair cut

[@mariodrv]

I got a used ANK 3.1 - it replaced DACs I had up tp 6k+ and I can't imagine anything else.

[@charlesthibault-roussel8543]

This dac is possible to order online?

[@willmac5642]

I wonder how the Audio Devices version sounds

[@EliteRock]

Never heard a NOS or un(digitally)filtered DAC but I can understand why they might sound more 'realistic' or 'natural' - digital filtering requires trading off frequency phase-shifts (of the harmonics that constitute pretty much all instruments except maybe a triangle!), pre and post ringing, and aliasing generally. I suspect a large part of the reason digital transfers (at least at 44.1) of old analogue recordings often sound bad (compared to original all-analogue/vinyl releases) is because oversampling or delta-sigma/sigma-delta A-D-A exacerbates the effects of the scrape-flutter present to some degree on most tapes (see Plangent Processes and the remarkable results they achieve by removing it, even after sampling back down to Red Book/CD res.). That isn't to say the wouldn't still be benefits with DDD recordings (even if the AD/delta-sigma side is baked-in). Once you get to 96KHz and up I'd have thought NOS and analogue filtering would always be the way to go (although I don't know if anyone makes such an R2R DAC chip, and I imagine building 96/192(and up)kHz resistor-ladders would get rather expensive). ETA >> forgot about DSD, which I guess might make those high-res R2R's moot - just convert the PCM and use a DSD chip? ETA >> as is actually done, it turns out, for example in the Cayin RU7 USB DAC.

[@danedes9297]

For those interested, Vincent Belanger has two albums on Bandcamp.

[@vincentbelanger5078]

Even more! 😊

[@davidwald2938]

I hear a difference with my Doge 7 with hi res audio. Would you say this better than the Doge 7 dac cause its resistor vs. Delta sigma chip? How many tubes does it use

[@Jayiyagi]

I would say that the audio note is more holographic and smooth but Doge7 has more detail and brilliance in comparison. Very similar to be honest and both are great dacs

[@lancekimmons9410]

How does this compare to the dac In the burson products you’ve reviewed? Obviously they have a quite different approach

[@Jayiyagi]

It really comes down to the design goals and inherent advantages or each design. In my opinion; Audio note is a tube dac - allowing for it to easily have more of that holographic soundstage BUT with certain tube dacs, it can feel too scattered and so the use of 1543 and other methods try to make it more focused while retaining sound stage.- which they did a great job but will never be as focused/detail oriented as the burson Burson DACs have inherently a very detailed and nuanced sound but tried to make it more inviting with warmer tunings in the midrange/upper midrange. Soundstage is just never gonna be as big as a tube design

[@lancekimmons9410]

@@Jayiyagi have you ever tried the Mhdt labs dacs? They are also tube/ladder based designs

[@lancekimmons9410]

And are very reasonably priced

[@MrBonger88]

I had borrowed the 3.1x balanced. I don’t think it had a usb input iirc. It was a very good dac. Probably the most analog sounding dac I’ve ever heard. I would love to have kept it but it was too expensive for me. $12k usd if memory serves

[@V1ralB1ack]

I wish I could've heard it but damn 12 big ones is like almost buying the chord Dave

[@bdmcn]

Love the Denafrips line. Surprised you use the cheap Supra USB … while I’ve owned it and love its naturalness and depth, I can’t help but wonder if you’re not leaving some things on the table sonically. To each his own! Just thinking a $6K DAC wants better! :)

[@Jayiyagi]

Very happy with the supra usb cable that I bought but we shall see.

[@bdmcn]

@@Jayiyagi Great value for the money, no doubt. Thanks for your reviews. I enjoy your channel.

[@bdmcn]

@@Jayiyagi Not to beat a dead horse, but I went from Supra to a more expensive, handmade USB better cable (RAL) and my soundstage increased I’d guess 50%. Big jump. But I could see where using the Terminator, soundstage is not a challenge. But Supra in my system had a compressed, albeit deep, soundstage. Food for thought, Jay. Have a good weekend.

[@HailKingCeezer]

The Supra is great value, i just found it had a rounded, lumpy low end. Use an Acoustic BBQ cable made from duelund wire now and feel its got all the naturalness and detail i need, but i may try something silver in the future. If there is one place i like silver wire, it is on the digital end.

[@williammilligan1451]

@@HailKingCeezer I have the Acoustic BBQ also, loved it, but found that switching to Ricable from Italy was a step above in sound staging and sweetness…Ended up replacing all I/C’s and speaker wire with Ricable. Great people to deal with and competitive prices.

[@jakus514]

Please tell me you'll review that Vincent integrated you have in your rack!?

[@Jayiyagi]

Yeap :)

[@jakus514]

@@Jayiyagi 🤩 Finally someone reputable reviews a Vincent...the people need to know! They're such an amazing value and gorgeous natural sound. I love my SV-237MK with a sovtek 12ax7 rolled in running s400mkii with pontus ii :)

[@tietoliikenne]

Has anyone used this 0.1x Tube/R2R DAC with the Sonore ultraRendu?

[@inigopatch420]

i want to ask you a question can you raccomend me a good dac? (something that will not change the sound of my system but if there is no dac that is flat a very minimun chage in frequency's highs or bass i don't care ) for now im using just my "old" pc motherboard some people reccomand me the topping d30 pro is it any good? sorry for my english grammar

[@Jayiyagi]

Sorry but the hard fact is that any gear you put through a signal will spit out a changed sound. No matter what the graph tells you. My suggestion is to go with a DAC and a system you enjoy listening to and sound right to you. A good dac to start off may be this audio note, denafrips, or kitsune.

[@inigopatch420]

@@Jayiyagi thanks a lot for explaining this i didn't know it maybe the problem is that i listen to very different music (almost all generes and subgeners) so maybe for my taste i need like 5 different set ups or eq's XD btw i will check those thanks a lot ❤️

[@joshua43214]

I am of the opinion that the DAC is the second most important component after the speakers. I suggest a strategy to decide if you want to even go down this rabbit hole. First, ensure you are getting the best signal from your source as possible. It can be very difficult to get a high quality signal from your computer, and laptops are the worst. Ironically, signal quality from a laptop can measure worse when running on battery. I recommend fidelizer, the free version has limitations, but it will help a huge amount. There is no replacement though for a dedicated server like the offerings from Small Green Computer. If you have Linux skills, I highly recommend building a server around HQPlayer and Roon - this is not a simple build, so the faint of heart should avoid. Alternately, there are a couple of Linux based OS's like Daphile that are easy to set up. I used Daphile for quite a while, and it is extremely good - comparable to HQPlayer in fact. All that said, the free version of fidelizer will get your feet wet and help you make good decisions with respect to your source. As for a DAC, there are a ton of "affordable" DAC's on the market that will be such an improvement over your current set up you will wonder why you ever hesitated. I suggest getting something you can afford to throw away or easily sell for not much loss. The Topping D30 pro is a favorite amongst the budget minded, and has both usb and coaxial inputs. It is likely you will find that your computer outputs a better signal over ethernet than USB though. If this is the case, there are items that can convert ethernet or wifi to coaxial, which on my old system was a major improvement over usb. I have not heard the topping, but I have experience with the Allo Katana, and for the money it will be very hard to beat. So, an old PC runing windows + fidelizer, or running Daphile will cost you nothing. A "good" DAC can be had for $400.00 to $800.00 and will get you into a place where you can decide where to go in terms of performance vs price.

[@webkuma]

@3:15 - is TAD chip really based on ladder chip?

[@Jayiyagi]

Philips tda 1543 is a ladder chip dac

[@rogermartin4361]

They don't seem to make it easy to buy their gear. I have been looking at CD transports and they have several on their website, but no pricing and no apparent place to buy them. Any suggestions?

[@Jayiyagi]

Id email them

[@NosEL34]

I've never owned a tube dac but this one seems good. I've always been afraid they won't reveal all the detail. I have always thought to get a very transparent dac first and then consider tubes somewhere else down stream would be the way to go. I'm no expert though.

[@V1ralB1ack]

tube amps these days sound clearer than solid state. My 300b has spooky clarity especially in the midrange. It makes sense too because my tube amp is pure class a and it is not push pull so literally the untouched unmessed with signal is being amplified as it should be. And my 300b tubes are rated to last like 10 years. Worth it.

[@arize84]

@@V1ralB1ack what 300b amp are you using?

[@Biefstukje]

@@V1ralB1ack I can vouch for that. My 8 watt 300b is awesome. Before that I got 25 watt push pull and a 250 watt hypex Ncore. The 300b is clearly better. My speakers are 88db accuton drivers wich get very loud and bass is deep and tight. People think the speakers need to be more efficient for tubes but don't realize it isn't really about efficiency but more about not dipping to low ohms. My speakers never dip below 6,5 ohm so very eazy to drive. A 96db speaker dipping to 3 ohms would be way more difficult to drive but they don't talk about that.

[@reggieralph1773]

Jay, where can i purchase this item? thank you

[@vincentbelanger5078]

Contact Motet Distribution!😉

[@Benvos]

You didn’t mention the sample rate, this dac can only go up to 24/96, how did you find that and how does it handle higher res streams etc?

[@Jayiyagi]

I explained in the video - it is still musical

[@Benvos]

@@Jayiyagi thanks, I was speaking from the technical perspective. You mention it doesn’t do DSD or oversampling, it is faithful to the signal. So what happens when the original signal is 24/192 or higher, is it ‘down sampling’ it or can it not play the file?

[@giacbena]

@@Benvos It downsamples up to 24/96. 24/192 will not be played.

[@denkol2944]

Finally some love for the TDA1543!!

[@KM-wl1tp]

I have a tda1541a player, but used to have the 1543. I did like the sound and it was easy to mod and deal with

[@denkol2944]

@@KM-wl1tp me too! Tda1541a has a more refined sound, but I still remember first hearing the so-called „budget“ tda1543 chip and being blown away by how un-digital it sounded..

[@HailKingCeezer]

pcm63 is better

[@necrodh]

@@HailKingCeezer no

[@b97209]

Can you plug two USB sources into the single USB input? Asking everyone.

[@vincentbelanger5078]

No, only 1 USB input

[@NosEL34]

I wouldn't normally make a comment like this but whomever cut your hair knows what they are doing..it fits your face.

[@Jayiyagi]

Thanks !

[@michael121212ify]

4:05 You mean, Discrete vs Chip R2R dac... is not 100% Discrete, but most of it is....

[@zackpetrovic3029]

Audio Note has better and cheaper DACs from their DIY section if you have the means to DIY like the 2.1

[@alstonmaccow9386]

It’s not easy to find in the Uk

[@NemoPropaganda]

Like

[@RobertSpiller]

I'm happy for you...those T A D references cost what $15 to $25,000. They better sound like nothing else...do they?

[@WTJ3405]

Wonder how it compares to the Border Patrol DAC of similar design and price.

[@Jayiyagi]

I wonder the same

[@michellevey9608]

I like your reviews, but you've got way out of my price range!