Digital
Audio Note pioneered a fundamentally different approach to D/A conversion than that taken by the rest of the industry. We rejected oversampling and digital filtering in favor of an architecture that takes the native data stream, converts it to analog, and then passes it through a custom transformer as analogue filter.
The CD1.1x is the latest incarnation of our long running and ever popular Level One Integrated Red Book CD player.
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CD 1.1x
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the 'digital mould' that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria.
Materials and component quality
The in-house custom modified Philips front loading CD mechanism is designed purely to read true Red Book CD, which in our opinion is still the best possible Digital music format currently available.
The Philips TDA1543 DAC is implemented in a non-oversampling digital filterless circuit, and the analogue output stage is equipped with the quite exceptional 6111WA miniature dual triode and our own Audio Note (UK) Tin Foil output capacitors.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The CD 2.1x/II is essentially a component upgraded version of the CD1.1x,
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CD 2.1x/II
The CD 2.1x/II is essentially a component upgraded version of the CD1.1x, equipped with better parts such as our own custom produced Audio Note (UK) tantalum resistors, Cerafine capacitors and Audio Note (UK) copper foil capacitors, making for a more open, detailed and lively performance in comparison with its more affordable stable mate.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the 'digital mould' that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria.
Materials and component quality
The CD 2.1x/II uses an in-house modified Philips L1210 dedicated Red Book CD mechanism and a simple yet revealing DAC based around the Philips 1543 16 bit multi-bit digital to analogue converter chip. The analogue output stage is equipped with the quite exceptional 6111WA miniature triode and our own in house designed and manufactured Audio Note (UK) copper foil capacitors.
This player, like its bigger brothers, features no oversampling and no digital filtering, making for a highly effective sonic combination all housed in a small and robust chassis.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The CDT-One/II easily proves just how good silver discs can sound.
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CDT One/II
The next step up the ladder in our dedicated Red Book CD Transport range, the CDT-One/II easily proves just how good silver discs can sound, when played correctly.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria.
Materials and component quality
The in-house custom modified Philips front loading CD mechanism is designed purely to read true Red Book CD, which in our opinion is still the best possible Digital music format currently available.
The CDT-One/II is equipped with both single ended / RCA 75 Ohm SPDif and balanced / XLR 110 Ohm AES / EBU, transformer coupled, digital outputs.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
This Digital to Analogue converter has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification.
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DAC 1.1x/II
The Audio Note (UK) DAC1.1x/II Digital to Analogue converter has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 1 criteria: -
Current available models
- DAC 1.1x/II
- DAC 1.1x.II Signature
Materials and component quality DAC 1.1x/II
Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal.
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC1.1x has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
Materials and component quality DAC 1.1x/II Signature
The DAC1.1x/II Signature also features an abundance of upgraded components in comparison with the standard edition, including our own Audio Note (UK) Tantalum resistors in key areas.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Welcome to the latest version of our long running and highly regarded Level Two integrated machine.
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CD 3.1x/II
Level 2 Red Book CD Player. Welcome to the latest version of our long running and highly regarded Level Two integrated machine. The original CD3 was an instant classic, and is still loved and used by many discerning audiophiles around the world. This current version brings the design right up to date, and dramatically improves on the previous incarnations in every possible area.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the 'digital mould' that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria.
Materials and component quality
The CD3.1x/II is the first model of integrated CD player in our range to feature the highly regarded Analogue Devices AD1865 digital to analogue converter chip, the same device that we use in our more costly stand alone DACs. This 18bit device has consistently outperformed every competing chip we have tested regardless of specification or price.
The transport is our now classic in house modified Philips CD mechanism, designed purely to read true Red Book CD, which in our opinion is still the best possible Digital music format currently available.
The analogue output stage features two ECC88 dual triode valves and our own custom designed and manufactured Audio Note (UK) copper foil capacitors. Our own Tantalum resistors are also used in critical areas, offering a quite remarkable level of performance.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF CD mechanism, power supply with 3 separate mains transformers.
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CDT Two/II
The original CDT-Two was an instant success on its launch, and its direct descendent, the current CDT-Two/II, builds and improves upon the original model's performance.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 2 criteria.
Materials and component quality
Custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF CD mechanism, power supply with 3 separate mains transformers, Audio Note (UK) AN-V silver cable for internal digital signal transfer, silver wired digital output transformer using thin laminated core, Audio Note (UK) Tantalum resistors and custom electrolytic capacitors.
The CDT-Two/II is equipped with both single ended / RCA 75 Ohm SPDif and balanced / XLR 110 Ohm AES / EBU, transformer coupled, digital outputs.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
No over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. All is done in the analogue domain.
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DAC 2.1x
Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal.
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC2.1x has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
The filter-interface coils / transformers are of extremely high quality, and are custom designed and manufactured in house by us.
Current available models
- DAC2.1x
- DAC2.1x Signature
- DAC2.1x Balanced
Materials and component quality DAC2.1x
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC2.1x has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
Materials and component quality DAC2.1x Signature
The DAC2.1x Signature also features an abundance of upgraded components in comparison with the standard edition, including our own Audio Note (UK) Tantalum resistors and Copper coil capacitors used in key areas. It also features a valve rectified power supply (the standard DAC2.1x uses solid state rectification).
Materials and component quality DAC2.1x Balanced
The DAC2.1x/II Balanced features an upgraded version of the classic Audio Note (UK) Line preamplifier output stage, using a pair of ECC82 / 5814a double triode valves.
Unlike the preceding models in the Audio Note (UK) DAC range, the DAC2.1x/II Balanced features a pair of custom designed and manufactured output transformers. These devices not only have exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both single ended and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors. To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a power supply with valve rectification.
This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides wellisolated short and clean analogue signal paths. Internal components are of extremely high quality, as is expected from an Audio Note (UK) product.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The Digital section features the highly regarded Analogue Devices AD1865 digital to analogue converter chip.
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CD 4.1x
Level 3 Integrated Red Book CD Player.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the 'digital mould' that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria.
Materials and component quality
Its shares many of the elements found in two of our most highly regarded Digital playback devices, the CDT Two/II and the DAC2.1x. However, the component quality contained within its solid and purposeful chassis exceeds that of either machine. Our own custom Audio Note (UK) resistors and electrolytic capacitors are used extensively, in all critical positions.
The Digital section features the highly regarded Analogue Devices AD1865 digital to analogue converter chip, the same device that we use in our highest level stand alone DACs. This 18bit device has consistently outperformed every competing chip we have tested regardless of specification or price.
The analogue output stage is based around two ECC88 dual triode valves, and the output capacitors are our own Audio Note (UK) copper foil variety.
Special attention has been paid to the power supplies in the CD4.1x; even the display has its own dedicated supply, which reduces internal noise to an exceptionally low level.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The CD5.1x is a completely new machine which elevates the one-box CD player to hitherto unknown levels of performance.
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CD 5.1x
Level Three Red Book CD Player. The CD5.1x is a completely new machine which elevates the one-box CD player to hitherto unknown levels of performance. Never before has it been possible to achieve such quite astonishingly superior levels of digital replay from a single chassis, integrated design.
Materials and component quality
The CD5.1x features the top-loading Philips CD Pro 2LF CD mechanism, which we custom modify and improve in-house, bringing the performance of this already excellent mechanism up to a standard that is truly in a class of its own.
The power supply is a valve rectified and regulated design, using a 6X5 and ECL82.
The analogue output stage uses a combination of 1 x 5814a and 1 x 5687WB valves, feeding a pair of our world-renowned output transformers, using SHiB cores with copper primaries and secondaries. A mix of our own 0.5 Watt and 1 Watt non- magnetic Tantalum resistors are used in all critical areas, as are our own custom Audio Note (UK) foil / Mylar and electrolytic capacitors.
The CD5.1x uses our own in-house designed and manufactured digital transformers; silver wound for the Transport side and copper wound for the DAC side.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Audio Note-Vx silver cable for internal digital signal transfer, silver wired digital output transformer using thin laminated core.
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CDT Three
If you're looking for the best possible sound quality from Red Book CD in a small, perfectly formed half width chassis, look no further than the CDT-Three.
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria.
Materials and component quality
Top loading, custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF CD mechanism, power supply with 3 separate mains transformers, Audio Note (UK) AN-Vx silver cable for internal digital signal transfer, silver wired digital output transformer using thin laminated core, Audio Note (UK) Tantalum resistors and custom electrolytic capacitors.
The CDT-Three is equipped with both single ended / RCA 75 Ohm SPDif and balanced / XLR 110 Ohm AES / EBU, transformer coupled, digital outputs.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The DAC3.1x/II Balanced features an upgraded version of the classic Audio Note Line preamplifier output stage.
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DAC 3.1x/II Balanced
The Audio Note (UK) DAC3.1x Digital to Analogue converter has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 3 criteria.
Materials and component quality
Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal..
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC3.1x has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
The filter-interface coils / transformers are of extremely high quality, and are custom designed and manufactured in house by us.
The DAC3.1x/II Balanced features an upgraded version of the classic Audio Note (UK) Line preamplifier output stage, using a pair of ECC82 / 5814a double triode valves. This is coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) copper wire. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both single ended and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a dual channel power supply with double choke filtering and valve rectification. This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides well-isolated short and clean analogue signal paths. The digital power supply is an exceptionally low noise, shunt-type
Internal component quality is of extremely high quality. Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors and high quality resistors are used in key areas throughout the circuit. Analogue stage filter inductors and internal wiring are all produced with our own Audio Note (UK) wire.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism, choke coupled 3 transformer power supply, silver wired output transformer.
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CDT Four
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria.
Materials and component quality
Top loading in-house custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism, choke coupled 3 transformer power supply, silver wired output transformer, Audio Note (UK) SOGON cable from CD mechanism to digital output stage.
The CDT-Four is equipped with both single ended / RCA 75 Ohm SPDif and balanced / XLR 110 Ohm AES / EBU, transformer coupled, digital outputs.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
Valve digital output stage with valve rectified power supply, custom designed and built output transformer.
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CDT Five
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria. No expense had been spared in any area, and we have used the finest possible components and materials available to construct this truly outstanding, Reference class CD Transport.
Materials and component quality
Top loading in-house custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism which is built into a 2 cm slab of ductile aircraft aluminium and then hung via springs in the same way as the reference turntable for isolation.
Valve digital output stage with valve rectified power supply, custom designed and built output transformer. All silver-wired, Black Gate capacitors everywhere, Audio Note (UK) PALLAS digital interconnect used for internal digital signal transfer.
The CDT-Five is equipped as standard with 1 x single ended / RCA 75 Ohm digital output, as we find this offers the best form of connection for the valve digital output stage. However, a single unconnected balanced / XLR output socket is fitted to the chassis as standard, and this connection option can be specified by the customer at the time of ordering, if required.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The filter-interface transformers are of the highest possible quality, using 80% nickel Super mu-metal cores.
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DAC 4.1x Balanced
The Audio Note (UK) DAC4.1x Digital to Analogue converters have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria.
Current available models
- DAC 4.1x
- DAC 4.1x Signature
Materials and component quality DAC 4.1x
Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal..
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC4.1x has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
The filter-interface coils / transformers are of the highest possible quality, using 80% nickel Super mu-metal cores. The air gaps in the two filter coils per channel 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 DAC4.1x Balanced features an upgraded version of the M6 Line pre-amplifier output stage, using the 5814a and 6463 double triode valves. This is coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) copper wire on a High B C-core. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both unbalanced and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
Materials and component quality DAC 4.1x Signature
The DAC4.1x Balanced Signature features an upgraded version of the M6 Line pre-amplifier output stage, using a pair of 5687 double triode valves. This is coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) copper wire on a High B Ccore. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both unbalanced and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a dual channel power supply with double choke filtering and valve rectification. This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides well-isolated short and clean analogue signal paths. The digital power supply is an exceptionally low noise, shunt-type.
Internal component quality of this calibre has never before been seen, in either consumer or professional equipment. There is an abundance of Audio Note (UK) capacitors, and Audio Note (UK) Tantalum film resistors throughout the circuit. Analogue stage filter inductors and internal wiring are all produced with Audio Note (UK) wire.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The Audio Note DAC5 is the most unique digital product available today.
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DAC 5
The Audio Note DAC5 are the most unique digital product available today. It uses the most unusual and innovative digital circuit on the market, combined with some of the finest components, materials and power supplies possible. Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal.
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Audio Note (UK) DAC5 have no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions!).
The filter-interface coils / transformers are of the highest possible quality, using 80% nickel Super mu-metal cores with 99.99% pure Audio Note™ silver wires. The air gaps in the two filter coils per channel 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 Audio Note (UK) 5 Digital to Analogue converters have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria.
Current available models
- DAC 5 Special
- DAC 5 Signature
Materials and component quality DAC 5 Special
The DAC 5 Special features an upgraded version of the M6 pre-amplifier line stage, using a 5814a (ECC82/12AU7a) and a 6463, both of which are dual triode valves. These are coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) silver wire on a High B C-core. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both unbalanced and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
Materials and component quality DAC 4.1x Signature
he DAC 5 Signature features an upgraded version of the M6 preamplifier line stage, using a 5814a (ECC82 / 12AU7a / 6189) and a Telefunken 6463, both of which are dual triodes valves. These are coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) silver wire on a 55% Nickel Audio Note (UK) Supa-Perma C cores. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both single ended and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a dual channel power supply with double choke filtering and valve rectification. This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides well-isolated short and clean analogue signal paths. The digital power supply is an exceptionally low noise, shunt-type.
Internal component quality of this calibre has never before been seen, in either consumer or professional equipment. There is an abundance of Black Gate and Cerafine Audio capacitors, and Audio Note (UK) Tantalum film resistors throughout the circuit. Analogue stage filter inductors and internal wiring are all produced with Audio Note (UK) 99.99% pure silver wire.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
No expense has been spared to construct this truly outstanding, Reference class CD Transport.
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CDT Six
Whilst the rest of the audiophile world continues it delusional and ultimately doomed love affair with the currently fashionable crop of what are claimed to be 'high resolution' computer sources, we at Audio Note (UK) continue to extract even greater degrees of information and quality from Red Book CD, which is still the best, currently available digital music format. To this end, we proudly introduce the latest in our line of extreme performance, dedicated Red Book CD Transports, the CDT-Six / Force.
Audio Note (UK) is highly critical of the digital medium as presented by compact disc; we sincerely hope that you too will find this transport breaks free from the 'digital mould' that we are all so accustomed to, and so opens a new window on your CD collection.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfills all Audio Note (UK) Level 6 criteria. No expense had been spared in any area, and we have used the finest possible components and materials available to construct this truly outstanding, Reference class CD Transport.
Materials and component quality
- Heavy copper chassis for maximum electromagnetic and vibrational isolation.
- Top loading in-house custom modified Philips CD Pro2LF mechanism featuring a heavily upgraded servo board, including a selection of Black Gate capacitors.
- CD mechanism is mounted on a sprung sub-chassis based on the suspension system developed for our TT-Three analogue turntables, providing vibration-free operation.
- SOOTTO cable is used between the CD mechanism and the digital output board.
- Valve digital output stage with valve rectified power supply.
- In-house custom designed and built silver wired output transformer.
- Our own Audio Note (UK) Silver Foil capacitors and Black Gate capacitors are used extensively.
- Audio Note (UK) PALLAS digital interconnect used for internal digital signal transfer.
- Three separate power supplies housed in an external chassis, offering the best possible power connection for the sensitive and innovative digital system.
- Valve rectified and regulated power supply with Double C-Core choke.
- SOGON LX96 used for the umbilical cables between CDT-Six transport and Force PSU chassis.
- The CDT-Six is equipped with 1 x single ended / RCA 75 Ohm digital output.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
The Fifth Element / Fifth Force DAC is without doubt or question, the finest Digital to Analogue Converter we have ever produced.
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The Fifth Element DAC
As one would expect, no expense has been spared in the construction of the circuit or the components used, and it is a full Audio Note (UK) Level 5 product.
It has been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfils all Audio Note (UK) Level 5 criteria
- Pure Class A operation
- Zero negative feedback
- Single Ended circuit topology
- Valve rectification
- Materials and component quality
The Fifth Element / Fifth Force is one of the most unique digital products available today. It uses the most unusual and innovative digital circuit on the market, combined with some of the finest components, materials and power supplies possible. Extensive research into the fundamental properties of the data stream itself have shown beyond doubt that, regardless of the theoretical advantages of the signal manipulation employed in our competitors products, such as higher over sampling, noise shaping, re-clocking or jitter reduction, these corrective measures greatly interfere with the critical time domain requirements of the signal.
Music is a time continuum from start to end which when broken is irreparably damaged, and no amount of clever manipulation can restore it to its original time / frequency / amplitude duration or relationship, regardless of what the theorists may tell you.
As a result, we have developed a way of excluding or bypassing all these corrective measures, to allow the conversion from digital to analogue to be done without any manipulation whatsoever. All we do is to reformat the data stream to allow the converter chip to be able to interpolate the incoming information correctly.
In other words, the Fifth Element / Fifth Force has no over sampling, no jitter reduction, no noise shaping and no re-clocking. Having removed all of the digital filtering that is required for over sampling, all filtering is done in the analogue domain where it is easier to retain good, wide band phase-frequency and dynamically coherent behaviour. It uses the highest grade Analogue Devices AD1865, 18Bit stereo converter chip solely because we found it to be the best sounding available (yes, even better than the 20Bit versions).
The filter-interface coils / transformers are of the highest possible quality, using 55% nickel Super mu-metal cores with 99.99% pure Audio Note™ silver wires. The air gaps in the two filter coils per channel 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.
An extremely unique feature of the Fifth Element / Fifth Force is its use of an input buffer stage for the incoming digital signal, using an EF800 valve. Audio Note (UK) was the first company in the world to commercially implement such an arrangement, and it is one of the many technical achievements found in the Fifth Element / Fifth Force that pushes the performance of this Digital to analogue Converter beyond the threshold previously thought possible for such a device or digital audio technology in general.
The Fifth Element / Fifth Force features a version of the M9 pre-amplifier line stage, using a 6189 (ECC82 / 12AU7a / 5814a) and a Telefunken 6463, both of which are dual triodes valves. These are coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio Note (UK) silver wire on a 55% Nickel Audio Note (UK) Supa-Perma C cores. With a 33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function possible. The analogue output has provisions for both single ended and balanced operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a version of the Galahad power supply found in our M9 Phono pre-amplifier. This supply features full valve rectification, regulation and voltage stabilisation. This technique not only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but also provides well-isolated short and clean analogue signal paths. The digital power supply is an exceptionally low noise, shunt-type.
Internal component quality of this calibre has never before been seen, in either consumer or professional equipment. There is an abundance of Black Gate and Cerafine Audio capacitors, and Audio Note (UK) Tantalum film resistors throughout the circuit. Analogue stage filter inductors and internal wiring are all produced with Audio Note (UK) 99.99% pure silver wire.
Available finishes
- Fascia - Anodised Aluminium or Black Acrylic
As you might expect, Audio Note UK products come at a premium.
However, they offer the highest price-to-performance ratio in the market, making our entry-level systems accessible to a broad range of customers.
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