Audio Note DAC2.1x Digital to Analogue Convertor

The DAC 2.1x is an excellent DAC that uses the classic AD1865 DAC chip. It has both balanced (XLR AES/EBU) and Coaxial (SP/DIF) inputs and is compatible with up to 24 bit, 96kHz formats. The design is filterless and does not use oversampling as you’d expect from Audio Note, it also has their trademark IV transformers coupling the DAC to the analogue output stage which is based around the 6DJ8 (6922) dual triodes in an anode follower circuit and coupled with aluminium paper in oil capacitors. It is housed in the ‘middle’ sized AN case, which measures a substantial 43cm deep, 30cm wide and 14cm high, and is available with either a silver brushed aluminium or gloss black acrylic fascia.

The sound is exactly what you’d expect of an Audio Note DAC, please see the write up of the 0.1x above to get an idea of the basic presentation (which fundamentally remains the same throughout their range of DACs). The 2.1 expands upon that model by increasing the weight and scale of the sound. Both refinement and resolution increase and the tonality is more voluptuous too.

Inputs: RCA  75 Ohms SPDif & XLR 110 Ohms AES/EBU

Output Impedance: 600 Ohms, RCA/Balanced or Single Ended

Reference Output Voltage: 3.2V RMS

Channel Balance: Less than 0.2dB

Valve complement:  2 x 6DJ8,1 x 6X5

Weight: 5.1 kg

Dimensions: 145mm (h) x 300mm (w) x 415mm (d)

DAC: 18Bit Analogue Devices AD1865N, 44.1 / 48 / 96KHz input capability.
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