The ANK DAC2.1B uses old DAC chip technology. Well, even "ancient" in digital terms! Obsolete? Yes! But it goes to show that newer is not necessarily better. Two key architectural processes make the DAC2.1B special. Both are minimalistic processes. Firstly, the DAC is run without any oversampling. Less processing, less damage to the music. Secondly the AD1865 utilizes R2R decoding of the LSB's and special handling of the MSB's. Again this process is much simpler than most multibit and Delta-Sigma chips use. Simple, as usual, is your musical friend!
The AN 2.1B kit is an easy build. Of all of my kit builds. (started with a Foreplay, Paramours.....) the DAC has had the least change from stock. I added Duelund Cast Copper output capacitors and that has been it. For me, that is rare!! It just plays digital as close to music as I have ever heard!! I have had no urge, whatsoever, to move up the DAC food chain!!
Cheers,
Geary
« Last Edit: March 22, 2021, 05:11:00 PM by galyons »
VPI TNT IV/JMW 3D 12+Benz LP-S> Eros + Auralic Aries + ANK Dac 4.1 >Eros TH+ Otari MX5050 IIIB2 > BeePre >Paramount 300B 7N7 > EV Sentry IV-A
Thorens TD124/Ortofon RMG-212/SPU >Seduction > Smash^Up> Paramour 45 MQ >K12's