My new DAC Update

[Thermioniclife]

So after 1 month of finishing an ANK DAC 2.1 I must say that I Love it. I still have it on my bench and listen to HD-650's with my
C2A nightly which is not quite stock but the only change was to install film coupling caps (Panasonic) and I find this combo to be very engaging.
I have a Crack and Mainline also but I find myself reaching for the C2A most of the time. My original intention was to build the DAC and test on my bench then move to my main system, but it seems to be permanently attached to my bench. This is merely one man's opinion so ymmv. I can Endorse the C2A and ANK DAC 2.1 whole heartedly, but what do I know?

[Natural Sound]

What I've found over the years is that finding the right synergy is key. Often it is found in the most unlikely combinations. But when you hit it you know its right.

The combination that I find myself drawn to lately is as follows. Network file server>Allo DigiOne Signature>BNC cable>Battery powered Bottlehead DAC>Crack>Sennheiser HD600 with Bottle-Headphone cable.

My Crack amp is from the origional first or second run, I forget. (Version. 5/6/10) It has the speedball upgrade and the voltage amplifier is a 6SN7 instead of a 12AU7. I enlarged the front mount to accept a second octal socket. Otherwise it's stock. The DigiOne is powered by an Allo Shanti linear power supply. Once I found this combination I stopped looking and started listening a lot more. I'd say I listen to this setup 4 to 6 hours a day now that I'm working from home. Maybe more.

It sounds like you hit your happy spot too.

[mcandmar]

I loved the C2A, i have built half a dozen Cracks in various states of modification, and had a couple of S.E.X. amp cross my bench, but there was just something about the C2A that i loved.

Same for the BH DAC, has had a permanent place in my speaker rig since the day i bought it, and wont be going anywhere in a hurry.

[debk]

I am thinking about building the ANK 2.1 or the new 1.1 that comes out soon.  Any other experience with the ANK DAC's and BH equipment

[galyons]

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

[Thermioniclife]

YEAH, what he sez! Thank you Geary. It is lovely sounding and quiet. Hey Debk I just Emailed you let me know if you got it.

[debk]

Got your email and replied

Thanks

Deb

[Natural Sound]

Agreed, Geary. My very first DAC was an inexpensive Teradac Non Oversampling arrangement. I've bought and sold a lot of DAC's since then but hung on to the Teradac. Not for sentimental reasons mind you. But because it sounds real good. Yes it's based on a DAC chip that's as old as dirt and it won't play high bit-rate files. But it has a really nice analog sound. I find myself swapping it out with higher end equipment every so often. And it never fails to put a smile on my face.

The ANK looks intriguing. I may just put it on my list. Perhaps my list will be manageable one day.

[galyons]

My very first DAC was an inexpensive Teradac Non Oversampling arrangement...

Still use my Teradac in the bedroom headphone system with the Crack!!!

Cheers,
Geary

[kcleveland]

Just thought I'd throw in my ANK DAC experience as well. I built and used the 4.1SE for several years and also found that simple really can be better. Great sounding DAC, but you know how audiophiles tend to want to try new things. I now have a PS Audio Directstream DAC and it is simply perfect for me. This is an FPGA based DAC that allows firmware upgrades to improve the sound as PS Audio refines the conversion process. I think this will be my last DAC (ha ha, right).
Best,
Kurt

[debk]

I just bought the DAC 2.1

[Thermioniclife]

Congratulations', I'm sure you will like it.

[kcleveland]

@debk I noticed you have a Pass DIY Pearl II phono stage. I also built this from the pc boards and matched JFETs supplied by Pass. Great sounding phono pre especially for the cost (about $600 with chassis, other parts and power supply). I recently gave this to my eldest brother and he's delighted. Similar to the DAC changes I replaced the Pearl II with a Parasound JC3 Jr. and then with a PS Audio Stellar Phono Pre which is really something and they gave me a fair trade on my JC3 Jr. What a fun "hobby" that doesn't lead to any OCD-like behavior or wallet emptying!

[debk]

I really like the Pearl 2, excellent sounding phono stage.

I get upgradeitis every so often and have to build new stuff.  I try only have equipment i built in my system.

Debra