Today I went to an Audio Note distributor to see how good the DACs really are. (previously I read some great reviews on them) What catches my attention is that there is a DIY version of Audio Note 1.1 DAC for $699 ($899 if you want them to build it for you), so with that in mind I came to the shop, I was surprised to find out that the 1.1 MK II version they have sells for about $2200, (it's got Black gates and other good stuff that the DIY kit lacks). Anyway, I ask him to bring a $1300 CD player (regretably I should have asked for a $3000 CD player because I learned the price of the DAC after I've done listening) to have a comparison. I didn't bother to ask if they had any headphone amps because their existing setup in the room was definitely not something you find in an ordinary family ($5500 speakers, $6000 pre-amp and $6000 power amp). First I asked the CD to be played from the CD player. Somehow this sound reminded me my headphone setup (Sennheiser 580 + M3 amp + MicroDAC). The last time I listened to the track on my headphone setup was about one week ago, so solely relying on memory I noticed the familiar detail, resolution, extension (there could be some difference but it didn't strike me significantly). The speaker setup had more dynamics and of course also soundstage, but while it had soundstage I could feel the sound was kinda closed in. Now switched to the DAC. I immediately noticed the increase in soundstage. It was significantly wider, taller, and sometimes the sound travelled above your head and then come back down to your back, it was one heck of experience you must be there in person in order to appreciate it. I was not sure if there was any dramatic increase in details but the increase in treble extension was dramatic. Music was much more enjoyable, I think it pretty much achieve everything my headphone setup did at high level, you can feel yourself immersed in the music. But I will stick with my headphones because that speaker setup is beyond my budget. However it did prove that Audio Note DAC is a really great piece of equipment that's worth every dollar.
If you are interested in getting a DAC, I highly recommend you to go to an audio shop that carries Audio Note DAC and give it a try.
p.s. While in the shop I met someone who owns an Audio Note 5.1 DAC and he did some mod to it so I guess it probably cost over $30000. He said that comparing with 1.1 it has more resolution and you are sort of completely immersed in the music but they do share some other characteristics.
If you are interested in getting a DAC, I highly recommend you to go to an audio shop that carries Audio Note DAC and give it a try.
p.s. While in the shop I met someone who owns an Audio Note 5.1 DAC and he did some mod to it so I guess it probably cost over $30000. He said that comparing with 1.1 it has more resolution and you are sort of completely immersed in the music but they do share some other characteristics.
