Audio Note DAC One.1x. User manual

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note™ DAC One.1x.
The DAC One.1x was specifically designed and engineered for the best sonic
performance rather than technical specifications. Although the DAC One.1x is a
digital component (there is no avoiding this unfortunately!), it will bring a new level of
musicality to your CD’s and is fatigue free during extended listening periods. In order
to obtain the best possible performance and longevity from your DAC, please read
over this manual carefully.
Technology: The DAC One.1x uses the revolutionary and currently exclusive Audio
Note™ digital technology which we have the 1xoversampling™ direct from disc™
circuit topology. The ultimate version of this technology is found in the extremely
expensive DAC5Signature, and we have taken great to ensure that as much of the
inherent advantages of the topology have been retained in the sound of the DAC
One.1x. The technology dispenses with all the correction measures inherent in all
other d-a converters and presents the digital signal directly to the converter after
reformatting. This allow you to hear what is actually recorded on each disc, rather
than, as has been the case up to now, some technically and cosmetically altered
version, as a result the reproduction is more reminiscent of a master tape in quality.
Not surprisingly for an Audio Note™ product, the DAC uses vacuum tube technology,
implemented using traditional Audio Note techniques.
UNPACKING & INSTALLATION.
Please take care when unpacking the DAC. We recommend that you store the
packing materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date.
Next, select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that adequate ventilation is
provided (the vacuum tubes do generate some amount of heat). In the interest of
safe, reliable operation, situate the DAC away from dampness or direct sunshine.
Worthwhile sonic improvements may be obtained by locating the unit on a suitably
designed audio component support system.
AFTER CARE
No special maintenance is required for the DAC One.1x. Cleaning is best made with
a soft cloth or brush similar to those sold by photographic stores for lens cleaning
applications.

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Use a cloth dampened with mildly warm water and a weak soap solution for removing
grease or oily substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may cause damage to
the DAC’s finish.
Replacing the vacuum tubes. The vacuum tube used in the DAC One.1x is a sub
miniature triode called the 6111WA, it is wire ended and soldered directly into the
PCB. The 6111WA should provide a useful life span of about 10 years if the DAC is
operated 24 hours per day, which is the recommended operation and the one that
sounds the best.
Although replacement tubes for the DAC One.1x are fairly widely available, better
performance will be obtained with tubes selected and matched specifically for the
DAC by Audio Note. Should the vacuum tubes require replacement, please contact
your Audio Note dealer for technical support.

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CONNECTIONS -Digital
A coaxial connection enables connection of the DAC to a CD transport or other digital
sources. Before making a connection, ensure that the DAC is turned off. Select a
suitable coaxial cable for digital use, we recommend Audio Note™ AN-A, AN-C
copper interconnects or AN-S or AN-V silver interconnects, in a 75cm run with Audio
Note AN-GP RCA plugs. Coaxial cables for digital use are most commonly terminated
with RCA connectors and so the DAC uses RCA type input sockets.
Plug one end of the coaxial cable into the RCA socket on the DAC (marked Digital
Input) and connect the other end of the coaxial cable to your CD transport (marked
Digital Output).
* Your dealer can advise on suitable type and quality of cable and give you a
recommendation as to which Audio Note cable is the best choice. (Recommended is
AN silver cable).
Some special notes about digital cables -Try to use a digital cable of less than 1.5
metre in length. Ideal length .0.75metre.
Connections -Analogue
Two sets of analogue outputs are provided for connection to your amplifier. Be sure
to set the amplifier’s volume to minimum before making the following connections.
* Your dealer can advise on suitable type and quality of Audio Note cable to use
between the transport and DAC.
Mains Connection: The DAC has an IEC mains inlet socket, use the supplied mains
cable to connect the unit to the local mains supply, the fuse is situated in the inlet
socket as well.
OPERATING THE DAC ONE.1x.
Once all the connections are complete, turn on the CD transport. Next turn on the
DAC by using the rocker switch located on the back panel next to mains inlet socket.
Now turn on the amplifier. Red led on front panel confirms unit is on.
If all is in order, the system is now ready to play music, and at last the sound of your
compact discs will be tolerable!
The DAC will improve over time and start to sound really well balanced. This is
because of the “bedding in” time taken by new electrical components inside the unit.
Also, the DAC’s sound quality improves as the unit reaches its normal, stable
operating temperature.
Only a rear panel on/off switch is provided as the unit is designed for continuous
operation. The DAC need not be switched off each time after use. It is interesting to
note that continuous operation not only results in optimum sonic performance (since

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the unit is maintaining a constant operating temperature) but also causes less
electrical stress and so extends component and valve life.
WARRANTY AND SERVICING
Audio Note warrants this product free from defects in materials and workmanship for
one year from original date of purchase from an appointed Audio Note dealer. The
vacuum tubes are warranted for three months.
In the event that your Audio Note product requires servicing, please contact your
Audio Note dealer. If the component needs to be shipped, please use the original
packaging materials and include a copy of the sales purchase with a note, explaining,
in as much detail as possible, the problems that you are experiencing with the unit.
If you require technical support, new vacuum tubes or have any questions, please
direct them to your local Audio Note dealer or alternatively to:
Customer Support
Audio Note (UK) Limited
Unit C, Peacock Industrial Estate
Lyon Close
125-127 Davigdor Road
HOVE
East Sussex
BN3 1SG
United Kingdom
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight 4 kilograms
Dimensions 120(h) x 220 (w) x 300 (d) (mm)
Fuse ratings 500mA anti-surge (110/120v supply)
500mA anti-surge (220/240V supply)
Output impedance Less than 2K ohm
Reference output 2.5V RMS
Channel balance Less than 0.5db
Tube compliment 6111 WA Valve Output Stage
Digital system
18 Bit 44.1/48/96KHz compatible multi Bit
converter chip, the 1xoversampling system will truncate the information at 20, 22 and
24Bits, which is very much milder form of information loss than that introduced by
traditional oversampling and digital filtering etc.

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Power consumption 11 Watts
Note: Due to Audio Note’s ongoing research and development programme, specifications are subject to
change without notice.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH STANDARD CE STANDARDS.