Digital Drive

Posted by Peter Qvortrup, Audio Note UK Ltd. on January 23, 2001 at 00:58:15:

In Reply to: Thanks, Peter. How, if I want to upgrade mine..? posted by tom on January 22, 2001 at 18:25:44:

Dear Tom,

The old DAC1 can be upgraded easily to a DAC1.1x, as part of our commitment to maintaining the performance and value of existing customers' products.

Upgrading to a DAC2.1x or higher level is more tricky, because it involves a different analog interface transformer and filter. Swings and round abouts I suppose, because there comes a point where it is cheaper to build a new unit than to completely strip an old one and rebuild it.

An upgraded unit should be exactly the same as a new unit, that is the whole idea behind the upgrade program, now whether you trust the local agent technically is another matter, but if you don't then I would like to know why, because it is important to me that our customers gets the best service possible.

You have been advised correctly, the DAC One.1x does not sound as good as the DAC1.1x, despite the fact that the 6111WA sounds better than the 6DJ8 in my opinion, the toroidal transformer and less complex power supply, plus the less sophisticated filters in the DAC One.1x disadvantages it somewhat.

It is simple really, as you said yourself, the box is smaller, so there is less room for upgrades.

Sincerely,
Peter Qvortrup