Audio Note Izvor DAC Module
AUDIO NOTE UK IZVOR DAC MODULE INTRODUCED
Audio Note (UK) has announced the Audio Note IZVOR DAC module, a new digital-to-analogue conversion platform developed over a twelve-year period.
The Audio Note IZVOR represents a shift from the company’s long-standing use of R2R DAC chips, instead adopting a fully discrete ladder DAC architecture built from individual components.
AUDIO NOTE IZVOR DAC MODULE
The IZVOR DAC module removes the DAC chip entirely, replacing it with a resistor-based ladder network constructed using premium-grade analogue components. According to Audio Note, the design focuses on component selection and circuit architecture rather than conventional digital processing techniques such as oversampling or filtering, which the company has historically avoided.
BACKGROUND TO AUDIO NOTE DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT
Audio Note (UK) has been developing non-oversampling DAC designs since the 1990s, beginning with the DAC3 and later the DAC5, which introduced a non-oversampling approach. The company states that its design philosophy has consistently prioritised minimal digital processing, aiming to address perceived limitations in digital audio reproduction.
AUDIO NOTE IZVOR DAC MODULE ENGINEERING DETAILS
A key aspect of the IZVOR’s design is the use of custom resistors developed specifically for the project. The company reports that standard resistor types were evaluated but found to introduce measurable and audible limitations. As a result, bespoke 1-watt resistors with tight tolerances were created, alongside a proprietary DAC code developed in-house.
The IZVOR DAC module was developed through extensive testing and listening evaluations. Audio Note states that the design process involved examining existing ladder DAC implementations and refining component choices and circuit topology to meet its internal performance criteria.
INTEGRATION OF AUDIO NOTE (UK) IZVOR DAC MODULE
The IZVOR technology will be introduced into selected models within Audio Note’s existing range, including the Fifth Element, DAC5, and DAC4.1 Balanced. The company has also confirmed that an upgrade programme will be available for current owners of these products.
AUDIO NOTE (UK) IZVOR DAC MODULE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Pricing for the Audio Note (UK) IZVOR DAC module and associated upgrades is TBC.
HiFi PiG says: A big development from Audio Note UK.
