Re-experience the legendary classic TDA1541 DAC powered by valves at its full glory, re-incarnated by SW1X Audio Design™.
DAC III builds upon the refinement of the SW1X DAC II and adds additional level of organic & analogue envelope to the sound. The sonic character becomes indistinguishable from analogue playback when combined with analogue sounding digital transport. Signature version of the DAC III is available on custom built to order basis only.
Based on 1x TDA1541 – the most analogue sounding R2R DAC ever made
STD, Anode Follower, Zero Negative Feedback, Single Ended, Class A, RC (resistive loaded, capacitive de-coupled) Valve Amplification Topology
6N6P or 5687 Double Triode Driver Valve Output Stage
6X5 Indirectly Heated or Directly Heated 5Y3 (5R4 as an option) Valve rectified CLC (choke filtered) Power Supply
Dynamic Element Matching (DEM) of the TDA1541 is powered by an asynchronous E180F Valve Clock with EAA91 Valve rectified Power Supply
Active I/V conversion via a single specially selected transistor (with less than 10 Ohm input impedance) with the shortest signal path directly connected to the tube grid
Circuit is wired with of a specially selected copper (single strand or Litz)
Discrete Transistor Shunt Voltage Regulated Power Supplies for the TDA1541, SPDIF receiver and active I/V conversion
Supports up to 24Bit/96kHz (optional up to 48 kHz only) digital coaxial S/PDIF signal input (USB input is optional, see in options below)
3 x EI core Mains Transformers & Chokes
Tube Compliment: 1 x 6X5 (5Y3 or 5R4 as an option), 1 x 6N6P (or 5687/E182CC as an option), 1 x EC86, 1 x EAA91
Optional Extras:
AN Copper foil, mylar in Oil signal output decoupling capacitors
Black Gate capacitors around TDA1541
AN 2W copper, non- magnetic, tantalum film resistors on plates of the output tube
5687/E182CC or 6N6P Premium 6N6P from the 60s or Premium vintage NOS black plate Tung Sol 5687/E182CC output tube
Directly heated vintage 5R4 type of tube (from the 60s) in the PSU
Additional choke filtering on the DEM clock tube PSU for the TDA1541
USB input with a tube master clock, powered by an separate transformer
2 x HiB double C-Core mains transformers for the TDA1541 and DHT/DHD power supplies
C78I9514
C78I9516
C78I9524
C78I9528
C78I9533
C78I9547
C78I9548
C78I9561
C78I9562
C78I9565
C78I9568
C78I9572
C78I9575
Note: Due to SW1X Audio Design’s ongoing research and development process, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications
Dimensions STD version: Height (mm) 150 x Width (mm) 340 x Depth (mm) 400
Dimensions Custom with USB version: Height (mm) 150 x Width (mm) 440 x Depth (mm) 400
We do not recommend purchasing a key system component without first auditioning it carefully, which is why we have demonstration rooms and a 14 day trial period policy.
However in certain situations it can be difficult for people to get to our showroom and for those instances we can offer our mail order service.