THE ENGINE ELEVEN
During the entire 2020-2021 due to covid and other plagues we had a lot of time to research new circuits. The main outcome is of course HORIZON DAC, which is a game changing product. We used everything we could from this insanely expensive and lavish design and applied it to the new digital engine of the future meant for mid- level DACs. The internal code is ENGINE ELEVEN and it will be gradually introduced to all DACS from the PACIFIC to the Amber5 - namely to Baltic3, Atlantic3, Big7-MK3, Golden Gate3
ENGINE ELEVEN was released on Sept 01 2022 and it is a result of team collaboration in VERY intensive R&D. key highlights of this board are:
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much more elaborate power supply, requiring six transformer windings to work.
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very tricky signal and clock isolation and ground separation (5 grounds versus one)
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new in this price segment - CURRENT conversion DAC type, versus previous voltage type - that results in very analog and sophisticated sound
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proprietary software managing the conversion process and setup
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new, zero-relay design with software controlled routing of inputs
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four input receiver chip serving all inputs without the need to choose and configure - USB, S/PDIF, TOSLINK, AESEBU - its all there. In retrofit situation we use your inputs 1:1 whatever they were.
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DSD512x now is a standard without compromise (or switching)
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perfect muting of all artifacts of switching
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DC-coupled analog chip-to-tube interface, that opens a whole new window on what is happening in the bass.
ENGINE ELEVEN is retrofit- compatible with all our older DACs as a complete installation package.
Pacific DAC is not subject to upgrades as the sound quality would be roughly the same.
Pacific DAC gets a special higher calibre board which we will call Engine Eleven-P.
The upgrade package includes: USB module JLS with proper customized firmware, the DIGITAL ENGINE PCB with chipset ELEVEN, additional mains transformer dedicated only to ELEVEN engine and nothing else, the new rear panel proper descriptors, new tube calibration process adjusted to the new properties of ELEVEN.
PRICE: a rough price ballpark value will be 2000 Euro for just Eleven and in addition plus 500 Euro if JLS USB card is needed. Of course plus shipping.
Pacific upgrade Eleven-P cost 4000 Euro.
Special version Eleven-P also works in the new Poseidon DAC.
Engine ELEVEN - in a funny way - corresponds with the description of the best sound in the world - because IT GOES TO ELEVEN.
Some other people would associate this code 11 with the girl with magic powers that saves the world. Both associations would not be far off.
TESTIMONIALS:
I just took delivery of my beloved Golden Gate DAC back from the factory in Poland (by the way how did they turn around in just 5 days?) and don't get me wrong - I loved it in original form and thought very highly of it. The Eleven upgrade took it to a whole another level. I don't know how it is possible but everything I loved about the Golden Gate - I have now in spades. Lukasz and Team did real magic this time.
Ralph B. Hong-Kong
I was afraid that to improve my Pacific I need to reach deep into my pocket and get the Horizon. For a fraction of this expenditure I just got my Eleven-P job and I gotta tell you I cant believe it is the same DAC. The bass, THE BASS - my god, I am plumbing the depths, how is it even possible? The voices are spooky - ghosts in my room. This is surreal! Thank you !
Tim S. Luxembourg