Ideon Absolute ε digital converter

Lengthy run in and backache aside, the only real downside to the Ideon Absolute ε is the lack of remote control. This isn’t so big an issue if you are using the DAC just as a DAC, but if you are using its volume control into a power amplifier, that absence of handset can be a bit of a bind. Its omission is done for sonic reasons, and that itself speaks to the level of obssessiveness that went into the design of this converter, but as a practical consideration, a remote would be nice sometimes (good news… a remote is on the way!).

The Ideon Absolute ε came as a bit of a surprise. I admit that I came to it with little background knowledge of the company and even less about the product itself. I didn’t even ask about the price until the test was over. But in the listening, it was clear this was a world-class device capable of doing what so many high-end DACs claim to do, but often fail to achieve in reality; make music sound like music. Real living, breathing musicians playing in your living room. There are lots of different interpretations of how digital audio is supposed to sound but Ideon makes it sound like real music. This really is one of the best DACs in the world right now.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Inputs: USB, AES/EBU, coaxial
• Formats supported: 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 32 bits, Native DSD (up to 8x DSD)
• Digital Inputs: 4x advanced isolated input slots
• XLR Output: 9Vrms at 0dB
• RCA Output: 4.5Vrms at 0dB
• THD (A-weighted, 20Hz–20kHz): <-120db on all outputs
• Channel Separation: >130dB on all outputs
• Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted, 20Hz–20kHz): >130dB on all outputs
• Dynamic Range (20Hz–20kHz): 147dB FS, 145dB AFS
•  Dimensions (W×D×H): 49 × 35 × 12cm
• Weight: 28kg
• Price: £31,440

Manufactuer: Ideon Audio

URL: ideonaudio.com

Back to Reviews