Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- The Ideon Absolute ε DAC received a very positive review and became Cost-No-Object DAC of the Year in 2021
- The Absolute Signature Time brought a further level of calmness to the event of playing music at home
- Dynamics, and especially bass reproduction, is greatly enhanced and is instantly noticeable with either of these devices installed in a system
- The Absolute Time devices help to develop more depth and width in the soundstage, add clarity, and emotion, especially to vocals
- The Absolute trio (DAC, Stream, Time) bring out the very best they can deliver, making it one of the best complete digital sources one can buy today
Product Considerations
- The price tag puts it in a category where diminishing returns and price-to-performance ratios are not primary concerns
- Textural information was noted as being a little smooth and a slight harshness was noted in the treble region
- The Absolute Time's S/PDIF reclocking has a sample rate ceiling of 192kHz, which could be a limitation if using an upsampling CD transport
- The Absolute Time Signature is better than two Standard Absolute Times, and one should always choose the Signature version over the Standard Time devices
- The need to buy USB cables to link to the product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It annihilated the dCS Rossini Apex and Clock, even though it is less expensive
- The Ideon Absolute Epsilon DAC provided something along the lines of a twenty-five to thirty-five percent overall improvement over the benchmark-setting performance of the original Absolute Epsilon DAC
Takeaway: The Absolute can greatly improve the sound quality of a high-end system by enhancing timing accuracy and overall clarity, especially for those seeking the highest levels of performance. The resulting listening experience can make music sound effortless and natural.
All
Absolute DAC ε meta
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Supported Formats: 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 32 bits, Native DSD (up to 8X DSD)
- Digital Inputs: 3x Advanced isolated input module slots (USB, XLR, RCA)
- XLR Balanced Outputs: 9Vrms at 0dB (at high output)
- RCA Outputs: 4.5Vrms at 0dB (at high output)
- THD (A weighted 20Hz-20kHz): < -120dB on all outputs
- Channel Separation: >130dB on all outputs
- SNR (A weighted 20Hz-20kHz): >130dB on all outputs
- Dynamic Range 20Hz to 20kHz: 147 dB (FS), 145 dB (AFS)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 490 x 110 x 350 mm (19.2 x 4.3 x 13.8 in)
- Weight: 24kg (~53 lbs)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Ideon Audio employs a proprietary "3R" technology, re-clocking, re-energizing, and re-driving the USB signal, aiming to minimize jitter and improve signal integrity at both the input and output stages.
- They utilize custom-coded software for their components, such as their DACs, optimizing the interplay between hardware and software for enhanced audio performance and potential future firmware upgrades.
- Ideon Audio emphasizes over-engineered, discrete, low-noise linear power supplies, often with multiple independent supplies within a single component, to provide clean and stable power to sensitive circuitry.
Select products
Ayazi MK2 DAC
- Positioning: The entry-level, affordable reference in Ideon Audio's lineup.
- Description: Offers exceptional sound quality at its price point, making it a great choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. Features a proprietary electrostatic protection circuit for its USB input, which helps maintain signal integrity by preventing noise from entering the system. Compared to the more advanced Eos DAC, focuses on delivering a broad dynamic range and low distortion, making it suitable for small rooms or setups where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities.
Eos DAC
- Positioning: A mid-range offering that includes advanced technologies from Ideon's higher-end models.
- Description: Features a symmetrical analog output stage and proprietary noise elimination technology. Shares some of the advanced features found in the ION DAC, such as the triple distillation USB input, but at a more accessible price. Offers a significant upgrade over the Ayazi MK2 with enhanced soundstage and clarity.
ION DAC & Pre-Amp
- Positioning: A high-end model that serves as a reference front end, incorporating many innovations from the flagship Absolute series.
- Description: Delivers a sense of naturalness and presence, thanks to its cutting-edge analog stage and ultra-low noise power supply. Features a modular construction for future upgrades, similar to the Absolute DAC, but at a lower price point.
Absolute DAC
- Positioning: Ideon Audio's flagship model, representing the pinnacle of their digital audio technology.
- Description: Offers groundbreaking audio performance with its proprietary design and cutting-edge technologies, such as the triple distillation USB input and femto clock oscillators. Provides the highest dynamic range and soundstage among Ideon's products. Compared to the ION DAC, offers even more refined sound and future-proof modular construction.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We love and pursue purity. That’s why our analog output doesn’t choke dynamics with multiple stages, it lets them breathe, preserving the extraordinary SNR of our DAC engine without introducing artifacts or limitations. We’ve developed our own proprietary parallelized DAC conversion engine, complete with over 4,000 lines of custom firmware. Why? To meet our standards for emotional realism. We wrote our own rules—and our own code—to bridge the gap between technical performance and musical truth.
That’s what sets us apart: every circuit, every line of code, every concept is ours.
From our advanced re-clocking systems to our zero-noise rectification bridges—everything is conceived, designed, and executed in-house.
Even our power supply architecture is proprietary: parallelized, ultra-low-noise designs, paired with custom active bridges that eliminate diode-generated noise at rectification.
This isn’t tweaking - this is redefining what’s possible in digital playback. Timing correction is applied at both ends - input and output - with our sequential re-clocking and re-driving architecture. Each device is equipped with multiple femto-level clocks, operating in cascading stages, ensuring absolute signal phase integrity and vanishingly low jitter.
This is a fully upgradeable platform - because we’re always thinking ahead. All of this adds up to something more than specs, more than numbers. It results in sound with unimaginable resolution, breathtaking dynamics, and a texture that’s almost tactile. Whether through USB or SPDIF, our re-clocking and re-driving platforms deliver a musical experience that isn’t just accurate, it’s alive. Music deserves nothing less.
USB Input
More than 90% of DACs today use the same two generic USB chipsets. We don’t. Instead, we created our own proprietary USB input architecture, hardware and firmware designed together, paired with top-class femto-level clocks. It’s called the Ideon Triple Distillation USB input - a three-stage circuit that eradicates digital noise before the signal even reaches the DAC chip. What reaches the conversion stage is unflavored, untainted, and utterly transparent. A clean slate - ready to be reborn as music. This is our declaration of war on both linear and non-linear distortion. We simply eliminate noise.
Analog Stage
We take a similarly radical approach: one single stage. No coupling capacitors in the signal path. No power FETs or multiple output stages to artificially inflate current or “enhance” dynamics, because we found a better way. Our ultra-low-noise, symmetrical power supplies feed a uniquely designed topology that maintains signal integrity at an unmatched level. The result? Explosive dynamics, natural textures, intense detail—yet nothing is forced, nothing hyped. It just sounds real.
What's your approach to customer support?
Our approach to customer support is structured, customer centric, yet highly responsive. The first level of support is handled by our distributors in each country where we are represented. For territories without a local distributor, customers can contact our technical team directly. In fact, many customers reach out to us even when a distributor is present, especially for specific technical questions. We maintain a dedicated support email and pride ourselves on responding quickly and effectively to every inquiry. Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. We’ve consistently been praised by both customers and partners for our fast, reliable, after-sales support. Whatever the issue, our goal is to resolve it swiftly and professionally. Additionally, all Ideon Audio products are designed with a modular architecture. This means servicing is straightforward and quick, as individual modules can be easily replaced when needed. This way we minimize downtime, ensuring continued performance. We are committed to making sure every customer is satisfied. In fact, we aim for, and maintain a zero unhappy customer record.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Sway, Diana Krall
- Jacques Loussier Erik Satie Gnossienne No. 4
- Daft Punk, the Game of Love
- And many others
What other products pair best with yours?
This list is big, as we try to listen to synergies with many different products from a lot of brands. To name a few: Wilson, Estellon, JMF, Elac, Gamut, VTL, Aesthetix, etc.
Used
Ideon Audio
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Smooth, natural sound signature with impressive depth in the 3D soundstage.
- Allows music reproduction closest to a private performance in the listening room.
- Delivers a natural, smooth, and organic sound, reproducing every detail with maximum resolution.
- Exceptional clarity and black background of the sound.
- Performs excellently even with lower-quality content because of its smooth, clean playback and three-dimensional soundstage.
Product Considerations
- The price is far beyond the reach of most audiophiles.
- Comes with only one digital module as standard.
- For optimal performance, it's recommended to place the units on separate shelves.
- The reviewer only tested it as a DAC and did not evaluate its functionality as a preamplifier or streamer.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MSB Reference DAC—the Cascade represents a significant upgrade.
Takeaway: The MSB Cascade DAC sets new standards for sound quality and is a digital marvel, providing a unique and powerful listening experience. It offers incredibly smooth and natural sound, creating a live music sensation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Considered the best product Linn has ever made, in the same class as the best digital products available
- Features Linn's new 'Organik' DAC, which uses custom-designed algorithms and a discrete conversion stage for improved upsampling, precise volume control, and low distortion
- Stunning looking piece of equipment eliciting responses from casual observers such as "Ohhh it's beautiful" and "Geez that looks very fancy"
- Casework is machined from solid aluminum with precision-cut partitions to minimize unwanted electrical and mechanical interactions
- Offers comprehensive features including streaming services, compatibility with Airplay and Roon, and support for various audio formats
Product Considerations
- Analog input performance may lack the subtlety and expressiveness of the digital inputs
- Some reviewers remain skeptical of the efficacy of the Space Optimization software
- When using Space Optimization, the user's blind guess is whether the value is too high or too low
- The Linn app is found to be cumbersome to navigate
- Linn's history suggests an expensive upgrade could be in the works
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to EMM Labs DV2, Klimax DSM creates the best impression of three-dimensional instruments and vocals, and it sounds even better than it had over EMM Labs' achingly good DV2
- Compared to Naim ND555/555 PS DR music streamer, Linn Klimax DSM is superior in bass grip, depth, or power
Takeaway: The Linn Klimax DSM is a top-tier streaming audio component with exceptional sound quality and a visually stunning design, representing the state of the art when it comes to streaming sound quality. It offers a directness and focus to the music, making it an inspiring choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Featuring the latest generation dCS Ring DAC™ APEX, it delivers a performance unmatched in its realism, depth, and emotion
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reproduces a sense of 'air' in recordings, accurately capturing ambient detail and instrument placement in the soundstage
- Significantly reduces distortion and improves linearity compared to its predecessor, resulting in enhanced dynamics, detail, and a more resolving sound
- Has excellent tonal purity, providing a beautiful and natural sound for both vocals and instruments
- Expands transparency by avoiding the artificial gloss and sheen, enabling the sonic power at its core
- Delivers authority, control, and the sheer drama and dynamics
Product Considerations
- Being a multi-box setup (DAC, Upsampler, Clock), requires careful setup and cable management
- While versatile with adjustable output voltage, optimal performance depends on proper gain and impedance matching with the preamplifier and amplifier
- The design, while impressive, is eleven years old
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Has a better ability to translate the still-fragmentary micro-universe of zeros and ones to the level of enhanced music listening than other DACs
- Compared to Ayon, Gryphon and Esoteric SACD players, dCS shows the signal smoothly, delivering a brighter, clearer sound
Takeaway: The dCS Vivaldi Apex DAC system brings music to life by uncovering more of the details within recordings. This system allows listeners to feel closer to their music, offering joy and an awakening of the senses.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Retains all the music's delicacy, refinement, and fluidity, being revealing without becoming clinical
- Offers a wide and deep soundstage, is timbrally spot-on and very natural, well-focused, richly textured, and well-endowed in terms of transient attack and dynamic impact
- Is significantly more revealing, without introducing any negative by-products, and is still the superbly musical and emotionally involving DAC that the C1 was, only better
- Capable of being more discerning of differences in sources and source material
Product Considerations
- Precise calibration is of paramount importance for any multi-bit DAC chip
- Files played directly from the Swiss device have a slightly contoured character
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The C1.2 is even more neutral and even more revealing than the C1, without sacrificing even the slightest hint of refinement, delicacy, fluidity, decay, or flow
- The original C1 DAC has always sounded fuller and more sonorous than other CH Precision products, for instance, the L1 preamp, with the C1.2 upgrade, the DAC has become more neutral and now sounds more in line with the L1
- The CH Precision device combines the opening of the sound with the lack of brightness better than the Ayon player
- The CH Precision delivers recordings in an uncommonly precise manner than the Weiss DA502 D/A converter
Takeaway: The C1.2 is a DAC that retains all of its virtues while becoming more neutral and revealing, and it is still superbly musical and emotionally involving. It is worth buying because of the overall enhancement in audio quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Noticeable improvement over the Lampizator Poseidon, especially in low-end authority and resonance of notes
- Immersive, organic, and realistic sound quality, replicating a vinyl-like analog experience
- Excellent black background and tighter control, especially beneficial for electronic music compared to the Poseidon
- Pinpoint accuracy in instrument placement, even during complex musical passages, prevents individual instruments from being lost
- Excels in reproducing the ambience and textural information of recordings, creating a realistic and engaging listening experience
Product Considerations
- Soundstage is smaller but more focused compared to the Poseidon
- Stock tubes are good, but tube rolling is highly recommended to maximize the DAC's potential
- The DAC remote also controls the Poseidon, which could cause simultaneous switching if both are in the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Horizon 360 offers better low-end authority and tighter control than the Lampizator Poseidon, generally a step up, even with upgraded tubes on the Poseidon
- Horizon 360 and Ideon Audio Epsilon Ultima 2024 are standout performers, the Epsilon Ultima is more authoritative and detail-focused, while the Horizon 360 is more tonally realistic—recreating a live performance feel
Takeaway: The Lampizator Horizon 360 is an exceptional DAC that offers an immersive and realistic listening experience, especially for those who appreciate the nuances of live music and the warmth of analog sound. It's designed to draw listeners into the music and deliver a non-fatiguing, enjoyable listening session.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tuneful backbone infused by steroids felt significantly more ferocious and fresh
- Massive tone and juiciness were its key strengths
- Highly saturated sonic landscapes were distanced enough to feel a touch mysterious, yet still vibrant, full of charm, and clear
- Rounder, beefier, and more massive sound
- The early rumble of drum kicks and electric guitar was more hefty, meaty, and slamming, and yet remained elastic, tight, and dynamically charged
Product Considerations
- Lower focus on detail and edge limning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs LampizatOr Pacific DAC: The DAC DHT emphasized outline filler, relaxation, connective tissue, boldness, and textural saturation, while the Pacific focused on outlines, immediacy, accuracy, radiance, and acceleration
- Vs LampizatOr Pacific DAC: The Pacific's perspective was closer and more finely sketched, so higher on precision and more striking, while the DAC DHT pleased with expressive content that was most enjoyable
Takeaway: The Audio Phonique DAC DHT offers a full-bodied and engaging sound with a focus on tone and texture, and its strengths make music more hefty and slamming. If a vibrant, charming, and clear sound is desired, it could be a worthy addition to a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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