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
- Resolving, pure, and transparent sounding, yet naturally warm and musically involving
- Key band range is the midrange—smooth, colorful, open, communicative, and rich with information including many small details and subtleties
- Dynamic and energetic, it sounds incredibly dynamic, open, and fantastically resolving
Product Considerations
- No native DSD playback; DSD files must be converted to PCM
- Spartan made and equipped, the device offers only two digital inputs and an unbalanced stereo analog output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- vs LampizatOr Golden Atlantic: The Ideon Audio setup sounded purer, more transparent, more orderly, more dynamic, and it had more punch
- vs Weiss DAC501: Performance in the same league
- vs Totaldac d1-tube DAC/streamer: Ideon Audio sounds more resolving and more in control, while offering a similarly saturated sound
Takeaway: The Ayazi mk2 is a sophisticated DAC for an 'entry-level' digital product that delivers an impressive performance. The Ideon Audio Ayazi Mk. 2 DAC consistently achieved excellent sound from several sources and systems and is worth buying for its stunning sound quality.
All
Ayazi mk2
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Digital Inputs: USB type 2 and above, SPDI/F
- Output Full Scale: 2.0V RMS
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-25kHz (+/- 0.5dB)
- SNR (DC to 20kHz): >112dB
- Crosstalk: -110dB
- SNR (A weighted 20Hz-20kHz): >130dB on all outputs
- THD+N (1kHz FS 96 kS/s): <0.002%
- USB Input Transfer Mode: Asynchronous (dual clock)
- USB Bit Depth: 32 bit
- USB Sampling Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384 kHz
- SPDIF/Coaxial Bit Depth: 24 bit
- SPDIF/Coaxial Sampling Rates: 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz
- Output Impedance: 250 Ω (unbalanced)
- Power Requirements: 230/110V AC, 1A, 20W max
- Operating Temperature: 0-35˚ C
- Relative Humidity: 5-95% non-condensing
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 370 x 75 x 175 mm (14.5 x 2.9 x 6.8 in)
- Weight: 7 kg (15.4 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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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a big, bold, and very dynamic sound from bass to treble, enhancing ambient information
- Presents music with an energy and immediacy that feels more live, noticeable across the full frequency spectrum
- Bass is big, rounded, and pleasing, contributing to an elevated scale and presentation of music
- A highly resolving DAC that lends outstanding clarity, speed, slam (dynamics), and drive to any system
- Offers a highly-tuned circuit design featuring proprietary technologies, superbly engineered power supplies, and very good general build quality
Product Considerations
- There is not even an option to dim the brightness or turn off the display
- Very sensitive to its incoming signal
- A potential negative would be its very big output
- The web-based software is a tad primitive-looking but functional, in a somewhat clunky way
- The curved etch on eos Stream's left hand side is matched to the DAC's display but not matched on eos Time, something that would have provided consistency in terms of a styling motif from component to component
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Chord Hugo TT2: Sounds bigger, bolder, and more dynamic, with a more three-dimensional soundstage compared to the TT2, however, the TT2 has more clarity in edge definition
- Vs Chord Hugo TT2: Has an edge in terms of bass power and presence in the room
- Vs Totaldac d1-unity: Sounds a bit more neutral compared to the Totaldac—a bit cooler and cleaner compared to the Totaldac's warmer richness
Takeaway: The Ideon Audio eos DAC is a great choice for audiophiles looking for a fun, easy-to-use product to listen to their music. It offers a highly tuned design with great build quality and is able to provide that 'live' feeling to make music enjoyable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality is achieved with precise and accurate reproduction, enhanced clarity and depth
- Versatile input options include S/PDIF, TOSLink, AES/EBU, BNC, USB, and optional HDMI, offering compatibility with various digital devices
- Excellent build quality is exhibited in its solid, retro-German appearance with high-quality materials
- Separate PCM and DSD processing use path separation technology with independent converters optimized for each media type
- Effective de-jittering employs T+A's De-Jitter Masterclock to minimize timing errors from connected digital components
Product Considerations
- A network audio input is absent, limiting standalone use without the MP200 music player
- Limited analog connectivity means the desired balanced analog input could enhance the preamplifier section's capabilities
- Remote control is reported to be far from intuitive, despite its solid build
- Output voltage in fixed mode may be lower than expected, requiring the use of the variable output setting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to iFi Pro iDSD, the DAC 200 outperforms as a reference
- Compared to Linn Organik series DACs and MSB Premier DAC, the lush playback recalls more expensive options
Takeaway: The T+A DAC 200 is a versatile and high-performing DAC with many inputs that delivers great sound quality. Its robust build quality and comprehensive features make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a top-tier digital-to-analog converter.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality with detail and an expansive soundstage
- Functions as a preamplifier with both digital and analogue inputs and analogue volume control
- Features Direct Data Recording (DDR) technology using a memory buffer to reclock audio data
- Has a dual-chassis design with copper shielding for electrical isolation
- Gains greater clarity and clout with everything from driving rock to complex classical music
Product Considerations
- The AURALiC control app (Lightning DS) is only compatible with Apple iOS devices and not Android
- Has only one analogue input, which might be limiting for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vega G2.2 preferred to a DAC that cost 5x more
Takeaway: The Vega G2.2 is a great streaming DAC and preamplifier that is easy to use. It can be slotted into a system to immediately bring more clarity, soundstage, and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Completely redesigned interior with 90% new electronic components and cutting-edge technologies elevate performance
- New 'Purer-Power' low-noise linear power supply, with twice the capacity of the previous version and an even lower noise design, ensures a clean and stable power supply
- Upgraded Tesla G3 streaming platform is eight times faster than its predecessor
- New Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology connects the audio input and output directly to the processor, helping to reduce latency and jitter by a claimed 90%
- Lightning DS App is considered excellent and second to none for library and playlist management, and is extremely fast and responsive
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available on Apple iOS devices, which may be limiting for Android users
- The digital filter options within the Lightning DS app are considered marginal
- A reviewer missed the Vega/Altair selection knob from previous models for menu management
- The benefits of the ARIES G2.2 may only be fully realized with a high-quality system, making it a significant investment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the ARIES G2.1, the G2.2 offers a significant upgrade in performance with demonstrably lower noise, more detail, and a larger—more detailed—image, almost doubling the amount of musical data revealed
- Melco was more open and with better timing, while AURALiC had a smaller image, deeper bass, and possibly stronger bass
- Adding the ARIES G2.2 to the VEGA G2.2 allows the VEGA G2.2 to relax slightly
Takeaway: The AURALiC ARIES G2.2 is a high-end streamer offering a clear upgrade over previous models with a focus on reducing noise and increasing processing power, perfect for detail and nuance. With excellent software and solid construction, it is a great foundation for a top-tier system to enjoy music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Unique features and impressive performance in a compact form factor
- Exceptional build quality
- Larger, responsive, and intuitive touchscreen UI
- Considered by one reviewer to be the best sounding DAC they have heard under $3,000
- Genuinely neutral and lifelike sound signature, without compromising resolving capability
Product Considerations
- Expensive, at $2,800 or 2,800 euros, which is a significant investment
- Limited display viewing angles, due to using a TN panel instead of an IPS, VA, or OLED
- Hypsos power supply is a subtle upgrade, not necessarily worth the extra cost unless already owning other Ferrum products
- Stock power supply is not as good as the Hypsos
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Gustard X18, Wandla lacks the sterile presentation, offering a more genuine neutral sound
- Compared to EverSolo DAC Z8, Wandla is closer to a true neutral sound signature and overall more realistic sounding
- Compared to Holo May KTE, Wandla was happily trading blows on outright soundstage size, and resolution was pretty much on par
- Compared to Chord Dave, Wandla provides similar sound and performance at a more attractive price
- Compared to Rockna Wavedream Signature, Wandla has similar liquidity and refinement but at a fraction of the price
Takeaway: The Wandla is an impressive DAC focused on sound quality, offering a number of unique features and customizability options. It is a great option for those looking for high end sound in a small package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Precise, accurate, and musical sound, delivering what the disc or file was created to sound like
- Excellent jitter suppression, getting the most out of digital sources
- Versatile, it can be used as a digital format converter
- Weighty, full-bodied—tape or vinyl-like—sound
Product Considerations
- The stock power supply can be improved with a higher quality 6 to 9 volt supply or the Weiss PSU-102
- High-resolution sampling frequencies via USB of 352.8 and 384 are down sampled to half their value at 176.4 and 192
- May be a bit too harsh, even for some systems
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Some reviewers preferred the Weiss DAC204 to the Chord Dave due to impressive detail and holographic 3D imaging, although the Weiss is not as sharp or dynamic
- The DAC204 is considered to be on the same level of sound quality as the Chord Hugo 2 and Chord Cutest
- The DAC204 sounds just like the 501, despite being significantly less expensive and lacking the DSP, preamp, display, and remote control features
- The Weiss DAC204 is more open, dynamic, and punchy, while the Meitner is all about the midrange with beautiful and rich vocals
- The Weiss DAC204 brought more of everything making music sound more present, more physical, and more engaging in comparison to the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt DAC
- The main difference noted between the Weiss and the Totaldac d1-unity was one of body and weight
Takeaway: The Weiss DAC204 is a compact and versatile DAC that delivers high-end sound quality. A good fit for those who want a DAC that provides natural, realistic reproduction and accuracy without extra features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a chassis milled from a single block of aluminum and high-quality components.
- Delivers a large soundstage with very good imaging and detail.
- Produces a harmonically rich presentation that R2R enthusiasts seek.
- The unboxing experience is premium, with a metal certificate of authenticity and a remote control made from solid metal.
Product Considerations
- The high output impedance (1200 ohms on XLR) might cause issues when pairing with amplifiers that have unusually low input impedance.
- Optical and coaxial inputs might not deliver the same performance as USB and I2S inputs.
- It is DAC-only unit, so it does not have preamp functionality or volume control.
- Spiked feet could scratch surfaces.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Denafrips Ares II: The Harmony DAC has more instrument separation and a little bit more detail through USB or I2S.
- Vs Gustard R26: The Harmony DAC is fuller in the bass and lower mid-range with a warmer presentation and wider soundstage through USB or I2S.
- Vs Denafrips Venus II: The Venus sounds bigger with more tangibility to where performers reside and more space between them.
- Vs Denafrips Pontus II: The Harmony DAC shares similarities but is slightly more resolving and realistic.
- Vs SMSL Raw Pro: The Harmony DAC is more enjoyable to listen to overall, although the Raw Pro is more detailed.
- Vs HIFIMAN EF400 and EF500: The Harmony DAC is an upgrade in detail retrieval, staging, and treble quality.
Takeaway: The Harmony DAC stands out with its build, engaging sound, and focus on providing a high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. Its ability to create a large soundstage and deliver rich detail makes it a solid option for audiophiles looking for an immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully detailed sound signature and plenty of clarity create a rediscovering of your music
- Impressive flagship-level hardware delivers flagship-level results due to the ES9038 Pro chip
- The chassis is well-built with a premium feel due to the use of metal and tempered glass
- A low noise floor exists due to the isolation of power, digital, and analog circuitry in separate compartments inside the chassis
- Versatile streaming capabilities are available, including Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready certification
Product Considerations
- The screen is small and may not be useful unless you are sitting right next to the unit
- The tempered glass top is a fingerprint magnet
- Menu navigation is not the most intuitive, and there is a bit of a learning curve
- The touch-sensitive buttons have a short lag before the screen displays the change
- Some reviewers feel it does not support a few streaming services natively
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the McIntosh C2600 II preamp with a built-in DAC, the Matrix offers more clarity and transparency
- Compared to the Matrix Element I, the difference is night and day
Takeaway: The X-Sabre 3 is a well-built DAC streamer that provides detailed and clear sound. It is a versatile device that can enhance the listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wide variety of digital input sources and balanced XLR and RCA analogue outputs
- The MiND 2 streaming platform and app offer a reliable user experience
- Delivers clean and subtle sound with good dynamic performance
Product Considerations
- Lacks a front panel display for detailed information
- Does not have a headphone output
- The remote is limited, requiring the MiND Controller app for full functionality
- There's no USB-A input
- Bluetooth connection may drop out occasionally
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 280D sounds almost identical to Cambridge Audio's Edge NQ
- Compared to Leema's Stream IV, vocals, especially female artists, came through with a luxuriant, more refined sense
- Compared to the Meitner MA-1, the Moon Neo's soundstages were somewhat more broad and deep, and was warmer and richer
Takeaway: The Simaudio Moon 280D is a high-performing streaming DAC that offers a wide range of digital input sources and outputs. The MiND 2 streaming platform and app provide a reliable and enjoyable user experience, making it worth considering for those wanting a DAC with great sound quality.
Video review
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