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
- Enthusiastic, transparent, and lively sound with a rare purity
- Communicative and free-flowing midrange, a trademark of tube deployment, without sounding slow or undynamic
- Good levels of detail are retrieved
- Accurate and fast bass
Product Considerations
- Does not paint as wide and intricate a soundstage as top-tier DACs, packing individual sounds more closely together
- Focuses on the overall performance rather than individual strands, potentially lacking nuance and refinement for critical audiophiles
- May be a little too lively and enthusiastic when combined with already lively equipment
- Passive version bass is less nimble and precise than the active counterpart
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bricasti M1: The DAC 1 is more outgoing and lively, while the M1 is more soft-spoken, warmer, richer in the midrange and airier
- The active version is more controlled overall, more precise in the bass, and more 'immediate'—with faster transients and more attack—while the passive version is more freely enthusiastic
Takeaway: The DAC 1 is a breath of fresh air, with a lively sound that is easy to like. It delivers engaging sound and retrieves good levels of detail, making it a great addition to a system needing more energy.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
DAC I
reviews
[{"title":"SW1X DAC 1","link":"https://www.hifi-advice.com/blog/review/digital-reviews/spdif-dac-reviews/sw1x-dac-1","source":"Hifi-Advice","datePublished":"2017"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions: 130mm (H) x 335mm (W) x 400mm (D)
- Weight: 10.3kg
- Max Power Consumption: 15W
- Output Noise, Unweighted: < 0.5mVrms
- Output Impedance: <1k Ohms
- Maximum Input Resolution: 24Bit/96kHz
Description
With an elegantly simple design, SW1X DAC I is one of the most musical and purist NOS R2R DAC ever made. This is the best high-end entry level solution to a musical, organic & analogue sounding digital setup- just add an analogue sounding digital transport and re-experience your collection of music.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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:
- SW1X uses classic circuit designs, often inspired by Kondo and Audio Note UK, reimagined with modern enhancements and a focus on harmonically matched components.
- A key element is the use of non-oversampling (NOS) DACs and a lack of digital filters, aiming to eliminate digital artifacts and achieve a more analog-like sound reproduction.
- SW1X offers a wide range of models and versions within each product line, allowing customers to tailor the sound to their specific tastes and system synergy through component and material choices, such as copper or silver wiring and different capacitor types.
Select products
Select product comparisons
SW1X DAC I Special 2
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a pure NOS R2R design, providing a musical and organic sound that is rare in its price range. It features a simple yet effective valve amplification topology. Compared to higher models like the DAC II, it lacks the more advanced power supply and output stage configurations, making it suitable for smaller setups and those with a limited budget.
SW1X DAC II Balanced Special
- Positioning: Mid-range model with enhanced features for balanced audio output.
- Description: Combines the digital side of the DAC II with the power tube output stage of the DAC IV, offering a dynamic and engaging sound. It features a balanced signal output transformer and active I/V conversion, providing a more refined audio experience than the DAC I.
SW1X DAC III VSB
- Positioning: Mid to high-end model with USB connectivity for versatile use.
- Description: Integrates a USB interface, making it versatile for modern digital setups. It offers a pure NOS design with a valve output stage, providing a rich and detailed sound. Compared to the DAC II, it includes larger power supplies and a more robust output stage.
SW1X DAC IV
- Positioning: High-end model with advanced power supply and output stage.
- Description: Features directly heated diodes and a power valve output stage, offering a mature and large-scale sonic presentation. It surpasses the DAC III in dynamic range and musical refinement.
SW1X DAC X
- Positioning: Flagship model, representing the pinnacle of SW1X engineering.
- Description: The ultimate endgame DAC, combining technologies from the entire SW1X lineup into one chassis. It features a non-oversampling R2R design with a directly heated power triode valve output stage, delivering a musical and natural sound.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
5
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
302
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
46
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
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Used
SW1X
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What if you spend more?
SW1X
DAC III
9175
9175
/
1
Reviews
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- A 'stupendous piece of gear' that invites the user to listen differently from the rest.
- Exceptionally well-designed and well-built.
- The circuits are unusual.
- Features an all-tube, no oversampling, no filtering design.
- Voices were floating around the listening room—musical instruments could easily be discerned.
Product Considerations
- Not for digital purists seeking modern digital brickwall filters and megahertz FPGA oversampling technologies.
- A single input DAC with two possible interfaces.
- USB and SPDIF cables must be swapped manually.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs PS Audio Directstream DAC—not even close.
Takeaway: The SW1X DAC III is a well-designed and built piece of gear that invites the user to listen to music differently. It offers an organic and realistic sound, making it a worthwhile option for those seeking a unique listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Product Page
Product Page
Denafrips
Terminator Plus 15th
7609
7609
/
1
Reviews
Denafrips is at the forefront of the modern R-2R DAC movement, producing DACs with a smooth, rich tonal quality that prioritizes organic sound reproduction over analytical detail. Denafrips products deliver ultra-low noise and distortion, competing with ultra-high-end DACs at a fraction of the cost. Often compared to Holo Audio, Denafrips shares a similar philosophy and price-to-performance ratio. They're known for using hand-picked resistors and oven-controlled crystal oscillators, which creates a more natural, analog-like sound compared to traditional DAC chips.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Top-notch build quality and impressive part selection.
- Noise and distortion-free performance with a black background.
- Holographic, open, and wide soundstage with impressive depth, layering, and imaging.
- Full-bodied, organic, and natural sound with a warmer tonality.
- Covers the frequency response in full, without roll-offs.
Product Considerations
- Only a DAC—lacking preamp functionalities or a remote control.
- Not the most detailed sounding unit in its stock form.
- Not the fastest sounding unit in its stock form.
- Denafrips GAIA is a must-have upgrade to squeeze the absolute best out of it.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Terminator Plus terminates other R-2R dacs like Denafrips Venus, Audio-gd R7 and Musician Aquarius.
- Terminator Plus delivers a clearer, punchier, and faster overall performance than Matrix Audio Element X and Gustard X26 PRO.
- Terminator Plus was just by a hair smoother and considerably more impactful than Gold Note DS-10 Plus.
- Terminator Plus added a much-needed weight and punch in the lowest octaves compared to Denafrips Venus or Ares.
- Terminator Plus was adding a lot more meat on their bones than SMSL DO200 and Gustard X18.
Takeaway: The Denafrips Terminator Plus is an impressively built DAC that offers an emotional and engaging listening experience with its open soundstage and natural sound, making it easy to enjoy your music. It brings a level of realism and impact that can make your system sound its best.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denafrips is at the forefront of the modern R-2R DAC movement, producing DACs with a smooth, rich tonal quality that prioritizes organic sound reproduction over analytical detail. Denafrips products deliver ultra-low noise and distortion, competing with ultra-high-end DACs at a fraction of the cost. Often compared to Holo Audio, Denafrips shares a similar philosophy and price-to-performance ratio. They're known for using hand-picked resistors and oven-controlled crystal oscillators, which creates a more natural, analog-like sound compared to traditional DAC chips.
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What competes at this price?
Laiv
Harmony DAC
2700
/
Released
2023
We're pushing the technology and design limits to bring you outstanding audio experiences. Meet our newest creation: the Precision Crafted DAC. With cutting-edge machining techniques, like CNC (Computer Numerical Control), our DAC raises the bar for audio quality, style, and toughness.
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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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
Laiv offers stunningly built hifi products at prices almost as attractive as the products themselves. Their Harmony and uDAC R2R DACs feature discrete R2R digital to analog converters with the option to run NOS (Non-Oversampling). And their HP2A amplifier is one of if not perhaps the most powerful commercially available headphone amplifier, delivering over 60 volts of output, and over 25 watts into 32 Ohms as tested by Cameron.
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Sonnet
Morpheus
3237
/
Released
2021
The Sonnet range will gives you more weight, body, tonal richness, and a more natural sense of the space of the recording. Or to put it more plainly, it fleshes out your music more! This new range does a wonderful job of presenting even the most complex music in a natural and inviting manner with every last ounce of nuance in tact.
Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Musical and natural sound, avoiding harshness or fatigue
- High linearity and a realistic 24-bit dynamic range
- Bit-perfect volume control by varying reference voltage directly from the DAC chips
- Roon Ready, easy to set up and use
Product Considerations
- Does not support DSD playback
- The I2S input uses an RJ45 connector, not the more common HDMI, limiting cable compatibility
- Some reviewers would like a sample rate/bit depth display on the front panel
- Direct-to-amp usage might not sound as good as using a separate preamplifier, depending on the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Morpheus offers performance equal to Metrum Acoustics Adagio/Pavane without the heavy casing
- Morpheus is better than Metrum Acoustics Onyx or Jade, with more options, expansions, and better build
- Morpheus offers greater apparent resolution and a broader dynamic range than Totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer
- Morpheus is better than Denafrips Pontus with soundstage, timbre, tones, and attack, and no listening fatigue on the Sonnet
- Hermes and I2S was simply much better in every way than Primare Prisma NP5 Network Player, where music sounded paler, softer, and less exciting
Takeaway: The Morpheus DAC is a great option for audiophiles seeking accurate, natural, and musically pleasing sound. Sonnet designs deliver high quality sound and could convert even the most stubborn digital skeptics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sonnet Audio is known for their unique R-2R ladder DAC design that splits 24-bit signals into two 12-bit streams processed by separate resistor networks, and their DACs feature volume control through reference voltage adjustment rather than digital potentiometers. Their products, including the Morpheus and Pasithea DACs, use a modular design with upgradeable components and emphasize non-oversampling techniques for natural sound reproduction.
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Linear Tube Audio
Aero
3950
/
Released
2024
The Aero is LTA's first digital-to-analog converter, and the world's only DAC using ZOTL technology. After two years of development, dozens of versions and prototypes, and hours of listening tests, the result delivers crystalline realism, organic timbre, and encompassing soundstage.
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Natural and engaging sound, praised for its 'non-digital digital sound' and ability to connect the listener to the music's emotive power
- Richness and fullness to the sound, achieving a balance between not being overly warm or rich nor clinical or sterile, offering a natural tonality
- Wide and deep soundstage with precise instrument placement, creating spatial dimensions comparable to higher-priced DACs
- Dynamically lively and snappy, handling complex musical passages without sounding overwhelmed
- High-quality internal parts, robust build quality, and elegant appearance
Product Considerations
- Lacks some of the detail retrieval and resolution compared to other DACs, meaning it may not deliver the same level of micro-textures
- PCM only up to 192k sampling rate, so there is no DSD support
- Some reviewers wished for I squared S and also AESEBU, the XLR input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mola Mola Tembaki, the Tembaki gave more high-frequency air, clarity and better portrayed the acoustics of the recording venue, but the Aero sounded more humid, with more weight and richness
- Vs Border Patrol DAC, the Aero is more transparent and pure
- Vs Laiv Harmony DAC, the Aero slots in between with a more pleasing and engaging balance between color and resolution
Takeaway: The Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC offers a natural, engaging, and enjoyable listening experience with great soundstage. It brings musical enjoyment for those who prioritize tonality and timbrel accuracy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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