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.
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 V
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions: 250mm x 440mm x 400mm (H x W x D)
- Weight: 23kg
- Max Power Consumption: 200W
- Output Noise, Unweighted: < 0.5mVrms
- Output Impedance: <100 Ohms
Description
Similar to the DAC III Balanced & the DAC IV, DAC V is Signal Output Transformer (OPT) de-coupled yet is amplified by Directly Heated Triodes and powered by Directly Heated Valve Rectified Quasi Dual Mono Power Supply. Signal Output Transformer (OPT) de-coupling of the Directly Heated Valve Output Stage is the closest approximation to a truly "invisibly" sounding DAC.
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
$500
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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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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SW1X
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What if you spend more?
Denafrips
Enyo 15th
699
699
/
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.
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Product Strengths
- Constructed from thick aluminum, making it substantial and incredibly solid
- Buttons have a strong tactile feel, are firm and responsive
- Delivers bass with remarkable extension and control
- Creates a wide and spacious soundstage, extending well beyond the boundaries of the speakers
- Presents music with a sense of warmth, texture and realism that's incredibly engaging
Product Considerations
- Bass is not as clean as some other gear, though some may like it that way
Takeaway: The ENEO offers a natural and musical sound, making it a special listening experience. It connects you with the music on an emotional level and is worth the price.
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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