ANK DAC 5.1x Signature Edition – Handcrafted Reference DAC

The ANK DAC 5.1x Signature is a statement in digital audio design, handcrafted in limited production to deliver the highest levels of resolution, soundstage, and musicality. Each unit is meticulously assembled and tested one at a time, ensuring exceptional build quality and a truly analog-like digital playback experience.

Building on the strengths of the acclaimed DAC 4.1 series, the DAC 5.1x Signature elevates every stage — from the power supply and I/V transformers to the line stage and output section — with premium Audio Note components, precision engineering, and robust design.

Experience the Sound

The DAC 5.1x Signature brings digital music to life with the warmth, depth, and dimensionality of a high-end phono stage. Expect natural tonal balance, a vast soundstage, and delicate resolution that reveals every nuance of your recordings. Designed for the finest audiophile systems, it offers a level of refinement few DACs can match.

Specifications

Output tubes: 12AU7 & ECC99*
Rectifier tube: 5U4G / WE 274B
Inputs (2 selectable):
- 75Ω RCA (S/PDIF)
- 110Ω AES/EBU (XLR) S/PDIF
- USB (optional board)
Outputs: Single-ended RCA & balanced XLR
Output level: 2.0V RMS
Output impedance: 13Ω
Dimensions: 38.1 × 14.6 × 40.6 cm (W × H × D)
Weight: 14 kg
Chassis: 3mm black powder-coated aluminum
*Tube rolling guide available for ECC99 position

Parts Complement & Highlights

Dual mains transformers (HV & filament)
3 wide-band chokes
2 × Triple C-Core CC-410 output transformers (lugged, upgradeable with high-end silver wire)
2 × 40mm large-can I/V transformers
Dual toroidal digital transformer
Signature Digital PCB (pre-assembled) with Audio Note tantalum resistors and Charcroft PF caps
Audio Note Tantalum 1W resistors
Audio Note copper 0.22µF / 600V film capacitors
Elna Cerafine bypass capacitors (gain stage)
PTFE silver-plated hookup wire
Audio Note silver RCA connectors
Super regulation for digital circuitry
Analog output board with 12AU7 & ECC99 tubes
SPDIF / AES switchable (USB optional)
Sturdy PCBs with 2oz copper trace, heavy grounding, and HT traces

Upgrade & Modification Paths

The DAC 5.1x Signature is already a world-class digital-to-analog converter, but A.L.A Audio also offers custom modification paths for those seeking the absolute edge in performance:

Option 1: Upgraded coupling capacitors and output transformers (Quad Core upgrade + Duelund copper foil caps)
Option 2: Advanced parts upgrades – please contact us for details
Option 3: Full bespoke modification package – contact us to discuss tailored enhancements. At A.L.A Audio, we have built a number of fully customised, cost-no-object builds for our customers and can provide images and detailed specifications to showcase what’s possible at the ultimate level.

📌 Built by A.L.A Audio, the official builder and distributor of ANK Kits in Australia.
📌 Each DAC 5.1x Signature is fully assembled, tested, and ready to perform in the most demanding high-end audio systems.

Please allow 2-3 weeks to assemble and test.