NEW, Game-Changing DAC Rocks AUDIOPHILE World Forever with Just ONE BUTTON!
United States of Analog | August 16, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
The video reviews the Duke DAC-Q11, a unique digital-to-analog converter that features two different DAC chips (AKM 4493 and ESS 9038-2QM) that can be switched between instantly with a remote control button. The host positions this as a “game-changing” product that allows users to compare different DAC technologies on-the-fly without needing to physically swap components.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- Duke DAC-Q11 (also called Q11 or Q): $160-170 USD, features AKM 4493 and ESS 9038-2QM chips, 12-volt wall wart, 6″x5″x1.75″ dimensions, dual OLED screens, metal case, see-through window with blue/purple internal lighting, two sets of stereo RCA outputs [00:00:22-00:04:28]
- X-Duo DAC/headphone amp: Mentioned as having swappable modules requiring screwdriver, currently being reviewed [00:02:26]
- Jeschelle J2 DAC: Referenced for size comparison, similar dimensions to the Q11 [00:03:43]
- Jeschelle Labs: Mentioned as possible design inspiration for the Q11’s aesthetic [00:04:00]
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- DAC selection is often a trial-and-error process, making the Q11’s dual-chip design valuable for comparison [00:02:03-00:02:15]
- The Q11’s $160-170 price point is excellent for a beginner DAC, especially considering it contains two chips [00:03:07-00:03:16]
- While you can definitely hear DACs you don’t like, distinguishing subtle differences between AKM and ESS chips isn’t always easy [00:01:51-00:02:03]
- The OLED display text could be sharper, though it’s readable from 10-12 feet away for gain settings [00:04:09-00:04:22]
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- The host warns seasoned audiophiles not to dismiss this product, as it may have unexpected uses for them despite being aimed at beginners [00:00:47-00:01:02]
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Opening with a play on the “War” song lyrics: “DAC Wars. What are they good for? Absolutely nothing. I’ll say it again.” [00:00:00-00:00:11]
- “There’s nothing more analog than a pen and paper and a notebook or a workbook as it were” when showing his handwritten notes [00:02:52-00:02:59]
Summary
The video opens with host Bob introducing what he claims is a unique product in the audiophile market: the Duke DAC-Q11, which contains both AKM 4493 and ESS 9038-2QM DAC chips that can be switched between instantly via remote control. He positions this as particularly valuable for new audiophiles who are struggling to understand DAC differences and need a way to directly compare different chip technologies without buying separate units.
Bob acknowledges that while some audiophiles swear by the differences between DAC chips, he personally finds it challenging to definitively say one type sounds better than another, though bad-sounding DACs are immediately recognizable. He sees DAC selection as largely a trial-and-error process, which makes the Q11’s dual-chip design particularly appealing for those starting their “DAC journey.”
At $160-170, Bob considers the Q11 an excellent value proposition for beginners, especially given that it effectively provides two DACs in one compact unit. The device features dual OLED displays, a metal case with a see-through window revealing internal lighting, and dimensions similar to the Jeschelle J2 DAC. While he notes some minor criticisms like the display sharpness, he’s clearly enthusiastic about the concept and hints that even experienced audiophiles might find unexpected uses for this switching capability.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- Q11 DAC (main product being reviewed) [00:05:05]
- AKM DAC chips (specifically 4493 and 4499 models) [00:05:57 – 00:06:02]
- ESS/Saber DAC chips [00:06:24]
- Remote control for the Q11 [00:06:55]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:05:15] The Q11 is “very good for the person starting out” due to the confusing nature of DAC chip choices
- [00:06:06] Host prefers AKM chips and finds them warmer, though admits he can’t adequately describe why
- [00:07:51] Considers the ability to A/B test different DAC chips for “well under $200” to be exciting
- [00:08:13] Acknowledges these aren’t the best DAC chips available, but they are good chips
- [00:08:26] Suggests people who spend more money on DACs may psychologically convince themselves they hear bigger differences
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- [00:05:31] AKM chips are generally considered “punchier” and “warmer” than ESS based on community consensus
- [00:06:24] ESS chips are perceived as having “more detail, more transparency, maybe a little edgier, a little brighter”
- [00:07:22] Emphasizes how difficult normal A/B testing of gear is due to cable swapping and equipment matching issues
- [00:07:36] The remote switching capability makes comparison testing much easier
Price/value assessments
- [00:07:44] The Q11 costs “well under $200”
- [00:08:28] References spending “two ger” (two grand/$2000) on a DAC as an example of expensive gear
Audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content
- [00:08:47] Emphasizes that what your ears tell you is correct for you – if a DAC sounds good to you, that’s what matters
- [00:08:58] Recommends beginning audiophiles get something reasonable for their budget like the Q11
- [00:09:18] Notes that you need to use the remote to switch modes, which makes sense for seated listening
Memorable quotes or strong takes
- [00:08:26] “I guarantee you if I drop two ger on a DAC, I guarantee you I’m going to hear a big difference. You have to. You have to justify your expense.”
- [00:07:09] “Dogs! Let them out! I’m on YouTube here! I’m kind of a big thing!” (after being interrupted by dogs)
- [00:06:35] “Again, those are huge generalizations. And it’s not for me to tell you what you’re hearing. It’s for you to hear it for yourself.”
Summary
This portion focuses on the Q11 DAC’s unique dual-chip design, featuring both AKM 4493 and ESS DAC chips that can be switched between using a remote control. The host explains the general audiophile consensus that AKM chips tend to sound warmer and punchier, while ESS chips are perceived as more detailed and transparent, though he acknowledges these are broad generalizations and admits he can’t fully articulate why he prefers AKM despite claiming to do so.
The standout feature that excites the host is the ability to A/B test different DAC chip sounds instantly from the listening position, eliminating the usual hassles of swapping cables and equipment for comparisons. He sees this as particularly valuable for beginning audiophiles who can experience different DAC characteristics without investing in multiple expensive units. The Q11 accomplishes this for “well under $200,” which he considers excellent value.
The host takes a refreshingly honest approach about audiophile psychology, suggesting that people who spend thousands on DACs may convince themselves they hear bigger differences to justify their expense. He emphasizes that personal preference should trump technical specifications or community opinions – if something sounds good to you, that’s what matters. This practical advice, combined with his recommendation that the Q11 is ideal for newcomers to explore different DAC sounds affordably, positions this segment as both educational and grounded in real-world audiophile experience.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
Gear, Products, and Brands Discussed
- Duke Audio Q11 DAC – Main product being reviewed [00:09:31]
- Macintosh MA252 hybrid amplifier – Connected to channel 2 [00:10:04]
- Black Ice Audio F22 – Connected to channel 1, review coming soon [00:10:11]
- Klipsch Fortes speakers – Described as “fabulous” [00:10:18]
- Zoo Audio speakers – Also described as “fabulous” [00:10:21]
- Heiko Aurora 300 speakers – Budget choice, now sold out [00:10:25]
- Topping monoblocks – New arrivals mentioned [00:12:06]
Host’s Final Verdict or Conclusion
[00:10:02] The host considers the Q11 “Fantastic” for its ability to A/B test two DAC chips and two amplifiers simultaneously from the listening position. [00:11:57] He declares “DAC wars are over” and calls it “A sheer brilliant idea.” [00:13:00] Final assessment: “this is cool” and “it’s cheap, and it’s fun, and it does what it’s supposed to do, and then a little more.”
Final Recommendations
[00:13:11] Clear buy recommendation: “So buy it now and thank me later.” Price point mentioned as $160-$170, available on Duke Knob Sound website and Amazon.
Final Tips, Caveats, or Advice for Viewers
[00:12:16] Important warning about DAC evaluation: “The DAC chip is only part of a DAC” – poor implementation, inferior wiring, bad connectors, or poor analog output stage can deteriorate sound regardless of chip quality. [00:12:36] Advises not to “get so hung up on chips that it drives you crazy.”
How the Video Wrapped Up
Standard channel closing thanking viewers for joining “the United States of analog,” followed by a humorous comment about YouTube’s algorithm knowing viewers will like “at least two or three minutes” of the suggested next video, ending mid-sentence.
Memorable Closing Quotes or Strong Final Opinions
- [00:11:57] “DAC wars are over. A sheer brilliant idea.”
- [00:13:11] “So buy it now and thank me later.”
- [00:12:40] “So don’t get so hung up on chips that it drives you crazy.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host demonstrates the Duke Audio Q11’s unique ability to switch between two different DAC chips (AKM and ESS) while simultaneously A/B testing two different amplifier systems – a Macintosh MA252 and Black Ice Audio F22. He expresses genuine enthusiasm for being able to compare both DACs and amplifiers remotely from his listening position, calling the experience “fantastic” and praising Duke Audio’s innovative design approach.
While offering some constructive criticism about wanting more gain and better display graphics, the host shares his listening observations about how different DAC chips pair with different amplifiers. He notes that the ESS chip balanced well with his “warm” Macintosh amp, while the AKM chip complemented the Black Ice Audio better, emphasizing that it’s all about personal preference and “flavors.”
The video concludes with an important educational moment where the host warns viewers not to become obsessed with DAC chips alone, explaining that implementation, wiring, connectors, and analog stages all matter significantly. He gives the Q11 a strong buy recommendation at $160-170, praising it as cool, cheap, fun, and effective, ending with his signature “buy it now and thank me later” endorsement before transitioning to his standard channel closing.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
