Description
Ideon Audio Absolute DAC – State-of-the-Art Digital Conversion
The Ideon Audio Absolute DAC sets a new benchmark in digital-to-analog conversion, delivering an uncompromising listening experience. Engineered with proprietary in-house technologies and modular design, the Absolute DAC integrates cutting-edge innovations that make it one of the most advanced digital playback systems available today.
Unmatched Digital Precision
At the core of the Absolute DAC is the ESS ES9038PRO 32-bit, 8-channel DAC, renowned for its industry-leading dynamic range of up to 140 dB. The DAC is supported by custom-designed firmware and advanced digital filters, ensuring every detail of the audio signal is preserved with absolute clarity. Ideon’s proprietary Triple Distillation USB input effectively eliminates digital noise, offering a pristine signal path that enhances both micro and macro dynamics.
Revolutionary Power Supply and Analog Stage
The Absolute DAC features a 17-stage ultra-low noise power reservoir, utilizing 17 state-of-the-art regulators and over 80 audio-grade capacitors. This extensive power architecture provides stable, clean, and abundant power, ensuring unparalleled signal integrity. The upgraded analog stage introduces symmetrical, ultra-low noise power supplies, which contribute to a highly dynamic sound with remarkable tonal purity.
Precision Clocks and Noise Elimination
To maintain phase accuracy and reduce jitter, the Absolute DAC is equipped with three ultra-low jitter femto clocks, each with its own dedicated power supply. These clocks ensure that the signal remains phase-accurate throughout the conversion process, creating an expansive soundstage and exceptional timing. Additionally, the DAC features active bridges and proprietary noise elimination technologies that further elevate the signal’s purity.
Modular and Future-Proof Design
The Absolute DAC is built with future-proofing in mind, featuring a modular construction that allows for easy upgrades as new technologies emerge. Its single-block, CNC-milled aluminum chassis ensures a rigid, vibration-free environment for the sensitive electronics housed within, enhancing both durability and sound quality.
Conclusion: Redefining Audiophile Excellence
The Ideon Audio Absolute DAC is more than just a high-end converter—it is a gateway to a lifelike musical experience. With its revolutionary technologies, exceptional attention to detail, and future-proof design, the Absolute DAC offers audiophiles an top-teir level of performance and precision. Whether you’re listening to classical compositions or high-energy performances, the Absolute DAC transports you to the heart of the music.
About Ideon
Ideon Audio is a Greek-based high-end audio company known for its exceptional digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and digital sources. The company has gained a strong reputation for its innovative approach to digital audio, offering a range of products that cater to both audiophiles and professional users.
One of Ideon Audio’s most acclaimed products is the Absolute Epsilon DAC, which is the centerpiece of their Absolute Digital Suite that also includes the Absolute Stream and Absolute Time Master Clock. The Absolute DAC uses proprietary technology, including custom-designed USB inputs and power supplies, and features multiple low-noise power regulation stages, all of which work together to provide highly detailed and dynamic sound reproduction. With its focus on phase fidelity and jitter reduction, the Absolute DAC delivers lifelike detail, excellent transient response, and a punchy, dynamic soundstage.
The Absolute Stream and Absolute Time further enhance the DAC’s performance by isolating noise and reclocking the signal, ensuring a cleaner, more accurate digital signal transmission. This combination makes the Ideon system particularly adept at producing powerful bass and vivid, forward vocals, creating a sense of immediacy and presence in the music. Audiophiles have praised the system for its ability to reveal fine details, especially in complex and fast-paced tracks.
For those seeking a more accessible option, the Ideon EOS DAC offers a similar focus on clarity and speed, albeit at a lower price point. It has been noted for its ability to deliver high-resolution, energy-rich sound, making it suitable for listeners who appreciate both detail and dynamics across a variety of musical genres.
Ideon Audio’s products stand out for their craftsmanship and sonic transparency, appealing to enthusiasts who seek the very best in digital audio performance.
Reviews
Alan Sircom – Hi-Fi Plus (July 2023)
“It’s also exceptionally dynamic; ‘Laterus’ by Tool (from the album of the same name) had all the explosive power you expect from the band and more dynamic range than I’ve normally experienced from streaming. I realised that, if anything, I had understated the performance of the DAC.”
Read full review…
Alan Sircom – Hi-Fi Plus (May 2022)
There are lots of different interpretations of how digital audio is supposed to sound but Ideon makes it sound like real music. This really is one of the best DACs in the world right now.
Read full review…
Convince Me Audio – YouTube (2024)
“A paradigm shift, merging the two channel world with the summit tier hi-fi headphone space.”
Watch full review…
Greg Weaver – The Audio Analyst (June 2023)
“I can’t lie…from the moment I heard the Ideon Absolute suite of digital components, the Absolute Stream, under consideration here, the Absolute Time , and the Absolute Epsilon DAC at their US introduction, I was completely unprepared for, and swept away by what I heard.”
Read full review…
Greg Weaver – Part Time Audio (March 2024)
“I find the Ideon Absolute sound to be more than merely exceptionally accomplished, offering corporal dimensionality, united with expressly articulate, and wildly dynamic performance. Fueled by its embarrassment of strengths, it offers the ability to render digital source files of all nature with the most authentically musical voice I’ve yet experienced. While I realize that the combined asking price of these exceptional components will place this magnificent music-making system well beyond the reach of most music-loving audiophiles, when compared to other highly-regarded suites from many more well-established, more often spoken about, and more costly contemporary contenders, as well as resetting the sonic bar against that competition, it also represents an unqualified bargain!”
Read full review…
Wolfgang Kemper – Hi-Fi Statement (December 2022)
“The Ideon Audio Absolute Epsilon is a dream of musicality: sensitive, captivatingly dynamic, honest, authentically structured, full of splendor of tonal colors and fantastically nuanced.”
Read full review…
Robert Harley – The Absolute Sound (June 2022)
“If you are in the market for a top-quality digital front-end, the Ideon Absolute Epsilon DAC, Absolute Stream server, and Absolute Time clock should be on your short list of products to audition.”
Read full review…
Andrew Quint – The Absolute Sound (June 2021)
“This is a world-class digital-to-analog converter, and even something of a bargain compared to its most elite competitors. There may be no sunroof or heated front seats, but Ideon’s Absolute DAC is a no-compromise piece of audio gear. In a good way, which is why I’m buying one.”
Read full review…
Mats Meyer-Lie – Test! Hi-Fi (2022)
“Probably the best beer in the world! Has long since been the tounge-incheek slogan for beer maker Carlsberg. As for the Greek digital specialist Ideon, no such false humbleness is in place. Not when it comes to Absolute Ɛ, which they state as the best sounding DAC in the world.”
Read full review…
David W. Robinson – Positive Feedback (December 2022)
“For now, though, I can confidently award The Absolute DAC itself with one of my Brutus Awards for 2020. Truly delightful, this one….”
Read full review…