ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !

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avahifi

ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:04 pm »
A Fresh Approach to Reproducing Music -- the Vision of Frank Van Alstine

Presenting the AVA Vision DAC, our new ultra modern and versatile digital to analog converter with unsurpassed musicality.

Ultra modern - - - the AVA Vision DAC is an outstanding implementation of the brand new Wolfson 8742 digital chip set.  After many hours of testing, prototypes, and listening, we are certain that this Wolfson device provides even higher musical quality than their previous 8740 and 8741 versions.  Yes, we built, examined, and prototyped all three versions of the great Wolfson chips here first.  It has been a three year process to bring you the best possible DAC, and we think the results will tell you immediately that it has been worth the wait.

Versatile - - -  the AVA Vision DAC directly accepts 44K, 48K, and 96K bit rates. It can be user adjusted to accept 192K 24bit ultra fast input digital data streams too. Simply moving one internal jumper.

Unsurpassed musicality
- - - we have designed a brand new analog filter and audio output section unlike, and better than, anything done before.  The design has a 2000 volt per microsecond slew rate and less than 0.0003 percent harmonic distortion.  There is no feedback in this circuit at all.  There is no voltage amplification so there is no need for tubes, transistors, or op-amps, and none are used.  These amazing new circuits are based upon an amazing new current amplifier device with a quarter ampere current drive and a standard (resistively set) 560 ohm output impedance.  It will drive any rational load, long cables, and passive controls with ease.

The musical result is outstanding and surprising.  It sounds more musical than our best previous solid state, vacuum tube, and vacuum tube hybrid DAC designs!  It makes them all sound pale and flat in comparison.  We did not expect that. The Vision DAC is so amazingly musical, dynamic, transparent, and easy to listen to long term that we must sadly discontinue our current Ultra, Transcendence Eight, and Insight series DACs.  They can no longer stand up as the best we can do.

Two new models are available.

The basic Vision DAC.  This basic model provides the best possible musicality at the lowest possible price. It has one coax digital input and stereo analog output set, all executed with gold plated RCA jacks.  Any previous AVA DAC, solid state, vacuum tube, or hybrid, can be updated to the basic Vision DAC.

The premium Vision EC DAC.  The Vision EC DAC provides multiple digital inputs.  Two Toslink optical inputs and two RCA Jack coax inputs that are switchable from the front panel.  This allows connection to any available sources, including the optical digital output of your computer at the bit rates mentioned above. Note that a USB input is not provided because high bit rate USB computer output requires software driver programs, and we simply do not want to get into the software support business.  The optical inputs provide the necessary computer interface. Of course, diehards can add a separate USB to optical or USB to coax converter box if they desire (available inexpensively from many sources).

Great Options are available.

The Vision EC DAC is available with Balanced Line Outputs option using XLR connectors. This is a true balanced line connection, using four separate analog filters and audio output circuits internally.

Both the basic Vision DAC and Vision EC DAC are available with a built in extra gain stage option for those using a passive preamp or volume control in their system.  This will provide more gain for making sure your passive preamp system will play as loudly as you could ever want

Upgrades to all existing AVA DAC models to the basic Vision DAC are possible.  This is accomplished by recycling your finished chassis.  Note that recycled chassis will not allow the multiple input and balanced line output options as we had to redesign our DAC chassis to provide these functions that many have requested. You save $250 when we install the complete new Vision DAC circuit set in any existing AVA DAC, solid state, tube, or hybrid, big chassis or small.  Your net cost is $849.

All you need to have astonishing CD musicality is a good-tracking CD or DVD/CD player with a coaxial digital output and the basic new Vision DAC. A single interconnect cable goes from the digital out on your CD or DVD player (bypassing all of its compromised converter and analog circuits) to the digital input on the Vision DAC. Connect the left and right line outputs from the Vision DAC to a set of line inputs on your preamp or receiver and prepare to be amazed.

If your disc player or computer has an optical output, then the multiple input Vision EC DAC is for you.  The Vision EC provides two optical and two coax switchable inputs. Both models are available factory wired only, 17" wide, 12" deep, 3.5" high, 12 pounds.

The Basic Vision DAC is available Right Now.  The price is $1099.00 plus $30 shipping anywhere in the continental USA.  The Vision EC with multiple inputs will be available in about 6 weeks.  The Vision EC price is $1299.  The XLR balanced line output option is $200. The extra gain stage option (available in either version) is $150.

Listen and you will hear.
  We think the Vision DAC, the vision of Frank Van Alstine and friends, dedicated to the most musical audio reproduction possible, has been realized here with the best sound from any digital source you have ever experienced.  Our normal three year parts and labor warranty and 30 day satisfaction guarantee on new equipment applies of course.  Our three year warranty applies to upgrades too, but not the satisfaction guarantee.

Frank Van Alstine

Toka

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Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #1 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:16 pm »
Wowza!  :o This I gotta hear...  :drool:

martyo

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #2 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:23 pm »
People have been asking what I want for Christmas  aa

Big Red Machine

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #3 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:24 pm »
Nice Frank.  Great price and I'm sure a great value.

smargo

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Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #4 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:43 pm »
A Fresh Approach to Reproducing Music -- the Vision of Frank Van Alstine

Presenting the AVA Vision DAC, our new ultra modern and versatile digital to analog converter with unsurpassed musicality.

Ultra modern - - - the AVA Vision DAC is an outstanding implementation of the brand new Wolfson 8742 digital chip set.  After many hours of testing, prototypes, and listening, we are certain that this Wolfson device provides even higher musical quality than their previous 8740 and 8741 versions.  Yes, we built, examined, and prototyped all three versions of the great Wolfson chips here first.  It has been a three year process to bring you the best possible DAC, and we think the results will tell you immediately that it has been worth the wait.

Versatile - - -  the AVA Vision DAC directly accepts 44K, 48K, and 96K bit rates. It can be user adjusted to accept 192K 24bit ultra fast input digital data streams too. Simply moving one internal jumper.

Unsurpassed musicality
- - - we have designed a brand new analog filter and audio output section unlike, and better than, anything done before.  The design has a 2000 volt per microsecond slew rate and less than 0.0003 percent harmonic distortion.  There is no feedback in this circuit at all.  There is no voltage amplification so there is no need for tubes, transistors, or op-amps, and none are used.  These amazing new circuits are based upon an amazing new current amplifier device with a quarter ampere current drive and a standard (resistively set) 560 ohm output impedance.  It will drive any rational load, long cables, and passive controls with ease.

The musical result is outstanding and surprising.  It sounds more musical than our best previous solid state, vacuum tube, and vacuum tube hybrid DAC designs!  It makes them all sound pale and flat in comparison.  We did not expect that. The Vision DAC is so amazingly musical, dynamic, transparent, and easy to listen to long term that we must sadly discontinue our current Ultra, Transcendence Eight, and Insight series DACs.  They can no longer stand up as the best we can do.

Two new models are available.

The basic Vision DAC.  This basic model provides the best possible musicality at the lowest possible price. It has one coax digital input and stereo analog output set, all executed with gold plated RCA jacks.  Any previous AVA DAC, solid state, vacuum tube, or hybrid, can be updated to the basic Vision DAC.

The premium Vision EC DAC.  The Vision EC DAC provides multiple digital inputs.  Two Toslink optical inputs and two RCA Jack coax inputs that are switchable from the front panel.  This allows connection to any available sources, including the optical digital output of your computer at the bit rates mentioned above. Note that a USB input is not provided because high bit rate USB computer output requires software driver programs, and we simply do not want to get into the software support business.  The optical inputs provide the necessary computer interface. Of course, diehards can add a separate USB to optical or USB to coax converter box if they desire (available inexpensively from many sources).

Great Options are available.

The Vision EC DAC is available with Balanced Line Outputs option using XLR connectors. This is a true balanced line connection, using four separate analog filters and audio output circuits internally.

Both the basic Vision DAC and Vision EC DAC are available with a built in extra gain stage option for those using a passive preamp or volume control in their system.  This will provide more gain for making sure your passive preamp system will play as loudly as you could ever want

Upgrades to all existing AVA DAC models to the basic Vision DAC are possible.  This is accomplished by recycling your finished chassis.  Note that recycled chassis will not allow the multiple input and balanced line output options as we had to redesign our DAC chassis to provide these functions that many have requested. You save $250 when we install the complete new Vision DAC circuit set in any existing AVA DAC, solid state, tube, or hybrid, big chassis or small.  Your net cost is $849.

All you need to have astonishing CD musicality is a good-tracking CD or DVD/CD player with a coaxial digital output and the basic new Vision DAC. A single interconnect cable goes from the digital out on your CD or DVD player (bypassing all of its compromised converter and analog circuits) to the digital input on the Vision DAC. Connect the left and right line outputs from the Vision DAC to a set of line inputs on your preamp or receiver and prepare to be amazed.

If your disc player or computer has an optical output, then the multiple input Vision EC DAC is for you.  The Vision EC provides two optical and two coax switchable inputs. Both models are available factory wired only, 17" wide, 12" deep, 3.5" high, 12 pounds.

The Basic Vision DAC is available Right Now.  The price is $1099.00 plus $30 shipping anywhere in the continental USA.  The Vision EC with multiple inputs will be available in about 6 weeks.  The Vision EC price is $1299.  The XLR balanced line output option is $200. The extra gain stage option (available in either version) is $150.

Listen and you will hear.
  We think the Vision DAC, the vision of Frank Van Alstine and friends, dedicated to the most musical audio reproduction possible, has been realized here with the best sound from any digital source you have ever experienced.  Our normal three year parts and labor warranty and 30 day satisfaction guarantee on new equipment applies of course.  Our three year warranty applies to upgrades too, but not the satisfaction guarantee.

Frank Van Alstine

How do I go about ordering one - so i will get it before christmas day

thanks
smargo

avahifi

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #5 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:54 pm »
SMARGO,  call me right now at 651-330-9871 with your MC or Visa info and I will get a new basic Vision DAC built for you and shipped UPS 2 Day on Monday.

The shipping will be more than our standard $30 for the fast delivery service, but probably less than $75.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

oneinthepipe

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Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #6 on: 18 Dec 2009, 04:55 pm »
Nice, Frank!

Great name, too!

I think that I have an Insight DAC that will benefit from an upgrade.

Jon L

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #7 on: 18 Dec 2009, 05:02 pm »
the AVA Vision DAC directly accepts 44K, 48K, and 96K bit rates. It can be user adjusted to accept 192K 24bit ultra fast input digital data streams too. Simply moving one internal jumper.

 The Vision EC DAC provides multiple digital inputs.  Two Toslink optical inputs and two RCA Jack coax inputs that are switchable from the front panel. 

Nice job!

What about 88.2 and 176.2 kHz digital signals? 

Also, does that mean even the basic version will sound the same as EC version if using RCA output and using same coax digital input?  In fact, without the need for digital input switching circuitry, the basic version may even have a simpler path?   :thumb:

avahifi

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #8 on: 18 Dec 2009, 05:07 pm »
It should work on 88K and 176K too, but has not been tested on that.

Frank

avahifi

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #9 on: 18 Dec 2009, 05:10 pm »
Both the basic Vision and Vision EC sound the same.

The signal path is not more complex on the EC, the input switching functions are done with logic circuits built into the DAC board itself.  The external switch just tells the logic which of the four built in inputs to select.

The only circuits that necessarily are more complex are the separate optical acceptor circuits combined with the toslink jacks themselves at the back panel. This would be true of any optical input DAC circuit.  You have to get the optical signal back to electical somewhere.

Frank


roscoeiii

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #10 on: 18 Dec 2009, 06:03 pm »
You mentioned the possibility of a gain stage. What is the voltage output of the standard vision, and what would the output voltage be of the upgraded one?

Look forward to learning more about this DAC, and seeing some of the reviews. Saving up for a shiny new DAC, but still a little ways off...


coke

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #11 on: 18 Dec 2009, 06:35 pm »
Just what I need to complete my 2 channel system.  I'll be ordering one soon.

charmerci

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #12 on: 18 Dec 2009, 06:52 pm »
The design has a 2000 volt per microsecond slew rate and less than 0.0003 percent harmonic distortion.

You sold me on that very low HD!  :lol:

srb

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #13 on: 18 Dec 2009, 06:56 pm »
For me it was the fast slew rate.
 
Steve

mathgeek97

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #14 on: 18 Dec 2009, 06:58 pm »
It can be user adjusted to accept 192K 24bit ultra fast input digital data streams too. Simply moving one internal jumper.

Frank,
Care to eloborate on this point?  Would I have a choice of either 192/24 OR the lower rates based on the internal jumper setting (but not all settings available at once)?

Wayner

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #15 on: 18 Dec 2009, 07:33 pm »
Rather then a jumper, how about a switch in the back for the high-rez folks?

Wayner

ArthurDent

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Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #16 on: 18 Dec 2009, 07:47 pm »

Great job Frank & Co.   :thumb:  When work picks back up will have to check out an EC. Eliminates the need for the Inday box. One less piece in the chain, and one less remote to lose track of.  :D

Keep up the good work, and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year/Happy Holidays to all   :thumb:   :xmas:   :beer:

avahifi

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #17 on: 18 Dec 2009, 07:51 pm »
The voltage out standard is about 2V peak to peak with all bits turned on.  The optional gain stage can be set about anywhere, but we suggest a gain of 5 would be about right to allow plenty of level with a passive volume control even into inefficient speakers and a low gain power amp.

Regarding the high bit rate jumper.  To effect this, one must first turn the AC power off, then install the jumper, and then turn it back on again.  A bit much to ask for a simple external switch to do.  It is an either/or configuration.  Either up to 96K standard, or high bit rate, but not both at the same time.  If all at the same time was feasable, we would not need the jumper.

By the way two units sold this morning herein.  One new unit and one Insight SL preamp upgrade.  :)

I can still build another one for Christmas delivery if I receive your order today.

Regards,

Frank

pardales

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #18 on: 18 Dec 2009, 07:55 pm »
WOW!!! Makes the Insight+ DAC sound "pale and flat" in comparison?! My goodness I am going to have to hear this.

 :green: :thumb: :drool:
« Last Edit: 28 Dec 2009, 07:31 am by pardales »

srb

Re: ANNOUNCING THE NEW AVA VISION DAC ! ! !
« Reply #19 on: 18 Dec 2009, 07:56 pm »
When work picks back up will have to check out an EC. Eliminates the need for the Inday box. One less piece in the chain, and one less remote to lose track of.

If I understand correctly, the input selection will be by front panel switch and not by remote control.
 
Steve