OK, so we impressed quite a few people with the First DAC from FEZZ AUDIO. It is good,, very good.
A Vacuum Tube D/A Converter , the Fezz Equinox, single tube and single ended outputs the first of its kind in the world, empowered by Lampizator.
Now Prestige is the word this year from FEZZ and it's the step up into something even better with the Prestige version of their range.
The Fezz Equinox Prestige is the world’s only Lampizator-licensed vacuum tube D/A converter designed by Łukasz Fikus running two tubes and single ended and proper balanced XLR Output, not a pseudo XLR type.
The unit is based on PCM1794 chipset and a two 12AU7 vacuum tubes. Fezz/Toroidy engineers designed a dedicated, highest quality Supreme class toroidal power transformer for the Equinox Prestige power
supply. The device is equipped with 2 Toslink, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB digital signal input. Additionally, it features balanced XLR outputs, which are designed to deliver pristine audio quality with excellent noise rejection. These outputs are ideal for connecting to high-end audio systems and professional
equipment, ensuring that your sound remains pure and interference-free. Thanks to the easily accessible tube, located under the sliding plexiglass on the top panel, the unit offers the opportunity to create and adjust the sound tone according to your preferences by replacing the tube without any hassle.
Why buy this Prestige version when the other is simply so good?
For some like me, i like balanced but is it a make or break on a install , well sometimes it is a yes due to connectivity. Balanced circuitry is complicated to build and straight out it costs a lot more especially if you want to do it right.
If you need XLR output, getting around it by having to revert to adapters and cannon plugs is not the most ideal in an audiophiles world and it is also then not balanced, it simply connects, it works fine but could it be the best sound possible, possibly not.
So how does it perform: I found the gain level just a little less than its single tube sibling.
Ultimately it comes down to sound and this is where, if you had the extra $1750 to spend and your rig deserved it, the answer could well be a simple black and white decision after just one track is played and for us, that was just using the RCA on the A/B comparison. Of course we did more,, and now well run the machine in for more than an hour, how much better will it get?
Taking nothing away for the single tubed machine as it really is quite a stunning performer that shines above its many competitors. The Prestige however is a bit of a , WOW!
How much better again could it be in your balanced rig, I know how it is in mine.
All you need to do is book an audition with one of our dealers in October and experience the Equinox Prestige. If you are after a serious high end DAC to satisfy your musical enjoyment and still come away with some savings over the established,,, just have a listen, book and audition and if you need more information we are pleased to assist.
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