IDEON Audio IΩN+ DAC and Pre Amplifier User Guide
- June 10, 2024
- IDEON Audio
Table of Contents
IDEON Audio IΩN+ DAC and Pre Amplifier
Thank you for purchasing the Ideon Audio IΩN digital to analog processor with
an optional pre-amp section. (ION: the Greek omega Ω is pronounced like an O).
The IΩN is a fully balanced device, precision crafted and meticulously
assembled. The Ideon Audio IΩN DAC, with optional analog preamplifier
utilizing trickle-down technologies and R&D gained, from our extensive work
with our flagship IΩN Epsilon DAC. Most of the Epsilon DAC’s innovations and
designs are found in the IΩN in its own scale. As with all Ideon components,
the IΩN DAC is a fully proprietary design, with audio technologies developed
in-house. A bespoke handcrafted product housing an innovative combination of
high-performance design features and best-of-breed quality components DAC
Connecting the IΩN
Please complete all necessary connections (see pics below) before connecting the power chord to the mains. Inputs (analog in and digital in) and outputs (DAC and pre out) are horizontally placed, left & right channel as they appear and marked on the back plate. Once completed, connect to the mains and switch the device to stand-by mode pressing the main on-off switch in the back.
Back panel
Power On
To power on the device, either press the control knob once, or press “Power”
on the remote control (available only for the IΩN+ Pre-Amp version).
Operating the IΩN
IΩN+ Pre-Amp version
Switch on, and you are ready to connect to a power-amp. When you power on your
IΩN+, defaults to volume control, and you can control the output level by
turning the knob or by pressing the vol arrows on the remote. The output is
fixed on the DAC only IΩN – or if you are operating your DAC/Pre in DAC mode
only. Power off your IΩN by pressing power on the remote or keeping the knob
pressed for more than 6 seconds. © Ideon Audio – IΩN DAC & IΩN + (Pre-Amp)
manual Due to continuous research, Ideon Audio reserves the right to change
specifications without notice.
- On the analog input section, you will find 2 line inputs for connecting any other device you desire.
- To use the DAC, you will also find 3 digital inputs to connect any digital players you wish.
Front Display (Main Screen)
The first screen displays:
- The current input (upper left)
- The decoding format (upper right)
- The sampling rate (when there is a signal – otherwise IDLE will appear)
- The Active filter (below the sampling rate)
- Volume level in dB (from -115 to +15 dB) and graphically as a bar at the bottom of the screenThe IΩN preamplifier is a fully balanced analog design.
By turning the knob left or right you will be able to select between line Input1 and Input2 and/or USB, COAX or BNC digital inputs of the DAC.
- Input1 & Input2: connect CD player, Tun-er, Phono Stage, etc.
- USB, COAX & BNC: connect Music Server, Streamer, CD transports, etc.
Pressing on the knob or pressing “select” on the remote activates the device functionalities. Typically, this will take you from volume (the default), to inputs, to digital filter choice, and back to volume. After any selection or even without it, the function returns to default i.e. volume control. The active functionality is highlighted in red. Clicking again locks that functionality – alternatively waiting for 6 secs achieves the same result. Following selection, the colour will revert to white.
DAC SECTION
(for IΩN DAC-only device or DAC-section on the DAC & Pre-Amp device) Use the multi-function knob as explained below. Power off your IΩN by pressing power on the remote or keeping the knob pressed for more than 6 seconds.
Multi-function knob
- On-off switch
- Volume output level
- Input, Filter & Settings selector
Standby
For standby mode switch on the device from its IEC switch at the back plate.
Power On
Pressing on the knob once switches the device on. You can power on the device
from the remote (available with the DAC/Pre version IΩN+).
Power Off
Pressing the knob continuously for 7 seconds or more switches the devices off.
The power button of the remote can also power off the IΩN.
Menu/Settings Selection
Pressing on the knob for 2-3 secs and releasing it, takes you to the next
screen/menu. You can navigate between options with the rotary function of the
knob. You select your choice by clicking once; the selection is stored, and
you are taken to the next menu function. Click-ing on an item confirms your
choice and takes you to the next item. The system saves the last selected
settings. This function can be also performed with the remote control using
the arrows and the select button.
Input Settings Screen
This screen displays filtering and processing parameters for the chosen input
(which appears as a heading). Active functions are highlighted in red. Turning
the knob allows to navigate between the options of that function. Clicking on
the knob confirms the selec-tion and takes you to the next function. If you do
not want to change anything you can simply click once again and move on to the
next item on the menu.
If you wish to return to the main screen, simply go to “Back to the Main Screen” and turn the knob.
Filter : in many files there is little real musical content above 25-30kHz the rest being noise. The filters address this issue especially for high resolution files. Landing on the filter highlights it in red and opens the selection. Turning the knob takes you through the seven (7) preset filter choices. These are,
- Fast roll-off, minimum phase.
- Slow roll-off minimum phase.
- Fast roll-off linear phase.
- Slow roll-off linear phase.
- Brick wall.
- Hybrid, fast roll-off minimum phase.
- Apodizing, fast roll-off minimum phase
Clicking on your selection confirms your choice and takes you to the next function. We recommend you start experimenting with these after the first 3-4 weeks of operation.
- IIR (infinite impulse response) : set at 47.44kHz for PCM it is user selectable for DSD (50-60-70kHz)
- Lock speed : this function sets the number of audio samples that are required from the incoming signal before the DPLL and jitter eliminator lock onto it. The default value is 16384. On the rare occasion where there is no lock turn to the other values, preferably in de-scending order 8192, 4092, 2048, 1024.
- De-emphasis : a filter that attenuates high frequencies and counteracts emphasis often used in mastering. We recommend that you leave this disabled. Keeping the knob pressed for 2-3secs takes you to the General settings screen.
General Settings Screen
This is where you access the variable vol-ume control, screen settings, and
the sys-tem restore utility.
Output volume / volume control :
Fixed or Variable. The IΩN DAC comes factory-set to fixed vol-ume output, -0
dB FS (full-scale). This is the recommended setting for systems with top class
pre-amplification.
Nonetheless, the variable output level en-ables the IΩN to be connected to a
power amplifier directly without the need of an additional pre-amplification
or attenuation circuit. For this reason, the IΩN DAC incorpo-rates a first-
rate, hi-precision digital volume attenuator.
IMPORTANT
This is not an analog attenuator, or an analog preamp! Using it you may lose
bits from the digital reproduction affecting the sound. To activate the IΩN
DAC’s own attenuator simply click on variable output. When you return to the
main screen, the knob will function as a rotary volume control and the
amplitude level will display in the middle of the screen. Please note that
volume /amplitude levels are displayed in dB of attenuation, so the higher the
number the higher the attenuation i.e., the lower the volume. -0dB means full
volume!
Default volume level : If you have selected the Variable Output, this is the output volume level you will get, when you switch on the device. Remember the value you choose is stored automatically when you switch the device to stand-by. To protect against accidents, it is good to pro-vide for some attenuation on start-up: depend-ing on the amplifier’s input sensitivity -20dB to -30 are commonly used values. Please note that we thoroughly recommend the use of a separate quality preamp, de-spite the introduction of an additional elec-tronic circuit. Hi-precision though the IΩN’s attenuator may be, the music lover is better served in dynam-ic contrast, energy, and vivacity.
Note : there may be power amps in existence which – because of their unique impedance and design characteristics – may not function correctly or be incompatible with the IΩN DAC. In those unlikely cases you would need to use a separate preamp or integrated amp.
Backlight level : refers to screen brightness, selectable values
Reset factory settings : brings back the DAC to factory defaults.
Tips
This is a brief compendium of ideas and suggestions, often user inspired.
Some of these are mentioned above. We thought that putting these all together
in one place is worth the boredom of repetition. They are in random order, so
the last is not necessarily less than the first!
- The IΩN DAC in its raw state (i.e. factory-fresh) takes us closer than ever to the musical event; we strongly recommend you privilege listening over tweaking!
- Burn-in : based on anecdotal data, the IΩN DAC needs a little over 300 hours to fully come into its own. Nevertheless, users report, and we confirm that the musical enjoymDent begins from the very first moment of operation!
- Keeping the IΩN DAC on all the time keeps the power supplies charged and the operating temperature at optimum levels. If, however, your main grid is notoriously unstable, it is best to switch the IΩN DAC off when not in use.
- IΩN DAC off for an extended period of time; upon restart, please allow some time before the device reaches its optimum operating conditions and optimum sound.
- Vibration control : any vibration control device placed under the IΩN DAC chassis can affect the sound, as can the furniture upon which you place it – just as it will for any audio device. As always, what you end up doing is a matter of personal choice.
- Cables : it is well worth trying out good quality interconnects to and from the IΩN DAC. When auditing cables, keep in mind that the IΩN DAC circuits do not impart any sonic flavor of their own. Ultimately, the choice of cable becomes a matter of taste and associated equipment.
- Power cords : many users opt for after-market power cords and find that this brings changes to the sound. To avoid undue damage to the device, please ensure that the after-market cords you wish to test are correctly engineered. Important: before changing power cords make sure you SWITCH OFF the device and disconnect it from associated downstream equipment.
- Please be careful when switching the IΩN DAC on and off in quick succession, allowing at least 10 seconds between on-off changes.
- Variable output volume : to avoid inadvertently damaging your speakers with a sudden loud signal, do not forget to set an attenuation level for start-up
(“default volume level”). For the most dynamic, realistic sound, the settings above -9dB should be avoided. The -0dB setting is the best.
QUICK GUIDE
Main Screen
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
| One click from OFF position | Power ON |
| Pressing continuously for 7 seconds or more | Power OFF |
Pressing and keeping the knob for 3 seconds
changes the menu
|
The IΩN opening screen has the input selection. Rotating the knob will take
you through different inputs USB, RCA, BNC. To select, just press the knob
when the desired input appears.| Inputs: USB, COAX, BNC – highlighted in
red.
Pressing the knob again will take you to the choice of filter for that input;
proceed as above to choose your preferred filter for that input using the
rotating function of the knob. Click to select| Fast roll-off, minimum
phase; Slow roll-off minimum phase; Fast roll-off linear phase; Slow roll-off
linear phase; Brick wall; Hybrid, fast
roll-off minimum phase; Apodizing, fast roll-off minimum phase
Input Settings Screen
| Action | Result |
|---|
Please proceed as above: rotating the knob will take you to different parameters of a specific setting, pressing will select the value of the setting, moving on to the next setting is done by pressing the knob.
The default settings were set at Ideon Audio. We recommend you maintain these while you familiarize yourself with the device.
| | Filter: choice of seven filters (see below)
IIR filter: 47.44 kHz (default), other choices: 50, 60, 70 kHz;
Lock speed: default value 16384 FSL edges (default), other choices: 8192,
4092, 2048,
De-emphasis: enabled-disabled, (default: disabled)
Back to Main Screen
Description of user controllable parameters and functionalities
Volume: range -127dB- 0dB (full volume). De-fault setting is -0dB FS (i.e. full volume).
Oversampling filter : enabled this gives access to 7 user-selectable, pre-set filters. The filters in-fluence the frequency response and allows the user to tailor the sound to their personal taste, the recording, or the mastering.
- roll-off, minimum phase
- Slow roll-off minimum phase
- Fast roll-off linear phase
- Slow roll-off linear phase
- Brick wall
- Hybrid, fast roll-off minimum phase
- Apodizing, fast roll-off minimum phase
We recommend using the default values at least until the IΩN DAC has reached optimum per-formance levels (empirically over 300 hours of signal processing).
General Settings Screen
| Action | Result |
|---|
In “DAC output level”, rotating the knob will change the output volume from default “fixed” to variable. Please refer to the important note on page 6, regarding the volume control.
Pressing the knob again will take you to next menu item, “backlight level”: using the rotating function you can select the level of the brightness function 1-10 (default is10).
| | DAC output volume: fixed-variable (default: fixed @ 0dB FS)
Default Volume level (selectable)
Backlight Level: 1-10 (default is 10)
Restore factory settings
Back to Main Screen
- Volume : range -127dB- 0dB (full volume). De-fault setting is -0dB FS (i.e. full volume).
- Default volume : where you are at start up, when in variable output mode.
- Backlight level : refers to screen brightness, selectable values
- Reset factory settings : if you need to reset your device to factory settings.
Technical Specifications
SUPPORTED FORMATS (INPUT DEPENDENT)| 44.1kHz to 384kHz PCM up to 32 bits ,
Native DSD (up to 8X DSD)
---|---
DIGITAL INPUTS| 3x Advanced isolated input module slots (USB, BNC, RCA)
XLR BALANCED OUTPUTS| 8.4Vrms at 0dB
RCA OUTPUTS| RCA OUTPUTS 4.2Vrms at 0dB
THD (A WEIGHTED 20HZ-20KHZ)| < – 110dB on all outputs
CHANNEL SEPARATION| > 130dB on all outputs
SNR (A WEIGHTED 20HZ-20KHZ)| > 122dB on all outputs
DYNAMIC RANGE| 20HZ TO 20KHZ 135 dB (FS) . 132 dB (AFS)
DISPLAY| Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous display
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)| 460 x 300 x 90 mm (18.1 x 11.8 x 3.5 in)
WEIGHT| 13kg (~28 lbs) IΩN DAC
TOPOLOGY| Full Balanced Design
ANALOG INPUTS| 2x Balanced (XLR & RCA)
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE| 40 ohms
GAIN RANGE| -111.5dB to +15.5dB
DYNAMIC RANGE| 121 dB configuration
CHANNEL SEPARATION| > 130dB on all outputs
ULTRA-LOW NOISE| 1.1 nV/√Hz at 1 kHz
ULTRA-LOW DISTORTION| 0.000015% at 1 kHz
DIMENSIONS (W X H X D)| 460 x 300 x 90 mm (18.1 x 11.8 x 3.5 in)
WEIGHT| 13kg (~28 lbs) IΩN+ Pre-Amp section
Safety Instructions
-
WARNING. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
-
Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not place flammable material on or underneath this device.
-
Do not remove or bypass the ground pin on the end of the AC cord unless necessary to reduce hum from ground loops of connected equipment. Disconnecting the ground may cause RFI (radio frequency interference)
to be induced into your playback setup. Removing or bypassing the ground pin on any electrical component is potentially dangerous and should be avoided for safety reasons. -
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Servicing
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY IDEON AUDIO PRODUCT. PLEASE
REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or Ideon Audio if you have
any questions not addressed in this reference document.
Warranty
Ideon Audio provides a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty on all new Ideon Audio components. The Ideon Audio seven (7) year and extended Lifetime Limited Warranty You can extend the standard 2-year manufacturer’s warranty into a 7-year warranty by registering your product with us. To do that, you need to send us your Name, Address, tel., email and the proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale, invoice (or copy thereof) from the Ideon Audio dealer or Distributor. For further detail please contact your dealer or refer to Ideon Audio’s official site. Furthermore, Ideon Audio also offers a Lifetime product warranty that can be purchased at 17,5% of the retail price for any of our products. Please coordinate with your dealer of local distributor for that.
The Ideon Audio limited warranty covers defects in the materials and workmanship in this product. Under the terms of this warranty we will repair the product free of charge (parts and labor) — or replace it where we deem that repair is not possible — for malfunction due to inherent defects in the materials or construction. Ideon Audio has authorized distribution in many countries of the world. Warranty service should be obtained directly from the importing retailer or distributor from whom you purchased the product. In the unlikely event of service required beyond the capabilities of the importer, Ideon Audio undertakes to fulfill the conditions of the warranty. In case of malfunction please contact your dealer to arrange for service. If you have purchased the product directly from Ideon Audio, please contact us directly at info@ideonaudio.com, quoting subject: fault and a short description of the issue. Please note that the product must be returned using original packaging only and accompanied by a written description of the issue, defect, or malfunction.
Extended, lifetime warranty coverage
-
This specially extended warranty covers the lifetime of the product model.
-
This warranty is transferable under condition that each new owner informs Ideon Audio importers, dealers, or Ideon Audio directly the device model, number, previous owner name & new owner name & address.
-
In cases of obsolescence of materials
or superseded technology, the product will be repaired using currently available materials and technology of equivalent performance characteristics, or better. -
“Future proof ”: if Ideon Audio releases upgrades to, or improved versions of, the purchased product, these are made available to subscribers at cost of parts and materials only. Shipping to the service location is borne by the owner, Ideon Audio or its distributors / dealers pay for return shipping.
This warranty is voided in cases of,
- Damage and /or malfunction caused by tampering or modifications to the product’s original state, attempts to fix, or other alterations to the product by persons other than factory authorized service personnel.
- Damage and /or malfunction caused by improper use, abuse, or improper operation of the product.’
- Failure to comply fully with Ideon Audio operating instructions.
- Damage to cables or attachments and cosmetic damage induced by use.
- Products obtained outside the network of authorized Ideon Audio dealers and resellers.
General Warranty Terms.
This Warranty is subject to the following conditions and limitations: The
Warranty is void and inapplicable if the product has been used or handled
other than in accordance with the instructions in this document, abused, or
misused, damaged by accident or neglect or in being transported, or the defect
is due to the product being repaired or tampered with by anyone other than
Ideon Audio or an authorized Ideon Audio repair center.
- The product must be packaged and returned to Ideon Audio or an authorized Ideon Audio repair center by the customer at his or her sole expense in the original packing material. Ideon Audio will pay return freight of its choice for original purchasers.
- Returned product must be accompanied by a written description of the issue or the defect. Ideon Audio reserves the right to modify the design of its products without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products and to change the price or specifications of any product without notice or obligation to any person.
In the event the product fails to meet this Warranty and the above conditions have been met, the purchaser’s sole remedy under this Limited Warranty shall be to return the product to Ideon Audio or an authorized Ideon Audio repair center where the defect will be repaired without charge for parts or labor. This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction and setup adjustments. This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or any damage due to accident, misuse, abuse, negligence or modification of, or to any part of the Product, without initial express consent from Ideon Audio. This warranty does not cover damage due to improper operation or maintenance, connection to improper voltage supply, or attempted repair by anyone other than a facility authorized by Ideon Audio to service the Product.
IΩN DAC & IΩN + (Pre-Amp) www.ideonaudio.com