EXPIRED For Sale Audial S5b DAC

Further Information

For sale is my Audial S5b DAC in black. This was delivered on 31 July 2024 so at the time of listing it is less than two weeks old. It is the current model purchased new from Audial. It is in mint condition, as new, and comes with all original materials, including the receipt. It is not yet run in.

For those who are not familiar with the Audial S series of DACs, Pedja Rogic has been refining this DAC based on the legendary TDA1514A chip for over a decade. It has the warmth and analog sound we have come to expect from multibit, non-oversampling DACs, as well as refinement and dynamics from Pedja's unique design. This is a genuinely high end reference DAC and would be end game for most. I have too many DACs and find I prefer the leaner, more incisive and "modern" sound of ESS Sabre based DACs, so have decided to part with this one while it is still virtually new. The lead time on a new Audial DAC is now around a month. 

Additional information and specifications can be found here: https://www.audialonline.com/s5/. This unit has the optional transformer coupled output, as well as the standard capacitor coupled output. The RRP referred to above is the approximate landed price including shipping and customs/GST.

Pick up is available from Cammeray, and I am happy to post at the buyer's cost and risk. 

Reviews:

Everyday Audiophile reviewed the previous version, the S4 and concluded: 

In short, the Audial S4 is TDA1541 perfection in a box. I have listened to my fair share of DAC’s using this chip, but this is by far the best. Pedja flexes his engineering muscles by delivering one of the best experiences I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to. https://everydayaudiophile.com/2019/12/30/audial-s4-king-of-the-tda1541/#:~:text=The S4 here did a,ever had in my system.

They followed up with a review of the current version here: https://everydayaudiophile.com/2023/02/17/review-audial-s5-evolution-of-the-king/

Another review of the previous version on the Audio Standard:   

The best way to describe the Audial Model S is that it pulls down the boundaries between analogue and digital to the point where you feel that you're just listening to a source.  I also have a Pioneer PL-71 turntable with a Reson Reca and Vista Audio phono stage, and the similarities are more than the difference I suppose.  The Audial is more dynamic, clean and refined with better bass, but in the process doesn't sound unnatural up against the turntable.

Compared to modern DACs with on-board oversampling, 'digital switching' rather than 'analogue switching' circuits, filtering algorithms, shared power supplies etc. the Audial Model S stands out as having one of the most minimal implementations possible, but with a state of the art, money no object approach to power supply design.  The DAC chip alone has 3x independent power supplies and the issues associated with non-oversampling (intermodulation distortion and bass / treble issues) have been well and truly dealt with in Pedja Rogic's implementation.  ....

DACs / players I've listened to range from Naim 555 to Beresford Bushmaster MK1 / MK2, Audiosector NOS DAC, Theta DS Pro Progeny, various Rotel, Pioneer, Marantz players etc.  None have given me that feeling of forgetting about the equipment & letting the music flow, plenty of turntables have, but not digital gear.  https://theaudiostandard.net/thread/429/audial-model-dac

A user review of an earlier version from Audiogon: 

So how does it sound? Like there is righteousness in the universe and all the planets within are peacefully spinning on their own axis throughout time. Two words describe it: peace and harmony. The Model S is one of those components that allows you to sit back, relax, and just forget about DACs and focus on the music presented before you. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-audial-model-s-da-converter

And another user review from Pink Fish Media:

Summing it up in one sentence: it makes music more intelligible, interesting without making it any less emotional or fun. It will pay for itself as I buy CDs with impunity at half or less the price of vinyl new releases. Vinyl now only for Extra Specials and second hand.

I own other good dacs, very good at their price. The Audial is why you spend twice that and end up with a bargain; musically speaking, priceless. It would cost £5,000-ish if not sold direct. Take the risk before these joyful TDA chips are gone. 

https://pinkfishmedia.net/forum/threads/audial-s4-dac-subjective-review.237814/