Deco Audio TRANSFER Evolution DAC

The TRANSFER Evolution DAC is a model that sits between the entry level Standard and top of the range Ultimate DAC. 

We spent many hours finding a blend of parts quality and design choices to offer what we feel is a very high level of performance at a hotly contested area of the market, and maximising the value for money we could offer. 

The core architecture is the same as all of the Transfer models, with the TDA1543 being used without over or up sampling and without filters. As with all TRANSFER models, valves are used throughout the signal path.

The heart of any design is the power supply, and here we use a EZ80 valve rectifier (visible through the top mounted chimney) with a multi stage Capacitor input power supply.

The Evolution uses very high quality parts in the signal path, the sort rarely found in most equipment almost regardless of cost. The all important capacitors use a foil in oil dielectric, where the oil also serves to damp the resonances of the metal plates, as a result there is a marked reduction in character compared to simpler capacitors which are invariably made with undamped plastic insulators (which tend to give the sound a harder and more forward presentation).

The signal resistors are arguably some of the finest (and certainly some of the most expensive) Carbon film designs available. They are a critical part in achieving the results we desired and play superbly with the chosen capacitors.

The wiring in both digital and analogue stages is our own pure copper design, effectively the same as the Chain Evolution digital and interconnect cables.

The sonic result is a highly entertaining blend of refinement and vibrancy. The ingredients used gel together to produce a sound with strong musicality and low colouration. The Evolution sounds natural and delicate when needed but punchy when the music demands, This is along with an open and expansive sound, making it an utterly beguiling way to listen to the best digital sources.

Like all of our source products, it features our switchable impedance triode valve output stage, meaning it can drive both low and high impedance and amplifiers without compromising performance.

Multiple inputs means it has the flexibility to be used with a variety of sources, including S/PDIF Coaxial and Optical and USB. All inputs, including the USB, are galvanically isolated via a digital input transformer.

All Deco Audio Products are made with a long intended life expectancy, with over rated components and the key parts are sourced within the UK (casework, transformers etc), and are hand built in our facility in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.