Audio Note Fifth Element Fifth Force - Manual (Page 8)

An extremely unique feature of the Fifth Element / Fifth Force is its use of an input
buffer stage for the incoming digital signal, using an EF800 valve. Audio Note (UK)
was the first company in the world to commercially implement such an arrangement,
and it is one of the many technical achievements found in the Fifth Element / Fifth
Force that pushes the performance of this Digital to analogue Converter beyond the
threshold previously thought possible for such a device or digital audio technology in
general.
The Fifth Element / Fifth Force features a version of the M9 preamplifier line stage,
using a 5814a (ECC82 / 12AU7a / 6189) and a Telefunken 6463, both of which are
dual triodes valves. These are coupled to an output transformer, wound with Audio
Note (UK) silver wire on a 55% Nickel Audio Note (UK) Supa-Perma C cores. With a
33:1 step-down ratio, this output transformer not only has exceptionally wide
frequency response, but also just about the absolutely best dynamic transfer function
possible. The analogue output has provisions for both usingle ended and balanced
operation, using the best available quality RCA and XLR connectors.
To power this spectacularly revealing arrangement, we have incorporated a version
of the Galahad power supply found in our M9 Phono preamplifier. This supply
features full valve rectification, regulation and voltage stabilization. This technique not
only provides excellent isolation between the digital circuitry and power supply, but
also provides well-isolated short and clean analogue signal paths. The digital power
supply is an exceptionally low noise, shunt-type.
Internal component quality of this caliber has never before been seen, in either
consumer or professional equipment. There is an abundance of Black Gate and
Cerafine Audio capacitors, and Audio Note (UK) Tantalum film resistors throughout
the circuit. Analogue stage filter inductors and internal wiring are all produced with
Audio Note (UK) 99.99% pure silver wire.
FIFTH FORCE / FIFTH ELEMENT DAC continued…