Day and night view of the outstanding Audionet DNA integrated amplifier.

 

Digital and Analogue Connections

The sight of the DNA’s rear panel has a calming way about it. After all, the connection groups are reasonably arranged and it won’t take long to get an overview. There are four analogue inputs, one of them balanced with Neutrik XLR sockets. In case a phono board has been fitted, two RCA inputs will still remain. Next to the preamp output there are no less than two configurable outputs for subwoofers. Therefore with the DNA a 2.2 setup can be realised whose acoustic adjustability is unique. Alternatively a second zone in the flat or house can be filled with sound.

The digital input section offers four coaxial and two optical inputs. These are complemented with the network connection (LAN) and a USB input plus the threaded bush for the supplied W-LAN antenna. Just below it we have a 75 ohm antenna input – strictly speaking, the DNA is actually a receiver. But chief designer Volker Wischniowski conjures forth a pcb on the table, slightly larger than a thumb nail, and comments dryly: »This is the radio. Works great, the DNA owners don’t need a separate FM tuner any more. Yet in view of all the things the amp is capable of doing, this is really no more than a side note.«

After the power has been amplified, it leaves the DNA via WBT pole terminals of the Nextgen series. Next to the EPS connector we have the Audionet Link connection which uses optical cables and takes over the control of other Audionet components – central power-up and turn-off, for instance. For the integration into domestic control systems, which appears sensible for the first time, there is an RS232 interface. The trigger output can be switched with an input-related gate voltage of either 12 or 5 volts. The two ground terminals can be used for connecting the ground of the turntable and for an external earth wire which can produce audible differences, depending on the system.

The Engine Room

The power supply opens with a vibration-dampened 700 watts toroidal mains transformer for each channel. Electrolytic caps with a total capacitance of 144,000 µF stand by as storage medium for the energy. A third transformer takes care exclusively of supplying the input and driver stages; when the external EPS power supply is used, it’s out of the job. Several dozens of voltage stabilisers make sure then that energy is available at all points with no delay and in sufficient quantity. At eight ohms the DNA puts out about 150 watts, at four ohms twice as much. The other lab specs are excellent, too – just as we would expect from Audionet.

In the end it’s almost 5,000 components the sum of which makes up the DNA. But instead of a loveless mass production there are a lot of small and fine details in the DNA that help establish its sonic potential. Right beside the green DNA name plate we have a speed-controlled fan which started up in the i-fidelity.net measuring lab only during the high performance test, producing nothing but a minimal noise.
Audionet chief designer Volker Wischniowski is the father of the DNA. Apart from the innovative circuit layout he primarily exercised utmost care with the component selection. If standard solutions won’t do, he simply orders custom-made types. But as his know-how meanwhile includes network technology as well, he’s been assisting i-fidelity.net with the configuration of their editorial router which at first refused to take notice of the DNA. This man can not only build high-end amplifiers ...

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