Although there are promising new digital formats emerging today, Zanden realizes that the CD is still the current standard for digital playback. With billions of music CDs having been sold over the years and many audiophiles investing a small fortune in the format, the compact disc will be with us for the foreseeable future. Indeed the overwhelming majority of music titles in the hands of audiophiles are CDs. In light of this Zanden created the model 5000 Mark IV D/A converter to fulfill the potential of the 16bit/44.1kHz CD format. The model 5000 Mark IV is the world's finest D/A converter for the CD format.

To design the world's finest 16bit/44.1kHz D/A converter first Zanden identified the major difficulty facing the CD format: phase. It is the key to excellent CD playback and the area where all other D/A converters fall short. To meet the challenge of phase Zanden has created its own patent-pending analog filter with the best phase characteristics of any filter in any converter on the market. In fact the model 5000 Mark IV uses no brick-wall digital filter, no over-sampling technique and no up-sampling technique. To some this may seem unconventional, but, when your goal is not just mere mediocrity but to be the best, you have to think outside the box. Coupled with Zandenﾕs unique analog filter is the Philips TDA-1541A double crown DAC IC (integrated chip). Simply stated thereﾕs nothing better. Also, the model 5000 Mark IV contains an analog fixed impedance bridged T-filter circuit for the highest quality emphasis CD playback. The model 5000 Mark IV is a technical tour de force, but do not forget about the Zanden quality. High quality passive parts are used throughout, such as the transformers, capacitors and resistors. A vacuum tube rectifier power supply is utilized to prevent noise from entering and degrading the delicate musical signals. Then there is Zandenﾕs patented single stage NO-NFB (no negative feedback) tube line output. The base, front and rear panels are constructed of 16 mm thick aluminum to keep vibrations to a minimum. The unit is then covered with beautiful stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. Superior design and execution allows the model 5000 Mark IV D/A converter to achieve the most accurate and musical playback of compact discs.

Main PC board

Specification

Resolution : 16bits Inputs : AES/ EBU (110 ohm balanced XLR connector) 75 ohm BNC (female) RCA 2 inputs Output : 1.0Vrms/ 3K ohm RCA/ Unbalanced Load Impedance Application : More than 10K ohm DAC-IC : PHILIPS TDA-1541A (DOUBLE-CROWN) Tube Complement : 6922, 6X4, 6CA4 2pieces Dimensions : 398 (W)/103 (H)/254 (D) Weight : 10kg Specifications subject to change without notice