The DAC that started it all:

The Zanden Audio Model 5000 D/A converter is now in its MkIV iteration [limited quantities on hand] and has been advanced to the Model 5000 Signature which adds a massive outboard power supply, a phase inversion control and Yamada-San's proprietary ultra-low jitter I2S-interface to lock to the Model 2000t transport.

To design the world's finest 16bit/44.1kHz D/A converter, Zanden had to first identify the major shortcoming that plagues the CD format: Linear full bandwidth phase. It is the key to excellent CD playback and the one area where all other D/A converters fall short. To meet the challenge of correct phase, Zanden has created its own patented analog filter with the best phase characteristics of any filter on the market. The Model 5000 Mk IV/Signature uses no digital brick-wall filter, no oversampling and no upsampling. While this may seem unconventional, when your goal is not mere mediocrity but to be the best, you have to think outside the box. Coupled to Zanden's unique analog reconstruction filter is the Philips TDA-1541A double crown DAC IC, the best-sounding chip ever made. The Model 500 DAC also incorporates an analog fixed-impedance bridged T-filter circuit for the highest-quality emphasis CD playback.

The Model 5000 Mk IV/Signature is a technological tour de force with high-quality passive parts such as the necessary transformers, capacitors and resistors. A vacuum tube-rectifiied power supply prevents noise from entering and degrading the delicate musical signals while Zanden's patented single-stage zero NFB (no negative feedback) tube stage drives the output. The base, front and rear panels are constructed of 16 mm thick aluminum to keep vibrations to a minimum while thew cover is beautiful mirror-polished stainless steel. Superior design and execution allow the Model 5000 Mk IV/Signature D/A converter to achieve the most accurate and musical playback of compact discs possible.

The Transport that had to follow:

The Zanden Audio Model 2000t transport is the future of digital audio. For a lucky few, that future is now. For the first time since its inception, the full potential of digital audio can finally be realized. Excitement has returned to digital audio. There are two key areas in which the Zanden transport goes far beyond its rivals. It has been designed to completely eliminate the effects of noise, which is one of the most insidious obstacles to superior digital audio. It also implements the world's most accurate digital clock in consumer audio, making jitter, phase noise and clock errors a thing of the past. In fact, no D/A converter can perform to its full potential without the Zanden transport. So sit back, put on your favorite CD and enjoy the music.

State-of-the-art CD playback.

Modified Philips diecast CDM PRO2 mechanism
The most accurate crystal oscillator in audio today, with a clock stability of 2 x 10-10
Noise absorption materials used throughout
Separate power supply to prevent hum and noise from polluting the audio signal
AES/EBU, BNC, I2S and master clock digital outputs
25mm & 15mm brushed aluminum and 15mm powder-finished acrylic in a sandwich construction to reduce vibrations
Stainless steel feet polished to a mirror finish and fitted with an exclusive anti-vibration material
Full-function remote control.

The Zanden Audio Model 2000T/Model 5000 Signature duo is quickly becoming the standard against which all other digital statement components are judged. Due to extensive hand labor and high demand, we can only procure a limited amount for the US market on a monthly basis. Please contact us about availability and lead times.

Our friend Hideo Kitazawa, Zanden Audio's Singapore distributor, represented Yamada-San at the 2004 Singapore HiFi show and forwarded the images below.