Having recently reviewed the superb Infigo Audio Method IS-1 Cryogen Streamer, I continue onward here with a review of their high-end Method 4 Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), USD 35,000, which I had used, along with other DACs, in the Streamer review. Hans Looman (CEO/Founder of Infigo Audio) kindly sent this expensive DAC for review, along with the Streamer. It arrived inside a special three-level packing box for shipping a Method 4, well wrapped in a silk cloth. It paired flawlessly with the Streamer when I experimented (but I must admit that every DAC I tried did so!).

Some important up-front technical details:

Method 4 has a built-in digital volume control; thus, it can be connected directly to amps or used with a preamplifier.

Method 4 uses a pair of ES9038PRO Sabre DAC chips for conversion and controls them using modern ARM (Advanced RISC Machines (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)) based controllers. These chips are highly regarded and are favoured in many high-end DACS.

According to Hans Looman (CEO/Founder of Infigo Audio),

These ES9038PRO Sabre chips operate their Hyperstream modulator at a clock frequency of 100 MHz. All the digital filters are integrated in this modulator.

Method 4 itself has an ultra-low jitter precision clock to generate this clock frequency.

The clock generator is supplied from one of the lowest noise analog power regulators available to further lower clock jitter.

Method 4 can process PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512.

Looman confirmed that Method 4 has an astonishingly low Noise Floor of –145 dB

(Perhaps the quietest DAC I have ever heard.)

How does Method 4 look?

Method 4 comes in Silver, Gold, Black, or any combination thereof, “such as a version in gold with black heatsinks”. (The review unit was in silver.) The case is refined-looking, custom-machined aluminum with grilled sides, and is solidly built. The top is see-through glass with blue light inside, the Infigo specialty. A heavy-duty sketched metal top (included) could be used instead, but I kept the glass in play; I liked the calming blue light at night.

The front plate is a larger (than the back) metal plate with a sizable dimmable colour touchscreen on its left, below “Infigo Audio” etched in script font. “Method 4” is etched on the upper right. The screen shows the volume (dB), the type of digital file in play (PCM/DSD) with its resolution, and the digital input in use (USB, SPDIF-BNC, SPDIF-RCA, AES/EBU, Optical).

(Because of its size and large font sizes, I had no trouble reading the screen from a distance.)

In the middle is an SD slot for firmware updates.

For control, one can use the touchscreen, an On/Off button (one of the front musical bars), and a separate included black remote control. The remote can jointly be used to control their other devices, including their Method 6 Stereo Amplifier and Method 7 Pre-Amplifier.

The main power switch is on the rear panel, lower right, coupled with an IEC inlet for power cords.

The five digital inputs are lined up left to right in the middle section, and on the left are the analog out options (Balanced XLR, Single-ended RCA).

As with Infigo’s streamer, the footers (4) are disks you attach with three small blue sapphire gems for ball bearings in between.

My Use

I have a variety of source components that I need connected, so I used my preamplifier instead of direct-to-amps. (I also like what great preamps can add to sound quality.) As reference equipment: Infigo Audio Method IS-1 Cryogen Streamer, Mojo Audio Mystique X SE DAC, Mojo Audio Deja Vu Music Server, Jay’s Audio CDT-3 MK3 CD Transport, PS Audio BHK Signature Preamplifier, Audio by Van Alstine M750 Monoblock Power Amplifiers, Alta Audio Aphrodite Speakers.

Method 4 was easy to set up and use. It comes with a very detailed, simple, (short) and well-thought-out instruction manual; one of the best I have ever seen (for any audio equipment). I used a USB for my music server to DAC, and tried both RCA and XLR out to my preamp. (The XLR is louder, as is expected; both sounded excellent.) I used Roon for streaming, and it recognized Method 4 right away. I also used my CD player (using SPDIF-RCA); no issues. Overall, an enjoyable, problem-free experience setting up.

Music

My overall sound impressions: Method 4 excels at clarity and transparency; it is exceptional. And of course, with the Noise Floor of –145dB would indicate, Indigo Audio has used the ES9038PRO Sabre chips (known for those qualities) to their advantage, bringing out those fine features. I illustrate with several examples.

Liszt, Via Crucis & Solo Piano Works, Leif Ove Andsnes (Piano), The Norwegian Soloists’ Choir, Grete Pedersen (Conductor) (April 2025, Qobuz 24/192).

Just piano and choir (The Norwegian Soloists Choir). The church's space is astonishingly evident, impeccably quiet when silent; the lingering sound of the piano is noticeable. At times, when the music went calm, I thought my system went off.

Russ Kunkel is the drummer on the classic album Sweet Baby James by James Taylor (CD version 2006). On the famous song “Fire and Rain”, he is said to have used brushes instead of sticks. That is correct, confirmed by Method 4. (But not on those booming tom-toms!). Taylor’s voice is articulately displayed by Method 4, too.

Bob Dylan, “Man in the Long Black Coat”, from Oh Mercy, 1989 (Qobuz 24/96).

I am not generally a fan of Dylan’s voice (perhaps it's an acquired taste), but this mysterious and haunting ballad on this Method 4 DAC won me over. Using harmonica, guitar, and voice mainly, so well recorded, the clarity, intensity, and even the quiet moments were effective, revealing an exceptional performance.

Specifications

Dimensions: 420mm(W) (460mm including the feet) x 265mm (D) x 125mm (H) (without spikes).

Weight: 14 kg

Inputs:

SPDIF RCA & BNC: 44.1 - 192 kHz, 16 - 32 bit

Optical: 44.1 - 192 kHz, 16 - 32 bit

AES XLR: 44.1 - 192 kHz, 16 - 32 bit

USB: 44.1 - 768 kHz, 16 - 32 bit, DSD64 - DSD512

Separate Outputs:

Single Ended: 2 x RCA

Balanced: 2 x XLR

Voltage: AC 120V or 240V selectable, 50 or 60 Hz, 20W.

7 Filters:

- F-Linear : Fast roll off, linear phase

- S-Linear : Slow roll off, linear phase

- F-Minimum : Fast roll off, minimum phase

- S-Minimum : Slow roll off, minimum phase

- Apodizing

- Hybrid

- Brickwall

Noise Floor: –145dB

Summary

The Infigo Audio Method 4 DAC is a serious (and expensive at USD 35,000) contender for those who want impeccable clarity and transparency— and have the money. It uses the finest DAC chips, is simple to operate, and can play anything without fuss. As for those quiet moments revealed, I wish Method 4 could be programmed to make my home quiet like that upon demand.

Further information: Infigo Audio