2. digital
  3. 174385-20253

AKM makes the best DACs

OK, before you flame a reply to my heading please read this section.

It is a terrible idea to judge a DAC based on the chip.  I don't think consumer's should ever do that. I think there is a lot that goes into a good external DAC unit and the converter chip is just one of many factors that go into the final sound.

Having said that, it turns out I tend to like the sound of DACs with AKM chips over most others.  A long time ago I would have said the same about Burr Brown.

For converters which use an all in one chip what is the brand you find yourfself more likely to like the sound of vs. not?

erik_squires
misterdog
1 posts
 

I see AKM have a new  4499 EX chip out which separates the digital from the analogue. Actually a pair of chips.

I wish they had changed its designation to 4599 to save confusion.

I have the SMSL M400 with AK 4499EQ chip and love it, fed into Benchmark AHB2 then bespoke Quad 989ESL's. 

 

designsfx
793 posts
 

I notice there’s been no mention of Analog Devices in all of this. 

abraxalito
93 posts
 

I see AKM have a new  4499 EX chip out which separates the digital from the analogue. Actually a pair of chips.

Taobao is showing 'Vezzoso' product using this chipset, pricing ~$1k : https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.13.356b7aa0liXF98&id=684317192966&ns=1&abbucket=4#detail

bill_k
912 posts
 

@abraxalito - Taobao link above seems to be invalid.

abraxalito
93 posts
 

I suspect Taobao doesn't want people visiting who aren't logged in. I uploaded a couple of pics here : https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/ak4191eq.350733/post-7170781

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