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Comparison of latest DAC chips

I own a Bluesound Node 2i which greatly improved sound after I added the Cat 6 cable.  I do not own a separate DAC but am told it would be the next step improvement.  I have done enough reading that it appears the two latest chips are the Sabre or ESS ES9038PRO and the AK4499.  The brands I have looked at are Sabaj d5($469) and a Topping D90($699).  I saw a great review on Audiocircle of the Sabaj D5 which is now a year old.  The Topping D90 is newer and I hear the build quality of the Topping as well as customer service are both better.   Other brands cost more and most don't use these new chips. 

Is there a difference in how these chips sound?  I would appreciate any comments. 
daledeee1

Showing 1 response by david_ten

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
suggesting that the chip is the only thing which defines the sound of the dac, [*when many other elements of the design also come into play*] Emphasis added.

I have had a good R2R dac and prefer my Lumin X1 with its ESS chip

@rossb   Thanks for your helpful posts. With the X1, where do you 'fall' with regards: what is (may be) responsible for your preference of it, since it is more than just a DAC?

I also fall into the "implementation" camp...very impressed (an understatement) with a Delta-Sigma DAC...this coming from a R2R fan. The unit is also an 'all-in-one" which is why I'm interested in your feedback on this. Thanks.
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