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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 kennyc

kennyc
1,779 posts
 
There are R2R DACs that beat Delta Sigma DACs, and some Delta Sigma DACs that beat R2R DACs.  So it’s not so much as the technology type used but the “execution” that is different.  

However, it does seem that as you move up the food chain $, R2R DACs appears to be more prevalent as the preferred choice.

Also, as with most things tech, I’d expect better and better DAC chips will be introduced/upgraded over time.
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