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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 mahler123

mahler123
3,479 posts
 
I am curious about the OP statement that he thought the Node2 sounded better with Cat 6 ethernet cable.  Can he elaborate?
Regarding chip quality, it really does matter about the total environment that are placed in.  For a while I used the Oppo 105 as my DAC, then upgraded to a Mytek Manhatten.  Same ESS Sabre chip, vastly different results.
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