2. digital
  3. 154586-137654

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. 
128x128daledeee1
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I am sure it sounds fine at least as good as a Sony Hap S-1 but maybe note quite a Node2i. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Yeah, ok🤦‍♂️
davidgwillett
63 posts
 
I have the Fiio M15 with two AK4499 chips.  It is better than my Fiio M11 pro was.  I don't think either are better than My Chord Qutest.  The M15 is less bright.
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
519 posts
 
I looked back at Denafrips and the Ares is 768 USD.  I forgot to convert to USD previously.  If the Topping doesn't work out, I can try the Denafrips.  Backordered 8-10 weeks. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
daledeee1
I can try the Denafrips

As for the Deafrips, when I mentioned the "better hi-end R2R dacs" as the ones that will convert PCM better than DS based chips, it was the the Denafrips Terminator I was referring to.
And also from Asia the Holo Spring level 2 or level 3 are also very good, especially in NOS (none over-sampling) mode

Cheers George
More to discover