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

Showing 2 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 

@milpai You have made some unwarranted comments in regard to myself.

I in fact stated in that thread a desire for more comparative reviews of 005 dac. I also stated I was seeking less favorable perspectives on particular aspects of said dac performance.

And I constantly punch against US and Japanese equipment, wow! I happen to own Audio Technica tt, Jelco tonearm, Denon cartridge. As for US equipment, I own Klipschorns, Modwright phono stage, BPT power conditioner, Cardas cabling, Merlin speakers, Conrad Johnson amp, Harman Kardon tt,  many NOS tubes, Coincident Statement pre and 845 SET, Canadian, ok not US, but close enough, ok.  I happen to own one piece of Chinese equipment, certainly many internal parts of virtually all my equipment Chinese sourced.

 

My comments in regard to Chinese equipment have been solely limited to either business models or cost of labor. I am not a fan boy of any particular manufacturer, country of origin or topologies for that matter. Subjectivist of the highest order!

 

Please be accurate when making certain claims against people.

 

 

sns
3,003 posts
 

I agree there are much more important criteria in evaluating dacs, however, I do observe a fair amount of stereotyping dac sound based on chip/topology. AKM more analog, Sabre high resolution, incisive, R2R more analog. FPGA only one not fitting into single niche.

 

I presume many hold these biases when deciding on new dac, this sells other topologies short.  The one bias I don't understand is correlating highest resolution digital with increased listening fatigue or digititus. This is fast becoming obsolete, one no longer has to pay price for seeking highest resolution.

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