There are current manufacturers that use very old DAC chipsets because they sound better. These include Naim, Zanden and Audio Note, among others. Some of these old chips are expensive because they are coveted. The priority for modern chips is to be very small and use very little power for use in mobile devices, and sound quality is not much of a consideration. I have an older CD player (still in production) that utilizes the 1704 chip and it still sounds really good.
I also like a number of DACs that use resistor ladder multi-bit conversion, but, I don't know if this is the reason they sound good. I owned a Wadia a long time ago and it sounded good and worked flawlessly. Still, I am not certain I would get one unless I knew the transport was in really good shape or replacement parts are still available.
I also wonder if there is such a thing as a different, "vintage" sound to DACs. I know a dealer who hates the sound of most modern DACs, particularly when utilizing USB connection. He thinks most sound to analytical, and while detailed sounding, that is accomplished by sounding bright and tizzy. I have not looked into this myself to any great extent, but, I do know from my own experience that some highly regarded DACs, players and streamers are not to my particular taste.
I also like a number of DACs that use resistor ladder multi-bit conversion, but, I don't know if this is the reason they sound good. I owned a Wadia a long time ago and it sounded good and worked flawlessly. Still, I am not certain I would get one unless I knew the transport was in really good shape or replacement parts are still available.
I also wonder if there is such a thing as a different, "vintage" sound to DACs. I know a dealer who hates the sound of most modern DACs, particularly when utilizing USB connection. He thinks most sound to analytical, and while detailed sounding, that is accomplished by sounding bright and tizzy. I have not looked into this myself to any great extent, but, I do know from my own experience that some highly regarded DACs, players and streamers are not to my particular taste.