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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
kot
133 posts
 
The Topping D90 is a phenomenal dac! One of the best dac’s at any price IMHO.... Have had it for 3 weeks now, and its imaging, transparency to the source, detail, dynamic snap, tonal accuracy, and impact are jaw dropping .... at $699 its shockingly good...It is still has somewhat caramel like coloring like most AKM chips do, but to a much less extent.. Also, somewhat has very grayish background, as opposed to the complete black. Its very system and cable dependent I ’d say.... My Cardas Golden Crosses are somewhat laid back already, and I ve used a custom "high" resolution interconnect in place of the Cardas Golden Cross IC, and the D90 readily revealed a new sonic signature of the new item in the system... Also I ve been using it as a preamp as well via its balanced outs, into the Classe Dr-3 Class A amplifier (which itself is also somewhat on the darkish side in some set ups) and I hear D90 is even more transparent as a stand alone dac if used with high quality preamp, but which option is more transparent is highly system dependent as usual... Also been burning in the Gustard A22, uses 2 AKM 4499 ,with much beeifier power supplies, different parts, and uses different layout (by the way, a HUGE shout out to CJ at the Apos shop for getting me this unit in 3 days during a lock down in China!!!! Exemplary service and attitude of guys at Apos)... Too early to comment definitively on the Gustard dac, but I d say we have hit the golden age of performance where dacs at relatively small sums (compared to 10 of thousands $ in the past) provide awesomely musical and enjoyable sound to music lovers at any budget!!!
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
677 posts
 
Thank you kot.  My D90 is arriving today.  Have you tried the different filters? 
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
Congrats Dale.  Let us know how it goes.  With a 30 day trial period from Apos, you can't lose.
kot
133 posts
 
@daledeee1   as far as filters I ve been using whatever  default values there are ...Have not played with them extensively

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
677 posts
 
I got the D90 hooked up.  I already had good sound stage.  This thing just adds more.  No drifting of image, more air with wall to wall sound. and at times(depending on recording) I felt like I was in a holographic sphere of sound.  I opened my eyes to make sure where the speaker sits.  Everything just sounds rich and beautiful. 

When I got it I could not get it to turn on.  The manual is a rough translation and could use some work.  It will not power up unless there are interconnects with signal going through them.  Also, the instructions are backwards for the voltage setting. 

So far, everything I have done to my system has been a step up.  The next step would be very expensive and I will sit right here for awhile.  Famous last words. 
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