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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
jay73's avatar
jay73
219 posts
 

Got a AKM 4490 in my DAC (Questyle CMA400i) and a AKM 4497 in the Technics SL-G700. Both Sound great.

So far, I am a fan of the AKM Chips although I would like to hear a good R2R Dac also since I have read so many good reviews of these.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,313 posts
 

AKM have the new chip numbers now: AK4490R and AK4493S

recluse
268 posts
 

Disagree with the thread title. Erik is usually not one of the closed minded types ;-)

Would rather say AKM makes ONE on the best DACs.

My preferance is for ESS Sabre.

erik_squires OP
15,652 posts
 

Disagree with the thread title. Erik is usually not one of the closed minded types ;-)

melm
1,057 posts
 

AK4493SEQ:
THD+N [dB]  -115 
S/N [dB]  123
High-rate playback; PCM 768kHz, DSD512

ES9038PRO:
THD+N [dB]  -122
Supports up to 768kHz PCM, DSD256 via DOP and native DSD1024
DNR [dB] 140 (mono) 132 (8-Ch)

It's all silly.  No one has ever listened to a DAC chip.

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