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
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,420 posts
 

+1 @erik_squires  on AKM.

But all we see is ESS. The AKM factory is now up and running and lets hope new DACs come with their Velvet DAC chips. But yes, implementation matters.

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,032 posts
 

Isolation, FPGA, great power supply, Faraday cage, custom filters, killer analog output stage from an analog legend like Jim White…then worry about the chip.  “ best “ ? submarined your own thread……..

 

regismc
112 posts
 

Here’s a review that came out a couple weeks ago.  Pretty much nails it…

 

mike_in_nc
1,162 posts
 

@milpai - I have been looking for an update on the AKM factory. Your post said, " The AKM factory is now up and running," so you seem to have found an update. Could you post a link? I imagine I’m not the only one interested in that development. Thanks!

djones51
4,947 posts
 

https://audioxpress.com/article/the-return-of-velvet-sound-and-news-about-self-powered-speakers

https://velvetsound.akm.com/us/en/

More to discover