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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. 
128x128daledeee1
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georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Can’t comprehend the Queens English either sunshine, there’s no hope for you!.
Then maybe there is, after you answered this. Now you just need an R2R dac to get the best from PCM that you prefer so much.


n_brio OP12 posts08-14-2019 7:19pmrossb -> do you use upsampling to dsd?

rossb80 posts08-14-2019 8:17pmNo, I prefer PCM.

rossb
185 posts
 
If you’re going to refer to correct English, at least spell it correctly. "Queen’s English", not "Queens English".

And, as I have said - twice now - I have had a good R2R dac and prefer my Lumin X1 with its ESS chip.
mahler123
3,283 posts
 
I am curious about the OP statement that he thought the Node2 sounded better with Cat 6 ethernet cable.  Can he elaborate?
Regarding chip quality, it really does matter about the total environment that are placed in.  For a while I used the Oppo 105 as my DAC, then upgraded to a Mytek Manhatten.  Same ESS Sabre chip, vastly different results.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
suggesting that the chip is the only thing which defines the sound of the dac, [*when many other elements of the design also come into play*] Emphasis added.

I have had a good R2R dac and prefer my Lumin X1 with its ESS chip

@rossb   Thanks for your helpful posts. With the X1, where do you 'fall' with regards: what is (may be) responsible for your preference of it, since it is more than just a DAC?

I also fall into the "implementation" camp...very impressed (an understatement) with a Delta-Sigma DAC...this coming from a R2R fan. The unit is also an 'all-in-one" which is why I'm interested in your feedback on this. Thanks.
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