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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
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Saying a R2R DAC somehow manages to more accurately convert PCM which was made with a Delta Sigma ADC  than a Delta  Sigma DAC doesn't make much sense. The topology of the DAC isn't that important what's important is how well it's implemented they can all do a great job. 
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
586 posts
 
Think about it.  This is 2020.  Since all of these are computer chip based regardless of R2R, hybrid or DS.  Shouldn't we able to get it right?  It is starting to sound like a tube vs SS argument.  I just read a review of an owner who had a Denafrips Term and a D90 and liked both of them.  "Why can't we all just get along"  Bill Clinton.  Me being rather frugal AKA "not rich"  I would go with the d90, which I did.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I just read a review of an owner who had a Denafrips Term and a D90 and liked both of them. "Why can't we all just get along"  
Sorry but it's because this is the title of this thread, and if it bugs you, you shouldn't even click on it.

  "Comparison of latest DAC chips"

Cheers George  
larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,009 posts
 
I have a Bluesound Node 2i and purchased a ProJect S2 DAC and added it to my system and found I liked the Bluesound played better by itself.  I stream Tidal and when I connected the DAC to my Bluesound using Audioquest Carbon digital coax, it does not allow MQA to unfold completely.  There is something about MQA that is difficult to explain, but for some reason I hear something different when I listen to MQA,  I ended up selling the ProJect DAC and the digital coax cable on Audiogon for half the price I paid for it.  
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
586 posts
 
Yes, George.  I started the thread.  The comment I made referred to discussions getting personal.  I don't understand that I guess.  I asked for differences between the two brands of chips.  It is ok that we talk about R2R also. I have learned much in the last couple months about DACs.  I bought the D90 for numerous reasons:  in stock, good reviews, cost vs benefit.  The Denafrips would have been good except it is out of stock for 10 weeks.  Most of the DAC mentioned, which I am sure are good, are simply not in my budget. Thanks for the help on me understanding this topic.  Not as simple as a turntable, receiver and speakers. 
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