Sub $1000 DAC with AKM chip

I don’t wish to start a heated debate but I’m looking for a DAC for my daughters system. Does anyone have a recommendation for an under $1000 DAC that uses an AKM chip? I have a Topping D90 with AKM that I like. It’s not my endgame DAC but it is substantially better than many I have tried before. I know that many like ESS, Burr Brown, Wolfson etc, but I would prefer to just hear opinions about AKM and I’d also like to stay away from a discussion about streamers (I’m also considering a Bluesound Node)…Hell, I might even get her an Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt since she is so iPhone-centric. She recently voiced her dissatisfaction with low fidelity and wants to hear music from better equipment so I’m giving her one of my integrated tube amps and a set of speakers. I don’t want to go nuts on this since she may ultimately find that hifi is not really as appealing as she imagined.

thanks all for your replies

ccogopher01-23-2024 9:20pm

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1happyman Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 83 posts 01-24-2024 at 10:38pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I recently purchased an Eversolo A8 streamer that has the latest AKM Velvet chips. I also have a Gustard R26 (R2R) that I have comparing the two. I too like the sound of AKM having owned the E30 prior to the Gustard R26. I must say, the Gustard R26 and the new Velvet AKM 4191EQ, AK4499EX chips are very close. I could easily live with either for the long term. I would defintley lean toward the Gishelli at that price.
akg_ca Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,293 posts 01-24-2024 at 10:41pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Couple reviewer’s opinions on choosing your new DAC (1) Caution on buying Geschelli Labs latest new toy: be aware that tarted up with the AKM chipset and new op-amps and extras are gonna cost you closer to $750 plus taxes ….beware the “bait and switch upsell” approach from the cheap price for a camparatibe cheap build (and price) chipset, and base unit digital inputs/ outputs in the base option model with its standard TI chipset and no other upgrades that are necessary to mirror the “gotta get it” herd mentality review below. https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/ (2) The sub-1000 dacs
doni Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 366 posts 01-25-2024 at 02:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I think Geshelli also makes a dac with an ess sabre chip. I chose the akm but the ess was an option.
akg_ca Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,293 posts 01-25-2024 at 11:27am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Good pre-owned unit up for sale: BRYSTON BDA-2 $p. $USD 849 https://tmraudio.com/components/d-a-converters/bryston-bda-2-dac-d-a-converter-17/
hilde45 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 5,006 posts 01-25-2024 at 12:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The same DAC chip will operate and sound very different depending on implementation. Here’s a good explanation as to how other factors, such as input and output stages, are equally important to the chip.