DAC chips

which ess9038? There are at least three levels I know of.

BB1704U-K 

Unfortunately close to unobtanium these days - so R2R discrete is the way to go like for an example Soekris or Denafrips 

Good Listening 

Peter 

Truth is that the DAC chip is about the least most important question in "how good does a DAC sound?".
So many more important questions.  In my opinion, who cares.
If i absolutey had to choose, cost as a factor, AK.  But i would never, ever make a decision based on that,  But the AK would give me a few more bucks to work on the real design.
G

Elizabeth - Great answer, but why do you feel power suplies are so unimportant? Only Half :-)
G