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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. 
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rossb
185 posts
 
The "recording people" are not saying what you think they are saying. 

I think you have read that Mojo Audio web page without fully understanding it. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Uh, yes most recordings are n PCM, what type of modulator do you think they use when they are making these recordings?  For example what do you think a TI PCM Audio ADC uses? They use delta sigma modulators. 
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Just have a listen to any PCM redbook 16/44 24/96 or DXD through a "good" R2R dac and be amazed, then play the same through any Delta Sigma dac and hear what you get, it’s a yawn.
rossb
185 posts
 
George, you keep saying the same thing, and getting the same response. I'm sure most of us have done this. I used to own a "good" R2R dac. I was not amazed. I prefer my current delta sigma dac. 

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
I used to own a "good" R2R dac. I was not amazed.


Good for you Ross, stick with vinyl it's more your speed
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