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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
No, it just is!
djones51
4,947 posts
 
R2R sounds more like vinyl with the rolled off high frequencies it's  probably why you like them .
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
557 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  
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