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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
 
The dCS Bartok is a great DAC. It measures well , has digital filters,   up samples is not NOS and costs $13,500. 
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1 OP
592 posts
 
From what I read, the new AK chip addresses the laid back, dark, murky(whatever people call it)  It is more dynamic and open. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
A lot depends on how the chip is implemented there are 6 filters on the 4499. I have read the Topping D90 is very transparent. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
If I hadn't just bought a new streamer/ dac I would buy one for comparison to the ESS it looks like a great deal.
abraxalito
93 posts
 
Since this thread's about the latest chips, is anyone else keeping an eye open for implementations of the DAC11001a? Its a new R2R chip from TI- I never imagined there'd be a market for such as they no so long ago discontinued the PCM1704 with no direct replacement. Its not designed for audio applications but some of the guys at TI are interested in hearing how it sounds and are planning an audio evaluation board. At present there's only an industrial one extant.

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