DAC Chips

When an 8-channel chip is used in a 2-channel application, the chip's extra channels typically are run in parallel. Assuming the noise and distortion are random (noise is; distortion may not be), running 4 channels of DAC in parallel should lower noise and distortion by a factor of 2.

Thank you all very much. Great info. Didn't know about the 8 vs 2 channel chips. I still have a lot to learn about DACs. The ESS9038KTM does indeed exist although I can not find anything about it on their website. I've emailed them an inquiry. We'll see if I get an answer. The Sabre 9028PRO is used in the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge by the way.

The DAC chip is only a part of the greater whole. In other words, you should look at other factors when doing a comparison because every part of the DAC could in some way, determine the sonic signature of that component. Many people want to say that they prefer one DAC chip over another but what matters is how that chip is implemented. Ten companies could build a DAC with the exact same DAC chip, yet they would all sound different.

Absolutely right Mr goofy foot

Both chips in PRO version are 2x8 channels.  My Benchmark DAC3 sums them by 4 and uses dual differential outputs.  That way they use all 16 channels.  9038PRO according to links provided by George, has dynamic range of 140dB, but it is in mono mode (8 summing?), while for 129dB in 9028PRO mode is not specified.  They differ very little in THD + Noise (-122dB vs -120dB) and that's perhaps why Benchmark chose cheaper 9028PRO for DAC3.