AKM makes the best DACs
OK, before you flame a reply to my heading please read this section.
It is a terrible idea to judge a DAC based on the chip. I don't think consumer's should ever do that. I think there is a lot that goes into a good external DAC unit and the converter chip is just one of many factors that go into the final sound.
Having said that, it turns out I tend to like the sound of DACs with AKM chips over most others. A long time ago I would have said the same about Burr Brown.
For converters which use an all in one chip what is the brand you find yourfself more likely to like the sound of vs. not?
Strata-gee came out w/a story on AKM yesterday. There is still no AKM factory. They still have not decided whether they should rebuild the original factory or build a new one. Right now AKM chips are being built on consignment w/other chip companies. The new facility could be a few years down the road.
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@erik_squires - 100% agree with AKM having the best DACS followed by Burr Brown. Also 100% agree that there is more to the chip itself but the design of the circuit and analog output stage. I have Linn gear and the AKMs are present and very happy with the sound. The new approach of using FPGA based designs is also very intriguing. Linn has done this in their top tier streamer and Chord has interesting designs as well. I will throw in PS Audio for go measure. I sold very piece of gear that has ESS DACs in it seemed there implementations always appeared way more analytic than musical to my ears. Glad read AKM is at least back up and running and hope they keep Velvet Sound in their products. Great stuff.
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