Denon x4700h DAC change

Due to the fire at Asahi Kasei manufacturing (AKM) plant on October 20, 2020, Denon need to look for new chip to continue production of 4700h.

Denon AVR-X4700H

2021年春頃よりD/AコンバーターICを変更しています。DACは製品の音質に特に大きな影響を与える部品であるため、その変更に際しましては、回路の再設計およびサウンドチューニングを新製品の開発時と同様のプロセスで行い、DACの変更後も以前の製品と同等の音質、性能、機能を維持したまま、引き続き従来と変わらぬ品質の製品をお届けしています。

Google translate above text:

We are changing the D/A converter IC in 2021. Since the DAC is a part that has a particularly large impact on the sound quality of the product, we will need to redesign the circuit and tune the sound when developing the new product. Following the same process, even after changing the DAC, we continue to deliver products with the same sound quality, performance, and functionality as the previous products.

Thanks for the info. I am leaning towards keeping it. I have my faith in Denon. Thanks for your research much appreciated.

Keep it! I am sure the measured performance and sound is the same as the earlier version. Denon is a major mfgr - not a cut-and-try boutique audio company.

The DAC chip is only one part of the digital chain, and as noted above Denon seems to have redesigned the circuit to “tune the sound” around the new chip, so given that I’d be surprised if there’s a huge difference in sound. I’d just keep it, especially since you seem to like how the unit sounds. 

it seems that these chips are inferior to AKM

It is not the chips that make the DAC. Its how they are implemented in the design and manufacture of the converter.

but could it sound better?

You`ll have to compare it to another mfr`s DAC.