DAC chips

Which is the better chip AK4495 or ESS9038?

mazian01-13-2019 7:19am

tom6897 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,029 posts 01-13-2019 at 09:10am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete What flavor is better chocolate or vanilla? Depends on what you like!
mazian OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 12 posts 01-13-2019 at 11:09am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete So what are the different characteristics of the two dacs.My main concern about the ESS dac is whether the so called hump in the frequency range is audible.
mzkmxcv Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 558 posts 01-13-2019 at 11:38am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The “hump” is for IMD and between -20dBFS and -40dBFS. It peaks around -70dB to -75dB at -30dBFS. At -20dBFS it is at around -80dB, which makes it -100dBFS, at -30dBFS is also is around -100dBFS. Unless my reasoning is wrong, that means it’s well below the noise floor for any room. Implementwrion is more important (why the Benchmark using the 9018 still bests cheaper gear using the 9038), but the 9038Q2M is technically better in terms of THD, SNR, DNR; but the 4497 is more competitive, and a more apt comparison (the 4499 just came out and I’m waiting to see what products come out with that).
mahler123 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 633 posts 01-13-2019 at 02:29pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It depends how they are implemented..