Is it a pretty safe assumption that the DAC portion will probably measure less than most of the $400-600 range 4497/9038 dacs we've been seeing lately? I'd imagine the 9028 in this would still be good but not as good as 9038 offers in the aforementioned price range.
I do not think that / the assumption would be a safe, the ESS 9028 Pro is a very good dac,and in some respects is better than the ESS 9038 Pro
It produces less heat, and if you look at the Okto DAC 8 pro review, it has none of the Famous ESS Hump, this is of course is down to the
engineering skills of the people concerned/although in regards to the ESS hump issue I think it is generally better anyway.
Also a poorly implemented ESS9038 would be inferior to a properly implemented ESS 9028,and I think the Okto review here on
ASR is proof of that / I guess we have to wait and see what Matrix can do with the ESS9028 Pro Implementation in the Matrix element i
having used their products,I know they are a very skilled team.And they are using the ESS 9028 Pro in the Matrix element M, this has been
well received. As I understand the Matrix element i, is a scaled down version of the Matrix element M, 2 core processor vs 4 core processor
no on board LPS, different head amp,no double skin case /although if you wish not to use the supplied SMPS/you can use your own LPS.
And I think there a possible benefits to have the power separate from the main electronics,eg: 2 box implementation of a device,
manufacturers do not generally do this as there is the added expense involved.
I believe Matrix are going to send Amir a review sample,I hope it is soon
Cheers