AK4499 vs ES9038Pro / Gustard DAC-X26 vs Gustard DAC-A22

[Veri]

Expensive are more likely to have a better implementation, $50 over $500, I think most would agree so no need to be weird about it.

A $500 DAC would be expected to have very high quality parts and hopefully last a long time. But following that logic a $2000 DAC would have something supreme about it.. which is just false, DACs are mostly a solved commodity. A $100-$200 DAC can pretty much perform near top level, it might not have all the I/O (inputs outputs) or features (like PEQ etc, ~RME ADI-2 like). Buying only looking at price will only hurt your wallet...

 

[BDWoody]

Expensive are more likely to have a better implementation, $50 over $500, I think most would agree so no need to be weird about it.

Most here would likely agree that there is no audible difference.

I do like how everyone on this forum just seems to write bull for the sake of writing it

Like when people say one 'chip' sounds inherently different than another?

 

[Martin]

I would challenge anyone believing that DAC chips sound different to perform their own double-blind level-matched comparison. I plan to do so with the ES9038Pro in my Topping DX7 Pro and an AK4490 in another DAC for my own edification.

Martin

 

[Katji]

In every case it is a comparison of DAC[chip/s+implementation], never specifically a comparison of DAC chips.

So it is always "black box" comparisons. Which will of course will result in assumptions/speculations/whatever regarding the DAC chips.

 

[Harmonie]

ESS sounds totally different to AK, how many here actually have expensive DACs with both chips in them for comparison and aren't just using other peoples opinions?

You have dacs offering the ESS or AK implementation option + tubes. I'm sure you secretly wished such package.
As you seem convinced, why don't you go for it ?

https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=97

 

[Deleted member 3116]

I would challenge anyone believing that DAC chips sound different to perform their own double-blind level-matched comparison. I plan to do so with the ES9038Pro in my Topping DX7 Pro and an AK4490 in another DAC for my own edification.

Martin

Did you think you could hear a difference in sighted comparisons?

 

[Kw6]

I have a question! Are the Ak 4490 vs Ak 4499 differences audible even though 4499 measures a bit better?

 

[Veri]

I have a question! Are the Ak 4490 vs Ak 4499 differences audible even though 4499 measures a bit better?

No clear answer, I'd say "depends on the implementation". ADI-2 DAC for example used AK4490 for a long while before upgrading to AK4493 and it even out-performed the datasheet. On the other hand, there's surely a bunch of "bad" AK4490 devices around. Same for AK4499, having this chip does not mean it WILL perform super well, it will again need to be implemented well.

 

[Selborne]

I know this is an old thread, however, I thought I would add a few words regarding the difference between Sabre 9038Pro and AKM4499 chipsets, as people have already mentioned, how the Chips are applied (power, input and output applications), however, I have had the opportunity to listen to both chipsets with almost the same application, via the Topping D90 (AKM4499) and the D90SE (Sabre 9038Pro) through my system (Music Fidelity M5si + B&W 702 Signatures) they are chalk and cheese, The AKM had a warm, forward in the mid-range, deep bass sound, a little muddy, much like vinyl, with a reasonable sound stage, but limited 3D sound, in fact, I would go as far as to say it was almost 2D in it presentation, the Sabre was a polar opposite, it was more neutral, with a push towards the high-end, the sound had high clarity which revealed sounds I had not heard before in music that I listen to often, the sound stage is wider than my speakers, with a true holografic depth to the music. I liked it so much that I purchased the D90LE (no MQA support, separate discussion . Stunning sound, based on my listening preferences, it has taken my system to another level !!

 

[Martin]

I know this is an old tread, however, I thought I would add a few words regarding the difference between Sabre 9038Pro and AKM4499 chipsets, as people have already mentioned, how the Chips are applied (power, input and output applications), however, I have had the opportunity to listen to both chipsets with almost the same application, via the Topping D90 (AKM4499) and the D90SE (Sabre 9038Pro) through my system (Music Fidelity M5si + B&W 702 Signatures) they are chalk and cheese, The AKM had a warm, forward in the mid-range, deep bass sound, a little muddy, much like vinyl, with a reasonable sound stage, but limited 3D sound, in fact, I would go as far as to say it was almost 2D in it presentation, the Sabre was a polar opposite, it was more neutral, with a push towards the high-end, the sound had high clarity which revealed sounds I had not heard before in music that I listen to often, the sound stage is wider than my speakers, with a true holografic depth to the music. I liked it so much that I purchased the D90LE (no MQA support, separate discussion . Stunning sound, based on my listening preferences, it has taken my system to another level !!

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Now try it double blind and report back the experience. I think you will find it enlightening.

And here is some reading you may find eye-opening.

Martin

 

[sjeesjie]

Off topic perhaps but boy that Musical Paradise looks cool! Dual USB inputs, wish I’d seen that earlier!

 

[Bernard23]

I have multiple devices some with different chipsets and some with the same. Through the same set of speakers, in the same room they all sounds the same, OK I can easily imagine that they don't but the differences are so subtle I cannot accept them as real. Move the cushions on my sofa and close the curtains and it more obviously changes. I can validate that observation by running another room correction sweep. Moving my furnishings around have a much more obvious effect than changing anything in the digital chain.