Best sounding AKM chip DAC for '800,00USD$ or less?

[faverodefavero]

I just made a thread about a good R2R DAC a few minutes ago, well, going the total oposite route... which would be the very best DAC using an AKM chip for less than '800,00USD$, please?

Thank you very much, trully appreciate the help.

 

[jae]

Topping D90? Yulong DA1?

 

[faverodefavero]

Topping D90? Yulong DA1?

Topping D70 would seem like the best 800 bucks or lower option, right?

 

[fieldcar]

Heh. I read this as $800,000.00 instead of $800.00

EDIT: saw that you wanted AKM. I wouldn't give up on alternatives to AKM, but it's up to you. They all sound the same.
The D70S (NOT D70) is what you're looking for if you don't want to spend the money on the D90SE that's launching soon.

https://apos.audio/products/apos-certified-topping-d70s-dac

I'd wait until this launches just to make sure.
https://apos.audio/blogs/news/coming-june-topping-d90se-dac

 

[pozz]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Audio_Equipment_Reviews/

Filter by chip and price. Open reviews. Enjoy.

 

[LTig]

Try to find a used RME ADI-2 DAC.

 

[faverodefavero]

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?pages/Audio_Equipment_Reviews/

Filter by chip and price. Open reviews. Enjoy.

Thanks so much for that : )

 

[markkpa]

I've had the Weiliang DC500 DAC, Dual AK4499EQ's. It's $855.00 landed to USA from the https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...exp_id=94a7808f-8d53-419a-837b-a799892b4561-0 - but description is in Spanish! You can find the English description if your search BRZHIFI DC500 DAC on aliexpress. I'm streaming over usb from a mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15". Sound is amazing! I am using a separate preamp - it does not have a built-in headphone amp. It doesn't have the same high-end cosmetic finish of a Gustard; but to me sounds much better than the Gustard x26 Pro. I compared the two over here, if interested:
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/373411-listening-test-ak4499eq-vs-ess9038pro.html
I would definitely buy again!

 

[Trell]

I've had the Weiliang DC500 DAC, Dual AK4499EQ's. It's $855.00 landed to USA from the https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...exp_id=94a7808f-8d53-419a-837b-a799892b4561-0 - but description is in Spanish! You can find the English description if your search BRZHIFI DC500 DAC on aliexpress. I'm streaming over usb from a mid-2015 MacBook Pro 15". Sound is amazing! I am using a separate preamp - it does not have a built-in headphone amp. It doesn't have the same high-end cosmetic finish of a Gustard; but to me sounds much better than the Gustard x26 Pro. I compared the two over here, if interested:
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/373411-listening-test-ak4499eq-vs-ess9038pro.html
I would definitely buy again!

"Even more fluid, effortless & musical" etc from your post at that forum

 

[markkpa]

...should have said "transparent". Great sound stage and palpable image of the instruments.