I see your point. To compare such "scores", it is better to use the results fron the same lab, preferably done by the same person. If not, then expect to see minor differences, +/- a few dB is quite possible and there is nothing wrong with that too.
Also, parts are subject to tolerances, so if spec says 93 dB, individual part could be 96 dB, but could also be 90 dB (just an example).
Personally I never complained about them using the 5102A as such but I know some did. I just don't like them not telling people soon enough. I was disappointed, but not enough to actually complain about it. In principle, audible or not, we shouldn't go backward when choosing a dac chip. They all know that too obviously, as they all use dacs that have much better specs on their top models, same for Onkyo, Anthem, Yamaha etc., instead of using the likes of the PCM5102A, knowing that most users can't tell the difference anyway.
If the X4800H had Dirac ready now, I would have hard time moving on and going with Anthem's, despite the less desirable dac chip being used.
They could have kept more people happier though, by using something like the ES9010K2M, that Anthem uses for their AVRs that previously had the Ak4458 as well.
Last edited:
