nice, didn't know that D&M was using such low level ADCs everywhere.You summarized it very well in your two posts. The only one minor correction (not really necessary imo..) perhaps, would be that there has been no evidence of ADC downgrade. I think D+M has been using the AK5358 in their whole lineup from the entry models to the flagship models just not sure if they have done anything in the new 2022/23 lineups.
That ADC chip has SINAD of 92 dB, below is from the datasheet:
Given that mediocre specs, I guess D+M knows they shouldn't downgrade it further, whether it would result in audible differences or not.
AK5358 specs:
View attachment 238107
ADC info is even harder to find but they surely changed those chips too. The AK5358 is not even built anymore.
The Marantz 8805 teardown found a PCM1803A, probably the new ADC for all devices. Also a very basic/cheap ADC.
AK5358: SINAD 92dB, SNR 102dB
PCM1803A: SINAD 95dB, SNR 103dB
Surprise, surprise, the ADC switch can actually be called an 'upgrade'. Hooray
Last edited: