Will the AK4499EX successor come out in 2025?

[JasonC331]

I would like to know what analog preamp one should use to compare multiple DACs. I think I understand that each input would need to have an individual gain per input to make this a better test. What are some good options?

I tried this with an Anthem STR preamp only to find that the ADC still happens in bypass mode.

 

[Scytales]

I think the Benchmark LA4 would do, as it incorporates an "Input volume set-up" seemingly to program different volume level settings for each input. Unfortunately, the smallest volume step is 0.5 dB, which permits only to match level at 0.25 dB at best. It's relatively good, but not perfect. For the richest among the riches: Burmester 808, with trim-level with potentiometer on each input and a built-in RMS voltmeter to measure and adjust level!

Other preamps having similar functionality can be found on the used market. For example: Linn Exotik or Akurate Kontrol, Parasound Halo P7, Mark Levinson n° 32 (whose volume offset trimming offers 0.1 dB increments!), and so on.

 

[mocenigo]

"""
AKM has a history of releasing new flagship DACs approximately every three years, based on recent product launches:
• AK4497: Released in 2016, this was part of AKM’s third-generation 32-bit premium DAC lineup.
• AK4499: Launched in 2019, it marked AKM’s first current-output DAC and featured significant improvements in specifications.
• AK4499EX: Introduced in 2022, this DAC built upon the AK4499 with enhanced design and performance.
""""

AKM is demoing the 4498. It is a switched capacitor voltage output DAC, hence theoretically inferior to the 4499, but it should also be cheaper and allow for a simpler circuit. I asked their engineers but there is currently nothing they can/are allowed to say about a flagship above the 4499.

 

[mocenigo]

Ditto for the AK4499EX once its successor is launched.

There is also no two-digit number higher than 99 so it is obvious that no higher-quality DAC chips will even be released by AKM.

 

[mocenigo]

When I use the EX5 vs the focusite I can tell there's some differences though. EX5 is definitely a lot brighter

This, if true, is most likely due to implementation of the other parts of the complete DAC, not due to the chip.