I’m a simple guy, just pepperoni and cheese. As far as DAC’s, I have two, one with a ESS (on a headphone system)and the other with a AKM ( on a system with speakers). They both sound fine and I’m happy with both.
First time here, I like your perspective on this stuff. Let me share an anecdote. I've happily been using a Topping E30 ($99) for 5 yrs as a replacement to my aging Hegel integrated. Although it's a well engineered product, the price tag and all the audiophile hype had me convinced I needed something better. I set up an A/B switchable system and auditioned the Denafrips Ares ($700) then the Chord Qutest ($1500). On well recorded music, I can clearly tell both of these were pleasing upgrades when I switch back and forth. But without the ability to quickly switch, I couldn't reliably tell the difference when using regular, non-audiophile music. I can see it being worthwhile for someone with a highly resolving system and different musical tastes but I decided to keep the E30 and spend my money elsewhere.
Although I don't give much credence to the dac chips themselves, I'm strangely proud to have snagged the OG AKM in the Topping E30 before the factory burned down
DACs really do make a difference. But the differences are not in frequency response like with speakers, so you need to listen for other things like the spatial presentation. Unfortunately a lot of that info is destroyed by cheesy speaker crossovers.
@@Jeep_on_audio I agree except for one point. Spatial presentation is more a function of the speaker directivity, placement, and room interaction and should be addressed in that domain. Things like dynamics adjustments and harmonics are best left to a preamp and often introduce problems/cost to dacs. All a dac should be is transparent, low noise, and ideally low jitter
@@ruvamsi It's "and and", not "and or". Good speaker setup is a given, but if the dac sounds narrow and flat no set of speakers in the best setup can fix what is lost. Similarly, even with the best dac and amp if your speakers have the best radiation pattern (most do not) often the cheaped out crossover destroys the best signal.
1) Extra Cheese, Double Pepperoni, Hot Peppers, Onion 2) The differences between DACs are often so slight you wouldn't notice them without a direct comparison. 3) In the reviews I write I try to help buyers make an informed decision. I've never been afraid to call a piece of crap a piece of crap... and I generally don't hesitate to point out the good stuff, when I can. 4) The measurements are helpful in eliminating the stinkers. 5) I've always liked Matt's reviews, been a subscriber for quite a while now.
eh - I disagree with number 2. I just can't listen to ESS dacs as yes, they are SHARP (and to me, extremely annoying), no side by side comparison needed! I'm still willing to give them a listen, but so far none have passed for my taste.
@@lisar3944 If you are bringing it down to a personal preference nobody has room to disagree with you. (No worries... they'll disagree anyway) On the other hand, I don't find enough difference between several DAC chips and devices to even worry about. There are other considerations, compatibility, standards compliance, build quality, price, etc. that weigh in far more heavily than minor sonic differences.
“Dac within a Dac, within a….” TurDACen? Seriously, looks to be a really nice little machine. Would be way cool for more brands to do something like this.
Implementation is more important than the chip. Switching opamps has a greater effect on perceived performance than DAC chips. Maybe make a dac with a switchable output stage instead. Opamp 1, Opamp 2, Tube. That would be really cool.
This is what I would want, same form factor as the Douk one little bear and the top easily removable to switch out the opamps and a manual button in case I lose the remote.
I am glad Duok came out with a new dac and at $160 and a party trick is very cool. Love the acrylic top too. Jealous of those Polks, and the really good job on your CSS's.
Missed opportunity not opening it up. Or have a good look through the window. Because thats the kitchen where the pizza is made! If those opamps are socketed, that's a great opportunity for easy worthwhile improvement. Because while the $0.50 NE5532 is capable, it destroys a lot of fine details that make the difference between ESS and AKM. It destroys low level information by smearing in the time domain. Upgrading opamps makes a lot of sense. Even $7 OracleII are a big jump in the total performance of this dac. So for $175 you have a different higher tier dac! I made several dacs and I prefer R2R DACs. Try get a hold of the new FIIO K11 R2R. Same price, same look, very different approach.
I have a ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp here. This ToneWinner DAC has mopped the deck with R2R, AKM and other offerings up to $6000. I paid $1150 for this unit, delivered, brand new. The second place winner is my PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC, $2000 new when they were available, and I still recommend this DAC, I still have mine. As far as AKM, R2R or ESS, it all depends upon how it is implemented. I have had PS Audio, Bel Canto, Denafrips, GD Audio, Sim Audio, etc... Many more. It is all in how it is implemented. Oh, I ordered one of these DACs... Thanks Matt! Love these silly little things. ;-)
I have been really curious about Tonewinner devices and I think you are the first person who has ever offered first hand experience - glad to hear this!
I find DAC chip differences audible, even though age and rock concerts have taken their toll on my hearing.I have the Xduoo XD05 Pro transportable DAC Amp. It comes stock with an ESS 9039. I ordered it with the optional Rohm DAC card, the BD34301. The difference is easy to hear, as you would expect, the 9039 is more detailed, and the Rohm is more midrange focused. I later bought the card with the AKM 4499. Not too warm, not too cold, just right. Kind of like Goldilocks and the Bears. I also have a FiiO DAP with two AKM 4497s and while the XD05 is more powerful, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to tell the difference between the XD05 with the 4499 and the DAP with the 4497s. While implementation is important, I am skeptical of the claim by many "high end" manufacturers that their expensive device, based on an older chip, is superior to newer, less expensive DACs built around current generation chips. They simply do not want to bother with redesign, or have old stock to sell off.
Just came in today. Mode 1: AKM+ESS doesn’t make sense unless the unit is connected to 2 separate preamps because you can’t play through both outputs at the same time into one preamp. Douk could’ve just had one analog output to a preamp and have the user be able to toggle between dac chips on the fly.
My Unit will arrive tomorrow, hope it will allow my OP-Amps since the photo show sockets.. Yes there is an advantage in external power supply because one can go low noise... All the micro detail is hidden in most equipments noise -floor
I think that this is a nice dac for geeks on a budget. If these opamps are indeed socketed, it's a very easy and very worthwhile upgrade. I have several that are better, like AD987 and OracleII 2 that don't break the bank ($7), always fit and sound a lot better than NE5532.
@@Jeep_on_audio From the photos they appear to be. Having tried all those OP-AMPS I landed on the discrete type OP-AMPS are just arranged transistors the right PNP NPN junctions can produce your own house sound. While I have not had a chance to run my custom ultra low noise power on this unit yet I will confirm on other DACs that allow external power it can change everything. All the real music is typically hidden in the noise floor of most systems we have ever heard.
When my boys are visiting we sometimes go out for pizza. They like pineapple, IMO pineapple is an aberration . But it’s ok, as long as they buy their own and sit at another table. Also, I’ve got a few DAC’s in my tech closet. My only observation is they DO sound better than using the audio out in my laptop or iPad.
Well, strange idea, but personally I like the sound of an ESS DAC with my movie and TV watching because of the extreme clarity. However, the AKM sound is generally smoother and appeals to me more for music. So the dual DAC could work for movie viewing and music separation. 🤷🏼♂️
I skip the mushrooms too, but I'm all veggie these days...I think it's an attempt to offset the calories from the craft beer, lol. I've been using this device all week and hope to get a review out soon, but I feel like it's going to be rather similar to your thoughts. Great job sir!
Ahh no,..... I ate pizza daily for one and a half years while working a part time job..... I ended up in the hospital. Don't push your luck. Yes, you said it correctly there is an almost imperceptible sonic difference between AKM, and ESS dacs, but it is there. I also prefer the AKM 4493s chip. Metals like bells, cymbals, triangle, sound more realistic with these chips. Also whenever possible I feed them DC power from a power bank, to eliminate noise from the street power lines, it is for this reason that I connect the DACs using the optical input.( I have nine DACs including Denafrips ares II and D400EX ). From now on, I only buy DACs that I can feed my own DC juice.
The dac chip plays minor role comparing to dac circuit design, power supply, clock oscillator/jitter, data pre-processing (noise floor, jitter), I/U conversion and output analog buffer
Meat lovers Pizza, absolutely no mushrooms.. yuck! I like the idea of the dual outputs and that would come in handy for my situation. We’re splitting our Topping DAC with RCA Y connectors between our vintage Pioneer and our The Fisher tube gear and I know that’s not the best way of implementing a signal. We have been using the Little Bear VU3 speaker/ amp switcher between the two systems for three years now without issues, so that case I feel that Douk has made a reliable product.
DAC inside your DAC inside your DAC - we’ve reached peak DAC-ducken. Now for some real controversy - I’ll enjoy a Hawaiian pizza from time to time, and Costco’s cheap and greasy pepperoni is a guilty pleasure. 😂
How would the Mode 1 combined config be connected to a receiver or amp? Aren’t there two separate outputs corresponding to each dac chip? I’m assuming Mode 1 is outputting through both of the rear Outs simultaneously?
Nope. Totally different things. If a dac loses information, there is no way with any magic algo you can get that information back with an equaliser or DSP. Once lost, it's lost forever.
Mushrooms are my favorite! I'm unsubbing! Just kidding. LOL Something for everybody. My 4 year old grandson has to have black olives on everything. Two DACs in one is an interesting concept. I'm surprised this hasn't been tried before. It is cool looking.
@@MattCoykendall1 Agreed. You should see some of the blow back comments I get when I discuss chips. Especially from the WiiM crowd and the Eversolo fans. Keeps it interesting. Great channel BTW.
@@OldGuyHifiWe appreciate it! I don't think it will ever change, and we will always have crowds split on gear and opinions. I value truth from a reviewer, and I will digest that information how I see fit, and make my decision. Thanks!
@MattCoykendall1 Another solid review. I am interested in getting my first value DAC, and this was really helpful. Musical ... brilliant! 🙃 btw, pizza is life ... no matter what the toppings.
That’s a very cool idea to have switchable dac chips to fit your mood of the day. Both great dac’s . I like AKM dac’s a bit more myself but I do have a dual sabre in my eversolo dmp a6 master edition and it is very detailed and on certain tracks it has a little bit of glare that why I’m partial to the smooth detailed enough AKM. It is non fatiguing and good on all tracks , at least IMO. Thanks Matt 👍
Thanks for sharing, nothing wrong with a bit older either. When you know you like something and it’s “enough” that’s the best place to be in this hobby.
@@MattCoykendall1 for sure, there’s always something new that comes out but I say if it isn’t broke don’t fix it. I’m most cases I run the eversolo as a digital transport into the AKM. I’ve had people say “why would you do that?”.. I say because I like it….. people should do their music how they want it and no be sheep that feel that they have to do what everybody else does.
What’s good about it though is the DAC itself looks good and offers a clean sound so end of the day you get what you need. On the flip side it’s an interesting conversation piece with a bit of oddity built in.
Both chips do the exact same thing. Accurately convert bits to analog. If properly implemented, there will be no difference in output since both have to do the same thing. This device is stupid.
@@MattCoykendall1 By far. Reconstruction filters are generally beyond our range of hearing, but the bad ones can reach down and lop the top off the treble sometimes.
Both cars do the same thing. Transport you from a to b. If properly implemented there will be no difference in outcome since both do the same thing. Your reasoning is stupid.
I’m a simple guy, just pepperoni and cheese. As far as DAC’s, I have two, one with a ESS (on a headphone system)and the other with a AKM ( on a system with speakers). They both sound fine and I’m happy with both.
First time here, I like your perspective on this stuff. Let me share an anecdote.
I've happily been using a Topping E30 ($99) for 5 yrs as a replacement to my aging Hegel integrated. Although it's a well engineered product, the price tag and all the audiophile hype had me convinced I needed something better. I set up an A/B switchable system and auditioned the Denafrips Ares ($700) then the Chord Qutest ($1500). On well recorded music, I can clearly tell both of these were pleasing upgrades when I switch back and forth. But without the ability to quickly switch, I couldn't reliably tell the difference when using regular, non-audiophile music. I can see it being worthwhile for someone with a highly resolving system and different musical tastes but I decided to keep the E30 and spend my money elsewhere.
Although I don't give much credence to the dac chips themselves, I'm strangely proud to have snagged the OG AKM in the Topping E30 before the factory burned down
I really like the way you went about your testing too, kept it real life and made decisions based on your needs.
DACs really do make a difference. But the differences are not in frequency response like with speakers, so you need to listen for other things like the spatial presentation. Unfortunately a lot of that info is destroyed by cheesy speaker crossovers.
@@Jeep_on_audio I agree except for one point. Spatial presentation is more a function of the speaker directivity, placement, and room interaction and should be addressed in that domain. Things like dynamics adjustments and harmonics are best left to a preamp and often introduce problems/cost to dacs. All a dac should be is transparent, low noise, and ideally low jitter
@@ruvamsi
It's "and and", not "and or".
Good speaker setup is a given, but if the dac sounds narrow and flat no set of speakers in the best setup can fix what is lost.
Similarly, even with the best dac and amp if your speakers have the best radiation pattern (most do not) often the cheaped out crossover destroys the best signal.
1) Extra Cheese, Double Pepperoni, Hot Peppers, Onion
2) The differences between DACs are often so slight you wouldn't notice them without a direct comparison.
3) In the reviews I write I try to help buyers make an informed decision. I've never been afraid to call a piece of crap a piece of crap... and I generally don't hesitate to point out the good stuff, when I can.
4) The measurements are helpful in eliminating the stinkers.
5) I've always liked Matt's reviews, been a subscriber for quite a while now.
Pepperoni with banana peppers is right up there with me, I’m actually getting hungry now..
eh - I disagree with number 2. I just can't listen to ESS dacs as yes, they are SHARP (and to me, extremely annoying), no side by side comparison needed! I'm still willing to give them a listen, but so far none have passed for my taste.
@@lisar3944
If you are bringing it down to a personal preference nobody has room to disagree with you. (No worries... they'll disagree anyway)
On the other hand, I don't find enough difference between several DAC chips and devices to even worry about. There are other considerations, compatibility, standards compliance, build quality, price, etc. that weigh in far more heavily than minor sonic differences.
“Dac within a Dac, within a….” TurDACen? Seriously, looks to be a really nice little machine. Would be way cool for more brands to do something like this.
Implementation is more important than the chip. Switching opamps has a greater effect on perceived performance than DAC chips. Maybe make a dac with a switchable output stage instead. Opamp 1, Opamp 2, Tube. That would be really cool.
I could definitely see them doing this, I am almost surprised we haven’t had one yet.
This is what I would want, same form factor as the Douk one little bear and the top easily removable to switch out the opamps and a manual button in case I lose the remote.
I am glad Duok came out with a new dac and at $160 and a party trick is very cool. Love the acrylic top too. Jealous of those Polks, and the really good job on your CSS's.
Appreciate the kind words, those dang Polks always look good. The CSS build was a lot of fun too, hope to build some more.
8:20 .... As I've been saying ...
_"Cheap audio is getting better and better audio is getting cheaper."_
It's only a matter of time until they meet.
Missed opportunity not opening it up. Or have a good look through the window. Because thats the kitchen where the pizza is made!
If those opamps are socketed, that's a great opportunity for easy worthwhile improvement. Because while the $0.50 NE5532 is capable, it destroys a lot of fine details that make the difference between ESS and AKM. It destroys low level information by smearing in the time domain.
Upgrading opamps makes a lot of sense. Even $7 OracleII are a big jump in the total performance of this dac. So for $175 you have a different higher tier dac!
I made several dacs and I prefer R2R DACs. Try get a hold of the new FIIO K11 R2R. Same price, same look, very different approach.
They are swappable and I meant to open this one up but just ran into some time constraints!
Didn't you just finish saying "the outcome is the same"?
So which is it ... Both do the same thing -- or -- the parts make a real difference?
I have a ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp here. This ToneWinner DAC has mopped the deck with R2R, AKM and other offerings up to $6000. I paid $1150 for this unit, delivered, brand new. The second place winner is my PS Audio Stellar Gaincell DAC, $2000 new when they were available, and I still recommend this DAC, I still have mine. As far as AKM, R2R or ESS, it all depends upon how it is implemented. I have had PS Audio, Bel Canto, Denafrips, GD Audio, Sim Audio, etc... Many more. It is all in how it is implemented. Oh, I ordered one of these DACs... Thanks Matt! Love these silly little things. ;-)
Does Ed still have his?
@@tedkay5272 Yes, he wants to buy another for one of his other systems. And the Gaincell, he still owns two.
I have been really curious about Tonewinner devices and I think you are the first person who has ever offered first hand experience - glad to hear this!
@@lisar3944 ToneWinner is a hidden gem, they are not perfect, but they really nailed the most important part, sound quality.
I find DAC chip differences audible, even though age and rock concerts have taken their toll on my hearing.I have the Xduoo XD05 Pro transportable DAC Amp. It comes stock with an ESS 9039. I ordered it with the optional Rohm DAC card, the BD34301. The difference is easy to hear, as you would expect, the 9039 is more detailed, and the Rohm is more midrange focused. I later bought the card with the AKM 4499. Not too warm, not too cold, just right. Kind of like Goldilocks and the Bears. I also have a FiiO DAP with two AKM 4497s and while the XD05 is more powerful, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to tell the difference between the XD05 with the 4499 and the DAP with the 4497s. While implementation is important, I am skeptical of the claim by many "high end" manufacturers that their expensive device, based on an older chip, is superior to newer, less expensive DACs built around current generation chips. They simply do not want to bother with redesign, or have old stock to sell off.
Just came in today. Mode 1: AKM+ESS doesn’t make sense unless the unit is connected to 2 separate preamps because you can’t play through both outputs at the same time into one preamp. Douk could’ve just had one analog output to a preamp and have the user be able to toggle between dac chips on the fly.
My Unit will arrive tomorrow, hope it will allow my OP-Amps since the photo show sockets..
Yes there is an advantage in external power supply because one can go low noise...
All the micro detail is hidden in most equipments noise -floor
Which ones? As long as it isn’t something really tall you should be ok.
I think that this is a nice dac for geeks on a budget. If these opamps are indeed socketed, it's a very easy and very worthwhile upgrade. I have several that are better, like AD987 and OracleII 2 that don't break the bank ($7), always fit and sound a lot better than NE5532.
@@Jeep_on_audio
From the photos they appear to be.
Having tried all those OP-AMPS I landed on the discrete type OP-AMPS are just arranged transistors the right PNP NPN junctions can produce your own house sound.
While I have not had a chance to run my custom ultra low noise power on this unit yet I will confirm on other DACs that allow external power it can change everything.
All the real music is typically hidden in the noise floor of most systems we have ever heard.
Fresh perspective, thank you for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
When my boys are visiting we sometimes go out for pizza. They like pineapple, IMO pineapple is an aberration . But it’s ok, as long as they buy their own and sit at another table. Also, I’ve got a few DAC’s in my tech closet. My only observation is they DO sound better than using the audio out in my laptop or iPad.
haha, "Take your pineapples to another table"
Well, strange idea, but personally I like the sound of an ESS DAC with my movie and TV watching because of the extreme clarity. However, the AKM sound is generally smoother and appeals to me more for music. So the dual DAC could work for movie viewing and music separation. 🤷🏼♂️
All the veggies and the meats! Mushrooms are great 😊
What’s the go to meat?
I skip the mushrooms too, but I'm all veggie these days...I think it's an attempt to offset the calories from the craft beer, lol. I've been using this device all week and hope to get a review out soon, but I feel like it's going to be rather similar to your thoughts. Great job sir!
Occasionally I will skip the meat for a Margherita pizza. Good luck on your testing!
Uh-uh ... no meat? Not Pizza! 😟
@@Douglas_Blake_579 don’t troll my pizza selections DB lol
@@ForeverAnalog
Geees ... I did use a smiley, you know.
Ahh no,..... I ate pizza daily for one and a half years while working a part time job..... I ended up in the hospital.
Don't push your luck.
Yes, you said it correctly there is an almost imperceptible sonic difference between AKM, and ESS dacs, but it is there. I also prefer the AKM 4493s chip. Metals like bells, cymbals, triangle, sound more realistic with these chips. Also whenever possible I feed them DC power from a power bank, to eliminate noise from the street power lines, it is for this reason that I connect the DACs using the optical input.( I have nine DACs including Denafrips ares II and D400EX ).
From now on, I only buy DACs that I can feed my own DC juice.
Diavolo - Spicy.
Also # 400 "Thumbsup"...nice round number.
€180 over here in the eurozone.
The dac chip plays minor role comparing to dac circuit design, power supply, clock oscillator/jitter, data pre-processing (noise floor, jitter), I/U conversion and output analog buffer
Meat lovers Pizza, absolutely no mushrooms.. yuck! I like the idea of the dual outputs and that would come in handy for my situation. We’re splitting our Topping DAC with RCA Y connectors between our vintage Pioneer and our The Fisher tube gear and I know that’s not the best way of implementing a signal. We have been using the Little Bear VU3 speaker/ amp switcher between the two systems for three years now without issues, so that case I feel that Douk has made a reliable product.
I am definitely with you here.
Definitely mushrooms on my pizza.
I just can’t get into them for some reason.
DAC inside your DAC inside your DAC - we’ve reached peak DAC-ducken.
Now for some real controversy - I’ll enjoy a Hawaiian pizza from time to time, and Costco’s cheap and greasy pepperoni is a guilty pleasure. 😂
I can do a Hawaiian time to time, my kids like it. What might blow more minds, I have 3 kids and have never had a Costco membership.
I am still waiting for the triple or quadruple DAC to come out.
How would the Mode 1 combined config be connected to a receiver or amp? Aren’t there two separate outputs corresponding to each dac chip? I’m assuming Mode 1 is outputting through both of the rear Outs simultaneously?
You are correct
@@MattCoykendall1 So a two-rca pair to one-rca pair cable is needed?
great review as always...hope u looked under any white cap...maybe there a was burr Brown.
kidding aside, thanks a lot
Haha anything is possible
Lol yesterday posted about the lack of reviews on this device on the budget audiophile reddit.
BS Node N130 has a built-in DAC
Next stop: premium amplifier 😮
Neat device.
Yeah it’s certainly a different one.
As long as you exclude pineapple
Pineapple is a touchy subject
@@MattCoykendall1 🤣
I hope you’re not trying to say Biden’s economy is better than Trumps? But I do agree with your take on vinyl vs cd.
Nothing I said here is even remotely political… This is about DAC’s and pizza.
@@MattCoykendall1
My bad Matt, I was replying to Mazzy! I don’t know how my comment ended up on your feed? My apologies.
No worries! All good.
👍@@MattCoykendall1 subscribed
Saludos desde Perú
Imagine if the firmware was faulty and it want really switching 😅
The cool thing is that you can choose the detail / warm sound just with EQ. You don't need new dacs, cables or fuses :)
That is certainly a more measured option as far as the detail driven or warm sound goes.
Nope. Totally different things. If a dac loses information, there is no way with any magic algo you can get that information back with an equaliser or DSP.
Once lost, it's lost forever.
Nice!
You know it
Lol thank you
But i'd like Rohm dac...Peace!
Sorry cheese pizza all the way as it should be. Or not?
I can do cheese but I like to add salsa
Mushrooms are my favorite! I'm unsubbing! Just kidding. LOL Something for everybody. My 4 year old grandson has to have black olives on everything. Two DACs in one is an interesting concept. I'm surprised this hasn't been tried before. It is cool looking.
Mike you can’t leave yet! I won’t eat those dang mushrooms though.
@@MattCoykendall1 Ha Ha!
Sorry for me,not for everyone I have to have a fully balanced design to consider,rca is not for me but as a small system probably fine
I agree with you. I prefer the AKM Velvet sound chips as well.
It’s such a delicate subject, a lot of strong opinions around chips. Thanks for chiming in!
@@MattCoykendall1 Agreed. You should see some of the blow back comments I get when I discuss chips. Especially from the WiiM crowd and the Eversolo fans. Keeps it interesting. Great channel BTW.
@@OldGuyHifiWe appreciate it! I don't think it will ever change, and we will always have crowds split on gear and opinions. I value truth from a reviewer, and I will digest that information how I see fit, and make my decision. Thanks!
@@YitbosSwede That's the right way to do it.
@MattCoykendall1 Another solid review. I am interested in getting my first value DAC, and this was really helpful. Musical ... brilliant! 🙃 btw, pizza is life ... no matter what the toppings.
Sometimes I think I workout just to eat more pizza...
''Very unique''? So, we have degrees of uniqueness now?
Correct next is uniquely unique
That’s a very cool idea to have switchable dac chips to fit your mood of the day. Both great dac’s . I like AKM dac’s a bit more myself but I do have a dual sabre in my eversolo dmp a6 master edition and it is very detailed and on certain tracks it has a little bit of glare that why I’m partial to the smooth detailed enough AKM. It is non fatiguing and good on all tracks , at least IMO.
Thanks Matt 👍
It’s certainly an interesting one, I am not aware of any others like this. What AKM chip do you gravitate to?
@@MattCoykendall1 I actually love my 4458 it’s a bit older but it’s just so smooth and I can listen for hours .
Pink Floyd is my fav .🍻
Thanks for sharing, nothing wrong with a bit older either. When you know you like something and it’s “enough” that’s the best place to be in this hobby.
@@MattCoykendall1 for sure, there’s always something new that comes out but I say if it isn’t broke don’t fix it.
I’m most cases I run the eversolo as a digital transport into the AKM. I’ve had people say “why would you do that?”..
I say because I like it…..
people should do their music how they want it and no be sheep that feel that they have to do what everybody else does.
Totally agree
This item inadvertently exposes just how ridiculous Dac offs truly are.
What’s good about it though is the DAC itself looks good and offers a clean sound so end of the day you get what you need. On the flip side it’s an interesting conversation piece with a bit of oddity built in.
@@MattCoykendall1The best are typically tall .. Do to discrete design but if the baseline sound is good I will remove it from the case and remount.
You need to get out more. ;-)
Both chips do the exact same thing. Accurately convert bits to analog. If properly implemented, there will be no difference in output since both have to do the same thing. This device is stupid.
The differences, when they show, are usually in the reconstruction filters and output levels.
Output levels are the most noticeable certainly.
@@MattCoykendall1
By far. Reconstruction filters are generally beyond our range of hearing, but the bad ones can reach down and lop the top off the treble sometimes.
Both cars do the same thing. Transport you from a to b. If properly implemented there will be no difference in outcome since both do the same thing. Your reasoning is stupid.
Damn it, you made me hungry, now i want pizza! 🤦🏻♂️🥲