mustang guy Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I've been poking around to try to figure out which chip manufacturers are making the most capable DAC chips. If I am missing any, let me know. It helps to know this stuff, because when you are shopping for equipment which does DA Conversion, you can know wether the DAC chip is the flagship, or the SS Minnow. Here is what I have found thus far: Burr Brown (now TI)'s best one is the PCM1795 ESS's top competitor is the ES9012 (ES9012 is the stereo version of the ES9018) both Sabre32 ReferenceCirrus's best is the CS4398 AKM's is the AK4399 Wolfsen WM8741 Analog Devices AD1955 (I added 12/1/12) Burr Brown PCM1795: 32-Bit Resolution Analog Performance: Dynamic Range: 123 dB THD+N: 0.0005% Differential Current Output: 3.9 mAPP 8× Oversampling Digital Filter: Stop Band Attenuation: -98 dB Passband Ripple: ±0.0002 dB Sampling Frequency: 10 kHz to 200 kHz System Clock: 128, 192, 256, 384, 512, or 768 fS With Autodetect Accepts 16-, 24-, and 32-Bit Audio Data PCM Data Formats: Standard, I2S, and Left-Justified DSD Format Interface Available Interface Available for Optional External Digital Filter or DSP TDMCA or Serial Port (SPI/I2C) User-Programmable Mode Controls: Digital Attenuation: 0 dB to -120 dB, 0.5-dB/Step Digital De-Emphasis Digital Filter Roll-Off: Sharp or Slow Soft Mute Zero Flag for Each Output Compatible With PCM1792A and PCM1796 (Pins and Mode Controls) Dual Supply Operation: 5-V Analog, 3.3-V Digital 5-V Tolerant Digital Inputs Small SSOP-28 Package APPLICATIONS A/V Receivers SACD Players DVD Players HDTV Receivers Car Audio Systems Digital Multitrack Recorders Other Applications Requiring 32-Bit Audio ESS ES9012 Stereo DAC (and of course the ES9018 multichannel DAC): The SABRE 32 Reference audio DAC series is the world’s highest performance 32-bit audio DAC solution targeted for consumer applications such as Blu-ray player, audio pre-amplifier, A/V receiver and professional applications such as recording systems, mixer consoles and digital audio workstations. With ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE 32 Reference Stereo DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR of up to 135dB and THD+N of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. Cirrus CS4398: Advanced multibit Delta-Sigma architecture 120 dB dynamic range -107 dB THD+N Up to 192 kHz sample rates Low-latency digital filter Direct Stream Digital® mode (SACD) Non-decimating volume control On-chip 50 kHz filter Dedicated input pins Low-clock-jitter sensitivity Differential analog outputs 5 V analog power supply 3.3 V or 5 V digital power supply Supports direct interface to logic levels from 1.8 V to 5 V Control output for external muting Package: 28-pin TSSOP; lead-free assembly AKM AK4399: Premium sound quality stereo DAC with DSD input option SNR: 123dB (126dB in mono mode) S/(N+D): 105dB Resolution: 32-bits Max fs: 216kHz Latency: 7/fs (optional) Power Supply: 5V Package: 44-LQFP Wolfson WM8741: Advanced Ultra High Performance Multi-bit Sigma-Delta Architecture - 128dB SNR (‘A’-weighted mono @ 48kHz) - 125dB SNR (‘A’-weighted stereo @ 48kHz) - 123dB SNR (non-weighted stereo @ 48kHz) - -100dB THD @ 48kHz - Differential analogue voltage outputs - High tolerance to clock jitter PCM Mode - Sampling frequency: 32kHz to 192kHz - Input data word length support: 16 to 32-bit - Supports all standard audio interface formats - Selectable advanced digital filter responses - Includes linear/minimum phase and range of tailored characteristics - Enables low pre-ringing, minimal latency - Optional interface to industry standard external filters - Digital volume control in 0.125dB steps with soft ramp and soft mute - Anti-clipping mode to prevent distortion even with input signals recorded up to 0dB - Selectable de-emphasis support - Zero Flag output DSD Mode - DSD bit-stream support for SACD applications - Support for normal or phase modulated bit-streams - Direct or PCM converted DSD paths (DSD Plus) - DSD mute Hardware or software control modes: - 2 and 3 wire serial control interface support Pin compatible with WM8740 4.5V to 5.5V analogue, 3.0V to 3.6V digital supply operation 28-lead SSOP Package Analog Devices AD1955: Supports 24-Bits, up to 192 kHz Sample Rate PCM Audio Data Supports SACD bit-stream and External Digital Filter Interface Multibit Sigma Delta Modulator with "Perfect Differential Linearity Restoration" for Reduced Idle Tones and Noise Floor Data Directed Scrambling DAC - Least Sensitive to Jitter 8.64 mA p-p Differential Output Current for Optimum Performance, with +3 dB headroom in SACD mode 5 V Power Supply Stereo Audio DAC System 120 dB SNR/DNR (not muted) at 48KHz Sample Rate (A-Weighted Stereo) 123 dB SNR/DNR (Mono) -110 dB THD+N 110 dB Stopband Attenuation with ±0.0002dB Passband Ripple Flexible Serial Data Port with Right-Justified, Left-Justified, I2S-Compatible and DSP Serial Port 28 Lead SSOP Plastic Package 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANGERDAN Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 ESS sabre 9018 is the top dog from what i know, even the link you provide shows it. They are used in all top DACS in todays equipment. Besides that the rest all look correct and thank you for posting this very useful information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 please also keep in mind the the implementation of the chips play an important role in the results, the sound you get from the DACs. all the ancillary circuitry within the DAC is arguably just as important as the chip in determining how the DACs sound. regards, tony 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANGERDAN Posted November 26, 2012 Share Posted November 26, 2012 Yep couldn't be more right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted November 27, 2012 Author Share Posted November 27, 2012 ESS sabre 9018 is the top dog from what i know, even the link you provide shows it. They are used in all top DACS in todays equipment. Besides that the rest all look correct and thank you for posting this very useful information. I was going to put the 9018 as the top chip, but since the non-stereo channels are significantly lower db, I selected the 9012. The Oppo BDP-95 and 105 use the 9018. I do see that the 9015 is capable of higher efficiency in mono. Perhaps I should have said the ESS Sabre32 Reference chips, which is the name for both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Morbius Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Thanks for the info, man! Using your list - I see my Marantz uses the Cirrus CS 4398 chips, and I couldn't be happier with my system. Again....Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted November 28, 2012 Author Share Posted November 28, 2012 I ordered a new sound card for my home desktop, and that is the chip in it. I am looking forward to some big improvements over the built in sound on the motherboard which is powering my Promedia Ultra 5.1 speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark1101 Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 The new Benchmark DAC that is out is using the Sabre chips..........several of them, and getting rave reviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I ordered a new sound card for my home desktop, and that is the chip in it.What soundcard did you order? I have a Soundblaster Audigy, and now I wonder if it can be improved on. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivanhurd Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 There are pro level sound cards that are used for audio production, so you can always improve. Will you be able to hear a difference? Maybe, maybe not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted November 29, 2012 Author Share Posted November 29, 2012 I purchased the Asus Xonar DX. It's a PCIE, and I installed it tonight. Sounds terrific. I fired up Transformers in Netflix, the the surround processing is spot on, as is the clarity and definition. It truly made my newly upgraded Promedia Ultra 5.1 come to life! FYI, the upgrade was replacement of about 20 Resistors and capacitors, as well as a fan. Cost $36 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Thanks, MG. I have a Sound Blaster card, an X-Fi I think, that I got a year or two ago that's supposed to be pretty good. I think it has very good sound on classical music. Do you think the Asus Xonar would be still better? Thanks -- Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted November 30, 2012 Author Share Posted November 30, 2012 Thanks, MG. I have a Sound Blaster card, an X-Fi I think, that I got a year or two ago that's supposed to be pretty good. I think it has very good sound on classical music. Do you think the Asus Xonar would be still better? Thanks -- Larry From the specs, that X-Fi is a very good card. I seriously doubt the Asus Xonar is better. I got the card because I was using the built in sound on the motherboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 Thanks, MG. I'm tempted just because the ESS Sabre chip is getting so much praise -- otherwise I don't have a pressing need. I didn't see the chip mentioned on the Asus website. I recall the Soundblaster improving the sound over stock. How did yours come out? BTW, which specs do you look at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustang guy Posted December 1, 2012 Author Share Posted December 1, 2012 The card I got has the Cirrus chip, not the sabre. It sounds great. I am totally satisfied. If you have an SP/DIF out on your computer, you can get an external DAC with whatever components you want. The sky is the limit, literally! edit: Here are a couple examples: Under a grand: http://eeaudio.com/eeaudio_20102.htm Burn money for a tiny bit better: http://www.lampizator.eu/newdac/dacstory.html Review of external dacs: http://www.stereomojo.com/Stereomojo%20Six%20DAC%20Shootout.htm/StereomojoSixDACShootout.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjd Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Not a current list, but I thought it was a good overview of DAC chip history. Burr-Brown: Multibit: PCM51, PCM52 – 16-bit predecessors PCM53, a ceramic packagePCM53 16-bit, one of the old, but good (1983-86 years), with a parallel inputPCM54 16 bit multibitnik normal (slightly older PCM56), parallel inputPCM55 16 bits, the same as the PCM54, only in a small SOIC packagePCM56 16 bit, normal quality multibitnikPCM58 18-bit, a very good DACPCM61 18-bit, the quality of a PCM56, but 18-bitPCM63 20-bit, one of the best of the world’s AudioPCM64 18-bit, one of the best, with a parallel inputPCM65 – one of the best, most expensive and rare multibitnikov, with parallel inputPCM66 16-bit DAC-2 and, huddled in a single housing, the quality – so soPCM67 hybrid (multi + one-bit), 2 DACs and in one case (stereo)PCM69 hybrid (multi + one bit), the same as the PCM67PCM1700 18-bit, 2-DAC and in one case (stereo), the quality level PCM61PCM1701 18-bit, one of the best, the successor technology PCM58PCM1702 20-bit, the quality just below the PCM63PCM1704 20-bit, the same as the PCM1702,but only able to accept 24-bit stream (converting all the same 20-bit) Burr-Brown Single-bit: PCM1600 / 1601, cheapPCM1607, cheapPCM1710, normal odnobitnikPCM1715, cheapPCM1716, cheap odnobitnik receiving 24bit/96kGts.PCM1723, cheapPCM1728 odnobitnik receiving 24bit/96kGts.PCM1732 is more or less of the one-bitPCM1738 is more or less of the one-bit, slightly better PCM1732PCM1792 – newer odnobitnik series of 24/192PCM1794 – best of odnobitnik PCM1792-PCM1798 (from a series of 24/192)PCM1796, PCM1798 – latest odnobitniki, the quality is lower than the PCM1792————————————————– Philips: TDA1540 14-bit old multibitnik (1982-1986.), Very musicalTDA1541 16-bit is a very good multibitnik, stereoTDA1541A 16 bit – “improved” TDA1541 – good multibitnikTDA1541A R1 16-bit – the version with the worst differential nonlinearity than ordinaryTDA1541A TDA1541A S1 16 bit – one of the best filipsovskih multibitTDA1541A S2 16 bit – one of the best filipsovskih multibitTDA1543 16-bit, two channels in one, simple and cheapTDA1545 16-bit, low-costTDA1547 aka – DAC 7, one of the best single-bit filipsovskihTDA1549 1 bit, the average size odnobitnik BitStreamTDA1305 1 bit, the usual odnobitnik, parameters worse than TDA1549SAA7321 1 bit, the average odnobitnikSAA7323 1 bit, the average odnobitnikSAA7341 1 bit cheap chip “all-in-one”SAA7350 1 bit, the usual Delta-Sigma, could be put together with TDA1547 and is itself————————————————– Analog Devices: Multibit: AD1851 16-bit, cheap multibitnikAD1856 16-bit, multibitnik average, more coldly detailed analog PCM56AD1860 18-bit, good multibitnikAD1861 18-bit, multibitnik, analog PCM61, but slightly worse than the AD1860AD1862 20-bit – one of the best of the world’s AudioAD1864 18-bit, good multibitnik, 2 DACs and in one case (stereo)AD1865 18-bit, very good multibitnik, 2 DACs and in one case (stereo)Analog Devices Single-bit:AD1852 1 bit, the average odnobitnik without current output (voltage only)AD1853 1 bit odnobitnik good, one of the best one-bit from Analog DevicesAD1854 1 bit cheaperAD1855 1 bitAD1955 1 bit odnobitnik good, one of the best one-bit from Analog Devices————————————————– UltraAnalog: D18400 – 18 bits – a hybrid micro-set in the factory hand, the precursor D20400D20400 (D20400A) – 20-bit – one of the best of the world’s Audio————————————————–NPC: SM5860 – normal odnobitnikSM5861 – normal odnobitnikSM5864 – good odnobitnikSM5865 – very worthy odnobitnik the best at Nippon Precision CircuitsSM5872 – normal odnobitnikSM5874 – cheap odnobitnik————————————————– Crystal Semiconductor: CS4303 – One of the best single-bitCS4327 – 1 bitCS4328 – good odnobitnikCS4329 – 1 bitCS4334 – 1 bitCS4390 – cheap odnobitnikCS4391, CS4392 – a little more than new, 1 bitCS4396, CS4397, CS4398 – the latest from Crystal odnobitniki————————————————– Sanyo: LC7880 – 16-bit DAC old hybrid, stereoLC7881 – 16-bit DAC old hybrid, stereoLC78820 – 18-bit, the old hybrid DAC, a stereo————————————————– Sony: CX20017 (aka CX890) – the oldest DAC s (1982 to 1985). Applies without oversamplingCX20152 – 16-bit – the old, but normal in quality DAC double integrationCXD2529 – 1 bit cheaperCXD2552 – 1 bit – one of the best Sonevskih odnobitnikovCXD2561 – 1 bit cheaperCXD2562 – 1 bit – one of the best Sonevskih odnobitnikovCXD2565 – 1 bitCXD2587 – 1 bit cheaperCXD8505 – 1 bit cheaperCXD8567 – 1 bitCXD8735 – 1 bit————————————————– Toshiba: TC9219 – 1 bit TC9237 – 1 bit TC9268 – 1 bitTD6705 – 16 bit TD6709 – 16 bit TD6710 – 14 bit TD6711 – 16 bit TD6720 – 16 bit————————————————– Panasonic: AN6806 – 16-bit, one of the first from Matsushita, but good qualityMN35500 – 1 bit cheaper MN35511 – 1 bit cheaperMN6471 – 1 bit, MASH (4 built parallel DAC-a)MN6472 – 1 bit, MASH (8 built parallel DACs)MN6474 – 1 bit, MASH (4 built parallel DAC-a)MN64731 – 1 bit, MASH – | MN64733 – 1 bitMASH | MN64735 – 1 bit, MASH |> are the best of the single-bit Panasonic MN6476 – 1 bitMASH | MN64761 – 1 bitMASH _ | MN66271 – 1 bit, cheap, chip “all-in-one”MN662713 – 1 bit, cheap, chip “all-in-one”————————————————– Pioneer: PD2026 – 1 bit cheap, the sound is not so hotPD2028 – 1 bit, the best of the single-bit Pionerovskih, without built-Legato LinkPD2029 – 1 bit, cheap odnobitnik with built Legato LinkPD7007 – 1 bit, the average odnobitnik, without built-Legato LinkPE8001 – 1 bit for rebadging Pioneer Burr-Brown PCM1716————————————————– Wolfson: WM8716 – Delta-Sigma, supports 24/192, no current output (voltage only)WM8740 – Delta-Sigma, supports 24/192, no current output (voltage only)WM8741 – Delta-Sigma, supporting 24/192 with selectable digital filters.————————————————– Yamaha: YM3015 – old, simple YM3020 – 16 bit floating pointYDC103 – 1 bit, the sound is not so hot, the chip “all-in-one” YM7141 – 1 bit, the sound of the averageYAC501 – 1 bit, a new standing in the upper pits YAC506 – 1 bit, a new standing in the upper pitsYAC507 – 1 bit newer, considered the best in Yamaha odnobitnikomYAC514 – 1 bit, a new sound medium————————————————– Grade: “L” – the lowest (Low) – worse than no grade “J” – selected to be better than bezgreydovy“K” – selected to be the best in quality (better than “J”) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fjd Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 If you ever wondered what DAC chip is used in that old CD player, the links below contains a very comprehensive list of the DAC d/a converter(s) and CD mechanism used in various CD players by various manufacturers. http://www.dutchaudioclassics.nl/the_complete_d_a_dac_converter_list/ http://vasiltech.narod.ru/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NBPK402 Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Where would the ESS SABRE™ Ultra DAC ES9016S be on the list? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1UC Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 Real DAC'S don't use chips 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arash Posted January 16, 2016 Share Posted January 16, 2016 PCM1704UK is the best DAC I've ever heard. the most analog-sounding in fact. I use Audio-GD Master-7 which is an ultimate design based on eight 1704s. it's the best DAC device I've heard so far among some dCs and Nagra DACs. it sounds out of this world. you won't believe how good this 15kg device sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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