[guymrob]

Yes, AKM4490 provides a few set of digital filters to tailor the sound. I'm using the Cayin N5 DAP, switching between the digital filters does have a slight effect on the sound, depending on the music; especially classical I prefer slow roll off. Not all manufacturers that use AK4490 will use all these filters. The AK380, I believe uses a standard sharp roll off filter.

It is interesting, AK380 implements volume control inside AKM4490. According to data sheet, such implementation will result DSD being converted to PCM internally. So effectively, DSD natively playback is no longer true. The Cayin N5 avoid this issue by using an analogue volume control chip right after the DAC analog outputs. Another advantage, the DAC is always running near MSB, this improves signal to noise ratio and better linearity at low level.

 

[Xyrium]

That sounds like the volume control implementation on the Teac UD-503, which I'm eagerly anticipating a trial of!

 

[apaar123]

Hey which combo is better. A dap with with dual cs4398 DAC and an amp DAC with dual ak4490 or a day with ak4490 and an amp DAC with es9028?

 

[Traveller]

Hey which combo is better. A dap with with dual cs4398 DAC and an amp DAC with dual ak4490 or a day with ak4490 and an amp DAC with es9028?

Didn't even know EDIT there was a DAC there was a portable DAC with dual AK4490s... do you have an example for us

In any event, if you bypass the DAP's own DAC, then I doubt that the DAP can be graded as a simple transport...

 

[apaar123]

Didn't even know there was a DAC with dual AK4490s... do you have an example for us
In any event, if you bypass the DAP's own DAC, then I doubt that the DAP can be graded as a simple transport...

upcoming fiio q5

 

[audiobill]

 
Didn't even know there was a DAC with dual AK4490s... do you have an example for us

In any event, if you bypass the DAP's own DAC, then I doubt that the DAP can be graded as a simple transport...

The Bryston BDA-3 uses two AK4490 DACs, configured to use one per channel.

 

[Traveller]

 

... upcoming fiio q5

 

The Bryston BDA-3 uses two AK4490 DACs, configured to use one per channel.

 
So many toys on the market...

Thanks for the info, gents!
 
For now, I will stick to my Rob-Watts-FPGA-powered Mojo DAC...
...and AK320 for some AK4490 fun

 

 

[Xyrium]

 
Didn't even know there was a DAC with dual AK4490s... do you have an example for us

In any event, if you bypass the DAP's own DAC, then I doubt that the DAP can be graded as a simple transport...

Teac UD-503
 
Schiit Jutenheim
 
Rock on!

 

[Traveller]

Didn't even know there was a DAC with dual AK4490s... do you have an example for us...

Teac UD-503, Schiit Jutenheim ...

So guys, my bad; I meant Portable DAC...

 
T4S none the less

 

[Bugdozer]

I new FiiO X5 3rd Gen has duel AK4490's.
 
http://www.fiio.net/en/products/65

 

[Dexter22]

I new FiiO X5 3rd Gen has duel AK4490's.

http://www.fiio.net/en/products/65

The xduoo x10 has a single ak4490 for a lot less!

 

[bzfrank]

Zishan DSD uses AK4495SEQ.

 

[Jimster480]

Schiit seems to really like this DAC, its in basically all of their non-R2R products.

 

[Xyrium]

Probably the filter options available for it. I have the Nuprime DAC9, and they chose one of the filters that really seems to allow listening of any type of music without irritation, without obscuring details. I'm sure Schiit has maximized this option as well.

 

[Jimster480]

  Probably the filter options available for it. I have the Nuprime DAC9, and they chose one of the filters that really seems to allow listening of any type of music without irritation, without obscuring details. I'm sure Schiit has maximized this option as well.

That makes sense.
The ESS chips have internal filters too right?