An upgrade to an AK4399-based DAC

[1337n3ss]

Hello everyone,

I have a modded AK4399-based DAC with a XMOS USB module. Here is the link to the DAC on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32320652038.html . I spent about $300 on this DAC and the modifications (e.g. replaced most capacitors, replaced the oscillator, etc.). While I do like how it sounds, the DAC is now almost five years old and it is time to upgrade.

What would be the next step up in terms of sound quality from this DAC? I am not looking for a barely audible improvement, I am looking for a "holy crap, how did I live without this" kind of improvement.

Thanks.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Those kind of improvements are probably too much to expect from a DAC even if the rest of your system is extremely resolving, unless your previous DAC was crap.

Some headphones need more amp than comes with most DACamps. You didn't say anything about your gear, so hard to have any idea how to help except to say your expectations might be hard to fulfill.

 

[1337n3ss]

Thanks for the quick reply. Here is my system: PC -> AK4399-based DAC -> The Pass Labs Aleph 3 by Nelson Pass -> The Tango bookshelf speakers by Jeff Bagby.

Okay, let us say that I wanted a "slight" improvement over my current DAC, which DACs would I be looking at?

 

[gimmeheadroom]

RME ADI-2 DAC FS (best 1000 bucks anybody can ever spend on audio) if you don't need MQA, Pro version if you want analog in.

For MQA DACs not sure what to recommend since my faves are becoming unobtanium

 

[Deolum]

Hello everyone,

I have a modded AK4399-based DAC with a XMOS USB module. Here is the link to the DAC on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32320652038.html . I spent about $300 on this DAC and the modifications (e.g. replaced most capacitors, replaced the oscillator, etc.). While I do like how it sounds, the DAC is now almost five years old and it is time to upgrade.

What would be the next step up in terms of sound quality from this DAC? I am not looking for a barely audible improvement, I am looking for a "holy crap, how did I live without this" kind of improvement.

Thanks.

Maybe vinyl lol

 

[1337n3ss]

Thank you for the recommendations. RME ADI-2 DAC FS looks very interesting. Vinyl, on the other hand, is the opposite of what I am looking for