[adiebear]

I am considering these 2- as DACs and preamps for my hi-fi, with AVR passing through.
The 28 with $40 options (TCXO for USB-32 and ES9018) works out about the same price cos shipping to South Africa from China is way way cheaper than from USA.

SQ? Which would you choose?
I am looking for a smooth, even and open sound, without any "tizziness" in the tops which I have read ca be a ES9018 problem- though I imagine Kingwa's implementation is better than that.
 

 

[KG Jag]

Have you checked the Equipment Forums here?

 

[adiebear]

I sure have. Opinions on both are great, though I've not seen them mentioned in the same breath/thread/post- no comparisons.

 

[KG Jag]

  I sure have. Opinions on both are great, though I've not seen them mentioned in the same breath/thread/post- no comparisons.

Well that is where you should ask for one. 
 
This thread is far too much of a soup (recommend $15 IEM's) to nuts (help me troubleshoot "X") recommendations thread to offer much hope for a good answer to your very specific question about comparing two not widely held pieces of kit.

 

[adiebear]

Thanks KG Jag.
Will do.

 

[mtoc]

Which you choose at last?