[caenlenfromOCN]

Which years were both made for the first time, does anyone know?

 

[Me x3]

As far as I know, AKM AK4490 was introduced in 2014 while AKM AK4452 was introduced in 2015.
In terms of specifications AKM AK4490 is the superior DAC and it's also more expensive.

Just keep in mind, implementation matters when it comes to sound quality.
A poorly implemented AK4490 can perform worse than a very well implemented AK4452.

 

[caenlenfromOCN]

As far as I know, AKM AK4490 was introduced in 2014 while AKM AK4452 was introduced in 2015.
In terms of specifications AKM AK4490 is the superior DAC and it's also more expensive.

Just keep in mind, implementation matters when it comes to sound quality.
A poorly implemented AK4490 can perform worse than a very well implemented AK4452.

ok I was trying to decide between modi 3 and grace design S, both around the same price, and both from reputable companies. I'll just go with modi 3 then since I most likely will need optical at some point anyway

 

[Zenithcric]

While wondering whether i should get a Mimby or SMSL SU8 - i couldn’t decide ... i opted instead for two DACs for less then the price of either of the above — got a Modi 3 and an SMSL M100, the latter has an AK4452 ... also previously had an SMSL S10 (which has a 4490; thought i’d A-B the Modi & the S10 but never bothered, as i doubt i’d hear the difference) ... i cycled them all through different systems, and the M100 w/ the 4452 sounds very good. But so does the Modi. At this point i can’t articulate any differences i thought i might have heard at that time; maybe the Modi cleaner/more neutral, the M100 smoother/warmer, but hell if i remember. Differences like slivers of sound (hence my interest in the SU8 w/ it’s variable filters), very thin slices. They all found a working home and all sound good, more differences from the speakers i think than the DACs. Hence head-fi-ers addiction to multiple HPs ... slivers of sound (?)

 

[caenlenfromOCN]

While wondering whether i should get a Mimby or SMSL SU8 - i couldn’t decide ... i opted instead for two DACs for less then the price of either of the above — got a Modi 3 and an SMSL M100, the latter has an AK4452 ... also previously had an SMSL S10 (which has a 4490; thought i’d A-B the Modi & the S10 but never bothered, as i doubt i’d hear the difference) ... i cycled them all through different systems, and the M100 w/ the 4452 sounds very good. But so does the Modi. At this point i can’t articulate any differences i thought i might have heard at that time; maybe the Modi cleaner/more neutral, the M100 smoother/warmer, but hell if i remember. Differences like slivers of sound (hence my interest in the SU8 w/ it’s variable filters), very thin slices. They all found a working home and all sound good, more differences from the speakers i think than the DACs. Hence head-fi-ers addiction to multiple HPs ... slivers of sound (?)

I prefer my Modi 3. It is fantastic.