[Krisman]

Hi guys,
 
I have listened to loads of HiFi DACs that use the ESS Sabre chipset and I have always liked their signature. I was wondering if people knew any good headphone DAC/amps that also used that chip as might try a couple to see if they have the same signature with several pairs of headphones.
 
Thanks

 

[themouse]

Headroom. Their BUDA DAC uses the Sabre chip I believe.

 

[HaVoC-28]

If you want something less expensive with Sabre DAC peraphs Audio GD NFB-27 or Compas 2 / NFB-11.32 depending on your budget .

 

[Radio_head]

There is more than one sabre chip.  If you are referring to the currently in vogue 9018, The Resonessence Invicta and Weiss 202 both use it and are both DACs as well as headphone amps.  

 

[palchiu]

Wadia 121 & Black Lion Audio's Sparrow DAC.
 

 

[Dyaems]

those OPPO blu-ray players is using ESS chips as well

 

[Krisman]

Thanks guys! Will check these suggestions out....

 

[jackwess]

The Upcoming Burson Conductor have the Sabre dac chip as well, but it will be released till Nov. 

 

[qusp]

just having the ES9018 isnt a guarantee of good design or sound. its a tricky dac to get right and requires pretty complex power supplies, typically prefers a 4 layer PCB. many IV stages used with it are either lazy or outright wrong it can be fantastic, but it can also have a very specific and hyped sound if done wrong

 

[Krisman]

Hi Qusp, couldn't agree more but I have found 'generally' that I like the signature the ESS 9018 gives. I have heard some bad implementations too so you are most definately right but mostly I have found a consistency and a soundstage I like. I am only realy starting to get into the headphone world so all my HiFi experience could be useless here Looking forward to finding out though....

 

[AlexRoma]

1. Weiss DAC202 (7000$)
2. Resonessence Invicta (4000$)
3. AudioLab 8200 DQ (2000$)
4. Yulong D18+A18 combo but no USB (1500$) 
5. Audio-GD NFB-27 (>1500$)
6. Anedio D2  (1470$) ,

1. Wadia 121 (1300$)
2. AudioLab M DAC (1200$),

1. Peachtree Audio units (~1000$)   

1. Audio-GD Compass 2  (>500$)

 
to be continued...

 

[xtreme4099]

NFB 1.32 and NFB 7.32 ..  Im loving my 1.32

 

[uzi]

While we're covering DACs with the ESS Sabre, at the lower end there's the AudioQuest DragonFly (~$250) and the ODAC (~$150).