Honestly i can't imagine better sounding than my 4499, and messing with it now that it's impossible to get another one like it, doesn't appeal to me. i'm was just curious if the z4 with all the Bluetooth, usb dac with 32bit and codecs exetra exetra was sounding as good
Stock DSDs even AK4499 its nothing special, You just need to look more expensive players, much more
I told You stock Z4 will be better than Your DSDs 4499. Not same sound signature but overall technically better.
More separation and signal to noise ratio.
Also Zishan made better than 4499 before:
1) DSD GAD Pro based on single 4497
2) DSD GAD edition Dual AK4497
3) DSDs Dual AK4497 very similar and cheaper
4) DSD Pro AK4495
5) DSD first custom and rare (GAD) AK4495 based on different operating system
If You think DAC chip itself can magically create best sound, You are wrong.
Sound quality is based on implementation of DAC and mostly amplifier section.
Zishans on top line have best DAC chips and OPA but worse power supply, screen, operating system, capacitors, resistors and overall passive components.
That's why they are times cheaper than known brands.
Zishan don't have marketing as well but also it's not same lever of quality product. People who are used to modern advanced players with nice operating system, screen and build quality should avoid Zishans products. They are just obscure, primitive with no service or real guarantee.
It's good for us because we have nice sound for cheap price but it's not like high-end stuff but can be modded and sky is the limit