AKM AK4395 DAC (Analog Devices AD1896)

[taylorc]

Any knowlege/opinions on these two pieces?: AKM AK4395 DAC & Analog Devices AD1896 Upsampler

Researching internal DAC's...



AKM 4395: http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak4395/ek4395.pdf
Burr Brown PCM 1792: http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1792a.pdf

[jk labs]

Any knowlege/opinions on these two pieces?: AKM AK4395 DAC & Analog Devices AD1896 Upsampler

Researching internal DAC's...

AKM 4395: http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak4395/ek4395.pdf
Burr Brown PCM 1792: http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1792a.pdf

Sounds like an interesting project!

The DACs mentioned have truly excellent specs. Look at the AK4396 as well. Beware that it might prove hard to get AKM parts in small quantities.

[scervin]

Any knowlege/opinions on these two pieces?: AKM AK4395 DAC & Analog Devices AD1896 Upsampler

Researching internal DAC's...



AKM 4395: http://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/akm/en/product/ak4395/ek4395.pdf
Burr Brown PCM 1792: http://focus.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/pcm1792a.pdf

These are the same DAC's used in the new ANthem Statment product that retails for $4500-5000 so the must be very nice.  I've never heard them

[taylorc]

I'm curious what the upsampling comparison would be like between these DAC's (say a Statement D1) and an external DAC such as the Bel Canto DAC2, Benchmark DAC1, or Grace Design 901.  Considering the price tag on the D1, one would not expect the need for an external DAC.

[BobW]

I'm curious what the upsampling comparison would be like between these DAC's (say a Statement D1) and an external DAC such as the Bel Canto DAC2, Benchmark DAC1, or Grace Design 901.  Considering the price tag on the D1, one would not expect the need for an external DAC.

Makes two of us.
I've heard the BB DAC and it is formidable.  It's mostly the implementation that we hear.
Many other components will affect the sound, of course.
The Wolfson (see other thread) is one that I've no clue on, but I suspect it isn't up to the BB.
I've been debating the Toshiba 39xx hack and a better DVD-A player. Had settled on the Denon, but
the Harman Kardon caught my frugal little eyes.     

What *exactly* is gained from upsampling ? It seems conterintuitive to process more than needed.