Is the DAC module AK4497 a substantial/moderate upgrade to AK4493?

[barrows]

I am listening to a D-90 right now, it is just warming up.  I am sending it DSD-256, but not in direct mode right now (as i am using the onboard volume control).  I'll be testing direct mode later.

 

BTW, if you are interested in the performance of the AKM chips with DSD, note that they perform better with DSD 256 than they do with DSD 512, this is noted right in their data sheets, noise and distortion performance suffers with DSD 512 input, so I would suggest sending them DSD 256 max, and not bothering with 512.

 

Also note, the AKM 4499 is an entirely new design approach for AKM, and it should not be lumped in with the previous gen chips (4490, 4493, 4497).  The 4499 uses a switched resistor conversion scheme, rather than the switched capacitor approach used in other AKM chips, and the 4499 has current output, which requires an I/V stage, instead of the voltage output used on previous AKM chips.  Current output is an advantage, as long as the DAC designer is capable enough to design a really good I/V stage (voltage output chips make the design implementation easier).  

Given the fundamental differences with the 4499, I would suggest people do not make the mistake of thinking it is just another version of the AKM "sound", it is a new design and just a refinement. 

[barrows]

@vvcv, the Topping D-90 does run the AKM 4499 chip in "Direct DSD" mode when the DAC is set with the volume control defeated ("DAC mode"). This has been confirmed directly by Topping, as I asked them this question. 

[barrows]

@Yviena, I no,longer have the D-90.

[barrows]

On 8/5/2020 at 1:56 PM, Yviena said:

Oh ok, if I may ask what did you replace it with?

I picked up the D-90 as an easy way to evaluate the new AKM 4499 DAC chip, I never intended to keep it for long.  Currently I am using the Bricasti M3 as the main DAC in my main system, and I also have my ESS 9038 based DIY and DSC-2 DIY DACs as well.