Hi there,
I wanted to ask you fine audiophiles about your opinions on the DAC:s Texas Instruments PCM 1796 and ESS Sabre 9038 DAC?
In my current amplifier with an integrated DAC the Texas Instruments PCM 1796 DAC is installed, but I’m thinking of getting an external DAC for my stationary PC (for various reasons - mainly because the S/PDIF-port on the motherboard is buggy, which is a known issue for the motherboard), and the external headphone AMP with DAC houses the ESS Sabre 9038 DAC.
Do you believe the ESS Sabre 9038 DAC would be a noticable upgrade over the Texas Instruments PCM 1796 DAC, or if it’s the other way around? :)
Cheers!
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From what i have read external DAC quality has to do with everything ELSE in the box besides the DAC chip. The power supply maybe being one of the more important parts.
In other words, if everything else in the box is wonderful, it might not even matter which DAC chip you are using at all. But on the flip side of that coin, if it is not implemented very well, a great DAC chip is not going to save you.
I was interested to watch GABSTER on Youtube Build His Own DAC from parts.
He has compared his own work to the Denafrips Terminator II DAC ($5000 USD)
I don’t think he ever says “My own DAC is better than the Terminator” but he kind of implies that his own DAC compares very favorably and it costs A LOT less. He keeps the Terminator around as a reference, but doesn’t use it much anymore.
I have been meaning to go back and get the parts list and check prices, but haven’t got a chance yet. Gabster does share everything for those that want to do the same project.
Hi there,
I’m sorry I’m replying to your message so late. Shortly after I posted this thread, my computer became faulty, and I had to turn it in for control and repair, and so I’ve been without a computer for a while.
I see you’ve deleted your user, but if you see this, I’d like to extend to you my thanks for your very informative reply! :)
I believe you are correct in your assessment of what is important with a DAC: it’s not just the chip itself, but the implementation of the whole package.
I’ll be sure to watch some of this GABSTER-guy! :)
Cheers!
The DAC chip makes up maybe 10% of the equation. In the end it comes down to the chip implementation, analog output stage, and power supply. How well these are implemented and work together is what creates the differences people hear.
Hi there,
I’m sorry I’m replying to your message so late. Shortly after I posted this thread, my computer became faulty, and I had to turn it in for control and repair, and so I’ve been without a computer for a while.
As I’ve replied to other users in this thread of mine, I finally found out if there’s a difference in sound quality with a new DAC in-between the PC and the NAD C328. While the new DAC is wonderful, it doesn’t change the audio quality at all.
I believe any upgrade in sound would have to come from a new amplifier. I guess I’ll have to save my money to buy one such amplifier in the future! :)
Cheers!
Have you taken into account that both are programmable and can sound vastly different even between the same chip?
Hi there,
I’m sorry I’m replying to your message so late. Shortly after I posted this thread, my computer became faulty, and I had to turn it in for control and repair, and so I’ve been without a computer for a while.
Anyways, no, I most certainly did not take that into account, haha! :)
I’ve told others in this therad that I’ve gotten to try out a new DAC in-between my PC and the NAD C328. The DAC is great, but there’s no difference in audio quality.
a noticeable “upgrade”
Nope. Even the cheapest mass produced dac is flat to the human ear.
Hi there,
I’m sorry I’m replying to your message so late. Shortly after I posted this thread, my computer became faulty, and I had to turn it in for control and repair, and so I’ve been without a computer for a while.
I did try a new DAC, and plugged it into the PC via USB and the amplifier via RCA. This is the DAC I’ve tried:
https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/head-box-s2-digital/It’s wonderful, but I really can’t hear a difference at all. I’ve decided to return it and try my luck with the Douk Audio U2. I really can’t justify spending roughly 400 dollars just so that I get the exact same audio quality, only through USB instead of optical, and a volume knob on my desk! Hopefully, Douk Audio & Nob Sound will send me a great, functioning unit.