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!

  • nclh77@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    a noticeable “upgrade”

    Nope. Even the cheapest mass produced dac is flat to the human ear.

    • RedditIsTheDumbest58@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      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.