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!

  • IN70MM96@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    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.

    • RedditIsTheDumbest58@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months 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.

      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!