Best native DSD DACs for use with HQPlayer?

[jussi_laako (Jussi Laako (Signalyst))]

@Daiyama

Does all DACs with the AKM4499EX chip support DSD Direct?

No, it is a specific set of configuration options on the AK4191+AK4499EX chip combination.

@Daiyama

and another question would be, does it matter what happens with the signal after the digital to analog conversion within the DAC? Meaning, does the signal goes straight out to the anaolg outputs or is there a relevant “analog section” within the DAC which potentially could influence sound quality?

You will always need a proper I/V (current to voltage conversion) section and analog post-filter section. Plus possibly separate output buffers. For example in my designs I always use separate cable capacitance compensated output buffers.

DAC chips like 4499EX and ESS output just current within specified range and contain also fair amount of high frequency switching noise. So especially the I/V stage needs to be wide bandwidth low distortion for 100+ MHz.

@Stef_Dahl

We must send an email to Gustard support (nothing for the moment on their site)

Yes, that’s the case.

@Stef_Dahl

And the test display is with the “wide” setting but it seemed to me that the “narrow” setting was preferable especially for the DSD above 128.

No, based on my measurements, the wide setting gives notably better performance.

@Stef_Dahl

And DSD512 do more distorsions ?

No, but it is not native rate for the AK4499EX chip which always operates at 128fs or 256fs speed. It cannot operate at 512fs or higher, or 64fs or lower. So any other rate requires rate down-conversion for the converter chip. This results in worse audio band SNR performance at DSD512 because some of the ultrasonic noise is aliased back to audio band. Distortion remains unchanged though.