So some of you may or may not know, I have been on the hunt for a quality reasonable priced new DAC for my daughters new system. Which is an all separates system. ( I might also upgrade from the dac im using in the P5) Most of the products I have been looking into either contain the ES9038Q2m or the delta sigma AK4490 chip set. Now I know the implementation of the dac has an over all effect on it's sound quality, but there has to be a certain sound signature with each chip.
Well after a long night of unscheduled poker, I brought this subject up at the table. And I was a little shocked by how strong the feelings were regarding both chips. And a little surprised at the argument that followed. And with most of the people playing by this point were a little intoxicated, it turned into unexpected arguments. So as quickly as I had brought up the topic, I tried to shut it down. Wasn't easy, but eventually successful.
So I bring the question to you guys for your thoughts and or opinions on the subject. Do you have a preference ? Why you think one may be better that the other ? Do you think one or the other imparts a certain sound characteristic for the good or bad ? Etc, etc, etc.
Since I think most replying here will be sober, please feel free to chime in.