I clearly prefer the ROHM dac CHip set. I have sensitive hearong for sibalance and schrill sounds. I prefer a more soft and relax sound signature. Since i do mostly streaming it also helps in that situation
Excellent analysis! I need a secon dac so I will definitely buy this thing and try it out! Really great job! I must compliment you on the demo is well done making it a useful comparison.
On rohm i can feel the swing (in solo guitar part) on the others it become sounds together. It reminds me of burr brown sound that is less detailed but more swing and groove.
Sr Tharbamar , muy interesante su test . Leyendo los comentarios aprendi que no todos escuchamos igual , es como la vision unos ven bien de cerca , otros ven bien de lejos, otros tienen vision 20/20 . Veo que usted es de las personas que escuchan excelente ya que escojio el AKM , yo escucho ese mucho mejor , tengo un oido entrenado 10 años en hacer crossover . Entiendo porque he tenido tantos problemaa con esos chips ESS que es como agregar tremble en un equipo ordinario . Felicito a los japoneses lor ese chip AKM , y no volveria a comprame un dac con Ess que por cierto tengo 4 . Mi proximo Dac sera con chip AKM . Agradecido por su enseñanza.
Tanks for sharing! 1st AKM - the most natural sounding 2nd ESS - the most detailed with a little bit of brightness 3rd ROHM - dynamically flat 1st and 2nd places are close 3rd is further away from them. But just for me :D
Rhom seems the worst but level is slightly off so it's hard to tell but the voice seem muffled and weird while the top end is still rather bright. The ESS has that distracting brightness and 'hissy fit' on the cymbals that you can mistake as dynamic but it's just distortion. I like the AKM the best.
Interesting, I have the ESS and the ROHM for the Xduoo and prefer the ESS for its spaciousness and clarity. I find the ROHM a bit too mid-forward for my tastes. Thank you for the video!
Hi, I always look forward to seeing you. you are a very calm and relaxing person. I would like to know what the difference is between the do300ex and the dl300. I think it only changes aesthetically. I heard from the video that ess has a colder and more analytical signature. instead akm warmer and more enveloping.
Interesting implementation with the switchable DACs. Some more modules are coming soon (R2R, etc.) Thank you for the review and sound samples. What cable was used for XLR balanced output?
Worth noting - Roon Arc and HiBy Music Apps, have a PEQ (Parametric Equalizer) for example... So you can tune the frequency response to whatever you like - Neutral, et cetera... Thanks
Well, I recently bought the DO400 and I did post a reply saying the presentation is a little forward for my liking and on certain female vocals it could sound a tad bright. That was why I questioned on AKM chips as an alternative because I saw how Eversolo positioned the AKM DAC chips in the DMP-A8 streamer as an upgrade to the DMP-A6 which uses ESS chips, it is also described as more balanced and less bright. There we have it. There is a new SU-9 Ultra with AKM chips and the AKM chips version of the DO400 is the DO300 EX. Then, there is the D400 Pro which is a bit more expensive which comes with the latest style casing which I have to admit looks pretty cool. Hopefully, someone can do a review on the D400 Pro before I pull the trigger on one.
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you don’t need head amp Stand alone DAC like SU-9 ultra may be better choice than DO (w/HPA) series. If you just need a DAC older D300 is great option too.
@@Tharbamar Yea, I don't need the HPA, the reason I picked the DO400 was because of its bigger casing as I thought it would be more sturdy with all the cables at the back than say the SU-9 Pro. Initially, I was going to get the DO200 MKII as you mentioned in your SU-9 Pro review comparison that the DO200 MKII is less forward and more refined. I don't doubt that since it does use a different ESS chip, the ES9068AS. I think at this point, say if I discard the SU-9 Ultra because of its smaller casing, it is between the DO200 MKII or the D400 Pro. Do you think the AKM AK449EX chip in the D400 Pro will sound more refined than the Sabre ES9068AS chip in the DO200 MKII?
My preference is for ESS for its clarity, detail and dynamics. Then AKM for when I'm 70 (just kidding Tharbamar :) ), while Rohm will be perfect during a migraine. 😀
That's what manufacturers using low quality Dac chips like to say: that their analogue stage will somehow compensate the digititus of the dac chip. Tip: it almost never does.
Dear Tharbamar Can you please tell me one thing? Do you use the portable DAC I mean akm4499ex just for headphones or it can be used as preamp with an amplifier and if so then How? A reply will be much appreciated🙏
Any DAC with volume control can be use as Pre, just have to connect it to your power amplifier with either RCA or XLR cables which ever you have on the amplifier, and go through the menu of DAC because some DAC have have “Variable” setting for it. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks for replying. Do you think Topping - E70 VELVET will give me best sound. Considering its DAC is AKM4499EX which you recommended. I am not looking for too many features but sound quality. Like full and tight controlled bass. Awesome mids and detailed but smooth highs that relaxes mind and not give fatigue. What other DACs can you recommend having the AKM4499 or is there a better vesion of AKM4499EX? I am only looking at DAC with a preamp. Awaiting your reply dear learned one.
very good descriptions, thank you! i listened to the examples thru my flat calibrated planar headphones and the rohm dac has the most soundstage depth, tho a bit blurry, just like you said. the ess sounds almost v shaped similar to a loudness circuit. the people saying its more detailed are the ones that think overdone treble *coughhifimancough equals details, but they dont. the akm sounds slightly hollow to me. would need to hear the rohm and the akm directly to decide, which one i like better, but definetly not the ess. the ess is (as almost always) just a showmaker tricking with effects the unexperienced masses do prefer, as they think thats engaging. thats why consumer headphones are mostly vshaped. the masses want their bass and treble overdone and call it "good sounding". if you listen to it for 8 hours everyday it becomes extremely fatiguing and is not natural or life like at all.
Hello. I am looking to buy set of speaker cables Mogami W 3104 (1 cable - 10 feet, 1 cable - 15 feet) If you have it for sale, let me know please. Thanks.
1# ESS 2# AKM 3# ROHM AKM - Good for Anime, Digital sounding and 2D ESS - Natural, has a sound signature like Bowers & Wilkins, Detailed, tries to reproduce the whole Room instead of just a recording and cymbals. ROHM - Average Dac, Similar to NOS dacs from the Day like Phillips. Some will prefer the AKM Because it will sound like it has more dynamics and natural detail... but i always find them 2D Reference level.... i always feel like they like. i started this hobby since 2009 buying many ESS, AKM, Wolfson, BB, Multibit, NOS, R2R Discrete Dacs with different topologies and output stages.... DIY and from manufactures like Oppo, Benchmark, Cambridge, Arcam, Schiit, SMSL, IFI, Audioquest, Peachtree, HRT, Musical Fidelity, Meridian, Audio-gd, Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon.... i could definitely tell you that, what makes all the Difference on a DAC is the Output Stage & Power supply. Power stage defines the space, 3D, warmth, details and so on... its costly to implement, thats why you see many manufacturers use op amps on output stage... which is cheap and gives you average performance. Today im happy with ESS Sabre dacs, with tube buffers or discrete stage.... when done right, they just musical, spacious, warmth, detailed and rich and very very musical.... if done wrong... harsh, narrow soundstage, artificial, emotionless, digital and probably your pc or phone sounds better. Implementation is everything on a DAC. after tying almost everything on the market throughout the years, i could only give one recommendation to you all.... learn DIY dont fall for Audiophile myths, dont fall for snake oil, that NOS vintage DACS from Phillips, BB are the best...or that Delta sigma is bad... or snake oil cables. learn and listen and you will save yourself thousands... you could always build a $1,000 dac for $80 dollars. and will sound much better. cheers.
lol what a flex with nothing but hot air, what does "musical" even mean? very scientific specially when listening thru tubes😂thats what cuts the treble in your beloved ess dacs and also the fact that you might probably be over 40 now cuts naturally cuts treble in your hearing. im into this since 2002 btw...
@@nusu5331 Sorry but im on my 30S... and the rest of your comment means you lack actual real world experience... Tubes for me as buffers give the sound dimension... they suck as preamp.... something i cant achieve by discrete passive or active stages.... however, there are op amps stages that sound real good, so i do have those on different designs, depending of the type of music i listen to, i prefer one to the other.... Musical is a terminology used when the components work amazingly together... you dont feel like one device is lacking or that there is to much of anything in the sound spectrum... just beautiful music playing and just beautiful sound.
AKM sounds better, then ROHM and ESS last. ESS sounds unnatural and lacks weight. Is ESS more dynamic and lively than the other chips? Yes. But it’s missing tone, texture, and body. This is all evaluated through your system, which who knows but you what it sounds like. The ESS may sound better in other systems.
Sir, I am from India and Iwant to get a setup for home audio . With an external DAC supporting PCM, DSD, MQA. DAC to be connected to a stereo amplifier (which can be connected to DAC and also can be connected to TV, Setup box as well). The stereo amplifier is connected to passive speakers. I will use apple music on my mobile and laptop to connect to the DAC. My budget is $300. Please suggest and help. Your recommendation please - 1. Recommend DAC 2. Recommend Amplifier 3. Recommend speakers
It’s a blessing and a curse. Because those of us who hear a different now have to spend more money because it’s always missing that little bit of something lol
Repetition helps audience quickly sort and rank what’s most relevant. It has the power to elevate a point above everything else, if you don’t like it just move on.
I find the ROHM the most close to natural and soft /soothing sound signature.
Wow, your descriptions are on point :) thanks!
Thank you!! Great review, along with another nicely favorable online review of this xDuoo XD-05 Pro unit.
It’s one of the note worthy product, thanks
Great review man. As well as topic choice. This the is master DAC right now I think. At least this idea.
Subbed.
Thanks for sharing this was very helpful.
I clearly prefer the ROHM dac CHip set. I have sensitive hearong for sibalance and schrill sounds. I prefer a more soft and relax sound signature. Since i do mostly streaming it also helps in that situation
Excellent analysis! I need a secon dac so I will definitely buy this thing and try it out! Really great job! I must compliment you on the demo is well done making it a useful comparison.
Great content... Love it!! :)
Clearly AKM!! 👍👍
On rohm i can feel the swing (in solo guitar part) on the others it become sounds together.
It reminds me of burr brown sound that is less detailed but more swing and groove.
Some have say that the implementation and architecture of the Rohm Dac coincide in some ways with the T.i. Burr Brown chips !!
thank you for the review. clear explanation and the comparisons covered the areas i want to know.
excellent descriptions, thank you!
Sr Tharbamar , muy interesante su test . Leyendo los comentarios aprendi que no todos escuchamos igual , es como la vision unos ven bien de cerca , otros ven bien de lejos, otros tienen vision 20/20 . Veo que usted es de las personas que escuchan excelente ya que escojio el AKM , yo escucho ese mucho mejor , tengo un oido entrenado 10 años en hacer crossover . Entiendo porque he tenido tantos problemaa con esos chips ESS que es como agregar tremble en un equipo ordinario . Felicito a los japoneses lor ese chip AKM , y no volveria a comprame un dac con Ess que por cierto tengo 4 . Mi proximo Dac sera con chip AKM . Agradecido por su enseñanza.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Very helpful, thanks!
Wow, this is a really interesting product!
In this demo, for me, ESS > Rohm > AKM. That said, I am told that the implementation has a bigger effect than the chipset itself.
100% true... each chip can be amazing or garbage depending on the surrounding network.. :)
Interesting. People are talking about how awesome the AKAM dac chip is
Tanks for sharing!
1st AKM - the most natural sounding
2nd ESS - the most detailed with a little bit of brightness
3rd ROHM - dynamically flat
1st and 2nd places are close 3rd is further away from them. But just for me :D
AKM also has richer tonality and longer sustain than ESS. I could never live with an ESS Dac.
I will not be unfaithful to ESS !
@@VirusForPrez Perhaps you could gently introduce her to the idea of a threesome with the more curvaceous, full-bodied AKM? ;)
all truth
People are loving the AKM. It’s like the hot restaurant in town
Are they going to bring out the R2r dac chip
No update on the R2R card yet
Rhom seems the worst but level is slightly off so it's hard to tell but the voice seem muffled and weird while the top end is still rather bright. The ESS has that distracting brightness and 'hissy fit' on the cymbals that you can mistake as dynamic but it's just distortion. I like the AKM the best.
Thanks!
Currently listening through ROHM BD34301EKV in SMSL D300 😀 Hard to compare due to much different volume levels.
Try to match the volume on your end but amplifier and speakers are very different between sound samples.
Interesting, I have the ESS and the ROHM for the Xduoo and prefer the ESS for its spaciousness and clarity. I find the ROHM a bit too mid-forward for my tastes. Thank you for the video!
Nicely Done.
Any chance you could share your test tracks with us ?
Thanks
Hi, I always look forward to seeing you. you are a very calm and relaxing person. I would like to know what the difference is between the do300ex and the dl300. I think it only changes aesthetically. I heard from the video that ess has a colder and more analytical signature. instead akm warmer and more enveloping.
Interesting implementation with the switchable DACs. Some more modules are coming soon (R2R, etc.)
Thank you for the review and sound samples.
What cable was used for XLR balanced output?
Worth noting - Roon Arc and HiBy Music Apps, have a PEQ (Parametric Equalizer) for example...
So you can tune the frequency response to whatever you like - Neutral, et cetera...
Thanks
How it is connected to your amplifier? thanks
Well, I recently bought the DO400 and I did post a reply saying the presentation is a little forward for my liking and on certain female vocals it could sound a tad bright. That was why I questioned on AKM chips as an alternative because I saw how Eversolo positioned the AKM DAC chips in the DMP-A8 streamer as an upgrade to the DMP-A6 which uses ESS chips, it is also described as more balanced and less bright. There we have it. There is a new SU-9 Ultra with AKM chips and the AKM chips version of the DO400 is the DO300 EX. Then, there is the D400 Pro which is a bit more expensive which comes with the latest style casing which I have to admit looks pretty cool. Hopefully, someone can do a review on the D400 Pro before I pull the trigger on one.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you don’t need head amp Stand alone DAC like SU-9 ultra may be better choice than DO (w/HPA) series.
If you just need a DAC older D300 is great option too.
@@Tharbamar Yea, I don't need the HPA, the reason I picked the DO400 was because of its bigger casing as I thought it would be more sturdy with all the cables at the back than say the SU-9 Pro. Initially, I was going to get the DO200 MKII as you mentioned in your SU-9 Pro review comparison that the DO200 MKII is less forward and more refined. I don't doubt that since it does use a different ESS chip, the ES9068AS. I think at this point, say if I discard the SU-9 Ultra because of its smaller casing, it is between the DO200 MKII or the D400 Pro. Do you think the AKM AK449EX chip in the D400 Pro will sound more refined than the Sabre ES9068AS chip in the DO200 MKII?
@@Rascallucci The same thing.THE D400PRO IS MORE MUSICAL.
My preference is for ESS for its clarity, detail and dynamics. Then AKM for when I'm 70 (just kidding Tharbamar :) ), while Rohm will be perfect during a migraine. 😀
Great Review. Any experience with TI DACs ?
Is this xduo5 pro has built in dual dac chip on modular or 1 chip?
You should try the SMSL VMV D2R DAC. Its bass is not as powerful as the bass of the D1SE but it is a very good ROHM chip DAC.
Have you compared this to their previous D300? I'm thinking of getting this to replace my D300 if it's noticeable improvement.
AKM Velvet series. However chips are only 10% of the DAC. 90% of the signature and quality is in the analog stage.
Yes in different components but not in the same analog stage with different chips, it’s the chips are making major differences.
That's what manufacturers using low quality Dac chips like to say: that their analogue stage will somehow compensate the digititus of the dac chip. Tip: it almost never does.
Ita a ll bullshit
@@Tharbamar No
@@connorduke4619 No.
Сравнение звучания XD05 Pro with ES9039 Pro ,
XD05 Pro with AKM4499EX и XD05 Pro with ROHM BD34301EKV где победила AKM4499EX 2023 года
No mention of soundstage differences between the 3 DACs. R2R incoming, pcb board design leaked.
All my videos are unscripted so sometimes I forget, I know R2R is coming since 3 months ago.
Dear Tharbamar Can you please tell me one thing? Do you use the portable DAC I mean akm4499ex just for headphones or it can be used as preamp with an amplifier and if so then How? A reply will be much appreciated🙏
Any DAC with volume control can be use as Pre, just have to connect it to your power amplifier with either RCA or XLR cables which ever you have on the amplifier, and go through the menu of DAC because some DAC have have “Variable” setting for it. Thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks for replying. Do you think Topping - E70 VELVET will give me best sound. Considering its DAC is AKM4499EX which you recommended. I am not looking for too many features but sound quality. Like full and tight controlled bass. Awesome mids and detailed but smooth highs that relaxes mind and not give fatigue. What other DACs can you recommend having the AKM4499 or is there a better vesion of AKM4499EX? I am only looking at DAC with a preamp. Awaiting your reply dear learned one.
Sorry I can’t do personalized advice because every system is different.
very good descriptions, thank you!
i listened to the examples thru my flat calibrated planar headphones and the rohm dac has the most soundstage depth, tho a bit blurry, just like you said. the ess sounds almost v shaped similar to a loudness circuit. the people saying its more detailed are the ones that think overdone treble *coughhifimancough equals details, but they dont. the akm sounds slightly hollow to me. would need to hear the rohm and the akm directly to decide, which one i like better, but definetly not the ess. the ess is (as almost always) just a showmaker tricking with effects the unexperienced masses do prefer, as they think thats engaging. thats why consumer headphones are mostly vshaped. the masses want their bass and treble overdone and call it "good sounding". if you listen to it for 8 hours everyday it becomes extremely fatiguing and is not natural or life like at all.
lol 🤣
it should have been called the XD07 cos its a different beast from the 05. also it should have included 2 RCA outputs
ESS is the only version I'd buy 👍👍
日本語字幕ありがとうございます😭
I like ESS piano the best
Hello.
I am looking to buy set of speaker cables Mogami W 3104 (1 cable - 10 feet, 1 cable - 15 feet) If you have it for sale, let me know please. Thanks.
I do not sell cables, thanks
AKM sounds best for me.
1# ESS
2# AKM
3# ROHM
AKM - Good for Anime, Digital sounding and 2D
ESS - Natural, has a sound signature like Bowers & Wilkins, Detailed, tries to reproduce the whole Room instead of just a recording and cymbals.
ROHM - Average Dac, Similar to NOS dacs from the Day like Phillips.
Some will prefer the AKM Because it will sound like it has more dynamics and natural detail... but i always find them 2D Reference level.... i always feel like they like.
i started this hobby since 2009 buying many ESS, AKM, Wolfson, BB, Multibit, NOS, R2R Discrete Dacs with different topologies and output stages.... DIY and from manufactures like Oppo, Benchmark, Cambridge, Arcam, Schiit, SMSL, IFI, Audioquest, Peachtree, HRT, Musical Fidelity, Meridian, Audio-gd, Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha, Onkyo, Denon....
i could definitely tell you that, what makes all the Difference on a DAC is the Output Stage & Power supply.
Power stage defines the space, 3D, warmth, details and so on... its costly to implement, thats why you see many manufacturers use op amps on output stage... which is cheap and gives you average performance.
Today im happy with ESS Sabre dacs, with tube buffers or discrete stage.... when done right, they just musical, spacious, warmth, detailed and rich and very very musical....
if done wrong... harsh, narrow soundstage, artificial, emotionless, digital and probably your pc or phone sounds better.
Implementation is everything on a DAC.
after tying almost everything on the market throughout the years, i could only give one recommendation to you all.... learn DIY
dont fall for Audiophile myths, dont fall for snake oil, that NOS vintage DACS from Phillips, BB are the best...or that Delta sigma is bad... or snake oil cables.
learn and listen and you will save yourself thousands... you could always build a $1,000 dac for $80 dollars. and will sound much better.
cheers.
lol what a flex with nothing but hot air, what does "musical" even mean? very scientific specially when listening thru tubes😂thats what cuts the treble in your beloved ess dacs and also the fact that you might probably be over 40 now cuts naturally cuts treble in your hearing. im into this since 2002 btw...
@@nusu5331 Sorry but im on my 30S... and the rest of your comment means you lack actual real world experience... Tubes for me as buffers give the sound dimension... they suck as preamp.... something i cant achieve by discrete passive or active stages.... however, there are op amps stages that sound real good, so i do have those on different designs, depending of the type of music i listen to, i prefer one to the other....
Musical is a terminology used when the components work amazingly together... you dont feel like one device is lacking or that there is to much of anything in the sound spectrum... just beautiful music playing and just beautiful sound.
@@MICAMOTEESTABIENGRANDE lul wont argue in yt comments at all. you do you
In all the cuts my ranking is the same, coinciding with the listening order (which is not a coincidence) 😎
1st AKM, 2nd ESS, 3rd ROHM
Same here.
AKM 💯
AKM sounds better, then ROHM and ESS last. ESS sounds unnatural and lacks weight. Is ESS more dynamic and lively than the other chips? Yes. But it’s missing tone, texture, and body. This is all evaluated through your system, which who knows but you what it sounds like. The ESS may sound better in other systems.
Sir, I am from India and Iwant to get a setup for home audio . With an external DAC supporting PCM, DSD, MQA. DAC to be connected to a stereo amplifier (which can be connected to DAC and also can be connected to TV, Setup box as well). The stereo amplifier is connected to passive speakers. I will use apple music on my mobile and laptop to connect to the DAC. My budget is $300.
Please suggest and help.
Your recommendation please -
1. Recommend DAC
2. Recommend Amplifier
3. Recommend speakers
Sorry I do not make personal advice because everyone is different in taste, please see my reviews for recommendations, thanks
If you can tell the sound difference you are superhuman
It’s a blessing and a curse. Because those of us who hear a different now have to spend more money because it’s always missing that little bit of something lol
@@mr.potatofries8094It's actually just you tricking your own brain. DACs should sound the same lmao, get over yourself and save your money
piano sound best on akm ❤
akm sounds like coke and ess sounds like pepsi after eating a burger.
So ROHM MUS-IC sounds like French fries ?🍟
@@Tharbamar Actually, I don't really like French fries, so I'd rather have hot coffee on a chilly day.
12:20 13:24 14:28
Imma bookmark this for those who claimed all dac chips sounds the same.
Ess seems cleaner with more detail.
Repetitive comments of each chipset. Jumble up comments ie jumping from one chipset to another and back again.
Repetition helps audience quickly sort and rank what’s most relevant. It has the power to elevate a point above everything else, if you don’t like it just move on.
AKM->Rohm->ESS
AKM for me
ESS > Rohm > AKM
Ess 9039S Pro for me more better. Better Bass, high freq and less sibilant on vocal.
Rohm > AKM > ESS
АКМ лучше для восприятия и длительного прослушивания без утомления. Голос звучит волшебно.