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dcguy73
25
Aug 9, 2018
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Many of you have questioned the value proposition of purchasing this DAC versus a less expensive and/or more versatile and/or more compact component.
The LKS was the first DAC on the market that used dual 9038PRO chips. A lot of you have mentioned DACs that use the 9028 chips, and I'm not sure which of those are the pro models versus the lower tier chips, but the 9028s are from the last generation of chips. Are the newer chips better? Spec-wise, sure (especially for DSD -- up to DSD512), but ultimately, the sound you get from the DAC comes down to the implementation of the chips rather then the specs.
The LKS DAC sounds good. Is it better than a dual-9028 chip DAC? I can't really say, as I haven't done any direct comparisons.
The 9038PRO chips generate a lot of heat, which is why the LKS DAC has large heatsinks and vents to dissipate it. It also has large torroidal power supplies and is a fully balanced design with balanced inputs and outputs. It's built like a tank for a reason.
The LKS is an upgrade that is intended to be used as a dedicated DAC for a home system with a dedicated amp and headphones and speakers. If you're happier with a portable or transportable system or a DAC/AMP combo unit, then this is not for you.
As far as comparisons to other DACs, you can check the HeadFi LKS thread for that: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/l-k-s-audio-mh-da004-dual-es9038pro-dac-van-dammes-double-impact.840938/
If you're happy with what you've got and don't want to spend a lot on a DAC, then there is no reason to upgrade. Stick with what you know.
Buying this DAC unheard is a risk, especially for the price, but I've been pretty happy with it. There are many other audio components that aren't available to demo locally, either.
**It does not support MQA.
Aug 9, 2018
caliphonia
65
Aug 11, 2018
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dcguy73I believe you are wrong. The 9028 is this generation. It's the same architecture as the 9038 with a few less filters. I believe the 9028 and 9038 were released at the same time.
Aug 11, 2018
jswriter
83
Aug 12, 2018
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caliphoniaCorrect. 9026, 9028 and 9038 are the latest generation of Sabre dac chips.
Aug 12, 2018
shrekito
0
Oct 17, 2018
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caliphoniaI recall reading somewhere, I think it was a 9038 dac review of the x-sabre by matrix that there were some problems with the 9028 - which is why some manufacturers waited for the 9038.
Whether that "issue" causes any audio or performance issues I don't know
Oct 17, 2018
dcguy73
25
Oct 30, 2018
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caliphoniaYup, I was wrong. Thanks for the correction.
Oct 30, 2018
Uzuzu
1431
Jan 4, 2019
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dcguy73are you implying this sounds better than a topping d10 with it's ES9018? ;>)
Jan 4, 2019
dcguy73
25
Jan 4, 2019
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UzuzuI've never heard a topping d10, so I can't say for sure. From what I've read online, the ESS9038 measures better and is less "digital sounding" than the ESS9018...but the sound of a DAC really depends on the implementation of the chip. Also, consider the size and build differences between the topping and the LKS DAC. So maybe?
Jan 4, 2019
dcguy73
25
Jan 4, 2019
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UzuzuThe comments on this thread about the LKS DAC being a Chinese-run scam compelled me to write this. I can say for certain that it is not a scam. I like this DAC a lot. I totally understand why so many comments on this thread question the value proposition here. The LKS DAC is pretty ugly to look at and it's made in China through a (mostly unknown) builder, as opposed to a well-known company with a bigger presence like PS Audio, etc. But take a good look at the build (and the insides) of this DAC (the pictures on Massdrop don't do it justice). It's built like a tank. Solid metal chassis, giant toroidal transformers, a linear power supply, dual mono ESS 9038PRO chips (which are expensive and run very hot) and large heatsinks to handle the heat, two Crystek femtosecond clocks, and high-quality internal parts. It sounds like I'm shilling for the company, but I'm just pointing out that what you're really paying for is the DAC's build and internal components, not the whims of some Chinese guy scamming everyone [ maybe a little of that ;-) ]. Are there cheaper, smaller DACs out there that sound better? Probably. This DAC was released in March 2017 as one of the first DACs to use the ESS9038PRO chips. There have been many DACs with 9038 chips that have followed since then. Should this DAC be selling at a larger discount in 2019? Maybe, but what about the competition? A lot of other "audiophile" DACs out there stay at their retail price until they're discontinued. Finally, take a look on Head-Fi at the thread about this DAC (https://www.head-fi.org/threads/l-k-s-audio-mh-da004-dual-es9038pro-dac-van-dammes-double-impact.840938/) A lot of people have had this DAC in their homes and have posted their opinions. Not many people commenting on this Massdrop thread have actually heard it. I don't claim to be an expert on other DACs comparable to the LKS. I'd suggest you do your research before buying. Look at the choices you have available to you and ask yourself how much you're willing to pay.
(Edited)
Jan 4, 2019
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