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enlisted23
5
Jun 17, 2015
All of the ESS Sabre DACs seem to be out of my price range but I'd still like to try one on my home stereo. The twistedpearaudio DIY kit seems to be the only thing available under $500. At $700 this Sony would be an easier option.
GourouLubrik
13
Jun 23, 2015
enlisted23Add everything you need around a twisted pear kit (casing, connectors, trafo, usb input, knobs, [...]) and it won't be 500$ anymore. You can look for a used Audiolab Mdac (I sell mine :D), Yulong D18, Wyred4Sound Dac 1 [...] Very honestly, you'd better have quite a high end stereo to ear the difference. ES9018 can be costly to implement prayerfully (espescially in the power supply region, and, if you don't like the recommanded design with 3 AD797 - can also be pricy in the analog output stage) That said, a good voltage dac (new AKM 4490/4495, and good old CS4398 & Wolfson 8741) would be good enough for many desktop speakers based environment. You can also try "mobile" ESS9018K2M ... not far in measurements but much cheaper (both chip and implementation).
Anyway, I considered this PHA3, despite the unusual 2*3.5mm balanced connector, when I learnt it was yet another TI TPA6120A2 inside... Please Sony, upgrade your PHA4 to use some discrete differential ouput stage or opa1632 + LME49600.
chris.yw
87
Sep 10, 2015
GourouLubrikSony is not making HiFi products anymore these days. Most of their products is for people who pursue the style rather than sound quality.
pol5
19
Sep 13, 2015
chris.yw???where yhave you been. if anything, sony's audio quality has gone in a better direction these days with PHA-3 / Z5/7 not saying the best, but it is a lot better than what it was
AudioMan612
218
Sep 13, 2015
chris.ywThis is no longer true. This was true until very recently, but Sony is back in the Hi-Fi game. I heard some of their newer equipment at the last Home Entertainment Show Newport Beach, including these speakers: http://www.sonypremiumhome.com/ar-speakers/SS-AR1.php
In addition, I've heard several of their high-end audio streaming devices (they are on that site as well).
chris.yw
87
Sep 13, 2015
AudioMan612Portable is another thing.
AudioMan612
218
Sep 22, 2015
chris.ywYes it is, but products like this are absolutely Hi-Fi (I have heard Sony's new headphone amps myself).
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