Hi there,

I wanted to ask you fine audiophiles about your opinions on the DAC:s Texas Instruments PCM 1796 and ESS Sabre 9038 DAC?

In my current amplifier with an integrated DAC the Texas Instruments PCM 1796 DAC is installed, but I’m thinking of getting an external DAC for my stationary PC (for various reasons - mainly because the S/PDIF-port on the motherboard is buggy, which is a known issue for the motherboard), and the external headphone AMP with DAC houses the ESS Sabre 9038 DAC.

Do you believe the ESS Sabre 9038 DAC would be a noticable upgrade over the Texas Instruments PCM 1796 DAC, or if it’s the other way around? :)

Cheers!

  • yack59BEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    From what i have read external DAC quality has to do with everything ELSE in the box besides the DAC chip. The power supply maybe being one of the more important parts.

    In other words, if everything else in the box is wonderful, it might not even matter which DAC chip you are using at all. But on the flip side of that coin, if it is not implemented very well, a great DAC chip is not going to save you.

    I was interested to watch GABSTER on Youtube Build His Own DAC from parts.

    He has compared his own work to the Denafrips Terminator II DAC ($5000 USD)

    I don’t think he ever says “My own DAC is better than the Terminator” but he kind of implies that his own DAC compares very favorably and it costs A LOT less. He keeps the Terminator around as a reference, but doesn’t use it much anymore.

    I have been meaning to go back and get the parts list and check prices, but haven’t got a chance yet. Gabster does share everything for those that want to do the same project.

    • RedditIsTheDumbest58OPBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Hi there,

      I’m sorry I’m replying to your message so late. Shortly after I posted this thread, my computer became faulty, and I had to turn it in for control and repair, and so I’ve been without a computer for a while.

      I see you’ve deleted your user, but if you see this, I’d like to extend to you my thanks for your very informative reply! :)

      I believe you are correct in your assessment of what is important with a DAC: it’s not just the chip itself, but the implementation of the whole package.

      I’ll be sure to watch some of this GABSTER-guy! :)

      Cheers!