I heard they switched to an AKM chip. (Which is excellent as well.) Not sure when though.
I wouldn't worry to much about it as the DAC chip has little to do with the final sound. It's more about the analog output stage, power supply and implementation of all the components as a whole. The DAC chip equates to about 10% of the equation. You can have a component with the best DAC chip in the world but if it's not implemented correctly/poorly then it can sound like crap. Same goes in reverse.
The bigger question is how does the Onkyo sound ?
you are right implementation is everything.
Now to put things in perspective I came from a mid to high quality system mostly Quiksilver audio set up down to a Denon AVR-3803/1083 with older BDP-S550 Sony bluray Dual Turntable and pioneer reference speakers.
so old stuff but quality still. I used to own thousands $ in Tube equipment. My prized possession was a highly upgraded N.E.W crossroads tube cdp with two 6922 Tungsol tubes which sounded just spectacular see pics.
https://goo.gl/photos/Zx8WVwjM1QXFHJBt7
That makes it hard for me to review digital stuff overall as transparency lush and liquidity is what I used to have and craved..
Now without being too harsh the Onkyo is quite dynamic and forceful, cleaner tight bass.With my Acoustic Zen audiophile analog demo recordings,it sounds very impressive clear/transparent/dynamic with a nice soundstage but those quality recordings are a big part of it.
Now on my decent standard cds and female vocals with my current system I actually find the 7030 much less forgiving a bit "glassy" neutral sounding to my ears in this low FI front end of mine.
The blu-ray player in comparison because it is not as detailed and focused it actually feels more warm/fuller but also sluggish if that makes any sense?
I did have a few skips on track 6 of Fiona apple cd (played fine after a quick clean) the bluray player would have no issues and also with the black layered audiophile CDR disk I'm listening to right now it keep skipping the song even after cleaning.
So yes the laser reading issue is diminishing my excitement quickly
Reviewing audio is always tricky as it is system dependent.but that skipping issues that I can share without hesitation.
So likely will return it but not for another likely will give a try to another CDP and likely will have to pay a bit more because cost to value is hard to beat.
I'll add to this thoughts later if need be. (had to edit to correct some typos)