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Any recommendations on a PCM1794A based DAC?

My X-Fi Titanium HD soundcard uses the PCM 1794 DAC and I think it still sounds fantastic. It's still the main source for my music system to this day. It got even better when I upgraded the OpAmps not long ago.

When I got my Tubemagic D2 DAC (which uses the AD1955), I compared it against the Titanium HD and concluded that they were basically equal aside from the potential for background noise due to interference. Based on that, I used the external DAC for my gaming computer instead, since the gaming computer is very electrically noisy and benefits from the isolation that the external DAC provides, especially when connected via optical. Unlike my gaming computer, the PC that I use as the main source in my music system is much less powerful, with no dedicated videocard, and a spartan internal layout that doesn't cause any background noise when using the soundcard. I confirmed that the Titanium HD still works great even with the upcoming Windows 11 so chances are I'll still be using it for quite some time.
 
I had to revive this thread...

I just purchased a $260 Chinese DAC using this PCM1794 chip, and can honestly say, this has to be the best sounding DAC I have yet to own. It was $326 delivered to Detroit via UPS and took roughly 8 days to arrive. I went with the 4x model in black.


The DAC is built like a tank, and I cannot believe the sound this DAC is creating. I have had a lot of DACs through here, big names, upwards of $6000. I just sent back an $1800 one last week, I won't even mention the name, TEAC. This PCM1794 chip may be old technology, but it still has a lot of life left in it. I have had and have the latest ESS and AKM chip DACs and they have nothing on the PCM1794, same with R2R, this sounds incredibly better than all of them, on many levels.

Why did this chip fall out of favor? I am being very serious, this DAC is knocking my socks off. I have some old Burr Brown gear here, a very expensive Bel Canto, and this $300 DAC easily kicks it to the curb. The detail, the clarity, soundstage, voicing, depth, instrument separation, everything. I am using the Roon Nucleus One too, and I am sure that plays into the sound too. This is a 24/192 DAC, and it sounds so much better than my more capable 32/768 ESS 9038 DAC.

Why did these chips disappear? I am so happy I took the chance and ordered this DAC, I think I am going to grab another one for my WiiM Ultra.

Oh, pair this DAC up with a WiiM Ultra via USB, and prepare to light up your world. I am presently listening on my hot rod Volumio Rivo, but have two Ultras in the house, the Ultra is a great pairing. The speakers I have used so far, are the Zu DW6 Supremes and the $4500 Cabasse Murano bookshelves. I'm not playing around when I state this has to be the best sounding DAC that has came through my front door.
 
It is absolutely true that the Chinese products have great measuring specs and at an affordable price.. But the PCM1794 you mentioned has the exact same spec as the PCM1792 used in Bel Canto DAC3. If that's the Bel Canto you are referring to, it is still a respectable device and well surpass the dynamic range of 16bit audio.
 
Justrucking said:
I had to revive this thread...

I just purchased a $260 Chinese DAC using this PCM1794 chip, and can honestly say, this has to be the best sounding DAC I have yet to own. It was $326 delivered to Detroit via UPS and took roughly 8 days to arrive. I went with the 4x model in black.


The DAC is built like a tank, and I cannot believe the sound this DAC is creating. I have had a lot of DACs through here, big names, upwards of $6000. I just sent back an $1800 one last week, I won't even mention the name, TEAC. This PCM1794 chip may be old technology, but it still has a lot of life left in it. I have had and have the latest ESS and AKM chip DACs and they have nothing on the PCM1794, same with R2R, this sounds incredibly better than all of them, on many levels.

Why did this chip fall out of favor? I am being very serious, this DAC is knocking my socks off. I have some old Burr Brown gear here, a very expensive Bel Canto, and this $300 DAC easily kicks it to the curb. The detail, the clarity, soundstage, voicing, depth, instrument separation, everything. I am using the Roon Nucleus One too, and I am sure that plays into the sound too. This is a 24/192 DAC, and it sounds so much better than my more capable 32/768 ESS 9038 DAC.

Why did these chips disappear? I am so happy I took the chance and ordered this DAC, I think I am going to grab another one for my WiiM Ultra.

Oh, pair this DAC up with a WiiM Ultra via USB, and prepare to light up your world. I am presently listening on my hot rod Volumio Rivo, but have two Ultras in the house, the Ultra is a great pairing. The speakers I have used so far, are the Zu DW6 Supremes and the $4500 Cabasse Murano bookshelves. I'm not playing around when I state this has to be the best sounding DAC that has came through my front door.
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Are you still enjoying the DAC? Do you know if both the RCA and XLR outputs work at the same time?

Thanks
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