Tech

The marketing language around DAC chipsets reached peak absurdity sometime around 2018. “Features the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO for reference-level conversion.” “AKM Velvet Sound technology for a natural, musical character.” “R-2R ladder network for true analog sound.” In 2026, the signal-to-noise is louder than ever. This article attempts to cut through it and give you a technically grounded understanding of what DAC chipsets actually do, which differences are measurable vs. audible, and how to use this information to make better purchasing decisions. ...

The marketing language around DAC chipsets reached peak absurdity sometime around 2018. “Features the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO for reference-level conversion.” “AKM Velvet Sound technology for a natural, musical character.” “R-2R ladder network for true analog sound.” In 2026, the signal-to-noise is louder than ever. This article attempts to cut through it and give you a technically grounded understanding of what DAC chipsets actually do, which differences are measurable vs. audible, and how to use this information to make better purchasing decisions. ...

The marketing language around DAC chipsets reached peak absurdity sometime around 2018. “Features the ESS Sabre ES9038PRO for reference-level conversion.” “AKM Velvet Sound technology for a natural, musical character.” “R-2R ladder network for true analog sound.” In 2026, the signal-to-noise is louder than ever. This article attempts to cut through it and give you a technically grounded understanding of what DAC chipsets actually do, which differences are measurable vs. audible, and how to use this information to make better purchasing decisions. ...