Re: System down: Audiophile urgency

On May 8, 8:05 pm, "Arny Krueger" <ar...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
........
> I was wondering about the changes in the price/performance of converter
> chips that have led to equipment like the EMu 0404  - > 110 dB dynamic
range
> for < $200.  I did a little research and found that converter chips this
> good now cost less than $3 each in small quantities.  The really
> high-performance chips which have dynamic range just under 130 dB are
now
> about $10.
.......

After owning my EMU 0404 for some time I looked into why it was so
good. The 0404's DAC is based on the AKM AK 4396 chip. That chip is
also found inside Slim Devices Trans****ter (what the Squeezebox wants
to be when it grows up:)) and the Behringer DEQ-24/96. Both are well
regarded audio devices, the Behringer being a
bit more in the DIY camp. It's a great bargain that needs a few mods
in the opamps area to make it really sing.

That little 0404 is in good company.

CD