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FL_Guy
17
Aug 12, 2018
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FL_Guy
17
Apr 8, 2019
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elauSorry I missed the question, in case you haven't found the answer yet, the 9038 refers to the latest model of the Sabre DAC chip set. A few recent DACs have used a dual 9038 design, and been very well reviewed. It's not clear (to me at least) whether that's due to the use of the two 9038 chips, other aspects of the implementation being very good, or a combination of factors. In any case, in my experience at least, a dual 9038 chip design is definitely not the only way to get really good, even top of the line/state of the art sound from a DAC design. Imho. Sorry if any (or all) of that is obvious.
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So I would encourage others not to discount the sound quality of at least the more recent Gustard products _too_ quickly. (Reliability is another question - I agree there is some reason for caution, but it seems to being improving or have improved, but we'll see how that plays out for the newer Gustard products.)
On the other hand, this model doesn't have the latest dual 9038 tech (like the LKS for exampleMH-DA004 - not that that will automatically sound better, but the some reviews have been good), or lowest price like the Schiit or even Airist, and again, not a lot of high-end comparison reviews that I have found.
So, for those who may have actually heard the competition in this price range (or higher), would anyone be able to, and care to compare the sound quality, or point to good comparisons?