New AK4497SVQ Build!

1735624687980.png

https://www.akm.com/us/en/about-us/news/2024/20241111-ak4497svq/

This thread is for discussion and advice from DAC developers.

The only change in the new IC is the addition of a programmable FIR filter.
Wouldn't this be a fun toy for digital designers?

The AK4497 is a good choice for a mini DAC build, as the current output IC and the peripheral circuitry can be simplified more than the AK4499EX.
I will continue building the AK4497, as I am interested in making thin or compact tabletop devices.

I will receive samples from AKM soon.
The board design is almost finished, as there are no hardware changes.
After considering the VREF supply and the master clock supply, I will move on to the layout phase.
I plan to optimize the 4L layout with the help of experts.
I expect the cost to be around $800-$1000.

I will have all the functions necessary for playback on one board. In summary:
1. 150x100x20mm ultra-slim CNC case, no display design
2. USB I2S bridge (AT32+XC2C64A)
3. LT3471+LT304x based power supply
4. Low distortion Discrete opamp. Don't call it a snake oil
I think measurement and math are the best sound design tools,
and IC op amps like OPA1612, LM4562 are the most convenient products to get the best results
That is, "just for fun" elements. But I will try to get enough THD.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: AIM65
@jean-paul
There will be no place like that. In fact, well-known DAC and network player companies are
When a sudden factory fire broke out, had no choice but to purchase expensive inventory from China to continue production.
Please wait for AKM's mass production (March to April next year). It will be released at a reasonable price.
 
No real waiting for me, I already have a AK4497EQ (old version) based DAC. It just surprised many that a chip so good was discontinued so fast (or was it indeed the factory fire?). One of the best and one of the cheapest DACs I tried out the last years. I would consider a board to build IN an Eversolo DMP-A6 though but I don't run that fast after new DAC chips anymore as DAC technology seems pretty mature.

Old AK4497 is an excellent DAC chip whatever its numbers say. Sounds very good.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: gabdx and mamocel
Yes I did not now that a new version is being launched and just knew that the old version of the IC is rare and (today) very expensive even around 165 Euro/piece so TDA status 🙂 It therefor surprised me that you got samples. Then I saw the news dated 11/11/2024 at the AKM website and changed my post.

One thing can be said for the guys and girls at AKM: that using the same type number for different chips simply is not clever. Same with AK4493 old & new versions that confuse(d) many. No normal person remembers the letters after the IC type number.

OK so it is AK4497EQ (old) versus AK4497VSQ (new). Same same but different.
 
Last edited:
That's good to hear...AKM had to react, the flagship chip AK 4499 takes up a bit of space with its driver...
The little AKM4493SEQ is really good... Not far from the AK4497.
Great if, AK 4497 is back!!!
I imagine that the chip would have decreased in size again.😢😢😢
 
Normally new DAC chips of the last few years don't deliver uh's and ah's (definitely not the ESS bunch) but this news is exciting isn't it? 🙂

Mins, maybe it is time to show us a teaser of your creation. $800-$1000 is quite steep though.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mamocel
4. Low distortion Discrete opamp. Don't call it a snake oil
I think measurement and math are the best sound design tools,
and IC op amps like OPA1612, LM4562 are the most convenient products to get the best results
That is, "just for fun" elements. But I will try to get enough THD.
This part seem contradictory - please expand?

//
 
4. Low distortion Discrete opamp. Don't call it a snake oil
I think measurement and math are the best sound design tools,
and IC op amps like OPA1612, LM4562 are the most convenient products to get the best results
That is, "just for fun" elements. But I will try to get enough THD.
Totally agree....Just see and understand the EVM cards....
No burson and other silicon tower paired by humans... 👍
And no tube output stage... 🤣
 
Last edited:
This thread is for discussion and advice from DAC developers.
Mins, maybe it is time to show us a teaser of your creation. $800-$1000 is quite steep though.
@jean-paul I'm not saying I'll sell it for $800-$1000, I'm just saying I'll hire a layout expert to do this build.
Layout is important for high-speed switching mode power supplies and DACs.
In other words, I told every to make it self. Look, Dimdim has arrived.
 
Last edited:
@TNT No, In particular, the Burson measurement result worse than the 5534.
Its floor will dominate the output of the AKM DAC.
Anyway... I'm considering reducing the size to 0402 and making it a bit more dense.
1735632351162.png
 
Last edited:
The term "Discrete opamp" usually means an op-amp built up with discrete components - a small board with pins like an IC op-amp, intended for substitution of an IC one.

Like: https://cdn02.plentymarkets.com/dvw...-labs-ss3602-dual-discrete-opa-aune-store.jpg

To call OPA1612 a "Discrete opamp" is confusing... but maybe you are saying that you have designed a discrete op amp in your board - but then why write: "IC op amps like OPA1612, LM4562 are the most convenient products to get the best results" ...

and continues: "That is, "just for fun" elements. But I will try to get enough THD." - What do you mean ... which ones are the "fun" elements you refer to; the IC or the discrete op-amps? I would assume the discrete o-amps... but?

and ...

... "But I will try to get enough THD".. hmm - discrete op-amps often has a lot more THD than IC ones so here you must mean the "discrete op-amps" to get more / enough THD. Enough THD - this is such a strange statement. Enough high or enough low THD... I cant figure out...

also "Low distortion Discrete opamp. Don't call it a snake oil" -. snake oil - this is usually something bad or unwanted - but here you seem to favour it as you defend the discrete op-amp by asking us to not call it "snake oil"...

Your point 4 is to me really had to grasp..

"4. Low distortion Discrete opamp. Don't call it a snake oil
I think measurement and math are the best sound design tools,
and IC op amps like OPA1612, LM4562 are the most convenient products to get the best results
That is, "just for fun" elements. But I will try to get enough THD."

"I think measurement and math are the best sound design tools," seems like a balanced statement so I don't get how the rest of point 4 fits worth this...

😎

//
 
I don't see a micro USB connector but micro USB is the worst connector in USB history. Since I have replaced many (I even skip devices that have it) I would definitely use a more reliable type. The 2.1 x 5.5 and 2.5 x 5.5 DC jacks are a better choice and that says something 🙂 Or Phoenix MKDSN on the PCB going to an industrial chassis mount connector for trouble free connections. No one forces you to use standard wall warts/adapters. My AK4497 DAC benefits from a DIY ultra low noise linear PSU big time. With a new design choices are abundant and one can use an onboard Meanwell IRM module with added filtering. No wall wart/adapter really is best. If it has to be a switcher then a good switcher with a good filter.

With "discrete" opamps you mean DIL8 opamps I guess? LM4562 is EMI sensitive and beter not used in RF/EMI rich environments.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: rockies914