I've been listening to the dual PCM56 DAC for a couple of weeks now using the setup shown in my last photo, and I can highly recommend it, I'm amazed how good it sounds at the low price. I bought a couple of spares since they are so cheap! I think there may be a burn-in effect, it seems to sound even better after a couple of weeks playing. I think the passive low-pass filter they have implemented works well. Surprisingly, I think it sounds better than the WM8740 I tested earlier. For a low cost system, this is very nice IMHO. Of course the headphone amp, SMSL PO100 and linear PSU get the most out of the two PCM56 chips; I'm sure any other good quality headphone amp, would work just as well. Very easy, fatigue free listening, very musical. This was tested using DT-990 PRO headphones.
I've got an SU-1 on order to try out one of the AK chips, but I'm really pleased with this small BB NOS dac.
I've got an SU-1 on order to try out one of the AK chips, but I'm really pleased with this small BB NOS dac.