Considered to be one of the finest DAC chips in the market, some of you wanted to learn a bit more about this now discontinued chip: the AKM AK4499EQ.

Keep in mind the DAC chip is just one part of the implementation. You still have clocks, the output stage, etc. But many audiophiles seem to gravitate towards products with AKM chips in them. This is a just a brief overview.

History

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) is a company with a story as rich as the audio it produces. Founded in 1959 by a group of tech-savvy engineers with a passion for pushing boundaries, AKM set out to make waves in the semiconductor industry.

The name "Asahi Kasei" essentially means "morning sun" and was chosen to reflect the company's mission to be a shining light in the tech world, leading the way for others to follow.

In the early days, AKM was focused on developing cutting-edge technologies that would help drive the growth of the electronics industry. They quickly became known for their high-quality and reliable products and established themselves as a major player in the market.

Today, AKM's products continue to be highly sought after by audiophiles and high-end audio equipment manufacturers for their exceptional performance and audio quality.

The AK4499EQ

As the years flew by, AKM never stopped innovating and evolving. They were always pushing the limits of what was possible, and their early ventures in the field of digital audio paid off. They developed some of the first digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that could produce high-quality audio output, and one of their most notable creations was the AK4499EQ. This high-end DAC chip was known for its high performance and high audio quality, and it quickly became a must-have for audiophiles and high-end audio equipment manufacturers.

But then in August 2021, fate dealt a blow to AKM when a fire broke out at the factory that produced the AK4499EQ (along with many other popular chips). The Nobeoka City factory was responsible for producing a large portion of AKM's IC products, including the AK4499EQ, and the fire caused significant damage to the factory and its equipment.

This caused many HiFi manufacturers to abruptly change their chips in their current products, and in some cases, discontinued their products all together.

What's the big deal with the AK4499EQ?

One of the key features that sets it apart is its high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). That's the difference between a clear and crisp melody compared to a muddy and distorted one. With an SNR of up to 140dB, the AK4499EQ delivers a cleaner and more detailed audio output than many other DAC chips on the market.

Another feature that makes the AK4499EQ stand out is its wide dynamic range, like the difference between a quiet whisper and a powerful crescendo. With a dynamic range of up to 140dB, the chip allows for a more natural and nuanced audio output, capturing the subtleties and nuances of a performance.

The AK4499EQ also boasts a very low distortion rate. This allows you to enjoy the absence of unwanted background noise in a recording. Also, with a distortion rate of up to -130dB, the chip delivers a more accurate and true-to-life audio output.

Additionally, the AK4499EQ is versatile. It supports a wide range of sample rates and bit depths, which means it can handle a variety of digital audio formats and produce high-quality audio output even when playing back high-resolution audio files.

These features combined make the AK4499EQ a highly sought-after DAC chip among audiophiles and high-end audio equipment manufacturers. It produces a warm, natural and detailed sound with a wide soundstage and high resolution.

The New Flagship: The AK4499EX

It's an upgraded version of the AK4499EQ, which was considered to be the star of the show in the world of DAC chips. The AK4499EX is designed to bring an even more breathtaking performance, with new features and improvements that will leave audiophiles and high-end audio equipment manufacturers enraptured.

One of the key differences between the AK4499EQ and the AK4499EX is that the new chip has a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of up to 142dB. It's 2dB higher than the AK4499EQ, resulting in an even cleaner and more detailed audio output. The chip also has a wider dynamic range of up to 142dB.

The AK4499EX also boasts an improved distortion rate of up to -140dB. That's 10dB lower than the AK4499EQ, theoretically resulting in even more accurate and true-to-life audio output. Additionally, the AK4499EX supports a wider range of sample rates and bit depths. It can handle an even wider variety of digital audio formats and produce even higher-quality output.

The AK4499EX is expected to be a showstopper in the world of high-end audio equipment and deliver an even better audio quality compared to its predecessor.

But will it really beat the AK4499EQ? Well, SMSL recently released its D400EX flagship DAC with dual chips and there's also the Topping E70 Velvet. I'll have to hear it for myself.

Final Thoughts

The AK4499EQ is a true marvel of technology, a shining example of what is possible. This high-end DAC chip is a testament to the power of innovation and progress. Have you heard the AK4499EQ or AK4499EX? Let me know your thoughts below!