Japanese company Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has unveiled the AK4498EXVQ Stereo Premium DAC chip, featuring cutting-edge Switched Capacitor Filter Voltage Output Velvet Sound technology. While mass production is anticipated to commence in spring 2025, manufacturers are currently able to request samples for design and testing activities.
DAC chips play a crucial role for manufacturers of digital-to-analog (DA) converters. While there is a wide array of DA converter manufacturers, the number of companies producing DAC chips is relatively limited. This situation can be likened to the computer industry, where numerous manufacturers exist, yet only a select few are responsible for producing processor chips. Prominent names in the processor chip market include Intel and AMD. The development and manufacturing of chips require significant financial investment, which restricts this capability to entities with substantial capital. Furthermore, to maintain operational viability, these manufacturers must produce chips in large quantities.
The performance and quality of a computer are influenced not solely by the processor chip but also by various other components. The same principle applies to DAC chips. DA converter manufacturers differentiate themselves from their rivals through the design and quality of the electronics that accompany the selected DAC chip. It is noteworthy that identical DAC chips can be utilized in a variety of DA converters. Notable DAC chip manufacturers include ESS Technologies, Cirrus Logic, and the Japanese company AKM. Recently, AKM introduced a new DAC chip featuring compelling technical specifications.
Similar to the AK4499EXEQ, which AKM released in 2022 as part of its two-chip solution, the newly launched AK4498EXVQ, when paired with the AK4191EQ discrete digital filter that incorporates a multi-bit Delta Sigma Modulator, offers a fully partitioned digital and analog architecture. This design significantly enhances noise suppression, facilitating DAC conversion for ultra-high-resolution audio sources, including DSD.
In 2020, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) broadened its range of high-end audio digital-to-analog converters (DACs) by introducing a two-chip solution that effectively separates the digital components from the analog circuitry. Unlike traditional DAC chips, which utilize a single chip for the digital-to-analog conversion, AKM’s innovative design divides the process between a delta-sigma modulator chip and a distinct DAC, thereby offering enhanced design flexibility and options for audio manufacturers. Unfortunately, the advancement of this two-chip solution was impeded by the destruction of AKM’s semiconductor manufacturing facility due to a fire in late October 2020.
In 2022, AKM introduced the Velvet Sound DAC/ADC product line. By the end of 2022, the Japanese company commenced production of its new flagship stereo DAC, the AK4499EX, alongside the AK4191 Digital Filter and Delta Sigma Modulator, thereby finalizing the dual-chip solution.
This dual-chip architecture enables designers to enhance performance through completely independent digital and analog circuits. The original AK4499EX chip, featuring specifications of S/N: 135dB and THD: -124dB, has been chosen for high-end, ultra-high-resolution DACs and has been embraced by various DAC manufacturers.
AKM has recently introduced the AK4498EXVQ, a sophisticated two-chip DAC solution that effectively separates the processing-intensive digital signal from the analog components. This digital signal is managed by the AK4191 digital filter and Delta Sigma modulator, which, as demonstrated by AKM, significantly mitigates digital noise interference during the analog conversion process, enhancing sonic clarity. When utilized alongside the AK4191, the AK4498EX is capable of supporting ultra-high-resolution audio formats, reaching up to 64-bit/1536kHz PCM or DSD1024. However, it is noteworthy that such audio formats have yet to be encountered in practical applications, as there is currently no source material available at this resolution, leaving the future availability of such content uncertain.
With a comparable signal-to-noise ratio of 129 dB (A-weighted) and a total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of -117 dB on the analog output, the AK4498EXVQ also incorporates AKM’s advanced Velvet Sound technology. According to AKM, the AK4498EXVQ features a Switched Capacitor Filter block (1st order) that transforms MBD7-2 data from the Data Weighted Averaging (DWA) output into an analog voltage signal, with a cutoff frequency that is proportional to 128 fs or 256 fs above the sampling frequency.
Additionally, the new DAC utilizes the DWA routing technology derived from the flagship AK4499EX DAC, which reduces the impact of variations in conversion elements, thereby enhancing analog performance. The AK4498EX also takes advantage of the AK4191’s Automatic DA Conversion Mode Switching Function, facilitating smooth transitions between audio formats such as PCM and DSD. Furthermore, the integrated asynchronous operation mode allows for dedicated clock feeding to the AK4498EX, ensuring precise DA conversion with minimal jitter.
The AK4498EXVQ Stereo Premium DAC is currently undergoing testing and is intended for use in forthcoming network audio devices, USB DACs, and wireless speakers. Mass production is anticipated to commence in April 2025, and it will utilize the same HTQFP 64-pin package as the AK4499EXEQ and AK4191EQ.
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