Sabaj DAC2 using ESS Sabre ES9018Q2C

[Robert]

Just bought one of these for use with my old laptop via USB.
It's the same unit under a different brand as reviewed in the link below.

The performance is quite amazing and I picked this up ridiculously cheap new on Amazon for £50 shipped. Works perfectly and without any additional configuration even on a 5 year old lappy running Linux.

Aslo works great running straight from the lightening port on my iPad, so not too heavy on the juice.

Highly recommended!

http://archimago.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/measurements-smsl-idea-usb-dac.html

 

[talkinghorse]

Thanks for the pointer, there is also a bigger brother, the Sajab Da3 32/768, with dual crystals for 25 quid extra. It has twin Sabre 9018s, balanced and unbalanced outputs, async USB and claims DSD up to 512kHz. These low cost Chinese DACs seem to have quite good specs nowadays, although the higher end sample rates seem rather ridiculous, probably just marketing fluff.

I have the cheap HiFime UAE23hd and an older O-DAC which also have sabre dac chips and I quite like the sound of them. were a simlar price. I've ordered a da3 to see what it's like.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073SSB81X/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21

 

[bernardhepworth]

I have one of these and while it is a faff to use with android ( you have to open your music app and start playing music before connecting it to your phone) it sounds wonderful for the price and comes close to my Mdac in terms of sound quality. Great for listening on the move.