DACS comparison designed by Robert Wattes

[Robeeert1]

Hi,
I'm interested in Chord QBD-76 DAC. I wonder if someone compared it with any of the old sx series. If so, what are the results?
Are these medern DACs the same superb sound quality like the old sx128, 256, 512 due to same or similar conversion method?
Thank you guys for any info.

[nat8808]

One definate difference is in the output stages as the DPA models were mostly based around the DPA descrete op-amp circuitry. I don't think the Chord dacs use anything like that.

The digital part is still on FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) though, although of course much fewer chips, I guess due to modern technology squeezing more on to smaller ICs. My SX512 for example has 2 large FPGAs just as a receiver unit and about 6 in the processing section, then one per phase for the DACs section! All 1 inch square chips. I guess that's high tech for 1997..

I've never heard any Chord gear though.