How good are the TDA1541A S2 chips

[captain]

How good are these DAC chips compared to the standard TDA 1541A's? A bigger and better difference or just a different presentation but not necessarily better.

[DSJR]

I have it on very good authority that the DAC chip itself isn't the issue AT ALL!!!!!

What's really important is the digital filter which follows and the analogue output stage feeding the amp...

Maybe the absolute resoltion at -80db may be slightly better, but this is academic when the dynamic range on most recordings is less than 50db most of the time as I understand it.

If any upgrading's going to be done on a DAC, I'd look at the analogue output circuits first ;)

[captain]

I have it on very good authority that the DAC chip itself isn't the issue AT ALL!!!!!

What's really important is the digital filter which follows and the analogue output stage feeding the amp...

Maybe the absolute resoltion at -80db may be slightly better, but this is academic when the dynamic range on most recordings is less than 50db most of the time as I understand it.

If any upgrading's going to be done on a DAC, I'd look at the analogue output circuits first ;)

Interesting, my DAC has been extensively upgraded and is very good so was thinking that S1 or S2 chips may of been a good move. From what I can work out your saying is all TDA1541's sound the same?

[Tony Moore]

TDA1541As tend to vary soundwise piece to piece. The S1 and S2 are just higher tolerance to the design spec. They _can_ sound more refined/detailed. The only way to know is to try out different chips in your DAC. Can be expensive though unless you can borrow S1 or S2 chip to try?

Cheers,
Tony