AKM launches AK4396 192 kHz audio D/A converter

Asahi Kasei Microsystems (AKM), a leading supplier of audio ICs for professional and consumer markets, has launched the AK4396, a true 192kHz 24-bit 2-channel D/A converter for premium DVD/SACD players, AV receivers and other professional audio applications.
Based on the previously released AK4393/4/5 high-end DAC Series, the AK4396 2-channel DAC delivers further improvements in AKM’s advanced multi-bit architecture and achieves a virtually flat noise floor up to 80 kHz for a superior DVD playback environment.
As with the previously released DACs, the AK4396’s signal-to-noise ratio in the 20 kHz band extends to 120 dB. In addition to excellent anti-jitter characteristics, the switched capacitor DAC incorporates AKM’s unique low-power circuits, which maintain performance while reducing power consumption 47 percent compared with the AK4393.
Main functions of the AK4396 include a dedicated input port for direct stream digital (DSD) data input, allowing switching on the DAC side between PCM data and DSD data. Built-in LPF dedicated to DSD data allows SACD format ‘Scarlet Book’ filter characteristics to be achieved easily by adding a simple external analogue filter. The same output level is set for PCM data and DSD data, so that digital volumes and zero detect function behave in the same way for both PCM data and DSD data.
This has the advantage of permitting control of playback levels without reference to the data format, and, together with the other performance enhancements, make the AK4396 ideal for professional-quality DVD/DVD-Audio/SACD players, AV receivers and digital mixers.
The AK4396 is available in a 28-pin VSOP package. Pin compatibility with the AK4393/4 provides a simple upgrade path for AK4393/4-based systems. For a demo of the high quality sound, Evaluation boards (AKD4396-A) and samples are available now.
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