ES9018-2M and ES9016-2M

odysseyhk

Just found that ESS updated web site and published the spec for ES9018-2M, ES9016-2M. ES9018-2M/ES9016-2M are lower cost model of ES9018/ES9016 respectively. It is interesting to know how close "SABRE-2M" models compare to the non-2M model.

http://www.esstech.com/?p=products_DAC
http://www.businesswire.com/news ... 32-Reference-Stereo

For stereo performance comparison :

ES9018 :      DNR 133dB / THD -120dB
ES9018-2M : DNR 127dB / THD -120dB
ES9016 :      DNR 128dB / THD -110dB
ES9016-2M : DNR 122dB / THD -110dB

So the 2M models mainly compromised the DNR for their lower cost.  

With this figures, I expect performance ES9018 > ES9018-2M > ES9016 > ES9016-2M from a pure chip performance point of view.  Of course, the DAC product performance is more than the chip => complete end-to-end design covering power supply, DAC, opamp and USB Interface.

So ES9018 is still the flag-ship product of ESS.  However, with ES9018-2M selling at US$12 for 1000 units, would be a very competitive alternative.

momei

You mentioned the ES9018-2M is US$12 for 1,000, that means about HK 10 cents each.  Would you please also mention the price of ES9018, the chip used in so many upmarket DACs for comparison?

odysseyhk

Sorry for the confusion.  I mean $12 each for ES9018-2M for a volume of 1000.

Did a quick search.  For ES9018, I can find ES9018 selling at around us$40 each at retail.

momei

Thank you for the info.