New AKM AK4498EX Partitioned Stereo D/A Converter Now Sampling

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) announced the new AK4498EXVQ Stereo Premium DAC that utilizes advanced Switched Capacitor Filter Voltage Output Velvet Sound technology. Like the existing AK4499EXEQ, launched in 2022 as part of AKM's two-chip solution, when paired with the AK4191EQ separate digital filter with multi-bit sigma delta modulator, the new AK4498EXVQ also delivers a completely partitioned digital and analog architecture to improve noise isolation, enabling analog conversion from ultra-high-resolution audio sources, including DSD.

As anticipated, Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) has released to production the new flagship stereo D/A converter (DAC), the Velvet Sound Verita AK4499EX, showcased at the High End Munich show in May 2022. Alongside the AK4499EX, AKM has also released the AK4191 Digital Filter and ΔΣ Modulator, completing a two-chip solution that makes it easy to improve performance with completely independent digital and analog circuitry.

Japanese electronic component manufacturer ROHM Semiconductor has a strong connection with music and audio, being the source for a wide range of audio converters, amplifiers, and processors. Recently, ROHM started a new development project for a variety of new high fidelity solutions supporting high resolution audio. First in the new MUS-IC range and now available is the ROHM BD34301EKV, a 32-bit D/A converter designed for high-end audio designs. ROHM also launched the BD34301EKV-EVK-001 evaluation board available via distributor channels.