AKM (Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation) is a leading Japanese semiconductor company specializing in high-quality audio DACs and analog/digital mixed-signal technology. Part of the Asahi Kasei Group since its establishment, AKM operates from Tokyo and is renowned for its VELVET SOUND audio converters used in AV receivers, set-top boxes, speaker systems, digital TVs, and car entertainment systems. After a major factory fire in October 2020 destroyed production, AKM resumed operations in 2022 with new products including AK4493S and AK4490R DACs. The company combines compound semiconductor technology with sophisticated IC products to provide advanced sensing devices and audio solutions for professional and consumer markets worldwide.
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The Tangzu Yulinglong is a portable DAC/headphone amplifier featuring dual AK4493SEQ chips for superior audio quality.
CNC-machined aluminum housing with a distinctive yellow-silver theme reflects traditional Chinese design aesthetics.
Offers both 3.5mm unbalanced and 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn outputs, ensuring broad headphone compatibility.

Questyle has introduced the Sigma and Sigma Pro portable DAC/amps, delivering high-resolution audio with remarkable output power in a compact design.
The Sigma Pro features dual ESS ES9069 DACs in a dual-mono configuration, supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 audio formats.
Both models include balanced 4.4mm outputs, LDAC, Snapdragon Sound, and Bluetooth 5.4 technology, enhancing connectivity and audio quality.
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T3 Audio

The Eversolo DAC-Z10 utilizes dual AKM Velvet Sound chipsets per channel in a Fully Isolated Architecture setup ensuring optimal channel separation.
Equipped with an OCXO for precise clocking, the DAC-Z10 achieves femtosecond timing accuracy with external clock compatibility.
Featuring comprehensive connectivity, the device supports USB, HDMI ARC, I²S, and Bluetooth, accommodating diverse audio formats and setups.
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Darko Audio

The NuPrime IDA-9 is a high-performance hybrid integrated amplifier combining Class A warmth with Class D efficiency using advanced GaN transistors.
It delivers 150 watts per channel at 8 ohms with minimal THD+N of 0.0005% and a frequency range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz.
The built-in AKM DAC supports high-quality audio processing, with inputs including optical, coaxial, USB, RCA, and XLR for versatile connectivity.

Shanling launches the portable CD player "EC Zero" on October 24, featuring advanced audio components and a sophisticated design.
The device includes the AK4493S DAC and dual SGM8262-2 amps, delivering a warm and transparent sound profile.
Innovative features like magnetic absorption parts for the tray and cover ensure stable performance and reduced mechanical vibrations.
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AV Watch

Astell&Kern introduces new "PD10 Black" and "PD10 Silver" DAP models, priced at ¥363,000, with advanced DAC technology for superior audio processing.
The PD10 features the latest HEXA audio circuit, integrating AK4498EX and AK4191EQ DACs for enhanced digital and analog signal separation and processing.
It supports Full Android OS with ADP technology, enabling unrestricted high-resolution lossless playback and compatibility with streaming services like Qobuz Connect.
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AV Watch

The Eversolo DAC-Z10 is a desktop audio component combining a DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier in a dual-mono configuration.
It employs AK4191 and AK4499 DAC chips, utilizing AKM's Velvet Sound technology for high-quality audio reproduction.
Its design features a Fully Isolated Architecture (FIA) for minimized interference and includes three separate toroidal transformers for power supply.

Questyle SIGMA, a portable DAC/headphone amplifier, integrates cutting-edge technologies for superior audio quality in a compact design.
Equipped with AKM AK4493 DAC chip, SIGMA supports PCM decoding up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512.
Features a symmetrical current-mode amplifier architecture with four modules, offering improved linearity and reduced distortion.

Luxsin unveiled the X9 headphone amplifier, priced at ¥220,000, featuring advanced sound tuning and innovative technologies.
Incorporates HP-EQ technology that adjusts EQ in real-time based on headphone frequency characteristics, ensuring accurate Harman curve adherence.
Equipped with a comprehensive database supporting over 2,500 headphone models for tailored EQ profiles with one-click selection.
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AV Watch

Shanling EC Zero AKM is a portable CD player featuring AKM AK4493S DAC chips and SGM8262-2 amplifiers for high-quality audio output.
Offers Hi-Res USB-DAC capabilities with support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, enhancing audio fidelity.
Includes both balanced (4.4mm Pentaconn) and unbalanced (3.5mm mini jack) headphone jacks, alongside line and SPDIF outputs for versatile connectivity.

Oriolus Japan introduces the "1795MKII" Bluetooth amplifier, launching December 12 with an estimated market price of ¥60,500.
Incorporating TI's PCM1795 DAC chips and AKM's AK4137EQ sample rate converter, it ensures natural sound and reduced noise.
Features XMOS XU316 USB receiver for jitter reduction and Qualcomm QCC5125 SoC supporting aptX HD codecs.
Also covered by
AV Watch

The TOPPING E50 II features AKM's AK4497S DAC with VELVET SOUND architecture, delivering up to 131dB dynamic range and 0.0001% THD+N.
Equipped with versatile digital inputs, including USB-C, coaxial, optical (S/PDIF & ADAT), and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD support.
Offers balanced TRS and single-ended RCA outputs with adjustable levels up to 11.3Vrms for flexible connectivity.
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Ecoustics

The Fosi Audio ZH3 is an all-in-one DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamp designed for high-resolution audio in a compact design.
Featuring the AKM 4493SEQ DAC, XMOS XU316 processor, and 4 OPA1612 op-amps, it supports PCM 768kHz/32-bit and DSD512.
Outputs include 650mW single-ended and 2570mW balanced at 32Ω, with three gain settings supporting headphones from 16–300Ω.
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Ecoustics

Luxsin X9 integrates advanced HP-EQ technology, enabling headphone-specific frequency tuning with access to profiles for over 2500 models.
Powered by an AK4499EX DAC paired with AK4191EQ, the Luxsin X9 achieves >128 dB dynamic range and -120 dB THD+N distortion.
Features R2R volume control, ensuring precise adjustments up to 0.1 dB while preserving audio quality and phase integrity.
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Audio (PL)

The Arylic LP100 is a compact audio streamer priced at $399, designed to enhance stereo systems with modern network capabilities.
Equipped with AKM AK4499SEQ DAC, AK7735 ADC, and CT7302SL resampler, it ensures high-resolution and precise audio performance.
Supports Wi-Fi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready certification, and Bluetooth 5.4 with advanced codecs like LDAC and aptX HD.

The Dorpo X3 media player features a robust aluminum chassis, exhibiting a refined design and high-quality construction.
Powered by the Amlogic 8K S928X-K chip, it processes up to 3.2 trillion operations per second, ensuring 8K video playback.
Provides 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, with support for Blu-ray ISO, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and BT.2020 standards.
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