AKM to release AK4493S and AK4490R DAC chips in February

They achieve an unprecedented level of audio integrity and dynamics while maintaining the reduced power consumption of the original AK4490 and AK4493.” – Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation (AKM) promised for its AK4493S and AK4490R chips. These chips will replace the AK4490 D/A converters and the higher end AK4493. Thus, the company fulfilled its promise given on the eve of the New Year.

The production of the well-deservedly popular AKM DACs was interrupted in October 2020 as a result of a fire at the company’s production. It was not easy to make up for the deficit, but now, according to the manufacturer, audio systems based on AKM DACs will sound even better. The parameters of the new products have already been published: AK4490R and AK4493S process PCM up to 768 kHz and DSD (AK4493S) at 22.4 MHz.

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The company noted that the AK4493S and AK4490R microcircuits have optimized signal paths, increased noise immunity and reduced power consumption. As for the playback quality, for example, the signal-to-noise ratio was 123dB for the older AK4493S DAC and 120dB for the AK4490R.

New chips will soon appear on the market as part of CD/SACD and digital players, network audio, DAC-amplifiers for headphones and other devices. Shipment of finished Asahi Kasei Microdevices chips will begin in February.


AK4493S Audio D/A Converters Specifications

  • Part Number AK4493SEQ
  • Number of Channels 2
  • Analog Output Type Differential
  • Bits [bit] 32
  • THD+N [dB] -115
  • S/N [dB] 123 (128*)
  • Power Supply Voltage (MIN.) [V] 4.75 / 3.0 / 1.7
  • Power Supply Voltage (TYP.) [V] 5.0 / 3.3 / 1.8
  • Power Supply Voltage (MAX.) [V] 5.25 / 3.6 / 1.98
  • Other VELVETSOUND
  • Device Package LQFP
  • Number of Pins 48
  • MSL – MSL2

AK4493R Audio D/A Converters Specifications

Part Number AK4493REQ
Number of Channels 2
Analog Output Type Differential
Bits [bit] 32
THD+N [dB] -112
S/N [dB] 120 (123*)
Power Supply Voltage (MIN.) [V] 4.75 / 3.0 / 1.7
Power Supply Voltage (TYP.) [V] 5.0 / 3.3 / 1.8
Power Supply Voltage (MAX.) [V] 5.25 / 3.6 / 1.98
Other VELVETSOUND
Device Package LQFP
Number of Pins 48
MSL – MSL2