![akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398 akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398](http://i2.kknews.cc/W0CuchHPkt8PVxqTrL8GGkGMa8bplVYAKw/0.jpg)
It’s not the end of the world, but in this regard the PM6007 has taken a small step backwards. His characteristically brooding, contemplative vocal rises confidently above the aqueous acoustics, but the PM6007’s vocal delivery doesn’t feel as rock-solid and grounded as its predecessor’s.
![akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398 akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398](https://www.avtechguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/marantz-unveil-new-pm6007-amplifier-cd6007-cd-player_featured-800x445.jpeg)
The melodic finger-picking underpinning Matt Berninger’s acoustic-led Last Song is subtler, both in terms of the way the notes are formed and how they flow dynamically. Textures take on new levels of tangibility, too. Move onto Högni’s rhythm-driven Moon Pitcher and the layers of ambient strands are more cohesively entwined, the new Marantz’s musicality rigorously precise. The dramatic opener of Portishead’s live performance of All Mine comes through with more presence, while the PM6007’s clearer disposition also makes more of the special occasion provided by the accompanying 35-piece orchestra. Marantz has traded some of that smoothness for a bit more oomph, as well as tightened up the bass, and the result is a more spirited presentation. Where it pulls away from the PM6006 UK Edition is in its greater clarity, precision and rhythmic punch. Like its predecessor, it’s about as agreeable a performer as you could ask for at this price. Its sonic character is as familiar as its casework: smooth, full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing spaciousness. It is a matter of personal choice (and that is very difficult).The clearest evidence of the line’s evolution lies in the PM6007’s performance. The Burr Brown is warm, with a more rich texture in instruments but less three dimensional. So, on the basis of many months listening to ESS sabre DACs and Burr Brown DACs, I would say the ESS is cool, analytical, finely etched and three dimenional. I am going to find it hard to decide which I prefer when I upgrade. The Yamaha uses a Burr Brown DAC (not the top of the range Burr Brown DAC - which can be found in the Arcam CDS27) and this does give a richer, warmer sound with more texture in midband instruments and voices but perhaps missing the 3D solidity of instruments that is the best feature of the ESS sabre DACs. I have to say that I am amazed to find that this low cost CD/streamer sounds excellent in my system and does have a less bright treble even with ribbon tweeters. Recently, as a temporary 'fix', I bought a Yamaha CDN301 from RicherSounds for £195 (used via an old Quad 77 amp for volume control - bought many years ago after reading Andrew Everard's review). I also have a Naim Superuniti with a Burr Brown DAC in a separate system. However they do sound a little bright with the ribbon tweeters. I am waiting for the Audiolab 8300N to be released in summer 2016 because I already have an Audiolab Q-DAC which sounds good in this system, as does a Novafielity X40 - all these use ESS Sabre DACs. I need a streamer DAC to connect directly to a Quad Artera power amp and Monitor Audio Gold 200 speakers for a minimalist system.
![akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398 akm ak4458vn vs cirrus logic cs4398](https://www.ixbt.com/multimedia/oppo/101/image1b.jpg)
I have followed your career since your days as Hifi reviewer for Gramophone magazine. Come on Andrew, give us more thoughts on DACs.