Hi again, I sometimes also use artificial intelligence to compare things, and I agree with what the artificial intelligence is trying to say when comparing the Wiim Pro+ and the Aune Dac chip, because I have listened to both DACs myself. (Not really, but I've heard the Wiim Pro Dac chip not the pro+ Dac chip). But I'm still comparing Pro+
So AI says this:
Comparing the Burr-Brown (TI) PCM1793 and the AKM (Asahi Kasei) AK4493SEQ is a classic study in "Old School vs. New School" DAC architecture. While the chip is only one part of a device's sound, these two have very distinct signatures rooted in their design eras.
Feature PCM1793 (Burr-Brown) AK4493SEQ (AKM)
Architecture Advanced Segment (Hybrid) Velvet Sound (Delta-Sigma)
Release Era Mid-2000s Early 2020s
Max Resolution 24-bit / 192kHz 32-bit / 768kHz (DSD512)
Sound Profile Warm, Organic, "Analog" Transparent, Spacious, Detailed
The Sound Profiles
PCM1793: The "Vinyl-Like" Classic
The PCM1793 uses a hybrid architecture that combines R-2R (ladder) for the upper bits and Delta-Sigma for the lower bits. This gives it a sound often described as
musical rather than
clinical.
- Midrange: Lush and forward. Vocals sound thick and "present."
- Highs: Softened or "rolled off." You won't get much fatigue here, but you might lose some sparkle in the cymbals.
- Low End: Punchy and authoritative, though perhaps less "tight" than modern chips.
- Vibe: It feels cohesive and "thick." It’s great for smoothing out harsh digital recordings.
AK4493SEQ: The "Velvet Sound" Modernist
The "SEQ" is the modern, high-efficiency version of the legendary 4493. It belongs to AKM’s Velvet Sound architecture, which focuses on low-distortion and "airy" textures.
Transparency: Much higher than the PCM1793. You will hear more "black space" between instruments.
Highs: Extended and airy. It captures the micro-details and room acoustics that the PCM1793 might smudge over.
Soundstage: Generally wider and deeper. Positioning of instruments is more precise.
Vibe: Fast, clean, and neutral. It doesn't "add" warmth; it tries to stay out of the way of the music.
Which one should you choose?
Go with the PCM1793 if:
You find modern digital audio too "sharp" or "thin."
You listen to a lot of jazz, acoustic, or older rock.
You prefer a relaxed, non-fatiguing listening session that lasts for hours.
Go with the AK4493SEQ if:
You want to hear every detail in high-resolution FLAC or DSD files.
You value a large soundstage and precise imaging.
You listen to modern production, electronic music, or orchestral pieces where clarity is king.
A Note on Implementation: The "sound" of a DAC is heavily influenced by the Low Pass Filter (LPF) and the power supply surrounding the chip. A poorly implemented AK4493 can sound harsh, while a masterfully implemented PCM1793 can sound surprisingly detailed.
I would like to add that I was not buying the same chip AK4493(Wiim pro+ model), but the "better" AK4497s, which can be found in the Topping E50 2 model.

and that model has XLR connectors and a remote control, everything, and the price is only 200.