The AKM AK4480 is a two-channel, 32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for professional audio and high-end A/V equipment. Its published specifications include support for sampling rates from 30 kHz to 216 kHz, 114 dB dynamic range/SNR, and -100 dB THD+N. Those figures describe the chip, not guaranteed performance in every product: a device’s surrounding circuitry and implementation also matter.
What is the AK4480 DAC?
AKM Semiconductor introduced the AK4480 as a stereo DAC based on the company’s AK4397/AK4399 architecture. EE Times reported on the chip on March 24, 2010, describing it for professional audio and high-end Blu-ray Disc, DVD audio, and A/V applications. EE Times’ report identifies it as a 32-bit DAC.
“Stereo” means the chip converts two audio channels: left and right. It is not an eight-channel DAC. The AK4480 is a component used inside audio equipment, rather than a standalone converter with consumer connections.
What are the AK4480’s specifications and features?
| Specification or feature | AK4480 detail |
|---|---|
| Channels | 2 (stereo) |
| Digital processing | Full 32-bit processing |
| Sampling rate | 30 kHz to 216 kHz |
| THD+N | -100 dB |
| Dynamic range/SNR | 114 dB |
| Operating voltage | 5 V |
| Package | 30-pin VSOP |
| Analog outputs | Fully differential |
| Digital filter modes | Short-delay, sharp roll-off, and slow roll-off |
These are the published AK4480 figures reported by EE Times in 2010, not independent measurements of a finished device. THD+N is total harmonic distortion plus noise; dynamic range/SNR describes the gap between the signal and noise floor. Real-world results depend on the complete design, including power, board layout, output stage, and other components.
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- Supports Uncompressed 2 channel LPCM or PCM Digital Audio Signal Output: Provides Electromagnetic-noise-free Transmission. ⚠️Ensure the audio output is set to PCM or LPCM to avoid potential audio distortion. For 5.1 decoding/output, check out our upgraded 5.1 model.
- Supports High-Resolution Audio: 192kHz Sampling Rate achieved, Supports Sampling Rate at 32, 44.1, 48, 96 and 192kHz, and 24-bit SPDIF Incoming Bit Stream on Left and Right Channels, ensuring that your audio experience is rich in detail and accuracy
- Built-in Audio Amplifier Chip: Equipped with a professional audio amplifier chip, addresses the common issue of low output volume, resulting in pure and crisp sound quality
- Easy to Install and Use: Multiple inputs and outputs for simple setup. Easily converts digital audio from devices like HD TVs, TV boxes, DVD/Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles (PS3/PS4/PS5) to analog audio, connecting to home audio systems, AV Amps, and headphones
Digital filters and control
The AK4480 offers three 32-bit digital-filter modes: short-delay, sharp roll-off, and slow roll-off. In parallel mode, the minimum-delay and sharp-roll-off modes can be controlled through pins. The chip also includes digital de-emphasis and soft mute.
Analog design and other functions
Its digital block performs full 32-bit processing and feeds a symmetrical analog layout with fully differential outputs. AKM described this layout as intended to reduce noise coupling and preserve symmetry between channels. The chip also has a digital attenuator and independent left- and right-channel zero-detect functions.
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- 【Upgraded DAC Converter】Converts Coaxial or Toslink digital PCM/ LPCM audio signals to analog L/ R RCA and 3.5mm Jack audio (✅Not capable of being reversed). Can be Used for PS3, PS4, Xbox, Blu-ray Player, HD DVD, Home Cinema Systems, AV Amps, Etc
- 【Sampling Rate Achieved: 192KHz】Hdiwousp digital-to-analog signal converters actually Support sampling rate at 32, 44.1, 48, 96, and 192 kHz; 24-bit S/PDIF incoming bit stream on left and right channels, provides crystal clear electromagnetic noise-free transmission
- 【Plug and Play】Simple installation and easy operation, needn't install extra driver. In addition, the DAC adapter comes with an optical cable and a power adapter for transmitting digital and providing power respectively, everything is arranged for you! (✅ Please set PCM/LPCM audio format when using)
- 【Audio In and Out】Input Audio Connector: 1xToslink, 1xCoaxial (coaxial cable is not included); Output Audio Connector: 2 x RCA (R/L, RCA cable isn't included), 1x3.5mm Jack; Powered by 5V/1A Power Adapter. (✅ NOTE: can not support AC3, Dolby, DTS, and any other SPDIF audio that is not in PCM format.)
- 【NOTE】Please set the correct audio format PCM / LPCM before use, otherwise it will not work. If you don't know how to set it, please refer to the picture on the page or contact our customer service team, we will help you to solve the problem!
Is the AK4480 suitable for professional audio?
It was positioned for professional audio, and its two-channel architecture, differential outputs, selectable filter modes, and stated 114 dB dynamic range make it relevant to stereo audio designs. But the DAC specification alone cannot establish the performance of a particular interface, monitor controller, or other product. Output circuitry, clocking, power supply, layout, and implementation all affect the finished system.
There is a documented commercial implementation: Fostex’s HP-P1 owner’s manual says its D/A conversion section uses the AKM AK4480. The manual describes the HP-P1 as a portable headphone amplifier featuring a 32-bit stereo DAC. Read the Fostex HP-P1 owner’s manual.
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- 【Professional Input Signal Processing】Analog to digital audio converter provides professional 24Bit/192KHz sampling rate, avoiding distortion of the original signal. Optical input supports signal processing up to 32, 44.1, 48, 96, 192 sample rates, and 24-bit bit streams
- 【Plug and Play】SPDIF to RCA converter works great with HDTVs, set-top boxes, DVD/Blu-Ray players and game consoles. (NOTE: It is incompatible with 5.1 channel signal such as Dolby AC3, please adjust the audio output to PCM before use.)
- 【Note】Before using the product, adjust the audio output format of the TV to PCM (Device Home→System Settings→Picture and Sound→Sound Settings→Digital Audio Output→PCM), and Volume can only be adjusted on the output device, not via the TV remote control. In addition, the product does not support connection to headphones
What sample rates does the AK4480 support?
The published range is 30 kHz to 216 kHz. That figure is a sampling-frequency range, not a promise that every connected source or product implementation supports every rate in it. The available sources do not specify the AK4480’s input formats or bit-clock limits, so those details should be checked in the relevant product documentation or chip datasheet.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.AK4480 vs. AK4495 and ES9026PRO
The AK4495 and ESS ES9026PRO are useful comparisons, but they are not direct substitutes in every design. Channel count, supported formats, electrical requirements, and board-level implementation need to match the target product.
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- 192kHz DAC converter prozor digital to analog Audio converter, converts coaxial or Toslink digital PCM Audio signals to analog L/R RCA and 3. 5mm jack Audio simultaneously (input and output cannot be reversed)
- Supports volume adjustment Enjoy Complete Control Over Your Audio Experience with the Built-in Volume Control Knob. Adjust the Output Volume to Your Desired Level, Ensuring Optimal Sound Levels for Any Listening Environment.
- 192kHz 24-bit sampling rate supports sampling rate at 32kHz, 44. 1kHz, 48kHz and 96kHz and 192 kHz; 24-bit SPDIF incoming bit stream on L/R channels, to eliminate noise when no signal input, and automatically mute while non-audio input signal.
- Aluminum metal casing serviceable aluminum metal shell makes it heat-resisted and high quality; It can easily install and operate. Powered by 5. 5mm USB power cable (power adapter is not included); Don't use Other plugs, It can only use 5V 1a plug.
- Gold-plated input & output gold Plated interface to reduce signal transmission loss. Input Audio connector: 1 x Toslink (included 1m 4. 0/OD slink cable), 1 x RCA (coaxial); output audio connector: 2 x RCA/L), 1 x 3. 5mm jack.
| DAC | Channels or configuration | Published figures | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK4480 | 2-channel stereo | 30–216 kHz sampling; 114 dB dynamic range/SNR; -100 dB THD+N | 2010-era stereo part; 32-bit filter modes and fully differential outputs |
| AK4495 | Stereo and mono figures reported | 123 dB stereo dynamic range; 126 dB mono dynamic range; up to 768 kHz PCM and 5.6 MHz DSD | Newer AKM comparison; reported by DigiKey in 2015 |
| ESS ES9026PRO | 8-channel | Up to 124 dB DNR and -110 dB THD+N | Professional multichannel alternative; 2015 ESS datasheet |
The figures come from different manufacturers and publications, so they should not be treated as a controlled head-to-head comparison. AKM’s AK4495 announcement as reported by DigiKey gives its stereo and mono dynamic-range figures and PCM/DSD rates. ESS’s ES9026PRO datasheet gives its DNR and THD+N figures.
Stereo versus eight-channel DAC
A stereo DAC converts two channels; an eight-channel DAC can convert eight. The ES9026PRO’s channel count makes it a different kind of component for designs such as multichannel professional equipment. It is not automatically better for a stereo product: the right choice depends on how many outputs the system needs and whether its other design requirements are met.
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- 【How to Use】In order to enjoy pleasant music, please set your DVD or music player audio output to PCM or LPCM. This audio converter supports uncompressed 2-channel LPCM or PCM digital audio signal output. Not available for 5.1 channel.
- 【Multiple Sampling Rates to Meet Your Needs】This digital to analog audio converter supports sampling rates of 32, 44.1, 48, 96 and 192KHz. And it is the 24*bit S/PDIF input bit stream of the left and right channels. Provides perfect noise-free, no electromagnetic transmission.
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What to compare when choosing a DAC IC
- Channel count: Match the number of outputs the design needs.
- Supported audio formats and rates: Confirm PCM and, where relevant, DSD support against source and system requirements.
- Measured performance: Compare dynamic range and THD+N, while checking that figures use comparable conditions.
- Filter options: Consider which response modes are available and how the design controls them.
- Output stage: Check topology and electrical compatibility with the following analog circuitry.
- Package and power: Verify footprint, supply rails, and integration requirements against the product design.
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