N ratio = 120dB and distortion at 1kHz = 0.0007% = -103dB so SINAD probably around 102 ?
If the $99 IL-DSP does test out with DAC SINAD of 102, that's only 3db less than the 105db of the $90 D10..
And to me, the D10 starts looking like a bulky power-hungry (500ma/5v) dinosaur in comparison.
With it's DSP capability included, could this obsolete any other DAC in the $100 price range, and become the first example of what we will expect going forward in our DACs?
It would seem also that future reviews may need additional focus on distortion measurements - with and without PEQs applied. How much additional IMD is generated when applying PEQs? There is no reason to expect different DSP implementations will all be the same. Just like ESS and AKM, different implementations will need measured, likely with new tests, to get relative figures of merit.
A few days ago I thought I never wanted to see another DAC review. Now I can't wait for this one..
I'm going back to take a look at the es100 review to see if distortion was noted with and w/o EQ applied.. Don't remember that it was...