Great work Michael! Your ES9016 with the opa1612 is really performing very nicely.
As you know, I did switch to the DIYINHK ES9038 board, with the TP IVY-III IV stages. Though subjectively the noise floor was quite a bit lower, your measurements clearly show the importance of good implementation for this chip. So, though very happy with the sound of the ES9038 board, I also ordered the COSMOS the see how my setup performs objectively.
But more importantly, it will give me the opportunity to optimize the power wiring/connections (this had much effect in your measurements to my surprise) and to try out the ES9038 THD compensation. The board has various options for power, e.g. 2 separate AVCC supplies, separate power for the clock.
I agree that buying the OKTO DAC8 pro is the way to go, but - although a total noob - I really like to tinker with this stuff as a hobby.
When I have results I will post them here, but it will take some time.
As you know, I did switch to the DIYINHK ES9038 board, with the TP IVY-III IV stages. Though subjectively the noise floor was quite a bit lower, your measurements clearly show the importance of good implementation for this chip. So, though very happy with the sound of the ES9038 board, I also ordered the COSMOS the see how my setup performs objectively.
But more importantly, it will give me the opportunity to optimize the power wiring/connections (this had much effect in your measurements to my surprise) and to try out the ES9038 THD compensation. The board has various options for power, e.g. 2 separate AVCC supplies, separate power for the clock.
I agree that buying the OKTO DAC8 pro is the way to go, but - although a total noob - I really like to tinker with this stuff as a hobby.
When I have results I will post them here, but it will take some time.