[JackD]

Nope has neither, just a great DAC but I would stick with the chip manufacturer that the input buffer was designed for.

[Wind Chaser]

Yeah, I don’t think every chip would benefit with a one size fits all implementation.

[rajacat]

Maybe... but its the way it sounds that counts. Somebody on another forum now has both the 4490 and the 4497, so his impressions will be interesting.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/musical-paradise-m2-d2-ak4490-balanced-dac-reviews.802557/page-15

   I overlooked the required preamp function. Actually, it would be very easy to replace the inexpensive volume control with a quality stepped attenuator. Hmm... you'd still have to add output control functions, oh well.

[JackD]

No problem with substituting the 4497 for the 4490 as they are from the same series.  It's the substitution of the ESS chip that would cause me pause.  No way the AKM input buffer could be the same.

[Wind Chaser]

Well one thing for sure is there are a lot of great choices when it comes to DACs. It almost seems you can hardly go wrong with anything currently available as long as it has the features you need .

[pstrisik]

Maybe we should start a dedicated DAC3 thread.  Care to start it copying over your 10/31 post when you received it and the "A follow up on my new Benchmark DAC3 L" post from yesterday?  I will copy over my comments following those.  I don't want to clutter up this "which DAC" thread with minutia about one.  If you prefer not, I'll start it with my own mini review.

.....Peter

Ok, got it started.  If anyone is particularly interested in the Benchmark DAC3, here's a thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=153836

            .........Peter