HISTORY

AKM released their first delta-sigma D/A converter (DAC) in 1989. 

The first-generation Premium audio DAC, a multi-bit device based on DWA (Data-Weighted Average) technology, followed in 1998. 

The second generation was launched in 2007, beginning with AKM’s first Premium 32-bit DAC.

The VELVET SOUND brand launched in 2014, bringing with it a new generation of chip architecture. 
The third-generation Premium DAC, the VERITA AK4490, employed AKM’s enhanced low-distortion technology to achieve 120dB SNR, and an industry-best voltage output performance of -112dB THD+N. 
Further expanding the Premium DAC lineup, the AK445x family is available in 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-channel configurations.

The Flagship AK4497 stereo DAC was released in 2016.  AKM’s original LSI manufacturing process, optimized for high-quality audio performance, yielded even higher performance, with 128 dB SNR and -116 dB THD+N.
The AK4497 also supports high-resolution sources up to 22.4MHz DSD.

In 2019, AKM introduces the flagship VERITA AK4499, its first current-output DAC.
The AK4499 is AKM's highest-performing DAC, with 140dB SNR and -124dB THD+N.

AKM’s years of experience in the audio industry have enabled them to create advanced solutions that have been adopted by well-established companies around the world, across products ranging from consumer applications to the high-end market.

AKM released their first-generation delta-sigma A/D converter (ADC) in 1987.

The quality of AKM's ADC solutions soon piqued the interest of the audio industry, and they followed up in 1992 with a world-class fifth-order delta-sigma A/D converter.

In 1996, AKM introduced its 2-2 Cascade Connection technology, which further enhanced ADC performance. 
Since then, AKM has consistently provided first-class ADCs with advanced features such as low power consumption, multi-bit delta-sigma modulation, and AKM's original bi-directional DWA (Data Weighted Average) technology. 

A worldwide leader in the field of cutting-edge audio capture, AKM has consistently improved conversion resolution, from the first generation of 16-bit devices to 18-, 24-, and now 32-bit ADCs, and has increased sampling frequencies from 48kHz to 768kHz.

The VELVET SOUND brand launched in 2014, bringing with it a new generation of chip architecture.
The first VELVET SOUND product, the flagship VERITA AK5397 ADC, was released with an unmatched SNR of 127dB. 

In 2016, the premium high-end AK557x series and premium AK555x series were released, each with 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-channel variants. 
In total, nine products are available in the premium 32-bit ADC lineup.

AKM’s years of experience in the audio industry have enabled them to create advanced solutions that have been adopted by well-established companies around the world, across products ranging from consumer applications to the high-end market.