Topping D30 Pro review - Don't buy a new DAC before watching this
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 7 июл 2024
- Topping D30 Pro is here at $399 and it's worth your attention if buying a DAC now.
Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
Buy on ShenzenAudio Store: bit.ly/3DL9qas
ShenzenAudio on AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dlk...
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
00:00 About D30 pro
04:24 Build
05:06 Connectivity and Features
08:21 Settings and Filters
11:40 Sound
17:24 vs Topping E30/D50s, Loxjie D30
19:29 vs SMSL SU-9
21:23 vs SMSL M400 and Denafrips Ares II
25:14 Conclusion
Test system:
Raspberry Pi with Allo DigiOne Streamer
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Hegel H90 Integrated Amp
KEF LS50 speakers: amzn.to/2ztRg0s
Topping A30 pro
#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo 
Наука
It was brought to my attention that CS43198 in D30 pro is not the same as CS4398 in the older D30. I somehow completely missed that "1" in the middle... oops! 😅 So there's that, everything else said in the review still holds, fortunately. Hope you like it, more stuff coming soon. Cheers!
The fact that you pin this makes me subscribe to your channel. Thanks for your honesty.
Do you have any thoughts on the difference between those 2 dac chips?
@@martijnbos9873 Thanks! To really compare these chips I would have to hear them in very similar products few times. This way I've heard the older one many times, used traditionally in a one DAC chip configuration. This is the only time I've heard newer CS43198 but it is used in this new configuration, so it would be comparing apples and oranges. One thing's for sure, D30 pro sounds better than almost any of those older DACs I've listened to that were using CS4398.... but I can't say it's just because of the new chip, the rest of the circuitry is super important too. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews Thank you for the detailed review. I'm interested in buying this DAC however I noticed it's now on sale for $300. Did the D30 Pro get discontinued? Is there a Topping DAC that replaced it? Thanks
@@holdencaulfied7492 I got the same questions.. the D30 Pro is no longer on the market it seems
Another great review. I appreciate the companions. Your fast becoming the go-to guy for hi-fi.
Once more a brilliant review . Thanks
Very good review! Thank you for reading the manual! Excellent explanation of why preamps are used. The menu demo was perfect. We like how you talk about sound and how you hear it. Thank you! Looking forward to a sound demo.
Very detailed and comprehansive review...nice done ...Thanks !
These are great reviews my friend very well done.
Finally someone who's audio reviews make sense: A good mix of analytical thinking and therefore assessing objective criteria plus subjective feedback. Your review is basically a perfect middleground between a Z Review which is very subjective and an Audiosciencereview forum post which is basically just objective test data which lacks interpretation.
I'd love to see a D90 se review from you! Struggle to decide between D90 and D30 Pro.
Peace!
I bought a d30pro a few months ago and I love it. Smooth sound and fantastic sound stage!
Hey I am in the market for a new DAC in this price range. How has the D30 pro treated you so far?
@@thefrator5275 I have one, so far it's very good at all aspects, taking in construction it takes a long time to burn in
Excellent review! Better than others as you provided a very good description of the sound quality and tonality as well as good comparison. From your comparisons, the SMSL 400 may be my choice.
Another great review!
Love your reviews
Listening to my D30Pro now into my Schitt Asgard3. Boy, you want to talk about an incredible sound stage. Smooth, lively, no digital glare. Magnificent. If you don't like Sabre DACs this one is for YOU! I sent my SU-9 back and got this D30Pro. Needless to say I'm sooooo much happier with D30Pro.
I REALLY enjoyed your video! Thank you so much!!!
Smashing review ,
Great review
Good review!
Nicely done!
Good review, very informative. I already have A30pro and E30 and want to upgrade and I wnat to get as much information as I can and you delivered.
Excellent review thank you
Great review. Should try and get your hands on the Topping Pre90. I'd be interested in seeing how it sounds with the Denafrips Areis 2. :)
Thank you for this amazing review. Listing to you right through the D30 Pro :) I have a question. Did you use speakers or headphones or both to assess the sound performance?
Thanks a ton for such great review!
I like the LED display, orange is much easier on the eye than blue.
Agreed, I'd take orange over blue any day. 😊
Black and blue is iconic combination, no discussion of any Z review kind and such...even Rolling Stones had named their album blac&blue...and personally, it's my favourite combination...the next would be only dark green, but not these hot spectrum colors like red and orange, that's iritating for the eyes.
How does it compare with khadas tone2 pro with L30 as preamp
I've been looking for a good "mid range" DAC with balanced outs, and the SA-9 and the D30 Pro have been on my radar. Thank you so much for your detailed review of these DAC's!
Argh, I am still struggling to decide between the SMSL 9 stack or the Topping 90 stack. The Topping sells for double the SMSL prices. Is it worth this big difference? My open back headphones are HD650, Sundara, Clear MG (on the way), Philips Fidelio X1S and closed backs are Focal Elegia and old Sony WH-1000XM2. I am currently using Ifi Zen DAC V2, Xduoo XA-10 and FiiO BTR5. Please advise me
you have to get the smsl da-9 . its beyond amazing!
it was a design of shenzhen audio but it looks great...dont know how could be the performance against older big ass amplifier of 90s era like denon onkyo etc
Here's waiting for Topping D90 Pro with double AK4499 chips. That would be something.
I am very new to this audiophile stuff and had a question. I saw a review of this DAC on Audio Science Review where the testing data shows it to be VERY transparent. So, if you have a flat frequency response on your DAC (like this one does) and you have speakers that also have a flat frequency response such as the Neumann KH 80, wouldn’t that be sounding like what the mastering engineers intended the music to sound like? After doing some research, it seems that audiophiles prefer some sort of sound signature from their equipment- such as heavier bass or higher treble. So my question is, for the majority of audiophiles, what is the most sought after characteristic they’re looking for? Are there certain frequency response charts that make most music sound better?
Looking for DAC for Hifiman Arya for large scale/soundstage and nice dynamics. How does D30Pro compare to Schiit Modi/Multibit/Modius/Bifrost in terms of soundstage, scale and layering?
Hi, you are doing a good job, thanks. Now I have a d30 pro with a violectric v200 and a denon 9200. I tested the E50 - very spilled bass. E30 II - (bass was ok, maybe because I had a different power supply at the time) but it got messy at higher volumes. Does it make sense to change the dac to a higher model, e.g. d70s or d90? Do you have any suggestions? From what I hear the 9200 sound amazing even on cheaper amps. That's why I have doubts whether the more expensive DAC will change anything audibly. Thanks and best regards
i have fiio f5 pro, what can you advice as worthy upgrade? for gaming, enjoying music and driving DT990 properly ) i dont think K5 Pro is doing that great
Wonderfully done........, it has in fact made it onto my want list, usually intended as a backup DAC, among the other three in-house.
Thanks.
I have a rega elex-r which is on the warmer and forward side, would the detailed, dry nature of the topping d30pro paired with a warmer amp balance out the tonality or does it not work like that?
Suggestion : pair this D30 Pro + SMSL DA-9, see how it matches.
Question. Could you put between or from out put with say the Schiit Loki. And or could you take a forward voicing speaker to augment the Mid Bite as you called it?
for the multiple extra options I think people should stretcth to smsl Su-9 .Dont think anymore that dacs are different in terms of "flavors" or more "3D WRAPPING sound" etc..the prices are based on features not "more soundstage live like sound".Its called Power.May or not may be inclined more to coloured bass or trebble but thats it.And for the ones who already have topping d30 Pro..enjoy it...Its all about clarity and good sound thats it.
I don't know why they didn't give it more output voltage say 2.5/5 v rca/xlr respectively like they did for the D70s? It helps especially with lower powered amps. It seems like a jack of all trades at the $400 price point though regarding all facets of SQ. It doesn't have to be class leading in everything but if it's good enough overall to not notice anything being out of place then it's a choice.
The graininess thing has me a bit apprehensive as to whether it would be noticeable to say even lower priced dacs?.
Love your reviews, thanks. For soundstaging, layering and details how would the Soncoz LA-QXD1 compare to the Topping D30 Pro? Worth to upgrade or close enough?
To my ears, D30 pro is a worthy upgrade with noticeably better soundstaging and more impactful bassline.
Hi. I am about to buy a dac. Topping d10 or similar. I have a tube amp in my bedroom and don’t want to get up to change volume! Some don’t have a remote ,but can you use tidal or Spotify on the phone to change volume?
Please do a review on the Gustard X26 pro DAC. Thanks!
which one is a better choice, topping d30 pro vs cambridge audio dacmagic 200 ?
The main idea: changing firmware and drivers is like having another DAC.
Update 2023: After Tidal replaced many MQAs with FLAC files (D30 Pro had no MQA decoder), by far the best driver version seems to me to be 5.12. The most natural and least distorted sound. How did I realize the problems of the other drivers? I listened to the Kernel Streaming version from AudioNirvana Studio: much more sounds (which were missing using the drivers) and a much clearer arrangement in space. It seems that he wanted to please the reviewers and "improve" the sound. The 5.12 driver seems to be the perfect compromise: we have the good parts of both variants.
Hello!
Would it be better than this DAC to see a creative x-fi hd sound card? I need to bundle a PC and an amplifier
How would you rate the topping vs Allo Boss 2
I need Airplay too
hi, thank you for the review. hope you can also review the topping d90. TIA
What does the AUTo (A-O, A-C) stand for?
Have anyone tried d30 and a30 pro,im coming from a fiio k5 pro,i wanna know would it be a significant upgrade.
I am in the market for a new DAC and really like the Topping offerings. The Topping website is confusing that way they present the products. I don't care about headphones all I want is a DAC to use with my PS Audio BHK preamp. Is the D30 Pro or the D90se the better DAC?
Thank you for great review! I currently have hegel h90 with LS50, is topping d30 pro an upgrade to hegels h90 internal dac?
Thanks! We have the exact same system. 😊 In my opinion D30 pro is not an upgrade. Even my own Denafrips Ares II is not that much of an upgrade as it is a different tonality. Hegel's digital section is really really good.
Hi; I liked your review very much. Thanks for the detailed explanation! I know that it is not a fair comparison, but I wonder how the D30 pro compares to your Hegel H90 amplifier internal DAC section. I own a Hegel Röst myself (+ a couple of Monitor Audio Silver 200), and I would like to know which would be the advantages of integrating the D30 pro in my system. I think that the Röst's integrated DAC is pretty decent already, with full-bodied bass and great detail and soundtage. To what extent do you think that the D30 pro would enhance these qualities?. Cheers from Spain!
Thanks! DAC in H90 is neck to neck with Ares II (different tonally but very similar in terms of quality). Compared to D30 pro I actually prefer internal Hegel's DAC, it's more dynamic and with more energetic transients. And all of that is true with really great interconnect cables somebody made for me... if I use worse interconnects, Hegel's DAC pulls ahead of Ares II too.
So, separates are really one huge black hole for our money. 😄 Integrated solutions are always better bang for the buck in my experience.
@@iiWiReviews I believe that Hegel amplifiers have a very good performance, so it's tricky (and expensive) to find external solutions that can bring you that extra detail / soundstage / dynamics, etc. You need to be very careful and assess the products carefully. Still it's just a question of preferences, so perhaps I will try the Topping one day, see how it works and return it if it's not worth while. I'm curious about how the filters can bring the sound to a more 'personally likeable territory'. Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts; really appreciated!
What you stated about the SMSL 400 vs D30pro being more warmth, smoother but dense mids/highs and tone, how does the 400 compare to D70s.
I am familiar w CS chip (my Marantz) and have had the D70s in my system. This way, I can judge better and get a sense of the different price points to choose from. I have essentially a D50s and find it dynamic, fast and punchy but that glare and accentuated sibilance is getting to me, otherwise it is nice (it will go to computer on warmer speakers). The D70s did everything a bit better and no glare, but it seemed overkill at the time. I would say my in room system is resolving enough to justify a dac up to a grand but no higher, hence trying to judge different price points v SQ.
So a compare between the D70s v 400 would be useful, especially when putting D30pro in context as an option, or moving to higher level.
I know, it's only an opinion, most of these dacs one can find worthy addition.
Hi, take a look of my latest review about D70s, at the end I compare it briefly to M400. Both are superior to D30 pro that sounds a bit grainy up top and slower in the bassline. So if you already have a D70s, don't bother with D30 pro.
... I have the SU-9 and the things come from my sides, around the head, back corner from where the speakers are set. I would not call it congested, and things doesn't sound within my speakers. Orchestras sound HUGE. I don't know.
Hvala za review :) Kako bi uporedio Hegelov DAC sa Toppingom? Ja imam Hegel H190 sa LS50 i zanima me kako bih mogao da unapredim zvuk u buducnosti
Meni se ovaj u H90 malo više sviđa, možda nema jednaku količinu mikrodetalja kao D30 pro ali je nešto življi i tonalno prirodniji po meni, sa punijom sredinom. Taj u H190 je iz novije generacije i navodno još bolji... Tako da ne vidim da ijedan DAC iz ove klase može da bude upgrade.
Which do you prefer Loxjie D30, SMSL Sankrit 10th MK II or Topping D30 Pro?
I have to say D30 pro.
Great review. I would like to hear a review of the gustard x16. What CD transport do you use when doing your reviews.
I went fully digital some time ago (moved a lot, small apartment, so physical media was an inconvenience). So during D30 pro testing I used both Lindemann Limetree Bridge streamer and Raspberry Pi with Allo DigiOne streamer (both powered by Allo Shanti linear power supply). Streaming CD quality and Hi-Res files from my hard drive as well as from Qobuz streaming service.
Have you compared the physical media to your computer files. Some people think the physical media is better. What do you think.
Thanks for the great review ! do you think think the D30 as a pre amp function only would work well connected to a Denfrips Ares II into my active speakers? Also was the remote control relaibale ?Thank You
You can't really connect a DAC to another DAC. Either you use D30 pro only, connected to speakers directly. Or you use Ares II as a DAC connected to a small preamp and then to your speakers. All that said, if your speakers have volume control, it's best to use it and keep just Ares II... The shortest signal way with least number of components and cables is usually the best.
@@iiWiReviews thank you very much
Topping D30 Pro compare to Pro-Ject Box S2?
I invite all to dig deeper on the web. The D30 pro seems to have severe issues with drop outs. Mine worked flawless with my Bluesound Node 2i via dig Coax however had huge issues with my so far flawless with any other DAC working Denon DCD3560 via Toslink. Same issue with Laptop via USB. Topping responded very fast and told me that D30pro requires very low jitter sources. There is no way to solve it by update. So, I sent my device back. I use MX3 and wanted to replace now my old D30 which still works flawless. First issue with Topping and their D30PRO now. Seems not to be the only one.
Interesting, I'll test it more myself with few more sources... So far haven't experienced drop-outs.
@@iiWiReviews Hi, yes try older CD Players on both S/Pdiv and a maybe more "dirty " PC over USB also. Btw, nice review as always!
I want to add it to my 2i..what was the difference?
Ifi Zen Dac v2 or Topping D30 pro? Please help me.
Great review once again! What about Schiit modi multibit vs d30 pro? Is d30pro an upgrade or just apples and oranges?
This is a tough one. I would say it's an upgrade, but it is also apples and oranges. Meaning, D30 pro is more detailed DAC, with better extension on both frequency extremes. It would win on points. But because they are so different, if you are the type of person who appreciate warmth and midrange fullness (dislike any hint of dryness too) you might easily prefer Multibit.
@@iiWiReviews i think i 'll stick with Schiit mm, thanks for your answer! Keep up the good job. Greetings from Greece!
Owned a original A/D30 - moved on to E30/L30 - just for the smaller package. Now i am kind of torn between the new 30 series, 50s or maybe i even abandon stacks and go for dx7 pro :)
Topping is confusing us with names. :) E30/L30 are a great combo.... D50s/A50s are just a touch better and that's not because of the DAC (E30 and D50s are at similar level) but because of slightly better amp A50s, especially when balanced out is used. Otherwise it's not worth the hassle.
D30 pro and A30 pro are clearly next level compared to both previous. But I recon you need a very good headphones to justify that much higher price.
@@iiWiReviews It looks like the "s" series is followed by a "pro" series, so I would be slightly afraid that a A/D50 Pro is around the corner. Well, to be honest ths is also an aestethical thing for me, the white display of the "above 50" line of Topping is for me an upgrade to the orange. I also really like the DX7 Pro as it reduces cables and has an integrated power supply. I am not kidding myself, this is a pure "for fun"-buy. However the BT feature would be maybe something I would try once or twice :). Any chance you do a Dx7 Pro review? (Keep up the great reviews!)
D30 and D30 pro use completely different DAC ICs.
For D30 the IC used was the CS4398 which is a quite old design (circa 2003 since the manufacturer evaluation board was released back then).
On the other hand D30 pro uses CS43198 DAC IC which should be around 3 years old or so.
Exactly! ...Ακριβώς αυτό ήμουν έτοιμος να γράψω Λάμπρο!
@@subcoded Το εχει ακουσει κανεις σας παιδια το d30 pro?
@@user-nk6wl7ih2q Ακόμα όχι
@@user-nk6wl7ih2q Δυστυχώς όχι αλλά από αυτά που περιγράφει ο τύπος στο βίντεο και εφόσον ισχύουν, θα επιθυμουσα τα μεσαια να ειναι πιο γεματα.
@@subcoded ευχαριστω για την απαντηση
So Is this better than d50s just in sound?
Hello mate, I currently have a Topping D30. Would it be a big noticeable upgrade if I switch to the D30 Pro? Thank you
Hi, it definitely should be if the rest of the system is transparent enough.
How does the Modi Multibit compare to the D30 Pro (specifically on speakers)?
It's a tough one since I haven't had a chance to compare them directly (sold my Multibit some 7 months ago). But going by the memory, Multibit sounds fuller in the midrange and with vocals, that's its strongest point. D30 pro has more grunt with bassline and more clarity in highs. So, I feel that objectively D30 pro is a better DAC, but if you're really into full and lush midrange, Multibit is unbeatable near its price.
How does it compare to Pro Ject dac?
Hi, do you know a Dac with similar features but which offers Mqa full decoding capabilities ?
Look at SMSL
What is the difference between ''PRE'' AND ''DAC'' on the small screen? And how do I switch between both?
If you use in Pre mode PCM and DSD data go trough a DATT soft mute module and a Delta\Sigma modulator stage. This makes it possible to control an amp directly through the DACs volume control at the expense of some (probably meaningless) DSD signal processing.
In DAC mode the DSD signal bypasses these two stages and reaches the analog conversion stage "pure". In this case, naturally, the volume of the system is via integrated amp or PRE\AMP combo controls.
You should always make zoom of front and back side while talking.
Wait for you to do sound test comparasion.
is it better than d50s with p50?
What do you think about a D10S or D10B compared to D30 Pro? Currently I have a d10b with my a30 pro
I'm also using d10b with a30pro for my Arya v2, which headphone you have?
What do you think of matching up this DAC with the SMSL DA-9? Thanks.
It's a very decent match in my opinion. D30 pro is slightly laid back and warmer in the bass region which goes well with speedy and forward sounding DA-9.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks.
Bro, Would it be possible for you to make a sound comparison of Topping EX5 and D30pro? thanks!
Watch EX5 review from 14th min approximately (there are time stamps below the video, find DAC comparisons). To put it shortly, if you don't need a headphone amp, go for D30 pro.
I preferred number 6 filter.
Basically, buy D70s for little bit more money than D30. You get sound performance almost identical to Ares 2 for extremely reasonable price. I've paid mine ~490e
SMSL SU9N is quite nice to compare.
How good is this dac compared to aune X8 ?
I am thinking of this dac while now using a Lavaaudio DS600 ( a Topping D50s clone essentially). Between the Topping D50s vs D30 Pro, it seems the D30Pro has a wider, deeper, taller SS.
Would you describe smoothness/graininess to be similar?
Is there more space between instruments/voices and is it more 3D like in its' SS?
I liked the DS600 over the regular Topping d30 in that it was more detailed and dynamic. The
Loxjie D30 was preferred over the DS600 for its' smoothness and although a bit less detailed it had enough dynamic punch, a good amount more in particular than Topping D30.
I have grown accustomed to the DS600 and it's great for movies but I can prefer my Marantz CD6006 and an Aiyima which both use a CS 4398 chip (although not quite as dynamic for movies). They are smoother and still detailed. If the D30Pro goes beyond the performance of my CD6006 player it would definitely be a winner.
In comparison to a Topping D70S which had great bass to midbass weight, was very smooth sounding never having any glare but I think I preferred the leanness of the AKM dac in my hegel as well as the CD6006 because the added richness of the D70s bled into the space affecting instrument separation. I could have lived with it but for the price, I thought I'd keep looking...I like space, depth and this can affect a more 3D like presentation. The DS600 (D50s clone) is fine for movies but I usually prefer other dacs for music, particularly voice, piano as well as other instruments although its' fine for most music.
Any dac would be hooked up to a Keces E40 integrated which provides a warmer yet tight bass and rich mids sound. If it lacks anything it in the uppermost registers. While other sub $1000 can have much airier highs, the Keces has outperformed in all other categories including dynamics, lack of grain etc. The D30 Pro might be a suitable match as long as grain isn't noticed such as in a Musical Fidleity m2si...bloated lows and grainy mids/highs IMO.
So, maybe a softer/less dynamic dac with extended highs could pair well with a punchy, dynamic amp with not quite too airy highs (but the highs do have body)? All paired with more revealing speakers BTW, Focal 806Ws, Triangle Zetas (old color series).
Any thoughts or comments by anyone useful and appreciated.
I
I had the D50s in my system for a while, but I thought the vocals had too much sybilance (especially on S's and T's)...The D30pro is much smoother and has an even wider and deeper sound stage. I don't think there is much loss in detail. The D30pro will stay. It is fantastic with the Bluesound Node 2i.
@@Jfwr2010 In using the Lavaudio, the first which was exchanged for an issue had alot of sibilance but the replacement was more tame, which I am using now. It still has sharper S/T sounds but maybe I've gotten used to it.
As long as there is at least or better details and resolution of the details, I think the D30pro could be justified. With the D70s nothing ever grated, it just sounded right but the differences could be marginal. The biggest difference was in sharpness making sibilant passages a bit exaggerated on the DS600.
But I thought the lows/low mids were a bit oversaturated on the D70s, even if everything else about it sounded great. For $650, it was too much of a jump and dacs for me are expendable, not worth repair should t ever come to that.
So, with the D30Pro, if it goes on sale during Prime day, maybe, as it would be a decent price point and that new dacs come out every 6 months or so.
Thanks for your reply.
@@Jfwr2010 One more thing, in comparison to the D50s, do you find the D30pro has any graininess in sound?
Changing op amps can make alot of difference.ive put chinese burson v4i op amps in my sabre dac better sound stage bass and controll.muses op amps decent aswell.op amps do as much as the dac chip them selves.
guys what about cd player compatibility? I heard that it does not work with audiolab cds 6000, thats big downside
So tempting,
I just purchased the drop thx aaa one SE amp 2700mw@32ohms for150 and looking for a good fit dac. Upgrade from Zen Dac.
I hear it needs a warmish dac, any suggestions besides maybe the modi multibit and wouldn't
want to spend more would be appreciated.
Thanks
I am still happy with my E30 , but I am looking for a one good package of dac and pre amp with subwoofer output and bass and treble settings to connect to my power amplifier.
Don't know your budget but everyone is talking about rme adi 2 fs.
You have dac, balanced out, headphone amp, preamp, eq, and dsp (for each input individually) both asr and reviewer agree on this one
@@tchernob I have look at it, it cost around 1500 $ and it doesn't have subwoofer output. For me it is Way beyond what I want to spend.
@@RanTausi here it's 1000€ the pricing is strange à roos the world. For the sub, don't you have a high level input on the sub?
@@tchernob My current setup is Adcom GFP 565 pre amp and Adcom GFA 555 MK2 power amp. My subwoofer model is Magnat with 10inch woofer, my preamp has two RCA pre out one normal and one lab, so I am using the lab RCA pre out to connect the Poweramp and the normal RCA preout goes to the subwoofer, the sound is incredibly amazing, I do have high level output on my subwoofer back plate but personally it balanced very well in my room , I just want a new generation pre amplifier, and maybe to replace my bookshelves speakers as well, regarding my old school 555mk2 I am going to keep it as I just bought it last year in a rare condition, it was new in box never opened. Have a nice day ☺️
@@RanTausi OK just wanted to say that the sub out wasn't necessary if u have a high level input. It is said to be "the best way" although I really doubt it makes any real differance but it could simplify your research. Have a nice day too
is it better than smsl d0200?
If you have used for review only the preamp mode, please try also the DAC mode. It is a significant difference, in my opinion. In DAC mode, the sound is more natural, "liquid".
Most of the test, like 90%, was in the DAC mode and that's the way I always test when DAC is DAC first and preamp as an afterthought.
@@iiWiReviews And you have used 32 bits and 384kHz settings? If the source does not have the details, could work better with 24 bit and 44khz.
I have done successive adjustments to improve the sound, in this order of importance: use producer drivers instead of what windows/OS provides (much, much better; also better than with Android), change to 24bit and 44kz, move to DAC mode.
Hey, do you perhaps know how to switch between dac and pre mode?
@@koenm1756 When switch on the DAC, press the main button and the release. Browse the settings using the remote control until you find the "pre" vs "dac" option. Seems that the built-in preamp is a "cheap" variant.
@@tudorm6838 thank you got it!
Can anyone guide me on how do I connect this to a macbook pro with only USB c ports?
Just get a USB C to USB A adapter cable from Apple and then connect the suppled cable from Topping into your DAC.
SMSL M400 vs Denafrips Ares II which one is better im about to buy
Please take a look at Denafrips Ares II review here on the channel from 5 months ago, there's a section of video with Ares VS M400 where I did a direct comparison of sound characters.
As far as I know this is the only fully balanced DAC in this price range. 400 USD.
Thanks for another very comprehensive review. You do a terrific job describing the sound of this product. I’ve heard Topping DACs before. They are much cheaper and once characteristic they have is a bit of digital glare. Would you say this device has that under control. You mentioned they are bright. Would you say it’s glaring?
If I'm assuming correctly what you perceive as a glare than yes, it has a bit of that. I'm personally more inclined to sacrifice a bit of resolution for smoother upper section.
@@iiWiReviews I agree wholeheartedly.
ints better than SMSL SU9? ONLY FOR SOUND, SOUNDSTAGE... NOT FOR BT or mqa
Has anyone tried this with active speakers (Edifier)?
Just now i ordered Topping A90D in flash sale.
Is this D30 pro technically compatible? Will it work in stack with A90D ?
Congratulations! It will work no problem.
@@iiWiReviews lot of thanks from INDIA.
I suddenly bought A90d which forced me to buy this d30 pro DAC.
E70 velvet is not available here in India.
If E70 velvet is better than D30 pro, i should be ready to be disappointed with my purchase with D30 pro.
Great reviews 👌. Have you tried topping d70s?
I haven't yet but an acquaintance should lend me his unit soon.
@@iiWiReviews excited to hear your thoughts. Hope you can compare it with the smsl su9 and d90. More power to your channel.
How does it fare in 2023? I'm torn between buying e70 velvet or spend $250 less on d30 pro(in my country prices are wild). Or are there any better dacs in this price range?
I don't know the rest of your system and how much the case of Audiophilia advanced with you. But I would go for E70 velvet no doubt.
@@iiWiReviews So it is worth an extra $250(in my case). I've wanted a good allround ds dac, so I can focus on upgradeing my solid state amps and getting into r2r. Sort of a reference in this price range. I've considered this used d30 pro bcs the less I spend on a dac the more I can spend on new amp/headphones and soundstage is quite important for me.
Dakle ako mi je najvažniji duboki i široki stejđ, 3D zvuk i dubok bas mogao bi mi se svidjeti ovaj dac? Tonalno je sličan aresu? Nadam se da visoki tonovi ipak nisu preoštri.
Stejdž nije nešto širok ali sve ostalo odgovara toj listi želja. 🙂
@@iiWiReviews Dali je velika razlika između aresa i d30pro?
how d30 pro compared to D300 ?
Cirrus Logic DAC may not be the best DAC out there but it is always the most musical and analog sounding DAC compared to the rest. ESS still sound too digital to me no matter how good it is.
Powerdac v2.1 is an ess-based dac and sounds super musical and smooth.
It's how a Dac is implemented on the circuit design, so you can get a ESS that's better than Cirrus
I wish Topping could have done a ADC to complement this DAC for Vinyl lovers who wants to rip LPs. That would be great.
Hi im currently using the ifi zen dac, and i love the tru bass button. If I wanna upgrade to a dac with a bass button that feels nicer, any reccomendation?
Most higher end dacs don't have a bass button. You're probably better off with your zen dac, it's already pretty decent
My two cents! I owned the D30 Pro for a short while and used it as a DAC and also as a PREAMP. I rate it higher as a DAC, however, it seems to lack clarity and openness in the treble. If any of you own Schiit DACS you may know what I am talking about. Otherwise, impressive noise floor in balanced mode that is warm and spacious! Cheers
@@feronous8207 I cannot give you an answer...too many variables and unknowns. If you are getting noise, it is probably you pc settings not adjusted properly. Good luck!