I AM SO IMPRESSED BY YOUR ENGLISH! You express such subteties with such excellent refined vocabulary! This makes your reviews lusher, richer, deeper with finer detail and more focus than many others! When you review, I have to prick up my ears! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
@@RobWhittlestone Agreed! Not only is his English Impeccable, his vocabulary allows him to explain things in ways other reviewers can’t. I live in England, but my English is so bad that my friends often have to translate my English into English. They hate having to do it all the time, mainly because my limited vocabulary is mostly unrepeatable when among polite company! 🏴 All the best!
you are the only reviewer i know, that does soundstage justice. Without you i would have much harder times to pick my gear as a soundstage nerd. Also your descriptions of what you are hearing are so well understand- and imaginable. i cannot appreciate your work enough
Best Reviewer! I saw your review on the Topping D90III Discrete and Topping B200 and purchased both. So far, I tested just the D90 III Discrete. I had a Gustard A26. I like the Topping better. In my opinion it has much better separation and everything is more pinpoint with a larger soundstage. The A26 sounds slow and forward in comparison. I tried the Topping with DDC Denafrips Gaia and the Gaia makes it sound fuzzier (not as clear). Thanks again for an awesome review! I get great results using Audioquest 1.5m USB2.0 cable to connect from my computer to the DAC. Some cables sound congested and slow.
Hi Thanks for this report. One years that I hesitate to buy a A26 Gustard ... I think I will choose the Topping D90 Discret finaly ... I need clarity, sharpness without harsh and dynamic for my listening . Good listening
Mr. Worth It, Excellent review! Thank you! I would like to mention to you my recent Topping experience. I own the D90III Sabre. This, as you know, is a very revealing, very detailed, very black-background DAC. I recently purchased the Topping U90 USB Bridge, mainly out of curiosity. I was completely happy and satisfied with the performance of the D90III, but wanted to see if I could push the performance of the DAC a little bit further. Well...... Wow! Once connected through IIS, the detail level went from very, very good to incredible. And, SUBSTANTIALLY more impressive, the blackness of the background became even more black. When I say black, I mean BLACK. Eerily black. I have always heard the expression "the sound comes from nothing" when referring to background blackness, and I thought I knew what that meant. I was wrong. Since you have the D90III Sabre and Discrete models at your dispossal, I would HIGHLY encourage you to try them with the U90 interface using IIS connection. Love your channel and your unbiased review style. Keep up the good work! And, again, thanks!
@@harryfattbak8740 I like to use a DDC too! I use a tiny (8cm x 6cm x 1.3cm), cheap ($50) SMSL PO100PRO with an Xmos xu316 chip. It’s powered by its usbc input and it outputs to optical, coax and I2s. Its supports I2S: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512. As well as Optical / Coaxial: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD64. It has its own internal clock. Jitter: 75ps. I use it to convert usbc to optical, in order to completely isolate any electronics noise from the phone/laptop etc when connecting to my mojo2. It sounds so much better, with lower noise floor and darker background than just plugging the phone straight into the usb c port. All the best!
Excellent review! I still prefer the Gustard a26 as it's very airy and detailed, yet not cold or analytical. According to your comments on this Topping a decent tube preamp would be needed to add body and fullness and remove hard edges common to all highend analytical dacs. Thank you for your excellent work that benefits our community.
This Topping with Audio Space Ref 2S, Linlai E-300B, RCA red base 5691 quad, Anode direct, low negative feedback, Tesla E34L rectifier (brown base) via A90D (max volume 99) to Topping B200. Heavenly sounding to Revel Ultima Salon (first gen).
Hi Srboljub, first of all congratulation for your high quality, rich, deep and usefull reviews. I'd like to know if you have planned to review, in the next future, also the new Topping Centaurus, their first R2R ladder DAC developed in collaboration with Holo Audio. I think there is a lot of interest about it, especially in comparison with Holo Cyan 2, and with Topping D90 III discrete. Let us know. Thank you so much!!
So happy, finally there is better options than chord qutest for less !!! For me who doesn’t have big money i want expensive soundstage for less than 1k !
Thanks a lot for the review. Thanks to them, a certain understanding develops in my head-which way to dig next. Subscribers are rightly wondering if you are planning reviews on Topping Centaurus R2R and SMS SU-X in the near future. The latter, according to preliminary reviews, beats everyone in its price range. Thanks again for the review-as always-very interesting and informative
Excellent review. My Tradutto is on fire. I have Synergy to spare if anyone needs it. Over three years running in my rig. Thanks to you. Made up my mind to replace it with the CEC D5 to match my CEC TL5, hopefully not soon. Cool runnings.
I'm always here for your reviews. You don't sugar coat things so therefore your opinion comes across as genuine. If you get the opportunity, please review the Aiyima A70 Mono. I like how you talk about tone and timbre along with pacing/timing. These are important (vital) aspects to music playback. Some machines do it better than others and not all things that measure well sound good. Keep up the great work that you do! I appreciate it a lot! Also, I just bought the Fiio FT1 headphones which I bought at an extremely low price (I think they made a mistake when they posted the price as I haven't seen it for that price since). They're a great all-round headphone with reasonable passive noise isolation. They might be worth a review from you!
Solid insightful review! I like Topping! I owned the original D 90 and really enjoyed it on hip-hop and quality rock recordings. Overall, a really nice match on ribbon speakers! 2024 has been an awesome year for DAC release! Trickle down is bringing high-end design to the masses and it's super exciting! Unbelievably fun! Cheers!
If either one of these DAC options from Topping added a fully balanced, headphone amp section - within the same or similar chassis; then I'd stand in line overnight with camping gear to buy one - in the middle of Canadian winter, no less! Would such a product cost more? For sure. Would it have an audience/ market? I think so (not just my opinion, since several companies already sell products with these features). I think it could be brought to market by Topping for around $1499... I'm going to keep my fingers crossed the decision makers at Topping feel similarly
It's been a long time since I've heard a topping or SMSL DAC but it's funny that from your review I got what my stereotype for such products. If this is their first inhouse 1 bit product, maybe better things will come in the future but for now I'm keeping my Cyan 2. Some day I might get the May, which is sort of my dream dac, or maybe something cheaper and as good comes along, perhaps this 1bit tech opens the door to such products.
Whenever I hear the words, "Topping" and "Discrete" used in the same sentence, I get excited, VERY excited. As a long term user of 4 LA90 Discrete amps (all run in mono), Pre-90 preamp and D90SE Dac, all as part of an active setup using Lii Audio F18 and F6 drivers in an open baffle set up, I can say that everything that has been said in terms of detail retrieval, resolution and overall musicality is correct. You are in the concert hall, you are in the recording studio. Having said all that, if the discrete version of D90 does everything as well as has been described, I may well have the need to go on bended knee to the Lady of the House seeking to have the purse strings opened again!
Hey Stephan. I am also building an open baffle setup and still in the process of figuring it out. The road with passive crossover didn't work well with the woofers I got and I am looking at DSPs now. How do you filter your creations? :)
@@windv Hello. In my case the Lii Audio drivers are all full range, so filtering does not present a major problem. My system consists of 4 F18's (two per channel, wired in parallel) operating from approx. 240hz down to Fs, and a further 2 F18's and 2 F6-s's (one each per channel, wired in parallel) operating from 240hz up. My active crossover is a simple Citronic cx34, hardly so-called audiophile stuff, but works splendidly and adds little or nothing sonically. From the outset, I decided to keep the signal path in the analogue domain, as to me it makes no sense to buy the likes of the Topping DAC, only to then have the results subsequently diminished by lesser quality DSP conversion/filtering. To maximise the results, good room treatment is essential, as well as careful attention being paid to reducing mains hash. I find that using something called a "digital noise suppressor", basically a ferrite ring that can be placed over either end of both power and signal cables, works extremely well. Most electrical parts stores should stock them. I hope all of the above "guff" helps you out. Good luck with your project. Regards, Stephan.
@@StephanSycz thanks for the detailed reply. It's great for you that you could get the big speakers from lii and could also keep you signal path analog. I also had this wish, but it turns the speakers I used are not that easy to implement passive crossover with. Have you uploaded photos of your project somewhere? I would love to see it!
great review for both the topping D90 III discrete and cyan2. Any plan for the newly released Topping Centaurus? it's been said that this one has the cyan2 r2r module. Thanks.
Really enjoyed this review, thank you for given us all your personnel insight. I am very new to DACS and feel that now is the time for me to step into the DAC world, my current kit is a Atolll SDA200 paired with Kef R3 or Kef LS50 Metas, I was looking at the cord mojo 2 but as you mentioned in your video you feel its even better then a higher spec cord DAC has got me wondering. My music choice is simple, playing Apple Music via my phone/iPad into a new DAC wold be my choice. I will need to look at this Topping D90 Mark 3, many thanks, John
I auditioned the Topping and it did sound very good. Would have kept it but the Holo Audio Cyan 2 just sounded better for only a couple of hundred $ more. Thanks for the video. Rock on!
@@x-techgaming I bought and listened to it hooked up to my main setup. Yes I own the Cyan 2 and it’s what’s I’m using. You can’t buy, audition and return the Cyan 2 unless it’s defective so it’s a leap of faith but it was only about $1300 US delivered (still not cheap) so I took a chance and I’m glad I did. I haven’t heard the Taurus. Let us know how it sounds if you get it.
So the cyan2 is softer on the treble, but is it softer to the point that its not bright compared to the topping? Or is just softer period and thus crushing some detail? I ask because I got an su10 and sold it immediately cause it was annoyingly bright. Would recommend the cyan treble wise? thanks
I saw Apos had a deal on this for $850 I get the feeling it will pair better with my EL34 SE tube amplifier than the Holo Cyan 2 I believe the clean 1-Bit will work well with all the color from the EL34 I think the Cyan 2 is better suited for my KT88 amplifier which has less tubeness
I was trying to decide between this and the cyan 2. but the topping is now for sale on apos and some other places for 850$. and with how taxes work in my country, the topping will cost me 1,003$ and the cyan 2 will dost 1,700$. for this difference the topping is a no brainer.
The question is why such a discrete setup should be any better compared to a dedicated chip which was designed for D/A conversion. In 90% of cases dedicated chips are better. Last year I did listen to a lot of different DACs. The differences between the most expenive ones for several 1000 Euros and the cheap ones for 80$ had been noticeable but minor. And that included discrete ones. As far as I am concerned, I decided for a Topping E70 Velvet with the top of the line AKM chip. It is a very good sounding DAC and I am very happy with it. But I also bought an 80$ SMSL DAC for my workspace and again that was not much worse.
I had a Sony ES CD Player 5 Disc Carousell in the 90s that had 1 bit, bit streaming Sony called it with 256 times oversampling. All I know is it sounded amazing at the time. I wonder if this is similar.
Great review, nice to see Topping back with a nice dac. I like all the strong points but would have liked a few % more warmth/fullness in the mix. I´m afraid a to detailed, fast and neutral sound could be fatuiging with my already detailed speakers. Guess the Cyan is the closest to my liking but I really don´t like the copper accents 🙈 (as long I can´t hide somewhere I will never buy it). Seems I´m stuck with my D70s forever 😅 (which is not a bad thing) Laiv is actually 3000€ all included so 3x Topping
Right on the point. There is better at the price point without getting harsh and bright. A midrange that is flat does not sound good. It just gets in your face and gets tiring.
Shame you didn't have a Chord Qutest on hand for a direct comparison, I feel that this D90 III Discrete is maybe the first DAC at it's price point that competes or even bests the Qutest, I'm tempted to grab one to compare it with the Qutest myself.
Thx, instead of having to choose between 2 dacs now they are 3... 😢 Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and Denafrips 15th... PS I am using Topping A90 Discrete as PRE.
I was considering Bifrost 2/64...but this review has swayed me towards the d90 III discrete. Pretty versatile little unit with the PEQ and Pre-amp capabilities. Just never been a fan of the "topping" branding, despite them producing good products. Just reminds me of cool whip topping...
Considering value, would you still choose the Topping D90 III Discrete over the Topping D70 Octo Pro? Does the Discrete's higher price justify its sound quality compared to the Octo?
Some small tonal differences aside, the biggest difference is that D90 III offers bigger and more 3D soundstage. I would say it's justified for higher quality systems that can convey that. But for a normal guy everyday system where speakers are close to wall (so soundstage is not deep because physics and acoustics) D70 pro Octo is probably a better deal and price difference is not justified.
OK, I hope you are right as I have pulled the pin for one.😀My only concern is most reviewers are very high on the Topping D90 III Sabre, I certainly hope the Discrete is better than the Sabre in terms of resolution, separation and airiness. Obviously, last I want is to have to buy the Sabre after this.
Very good revew. I am wondering if pairing with U90 interface will bring it to another level. at least to twice the price of other DACs. Looking FWD for another revew with the U90 interface
I'm an electronic engineer and science has taught me that digital cables can't have a sonic signature. My ears say that science hasn't figured out WHY they sound different, but they do. I have many USB and HDMI cables and they all sound different. I'm not happy about that, but it's a pretty widely accepted fact. They have a sonic signature just like interconnect, speaker and power cables.
I had some lower-end Toppings. They were okay, but I liked Schiite better. Now, though, I have the DX9, and I absolutely love it! Besides being gorgeous, it does not sound like many other Toppings (I have never heard this one, though).
I think you do a fantastic job. A probably prefer the softer more expansive sound of the other dacs mentioned. I actually have the Geshelli J2S pimped and a Ladder Schumann (bought mainly on your recommendation). As many have said your mastery of English is amazing. Especially since your first language uses a different character set.
@@sexter986 They have differing sounds. I use the J2S with an amp that’s a bit warmer. J2S has great detail, bass, and space. The Sparkos OPAMP really makes a difference. The Ladder I use with a more neutral amp and it has the opposite effect. It warms it up a touch and creates fantastic space and soundstage.
Have you experienced any click noises with this DAC? Mine makes click noises whenever it goes from silence to playing and the other way around. So when you hit play, pause, even when scrolling through the song.
Unfortunately, I'm having the same problem. It runs via Roon with a fixed sample rate. It's really annoying. Luckily, I can still send the device back by the end of January. I hope there will be a firmware update by then that solves the problem...
Amazing review! Your review definitely puts Topping D90 III on my radar. A quick question please. Have you tested the headphone out socket on Topping D90 III Discrete? I wonder if it is good enough or better paired up with a headphone amplifier.
Wow, LDAC is a new feature? Glad that my SMSL DO100 Pro with XLR Out already has LDAC (& USB C). At least both Topping & SMSL DACs are better than NAIM Uniti which only has AptX HD.
@BoRerunn it's like going to a car dealership, and the salesman tries to convince you that the brand new shiny 2024 Toyota Camry is a better performer than a 2021 Porsche 911 turbo. He made his commission and now ignores you. Lol.
First, I absolutely love your channel and reviews. You always seem to offer relevant comparisons and you do a great job of presenting level and fair assessment of the things you are evaluating. I do have a question - what is your source you typically use to test out the various DAC’s you’ve gotten in?
Thanks. I always use network streamer. For the last few moths that has been Volumio Motivo and I2S for DACs that have that connection. But I usually try USB and coaxial too.
Hi @IWI Reviews, can you please tell.me if the Topping D90 Discrete is a very noticeable upgrade in terms of sound quality compared to the smsl su 9 ultra?
Wow being an owner of the previous version of this dac and the r26 as well it is saying something huge to say this is better then the Gustard! The r26 beats the version prior to this so soundly... that it is not even in the same league let alone best it!
1bit is a beastly technology when done right. Almost only very very expensive DACs are 1bit, up until recent few years. Topping is leading the way here. Very very impressive indeed.
Both of these DACs are so good that in most cases winner would be determined by better system matching. It's like choosing a right type of vehicle for the right kind of road. But as far as these things can be compared objectively, which is not easy, I do belive that D90 III discrete has more potential that can be unlocked in the right setup. But in the end, it's always smarter to choose what's better for you instead of what's better nominally.
@@iiWiReviews correct me if I'm understanding you wrong, but it sounds in your comment like you think the Topping D90 III Discrete is slightly ahead in terms of sheer brute force resolution and ability to unearth "plankton" micro detail? If my speakers are really full sounding, which they are, the Topping should be the clear choice yes?
For someone listening to a vast range of musical genres (electronica, jazz, rock, vocals..) what do you think would be more appropriate : this topping or holo cyan 2?
I have d90le+a90d stack now and plan to upgrade either d90le to d90 III discrete or a90d to aune s17 pro. Could you please give some advice? Which upgrade will benefit the sound quality more?
Finally, been waiting for this thank you for the review. wish it was like an R2R with more details unfortunately its an ultimate ess with soundstage/depth ? seems this need to rely on the amp to give it a juicy flavour. tube maybe?
Most would just not get a dac of this type as the source is harder to adjust right later in the system. Fuller, detailed and more natural sounding DACs opens up for a wider range of pre/amp solutions. This goes for speakers too. Never start out "bright" in a system. This is kinda a how to build a system basic guide.. Enjoy your music
Yes I still have it. This one equals it in several things, like deteils and dynamics. Lampucera still has slightly fuller tube sound. Some may prefer that but it's not necessarily better, just different.
Hello Srboljub i watching your channel for some time and many your dac reviews i have node x streamer with linear psu conected to mf m5si amp and b&w 703 s3. I want ask if will be upgrade if i add this dac or other in this price range, big difrence in sound quality Thanks
Hi Ivi, thanks for your great review. By comparing this Topping with the R26 don't forget that the Gustard has it's own streaming module buildt in, which works well an didn't use any wireing to an external streamer. Of course this may be only an advantage if I like streaming and didn't have a better external streamer like the Holo Audio Red for example, which I use togehter with a R26 . Greetings, Michael
Agreed, R26 is a capable DAC and renderer that I still recomend to many. Just add Bubble UPnP, USB Audio Player Pro, or Roon, and you're set with fantastic digital platform.
@@iiWiReviews exactly as I use the R26, R26 minus renderer, the price of the dac alone in R26 is in the same bracket as the d90 discrete, thanks for great review...
I wonder how would it compare to my topping d70s mqa that I prefer to R2R dacs. Especially that it's Parametric EQ gives some flexibility to adjust tonal balance to suit personal taste and in-room responce of the system.
So it's kind of like this. One should not have dac + pre + power amps all from topping. The sound signature is the same for all of them. So if your speakers have bright and tight sound also, you probably can't take all that.
I grabbed one of these from Ali Express and got another 100 off with coupons and coins. What would be a good headamp to pair with this DAC and the hifiman edition xs ?
Excellent review!! Thank you!! Do you think it would be a good idea a combination of this topping dac with a tube preamp? And what tube preamp would you recomend in this case?
One thing to bear in mind is that RME has a very particular reputation for reliability and build quality. It also works quite well as a preamp. So, if the two are in the same ballpark (probably), I would always choose RME.
How does this compare to the Ares 15th? I bought the 15th based off from your review, but had my eye on the D90 III Discreet. My amp is the A90 Discreet; Did I make the right choice?
I hope you like it and worry not. Even though D90 III discrete is technically better (more revealing and faster), there's some magic and naturalness to R2Rs that is addictive. Also, I think that Ares is a good match for A90D. Mixing of different tonalities is usually a good thing. Doubling on the same character may be too much of it.
I have been looking at the Holo Cyan 2 to go with my Dynaudio Evoke 20, and this review has just blurred my choice of DAC. The Holo Cyan 2 apparently can sound different according to what you feed it, ie, upsampling from the source. The Evoke 20 are warm sounding speakers and so pairing with a non warm DAC is important ( I think). Now I am leaning a little towards this Topping DAC. Like someone else commented on here, you cannot audition any of these DACs and so it is a "leap of faith". One thing I absolutely don't want is any harshness, and the Topping's high level of detail may be too much perhaps when playing all my thousands of tracks on random, and showing up the poor recordings too much. I welcome any opinions and suggestions as to which DAC to go for, given my already warm speakers.
Hi, have you purchased a DAC yet? I"m interested because I too, have the Evoke 20's and have custom tube pre-amp. I am like you in that it doesn't take much brightness and the like to get fatigued. I like good bass slam and detail, kind of bumped up neutral low bass. It's hard to get that juicy mid-range with some air without all that edginess. Hope you found something.
@@Ruger62 I have been bouncing between the Pontus 2 15th, the Holo Cyan 2 and Gustard R26. I am buying blind and going by reviews. Because the Evokes have a warm midrange, and rich bass, I think I may go for the Cyan 2 because it has a tighter bass, which would give the Evokes a bit more slam and tighten the bass a little. Also, the Cyan can be brightened by upscaling via the music software/streamer. I thought the Evokes were slightly dark in the treble region when I first got them, but they chuck out lots of detail without the fatiguing top end, and have an amazing way of producing a wide soundstage. So, perhaps the Cyan 2 can lift that a little if needs be. From what I gather, the Cyan 2 is not bright, but it is detailed with a huge soundstage (like the R26), so combined with the Evoke 20, my guess would be an unbelievably immersive experience, ( would be with the Gustard R26). But the R26 may add a bit of warmth, resulting too much warmth, maybe? Time will tell.
@@tonezoneuk Interesting and I agree. I was following the Cyan 2 also. The input switching... I don't want it to be the deal breaker. I, too pretty much am stuck buying blind (deaf??). The more I read and listen to RUclips reviewers the more I am leaning towards neutral which I've read that the Cyan 2 is. A pre-owned Bryston BDA3 is also on my short list but don't see them often in Canada, which is weird lol.
Greetings! I just purchased the D90 III Discrete on Amazon ($849 US on Black Friday week) and it arrived on Nov. 27 taking only 6-days for DHL delivery. After only a 28-hour breakin period with music and pink noise, it was sounding pretty amazing. I could hear most all the positive traits you indicated in your review except for image depth while using an inexpensive Straight Wire USB cable. Maybe that will come with more breakin, or maybe not. My previous DAC is an RME ADI-2 PRO FS purchased in 2019 (DAC/ADC with the older AKM D/A chip). I then tried the USB cable I've been using on the RME with the Topping and found that it now sounded like the RME. My wife and I did several back and forth comparisons using the exact same USB and XLR Interconnect cables. The two DACs sounded almost identical. This is very discouraging to an electronic engineer because "bits are bits". So the Topping and possibly the RME sound more like the cable feeding them than the DAC itself. I'm now on a quest for a better USB cable. Could you please tell me which cable you used for your review? Thank you! Richard Nelson
I use mine with Audioquest Carbon USB2.0. Make sure it is between 1.5M to 2m long. Shorter sounds worse in digital. Over 2M can sound too thin. Most cables make the DAC sound slow, congested and less air.
Yes, "bits are bits", so how on earth can USB cable make a difference to the sound quality. Perhaps it's the quality of the plugs causing errors? I've always been very skeptical regarding audio leads. (snake oil)
USB cables can't be audiophile, because no analog music transported. Only 0 and 1. And to minimize any effects on the cable, -0 and -1 are also sended. So, if there should be some atmospherical effects on that cable, it would influence the positive and negative information the same, so in the dac decoding process it will always be the same result. Only a bad connection could matter.
My good friend with this match the Griff Diablo 120 integrated amplifier. They say it’s on the warmer side and dark. Would this bring it up more to neutral and transparent with air highs more sparkle cleaner mid range that’s what I’m looking for.
If this dac is at the same level of a cyan 2 and according to you, the cyan 2 is at the same level as the laiv harmony. That means the D90 is at the same level as the harmony..... this is the same reason why I don't trust reviews.
You are right here. D90 III is at the level of Cyan 2 but with different tonality. However I did wrong Laiv Harmony DAC by saying that Cyan 2 is matching it. While the difference is small, I did find out that there's more performance to be drawn out of Harmony (using I2S and internal clock, and some better balanced cabling) that I can't truly match with these other two. Specifically when it comes to soundstage width and tonal richness. I'm even considering making another short video to correct that early Cyan 2 vs Harmony impression. I didn't want to dilute this review talking about my new findings on a completely different DAC.
Can you imagine what this DAC would would like with better parts and a linear power supply. Perhaps at the level of a Chord Hugo 2? I hope you will get to review the Gustard x30 Pro sometime soon.
Hey man, great review. I wonder how this DAC compares to some professional gear like the Antelope Zen Quadro audio interface, that's probably the highest dynamic range audio interface when it comes to its monitor output. If Topping D90 III Discrete is that revealing, maybe it has some merit to be used for sound mixing or for reference.
Pearl Acoustics DACs Pt.3: The Ultimate Comparison: Topping vs SMSL vs Sugden vs Denafrips! ruclips.net/video/lw_PhIBaPng/видео.html [ I also give a comparison demonstration of music played through the Topping D90 Mklll (dual Sabre), the SMSL D400 EX (dual AKM), the Topping D10 balanced (Sabre), the Denafrips Pontus 15th. (R2R, Ladder) and the Sugden DAP 800 (dual Philips TDA1543). ]
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
I AM SO IMPRESSED BY YOUR ENGLISH! You express such subteties with such excellent refined vocabulary! This makes your reviews lusher, richer, deeper with finer detail and more focus than many others! When you review, I have to prick up my ears! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
Soooo..you are saying that his reviews have the sound quality of a great DAC! 😀
@@RobWhittlestone Agreed! Not only is his English Impeccable, his vocabulary allows him to explain things in ways other reviewers can’t.
I live in England, but my English is so bad that my friends often have to translate my English into English. They hate having to do it all the time, mainly because my limited vocabulary is mostly unrepeatable when among polite company! 🏴
All the best!
Agree. Your sound stage is precise, big, bold and three-dimensional 😅
😂😂🙌🏼👍🏼
Exactly, his English is so rich that it sounds like pure analog Latin.
I love your accent and you really are the best reviewer from the 50+ hifi reviewers I follow. Very good and intelligent explanations 🙂
you are the only reviewer i know, that does soundstage justice. Without you i would have much harder times to pick my gear as a soundstage nerd. Also your descriptions of what you are hearing are so well understand- and imaginable. i cannot appreciate your work enough
late to respond, but doing so now to say thanks for your review of the Topping D90ii Discrete: I took delivery of one and it is as you discribed it.
Best Reviewer! I saw your review on the Topping D90III Discrete and Topping B200 and purchased both. So far, I tested just the D90 III Discrete. I had a Gustard A26. I like the Topping better. In my opinion it has much better separation and everything is more pinpoint with a larger soundstage. The A26 sounds slow and forward in comparison. I tried the Topping with DDC Denafrips Gaia and the Gaia makes it sound fuzzier (not as clear). Thanks again for an awesome review! I get great results using Audioquest 1.5m USB2.0 cable to connect from my computer to the DAC. Some cables sound congested and slow.
Hi
Thanks for this report.
One years that I hesitate to buy a A26 Gustard ... I think I will choose the Topping D90 Discret finaly ... I need clarity, sharpness without harsh and dynamic for my listening .
Good listening
Mr. Worth It,
Excellent review! Thank you!
I would like to mention to you my recent Topping experience.
I own the D90III Sabre. This, as you know, is a very revealing, very detailed, very black-background DAC.
I recently purchased the Topping U90 USB Bridge, mainly out of curiosity. I was completely happy and satisfied with the performance of the D90III, but wanted to see if I could push the performance of the DAC a little bit further.
Well...... Wow!
Once connected through IIS, the detail level went from very, very good to incredible. And, SUBSTANTIALLY more impressive, the blackness of the background became even more black.
When I say black, I mean BLACK. Eerily black.
I have always heard the expression "the sound comes from nothing" when referring to background blackness, and I thought I knew what that meant.
I was wrong.
Since you have the D90III Sabre and Discrete models at your dispossal, I would HIGHLY encourage you to try them with the U90 interface using IIS connection.
Love your channel and your unbiased review style.
Keep up the good work!
And, again, thanks!
I laughed at you calling him "Mr Worth it". I remember seeing somebody calling the Singer Meatloaf... "Mr Loaf"
@@harryfattbak8740 I like to use a DDC too! I use a tiny (8cm x 6cm x 1.3cm), cheap ($50) SMSL PO100PRO with an Xmos xu316 chip. It’s powered by its usbc input and it outputs to optical, coax and I2s. Its supports I2S: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512. As well as Optical / Coaxial: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD64. It has its own internal clock. Jitter: 75ps.
I use it to convert usbc to optical, in order to completely isolate any electronics noise from the phone/laptop etc when connecting to my mojo2. It sounds so much better, with lower noise floor and darker background than just plugging the phone straight into the usb c port.
All the best!
Excellent review! I still prefer the Gustard a26 as it's very airy and detailed, yet not cold or analytical. According to your comments on this Topping a decent tube preamp would be needed to add body and fullness and remove hard edges common to all highend analytical dacs. Thank you for your excellent work that benefits our community.
Such a great value, especially when you consider how that thing is built.
This Topping with Audio Space Ref 2S, Linlai E-300B, RCA red base 5691 quad, Anode direct, low negative feedback, Tesla E34L rectifier (brown base) via A90D (max volume 99) to Topping B200. Heavenly sounding to Revel Ultima Salon (first gen).
I had the A26. The A26 to me sounded abet slow and forward. I sold it and now I am using this DAC.
I love your reviews, you have the most comprehensive material out there... and you seriously look like Rings of Power's Adar..!
So I think most of us are waiting now for the D900 and Centaurus to have a complete Topping overview before deciding 😊
Another excellent informative review that doesn't waffle.
Hi Srboljub, first of all congratulation for your high quality, rich, deep and usefull reviews. I'd like to know if you have planned to review, in the next future, also the new Topping Centaurus, their first R2R ladder DAC developed in collaboration with Holo Audio. I think there is a lot of interest about it, especially in comparison with Holo Cyan 2, and with Topping D90 III discrete. Let us know. Thank you so much!!
So happy, finally there is better options than chord qutest for less !!!
For me who doesn’t have big money i want expensive soundstage for less than 1k !
Thanks a lot for the review. Thanks to them, a certain understanding develops in my head-which way to dig next.
Subscribers are rightly wondering if you are planning reviews on Topping Centaurus R2R and SMS SU-X in the near future. The latter, according to preliminary reviews, beats everyone in its price range.
Thanks again for the review-as always-very interesting and informative
You should try and get your hands on a Geshelli J3 Pro DAC with either the Sparkos 2590 op amps or Burson V7 Vivids. 🔥
Just bought the D90 III descrete together with 2x B200 with a 15% discount on all of it on black friday. Feels ike a steal!
Excellent review. My Tradutto is on fire. I have Synergy to spare if anyone needs it. Over three years running in my rig. Thanks to you. Made up my mind to replace it with the CEC D5 to match my CEC TL5, hopefully not soon. Cool runnings.
I'm always here for your reviews. You don't sugar coat things so therefore your opinion comes across as genuine. If you get the opportunity, please review the Aiyima A70 Mono. I like how you talk about tone and timbre along with pacing/timing. These are important (vital) aspects to music playback. Some machines do it better than others and not all things that measure well sound good. Keep up the great work that you do! I appreciate it a lot! Also, I just bought the Fiio FT1 headphones which I bought at an extremely low price (I think they made a mistake when they posted the price as I haven't seen it for that price since). They're a great all-round headphone with reasonable passive noise isolation. They might be worth a review from you!
Solid insightful review! I like Topping! I owned the original D 90 and really enjoyed it on hip-hop and quality rock recordings. Overall, a really nice match on ribbon speakers! 2024 has been an awesome year for DAC release! Trickle down is bringing high-end design to the masses and it's super exciting! Unbelievably fun! Cheers!
If either one of these DAC options from Topping added a fully balanced, headphone amp section - within the same or similar chassis; then I'd stand in line overnight with camping gear to buy one - in the middle of Canadian winter, no less! Would such a product cost more? For sure. Would it have an audience/ market? I think so (not just my opinion, since several companies already sell products with these features). I think it could be brought to market by Topping for around $1499... I'm going to keep my fingers crossed the decision makers at Topping feel similarly
Your reviews are fantastic.....very clear....thank you
It's been a long time since I've heard a topping or SMSL DAC but it's funny that from your review I got what my stereotype for such products. If this is their first inhouse 1 bit product, maybe better things will come in the future but for now I'm keeping my Cyan 2. Some day I might get the May, which is sort of my dream dac, or maybe something cheaper and as good comes along, perhaps this 1bit tech opens the door to such products.
This sounds super smooth!
Whenever I hear the words, "Topping" and "Discrete" used in the same sentence, I get excited, VERY excited. As a long term user of 4 LA90 Discrete amps (all run in mono), Pre-90 preamp and D90SE Dac, all as part of an active setup using Lii Audio F18 and F6 drivers in an open baffle set up, I can say that everything that has been said in terms of detail retrieval, resolution and overall musicality is correct. You are in the concert hall, you are in the recording studio.
Having said all that, if the discrete version of D90 does everything as well as has been described, I may well have the need to go on bended knee to the Lady of the House seeking to have the purse strings opened again!
Hey Stephan. I am also building an open baffle setup and still in the process of figuring it out. The road with passive crossover didn't work well with the woofers I got and I am looking at DSPs now. How do you filter your creations? :)
@@windv Hello. In my case the Lii Audio drivers are all full range, so filtering does not present a major problem. My system consists of 4 F18's (two per channel, wired in parallel) operating from approx. 240hz down to Fs, and a further 2 F18's and 2 F6-s's (one each per channel, wired in parallel) operating from 240hz up. My active crossover is a simple Citronic cx34, hardly so-called audiophile stuff, but works splendidly and adds little or nothing sonically.
From the outset, I decided to keep the signal path in the analogue domain, as to me it makes no sense to buy the likes of the Topping DAC, only to then have the results subsequently diminished by lesser quality DSP conversion/filtering. To maximise the results, good room treatment is essential, as well as careful attention being paid to reducing mains hash. I find that using something called a "digital noise suppressor", basically a ferrite ring that can be placed over either end of both power and signal cables, works extremely well. Most electrical parts stores should stock them.
I hope all of the above "guff" helps you out. Good luck with your project.
Regards,
Stephan.
@@StephanSycz thanks for the detailed reply. It's great for you that you could get the big speakers from lii and could also keep you signal path analog. I also had this wish, but it turns the speakers I used are not that easy to implement passive crossover with.
Have you uploaded photos of your project somewhere? I would love to see it!
great review for both the topping D90 III discrete and cyan2. Any plan for the newly released Topping Centaurus? it's been said that this one has the cyan2 r2r module. Thanks.
Great review and thanks for the Qutest comparison, I was considering it.
Yes, you are awesome :) Thanks for the review, very interesting and detailed, just how we like it.
Great review, thanks! 🙏
Really enjoyed this review, thank you for given us all your personnel insight. I am very new to DACS and feel that now is the time for me to step into the DAC world, my current kit is a Atolll SDA200 paired with Kef R3 or Kef LS50 Metas, I was looking at the cord mojo 2 but as you mentioned in your video you feel its even better then a higher spec cord DAC has got me wondering. My music choice is simple, playing Apple Music via my phone/iPad into a new DAC wold be my choice. I will need to look at this Topping D90 Mark 3, many thanks, John
I auditioned the Topping and it did sound very good. Would have kept it but the Holo Audio Cyan 2 just sounded better for only a couple of hundred $ more. Thanks for the video. Rock on!
What do you mean by "audition", exactly? You own the Cyan 2, I'm guessing? I'm looking at the Taurus DAC.
@@x-techgaming I bought and listened to it hooked up to my main setup. Yes I own the Cyan 2 and it’s what’s I’m using. You can’t buy, audition and return the Cyan 2 unless it’s defective so it’s a leap of faith but it was only about $1300 US delivered (still not cheap) so I took a chance and I’m glad I did. I haven’t heard the Taurus. Let us know how it sounds if you get it.
So the cyan2 is softer on the treble, but is it softer to the point that its not bright compared to the topping? Or is just softer period and thus crushing some detail? I ask because I got an su10 and sold it immediately cause it was annoyingly bright. Would recommend the cyan treble wise?
thanks
@@vagomaniac yes I can’t stand bright or sibilant sound. No problem for me with the Cyan 2. Detailed but not bright or sibilant.
@@BobbyBass-x6iBifrosts and Gungnirs were too metallic for me, so I can't do Schiit anymore. Good to be able to narrow down your options 👍🏼
S tier reviewer
Great review once again. Thanks a lot.
Topping has done it with the topping dx9 pro, you have to try it, either as a dac or a great headphone dac/amp
Its always worth it watching your reviews‼️💯
Most excellent review.
I saw Apos had a deal on this for $850
I get the feeling it will pair better with my EL34 SE tube amplifier than the Holo Cyan 2
I believe the clean 1-Bit will work well with all the color from the EL34
I think the Cyan 2 is better suited for my KT88 amplifier which has less tubeness
Which one sounds better to you, d90 III Discrete or Denafrips Ares 15th, based on your own taste?
I was trying to decide between this and the cyan 2. but the topping is now for sale on apos and some other places for 850$. and with how taxes work in my country, the topping will cost me 1,003$ and the cyan 2 will dost 1,700$. for this difference the topping is a no brainer.
Love my Iris&Pontus II …but THANKS for the GREAT TUNES! 👍🏼😀
Hvala puno. Awesome review of a great product
The question is why such a discrete setup should be any better compared to a dedicated chip which was designed for D/A conversion. In 90% of cases dedicated chips are better.
Last year I did listen to a lot of different DACs. The differences between the most expenive ones for several 1000 Euros and the cheap ones for 80$ had been noticeable but minor. And that included discrete ones. As far as I am concerned, I decided for a Topping E70 Velvet with the top of the line AKM chip. It is a very good sounding DAC and I am very happy with it. But I also bought an 80$ SMSL DAC for my workspace and again that was not much worse.
I had a Sony ES CD Player 5 Disc Carousell in the 90s that had 1 bit, bit streaming Sony called it with 256 times oversampling. All I know is it sounded amazing at the time. I wonder if this is similar.
how does it compare to A26? which one do you prefer 🤤thanks
Great review! Do you have any thoughts on the Topping DX9?
Great review. Again.
Great review, nice to see Topping back with a nice dac. I like all the strong points but would have liked a few % more warmth/fullness in the mix. I´m afraid a to detailed, fast and neutral sound could be fatuiging with my already detailed speakers. Guess the Cyan is the closest to my liking but I really don´t like the copper accents 🙈 (as long I can´t hide somewhere I will never buy it). Seems I´m stuck with my D70s forever 😅 (which is not a bad thing) Laiv is actually 3000€ all included so 3x Topping
Right on the point. There is better at the price point without getting harsh and bright. A midrange that is flat does not sound good. It just gets in your face and gets tiring.
Shame you didn't have a Chord Qutest on hand for a direct comparison, I feel that this D90 III Discrete is maybe the first DAC at it's price point that competes or even bests the Qutest, I'm tempted to grab one to compare it with the Qutest myself.
I hope you will review the new Gustard X26 III and compare with Topping D90 III Discrete.
As you say in the video they are both under 2k.
Thx, instead of having to choose between 2 dacs now they are 3... 😢
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and Denafrips 15th...
PS I am using Topping A90 Discrete as PRE.
Might need to add a Geshelli labs JNOG 3 to that list..
I was considering Bifrost 2/64...but this review has swayed me towards the d90 III discrete. Pretty versatile little unit with the PEQ and Pre-amp capabilities. Just never been a fan of the "topping" branding, despite them producing good products. Just reminds me of cool whip topping...
@@User_not_found_403 topping is only good for the abundance of feature honestly, I think they got horrible sound quality
Thanks for the interesting video. What streamer that has AirPlay 2 could pair with this DAC successfully?
Considering value, would you still choose the Topping D90 III Discrete over the Topping D70 Octo Pro? Does the Discrete's higher price justify its sound quality compared to the Octo?
Some small tonal differences aside, the biggest difference is that D90 III offers bigger and more 3D soundstage. I would say it's justified for higher quality systems that can convey that. But for a normal guy everyday system where speakers are close to wall (so soundstage is not deep because physics and acoustics) D70 pro Octo is probably a better deal and price difference is not justified.
OK, I hope you are right as I have pulled the pin for one.😀My only concern is most reviewers are very high on the Topping D90 III Sabre, I certainly hope the Discrete is better than the Sabre in terms of resolution, separation and airiness. Obviously, last I want is to have to buy the Sabre after this.
Great review!
THANKS SRBOLJUB FOR SHARING THIS 😎🧐💚💚💚
Very good revew. I am wondering if pairing with U90 interface will bring it to another level. at least to twice the price of other DACs. Looking FWD for another revew with the U90 interface
Great review. Any more comparisons with R2R dacs would be really appreciated.
I'm an electronic engineer and science has taught me that digital cables can't have a sonic signature. My ears say that science hasn't figured out WHY they sound different, but they do. I have many USB and HDMI cables and they all sound different. I'm not happy about that, but it's a pretty widely accepted fact. They have a sonic signature just like interconnect, speaker and power cables.
How about taking a look at the DIY scene and review the Gabster Dac? You have done some interesting diy projects why not this?
I had some lower-end Toppings. They were okay, but I liked Schiite better. Now, though, I have the DX9, and I absolutely love it! Besides being gorgeous, it does not sound like many other Toppings (I have never heard this one, though).
I think you do a fantastic job. A probably prefer the softer more expansive sound of the other dacs mentioned. I actually have the Geshelli J2S pimped and a Ladder Schumann (bought mainly on your recommendation). As many have said your mastery of English is amazing. Especially since your first language uses a different character set.
how do you compare the j2 and the ladder in your system?
@@sexter986 They have differing sounds. I use the J2S with an amp that’s a bit warmer. J2S has great detail, bass, and space. The Sparkos OPAMP really makes a difference. The Ladder I use with a more neutral amp and it has the opposite effect. It warms it up a touch and creates fantastic space and soundstage.
Thanks for being "so awesome"!
Have you experienced any click noises with this DAC? Mine makes click noises whenever it goes from silence to playing and the other way around. So when you hit play, pause, even when scrolling through the song.
I haven't encountered that.
Something to do with format conversion I think.
Unfortunately, I'm having the same problem. It runs via Roon with a fixed sample rate. It's really annoying. Luckily, I can still send the device back by the end of January. I hope there will be a firmware update by then that solves the problem...
@@wotanwalhall6642 yeah I ended up returning mine
Amazing review! Your review definitely puts Topping D90 III on my radar. A quick question please. Have you tested the headphone out socket on Topping D90 III Discrete? I wonder if it is good enough or better paired up with a headphone amplifier.
It does not have a headphone out it is just a DAC, unless I am missing something? Topping do make all in one DAC /amps that are very good
Wow, LDAC is a new feature? Glad that my SMSL DO100 Pro with XLR Out already has LDAC (& USB C). At least both Topping & SMSL DACs are better than NAIM Uniti which only has AptX HD.
I just bought one and it muffed my rock n roll music, it removed all the airiness and soundstage. I'm returning it ASAP
@BoRerunn it's like going to a car dealership, and the salesman tries to convince you that the brand new shiny 2024 Toyota Camry is a better performer than a 2021 Porsche 911 turbo. He made his commission and now ignores you. Lol.
@ funny it works really well with jazz and vocal type of music not with rock
I really enjoy your work. I am hoping you have done or will do Geshelli Dayzee
My Gustard AUDALYTICS AH90 is lovely with a streamer. Sounds interesting. Halo cyan 2 or Topping Discrete. Good review
First, I absolutely love your channel and reviews. You always seem to offer relevant comparisons and you do a great job of presenting level and fair assessment of the things you are evaluating.
I do have a question - what is your source you typically use to test out the various DAC’s you’ve gotten in?
Thanks. I always use network streamer. For the last few moths that has been Volumio Motivo and I2S for DACs that have that connection. But I usually try USB and coaxial too.
@@iiWiReviews Can you tell me anything about its performance as a Preamp + DAC?
@@iiWiReviews Thanks man! Again, really love your channel. One of my favorite hifi channels on YT.
Hallo. If you comprare this one to a good delta sigma DAC (like SU-10 or D90LE), the bass punch is it the same?
You are indeed, awesome! 👍😁👍
Hi @IWI Reviews, can you please tell.me if the Topping D90 Discrete is a very noticeable upgrade in terms of sound quality compared to the smsl su 9 ultra?
Wow being an owner of the previous version of this dac and the r26 as well it is saying something huge to say this is better then the Gustard! The r26 beats the version prior to this so soundly... that it is not even in the same league let alone best it!
1bit is a beastly technology when done right. Almost only very very expensive DACs are 1bit, up until recent few years. Topping is leading the way here. Very very impressive indeed.
Both of these DACs are so good that in most cases winner would be determined by better system matching. It's like choosing a right type of vehicle for the right kind of road. But as far as these things can be compared objectively, which is not easy, I do belive that D90 III discrete has more potential that can be unlocked in the right setup.
But in the end, it's always smarter to choose what's better for you instead of what's better nominally.
@@iiWiReviews correct me if I'm understanding you wrong, but it sounds in your comment like you think the Topping D90 III Discrete is slightly ahead in terms of sheer brute force resolution and ability to unearth "plankton" micro detail?
If my speakers are really full sounding, which they are, the Topping should be the clear choice yes?
R26 can be improved by fuse replacement and external clock
Any thoughts how the D90 III discrete holds up when it's also used as a preamplifier?
For someone listening to a vast range of musical genres (electronica, jazz, rock, vocals..) what do you think would be more appropriate : this topping or holo cyan 2?
You already said for music like that he prefers holo
I have d90le+a90d stack now and plan to upgrade either d90le to d90 III discrete or a90d to aune s17 pro. Could you please give some advice? Which upgrade will benefit the sound quality more?
Finally, been waiting for this thank you for the review. wish it was like an R2R with more details unfortunately its an ultimate ess with soundstage/depth ? seems this need to rely on the amp to give it a juicy flavour. tube maybe?
Yes, I would go that way to add some holographic effect.
Most would just not get a dac of this type as the source is harder to adjust right later in the system. Fuller, detailed and more natural sounding DACs opens up for a wider range of pre/amp solutions. This goes for speakers too. Never start out "bright" in a system. This is kinda a how to build a system basic guide.. Enjoy your music
Will you be reviewing the new TOPPING Centaurus R2R DAC $800. I hope it’s not better than the Discreet III DAC I now own.😮
As far as I know, the Centaurus will be $999. Topping increased it.
Hi Thank you, do you still have your lampucera? If so does this or any of the sub $1000 DACs equal it?
Yes I still have it. This one equals it in several things, like deteils and dynamics. Lampucera still has slightly fuller tube sound. Some may prefer that but it's not necessarily better, just different.
@@iiWiReviews Which has the bigger soundstage including depth? Thank you for what you add to the community.
Great review.
Hello Srboljub i watching your channel for some time and many your dac reviews i have node x streamer with linear psu conected to mf m5si amp and b&w 703 s3. I want ask if will be upgrade if i add this dac or other in this price range, big difrence in sound quality Thanks
Hi Ivi, thanks for your great review. By comparing this Topping with the R26 don't forget that the Gustard has it's own streaming module buildt in, which works well an didn't use any wireing to an external streamer. Of course this may be only an advantage if I like streaming and didn't have a better external streamer like the Holo Audio Red for example, which I use togehter with a R26 .
Greetings, Michael
Agreed, R26 is a capable DAC and renderer that I still recomend to many. Just add Bubble UPnP, USB Audio Player Pro, or Roon, and you're set with fantastic digital platform.
@@iiWiReviews exactly as I use the R26, R26 minus renderer, the price of the dac alone in R26 is in the same bracket as the d90 discrete, thanks for great review...
I wonder how would it compare to my topping d70s mqa that I prefer to R2R dacs. Especially that it's Parametric EQ gives some flexibility to adjust tonal balance to suit personal taste and in-room responce of the system.
Another excellent review man.
So it's kind of like this. One should not have dac + pre + power amps all from topping. The sound signature is the same for all of them. So if your speakers have bright and tight sound also, you probably can't take all that.
Even higher tier Topping D900 Discrete is coming very soon 😎
Price?
Thomass & Stereo in his video (from CN show) told it would be $1500-ish
And it will sound exactly the same.
Even SMSL C200 is high-end, it's better than anything else in the system
@@Hirnlego999Maybe but the D900 looks nice 😋
Where would you say SMSL VMV D1se2 sits in comparison?
I grabbed one of these from Ali Express and got another 100 off with coupons and coins. What would be a good headamp to pair with this DAC and the hifiman edition xs ?
Hi
Topping A90 discret is a good choice with lot of details but not harsh.
All is neutral ,
Good choice
Have you reviewed or heard the SMSL VMV D2R? I was wondering how it compares to the SU-10
Excellent review!! Thank you!!
Do you think it would be a good idea a combination of this topping dac with a tube preamp? And what tube preamp would you recomend in this case?
How doe it compare to the RME ADI 2 DAC in terms of sound quality? I like the option of parametric eq and those two DACs offer that.
Thank you for the response.
One thing to bear in mind is that RME has a very particular reputation for reliability and build quality. It also works quite well as a preamp. So, if the two are in the same ballpark (probably), I would always choose RME.
How does this compare to the Ares 15th? I bought the 15th based off from your review, but had my eye on the D90 III Discreet. My amp is the A90 Discreet; Did I make the right choice?
I hope you like it and worry not. Even though D90 III discrete is technically better (more revealing and faster), there's some magic and naturalness to R2Rs that is addictive. Also, I think that Ares is a good match for A90D. Mixing of different tonalities is usually a good thing. Doubling on the same character may be too much of it.
I have been looking at the Holo Cyan 2 to go with my Dynaudio Evoke 20, and this review has just blurred my choice of DAC. The Holo Cyan 2 apparently can sound different according to what you feed it, ie, upsampling from the source. The Evoke 20 are warm sounding speakers and so pairing with a non warm DAC is important ( I think). Now I am leaning a little towards this Topping DAC. Like someone else commented on here, you cannot audition any of these DACs and so it is a "leap of faith".
One thing I absolutely don't want is any harshness, and the Topping's high level of detail may be too much perhaps when playing all my thousands of tracks on random, and showing up the poor recordings too much.
I welcome any opinions and suggestions as to which DAC to go for, given my already warm speakers.
A neutral DAC is best. I would tweak sound predominantly with the preamplifier. This depends on whether you are using an integrated amp or not
Hi, have you purchased a DAC yet? I"m interested because I too, have the Evoke 20's and have custom tube pre-amp. I am like you in that it doesn't take much brightness and the like to get fatigued. I like good bass slam and detail, kind of bumped up neutral low bass. It's hard to get that juicy mid-range with some air without all that edginess. Hope you found something.
@@Ruger62 I have been bouncing between the Pontus 2 15th, the Holo Cyan 2 and Gustard R26.
I am buying blind and going by reviews.
Because the Evokes have a warm midrange, and rich bass, I think I may go for the Cyan 2 because it has a tighter bass, which would give the Evokes a bit more slam and tighten the bass a little. Also, the Cyan can be brightened by upscaling via the music software/streamer.
I thought the Evokes were slightly dark in the treble region when I first got them, but they chuck out lots of detail without the fatiguing top end, and have an amazing way of producing a wide soundstage. So, perhaps the Cyan 2 can lift that a little if needs be. From what I gather, the Cyan 2 is not bright, but it is detailed with a huge soundstage (like the R26), so combined with the Evoke 20, my guess would be an unbelievably immersive experience, ( would be with the Gustard R26). But the R26 may add a bit of warmth, resulting too much warmth, maybe?
Time will tell.
@@tonezoneuk Interesting and I agree. I was following the Cyan 2 also. The input switching... I don't want it to be the deal breaker. I, too pretty much am stuck buying blind (deaf??). The more I read and listen to RUclips reviewers the more I am leaning towards neutral which I've read that the Cyan 2 is. A pre-owned Bryston BDA3 is also on my short list but don't see them often in Canada, which is weird lol.
Greetings! I just purchased the D90 III Discrete on Amazon ($849 US on Black Friday week) and it arrived on Nov. 27 taking only 6-days for DHL delivery. After only a 28-hour breakin period with music and pink noise, it was sounding pretty amazing. I could hear most all the positive traits you indicated in your review except for image depth while using an inexpensive Straight Wire USB cable. Maybe that will come with more breakin, or maybe not. My previous DAC is an RME ADI-2 PRO FS purchased in 2019 (DAC/ADC with the older AKM D/A chip). I then tried the USB cable I've been using on the RME with the Topping and found that it now sounded like the RME. My wife and I did several back and forth comparisons using the exact same USB and XLR Interconnect cables. The two DACs sounded almost identical. This is very discouraging to an electronic engineer because "bits are bits". So the Topping and possibly the RME sound more like the cable feeding them than the DAC itself. I'm now on a quest for a better USB cable. Could you please tell me which cable you used for your review? Thank you! Richard Nelson
I use mine with Audioquest Carbon USB2.0. Make sure it is between 1.5M to 2m long. Shorter sounds worse in digital. Over 2M can sound too thin.
Most cables make the DAC sound slow, congested and less air.
Yes, "bits are bits", so how on earth can USB cable make a difference to the sound quality. Perhaps it's the quality of the plugs causing errors? I've always been very skeptical regarding audio leads. (snake oil)
that just not possible ..
USB cables can't be audiophile, because no analog music transported. Only 0 and 1. And to minimize any effects on the cable, -0 and -1 are also sended. So, if there should be some atmospherical effects on that cable, it would influence the positive and negative information the same, so in the dac decoding process it will always be the same result. Only a bad connection could matter.
These commenters are deaf, ignore them.
Hello, is it a night and day change from SMSL US-9 Ultra to this Topping D90 III Discrete? Thanks
No it's not. It never is.
My good friend with this match the Griff Diablo 120 integrated amplifier. They say it’s on the warmer side and dark. Would this bring it up more to neutral and transparent with air highs more sparkle cleaner mid range that’s what I’m looking for.
If this dac is at the same level of a cyan 2 and according to you, the cyan 2 is at the same level as the laiv harmony. That means the D90 is at the same level as the harmony..... this is the same reason why I don't trust reviews.
You are right here. D90 III is at the level of Cyan 2 but with different tonality. However I did wrong Laiv Harmony DAC by saying that Cyan 2 is matching it. While the difference is small, I did find out that there's more performance to be drawn out of Harmony (using I2S and internal clock, and some better balanced cabling) that I can't truly match with these other two. Specifically when it comes to soundstage width and tonal richness.
I'm even considering making another short video to correct that early Cyan 2 vs Harmony impression. I didn't want to dilute this review talking about my new findings on a completely different DAC.
Can you imagine what this DAC would would like with better parts and a linear power supply. Perhaps at the level of a Chord Hugo 2?
I hope you will get to review the Gustard x30 Pro sometime soon.
I know I would love to see and hear something like that.
@@iiWiReviewsTopping D900 is coming. Price prediction is $1599, and I expect it to have a linear power supply...
How much does a ddc make a difference with the d90 discrete?
Hey man, great review. I wonder how this DAC compares to some professional gear like the Antelope Zen Quadro audio interface, that's probably the highest dynamic range audio interface when it comes to its monitor output. If Topping D90 III Discrete is that revealing, maybe it has some merit to be used for sound mixing or for reference.
When will the D900 discrete be released and will it be worth the wait?
Pearl Acoustics
DACs Pt.3: The Ultimate Comparison: Topping vs SMSL vs Sugden vs Denafrips!
ruclips.net/video/lw_PhIBaPng/видео.html
[ I also give a comparison demonstration of music played through the Topping D90 Mklll (dual Sabre), the SMSL D400 EX (dual AKM), the Topping D10 balanced (Sabre), the Denafrips Pontus 15th. (R2R, Ladder) and the Sugden DAP 800 (dual Philips TDA1543). ]