Pretty AWESOME! Topping D70 Pro DACs & A70 Pro headphone amp
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- Buy D70 Pro OCTO: 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 bit.ly/OCTOAA 🌏 bit.ly/OCTOLin
Buy A70 Pro: 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 bit.ly/A70ProAA 🌏 bit.ly/A70ProLin
Buy D70 Pro SABRE: 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 bit.ly/SABREAA 🌏 bit.ly/SABRELin
A review of the Topping D70 Pro SABRE DAC, D70 Pro OCTO DAC, and A70 Pro headphone amp. Includes comparisons of the D70 Pro SABRE vs D70 Pro OCTO, D70 Pro vs Geshelli J2S AK4499EX, D70 Pro vs EverSolo DAC-Z8, D70 Pro vs Schiit Bifrost 2/64, and A70 Pro vs Geshelli Labs A3 Pro.
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My top recommended HEADPHONES (prices in USD)
HarmonicDyne Athena - $179 - bit.ly/3QvQdlq
Moondrop Para - $299 - amzn.to/4c1C4F9
Sivga SV023 - $449 - amzn.to/3UKXsZ5
Meze 109 Pro - $799 - amzn.to/3y6l6qi
ZMF Atrium - $2,499 - www.zmfheadphones.com/
Meze Elite - $4,000 - bit.ly/3UMIDWb
Focal Utopia (2022) - $4,999 - amzn.to/44xEHvx
My top recommended IEMS (prices in USD)
KZ ESX - $30 - amzn.to/4bpMyxC
Tangzu FUDU - $89 - amzn.to/3UvOrlk
Simgot EM6L - $129 - amzn.to/4a3SLy1
Meze Audio Alba - $159 - bit.ly/AlbaIEM
Thieaudio Elixir - $209 - amzn.to/3ULd9zr
7Hz Timeless - $220 - amzn.to/3QslVA8
Elysian Pilgrim - $399 - bit.ly/3y7N995
Xenns Mangird Top - $530 - bit.ly/XENNSTopLin
Sennheiser IE600 - $700 - amzn.to/44AxcUQ
Effect Audio Pilgrim Noir - $799 - bit.ly/3Wu2k5O
Sennheiser IE900 - $849 - amzn.to/4b66wxy
Westone Mach 70 - $1,400 - amzn.to/3ULUK5P
My top recommended TRANSPORTS (prices in USD)
WiiM Pro - $168 - amzn.to/4bpTDOw
SMSL PL200 CD - $669 - amzn.to/3Wsd0lJ
Eversolo DMP-A6 (Master Edition) - $1,299 - amzn.to/44sBMUR
Eversolo DMP-A8 - $1,980 - amzn.to/3QxRU1B
My top recommended DACS (prices in USD)
Topping E30 II - $149 - amzn.to/3JQyGkd
Topping E50 - $199 - amzn.to/3WucWSO
SMSL DO200 Mk2 - $469 - amzn.to/4a5Di0C
Topping D70 Pro OCTO - $599 - amzn.to/4a8bubZ
Geshelli J2S AK4499EX - $680 - bit.ly/J2SAKM
Schiit Bifrost 2/64 - $799 - www.schiit.com/products/bifro...
Gustard R26 - $1,650 - amzn.to/3QyZ0mB
Schiit Yggdrasil - $2,299 - www.schiit.com/products/yggdr...
Chord TT2 - $5,295 - chordelectronics.co.uk/produc...
My top recommended HEADPHONE AMPS (prices in USD)
Schiit Magni - $119 - www.schiit.com/products/magni...
xDuoo MT-604 - $169 - amzn.to/4bpNYrW
xDuoo TA-26S - $319 - amzn.to/3UJbfzx
Geshelli A3 Pro - $499 - bit.ly/GLA3Pro
Aune S17 Pro - $699 - amzn.to/4a75v7b
Schiit Mjolnir - $1199 - www.schiit.com/products/mjoln...
Burson Audio Voyager - $5,300+ - bit.ly/4a8Mwcq
My top recommended DONGLE DACS (prices in USD)
Moondrop Dawn Pro - $50 - amzn.to/3y2dd57
Simgot DEW4X - $80 - amzn.to/4b68rlK
Questyle M15i - $349 - amzn.to/4doMSyp
My top recommended WIRELESS 'PHONES (prices in USD)
Soundpeats Air3 Deluxe - $40 - amzn.to/3UIXQr4
Soundpeats Air4 Pro - $79 - amzn.to/3Wyj4tj
Edifier Neobuds Pro 2 - $130 - amzn.to/3WwMpEf
Sennheiser Momentum 4 - $379.95 - amzn.to/3WrEqZ0
HiFiMan Svanar Wireless - $499 - amzn.to/4amOhmx
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00:00 Introduction
00:22 Glamour video
02:21 D70 Pro pricing & specs
06:56 Key differences: Sabre vs OCTO
08:57 A70 Pro price & specs
11:15 A70 Pro device tour
15:35 D70 Pro device tour
18:55 D70 Pro sound quality
24:13 D70 Pro vs EverSolo DAC-Z8
27:00 D70 Pro vs Geshelli J2S 4499EX
28:12 D70 Pro vs Schiit Bifrost 2/64
31:40 DAC conclusions
32:20 A70 Pro sound quality
33:09 A70 Pro vs Geshelli A3 Pro
39:11 Final conclusions
#audiophile #audioreview #dac #headphoneamp 
Наука
I've been spending a TON of time going back and forth with my Headamps from the RME ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, SPL Phonitor SE, Schiit Jotunheim 2, Schiit Magni Heresy, Rupert Neve RNHP, Topping A90D, Audirect Beam 3S, Fiio M11 Plus LTD, and finally my newest addition, the Topping A70 Pro. I keep on coming back to the A70 Pro being fed by my the RME via its balanced DAC w/ XLR Cables. The A70 Pro just sounds so nice and open, spacious, and clean clean clean driving my Fostex T50RP 50th Anniversary Edition planar magnetic headphones with the Balanced 4-Pin XLR output. I've spent many many hours going back and forth with my much more expensive equipment and the A70 Pro has become my daily driver. Much praise for this product.
So glad you're enjoying the A70 Pro. It's definitely an excellent amp with a very balanced, neutral AND enjoyable sound.
Great. Thanks. Listening now
Best review yet... appreciate your self blinded approach... thanks!
I'm glad I could help! 🙂
BROTHER...THANK YOU! Love your content & guidance! Appreciate all you do! Peace, Blessings, ❤️ 🙏 this Holiday Season & for 2024!
Thanks Billy. My pleasure. Happy holidays to you too!
Great review! Particularly interesting to hear the Octo vs Bifrost comparison. With the Qutest dropping in price it would be interesting to see how that one stacks up against the octo and bifrost too.
Yes, I would expect the Qutest to have a clear advantage based on my past experiences, but it would be interesting. Glad you liked the review!
Love the way you nest the sound experience inside the use case, e.g. the A70 pro may be better IF one owns certain headphones. Good work!
Thank you! Synergy and preferences can't be separated from the listening experience so right/wrong or better/worse don't really exist in this hobby I think. 🙂
I love my A70 Pro, but I paired it with the SMSL VMV D1se2. The VMV provides many options that are hard to find at its price point. This is my end state desktop setup and I couldn’t be happier with it.
I'd love to try the VMV. So far I haven't had any luck getting one.
Just touching on this, the dac you have is using the ES9039MSPro chip right? Because i also got recently the A70 Amp and holding back on the dac and studying what options there are and stumbled across your rec. Also heard some things about MQA but im down to go down this way if its worth it.
@@stoermokThe D1se2 does use the ESS ES9039MSPRO DAC chip and is MQA certified, but I don't currently use MQA. However this does leave me the option if I decide to go down that rabbit hole - LOL.
Another nice review. Kudos! Btw, sorry for OOT, is that Xduoo TA-20 Plus on the background? Are you going to review it as well?
Yes and yes 😁
@@PassionforSound Great! Looking forward for it. Thanks.
Can't wait to see the review on the TA-20 Plus
It's a gorgeous device.
I kept looking at it throughout the whole video … massively distracting 😂😂
😂
Hi! Thanks for your really informative reviews, easy-to-understand (I am not a native English speaker) description of the sound and detailed comparisons of the rivals. I wonder if you could help me in decision-making. I have just obtained two headphones: HiFiMAN HE6SE v2 and SENNHEISER HD 6XX. Now looking for appropriate amp(s) for them.
The choice fell on Aune S17 Pro and xDuoo TA-20 Plus (for HiFiMAN and SENNHEISER respectively)
It seems that planars “like” solid state amps, while dynamic “prefer” tube sound. Am I wrong?
Probably it’s too early to buy them since there are few reviews of them. (Looking forward to seeing TA-20 Plus review of yours, and who knows Aune S17 Pro too) But am I going the right way to choose?
May be two amps is too much for two headphones! But if I can afford that?
Thanks in advance, Alex!
I'd personally go for one higher quality amp rather than two lower priced amps if I were you. Lots of planars sound great on the right tube amp too so don't get swayed by that.
I don't know the Aune amp, but I'd go for something like a HiFiMan Goldenwave Prelude or similar and drive both headphones from that.
Thanks for the excellent review as always. Do you believe the d70 pro would be a nice pairing with the eha 5 electrostatic amp? I am looking for something in this price range that could pair well with my stax l500. I am in europe, so no access to USA dacs unfortunately.
I think that would be a great combo. I've actually got the EHA5 in for review now so will have a better sense of it by the time I do that review.
Thanks! Looking forward to that review.
I am leaning more to Tape as my source though it starts with the DAC. I am happy what I have on the DAC, but looking more in the richness and fullness of the headphone stage. Technics,TEAC are my focus machines. The FIIO K9 is my favorite so far, but want more output. Looking at the Geshelli Labs Headphone amp. The big Pro. I am set on DACs.
The A3 Pro is great and will likely suit the tonality you enjoy based on what you've said here.
Hi, Do you think you can extend your recommendation lists with a couple of columns? Something like tier one to five to differentiate gear by "imaginary tier" and value for money or recommendation priority. Love your work. Huge thanks!
I'd love to do that if I get the time, but it's also worth noting that anything on those lists is already good value for money in almost all cases. I won't put something on the list if I think it's way overpriced because there'd then be something else that's better for the same amount of money.
specs on these brands (smsl tpooing etc) are usually best case scenario for measurements, usually xlr at the highest output voltage the unit can output. usually considerably higher than the xlr 4v standard which boosts measured performance and can be handy in some use cases.
That's very true and one of the reasons why I don't put much stock in specs when compared to the actual listening experience.
I VERY VERY WAITNING TO HEARD SPEC OF ALL DACS EVER IN THIS VIDEO.... CONTINUE PLZ
I don't tend to focus on specs much because they don't tell us a great deal about how the devices actually sound.
This is may be a silly question but will I need a DAC if I’m running out of my Apollo twin? From my understanding the Apollo twin x is a DAC, therefore will I just need an amplifier running out of the 3/4 line outs of my Apollo twin x?
Also, if I buy a DAC/amp and run it out of my Apollo twin x 3/4 line out, will that be an issue? Thank you for your help.
I don't think the Apollo Twin X has any way to connect to a DAC. You'll just need an amp to connect to the analog outputs AFAIK
The display is awesome.
It's really nice - subtle, but informative
I see the D70 Octo has a "preamplifier mode" which it says can pair with a power amp and volume can be controlled with its volume knob. What about if it feeds to an integrated which has obviously has a preamp. Can the Topping still control volume?
You could use the Topping volume still. Good just set your integrated to a suitable volume (e.g. 50%) and then use the Topping from there.
Thanks for your response@@PassionforSound
Could i benefit if i was to use my existing dx3 pro+ dac-amp with the A70 pro amp.
Current cans, hifiman edition xs, HE-4XX, and Philips fidelio x3.
I think so. The DX3 Pro+ DAC will become the limiting factor at some point, but the A70 Pro should give you a nice initial lift.
Thank you very much for the reply, i will get one ordered. I understand i will have to upgrade my dac eventually. I really enjoy watching you reviews, dude you are awesome! Keep up the great work.. @@PassionforSound
Thanks for the feedback! Enjoy the amp!
Have you tried multiple music tracks to compare A70 pro vs A3 pro? It seems the depth perception difference needs more data points.
I spent a couple of weeks using the A70 Pro so yes. When I discuss a track in my reviews, it's really just to share some music and give people a reference point. I don't test with only one track. 🙂
There is a brand new Aune pure class A amp for $699 that just knocked Singxer SA1 off its perch. I"d take that amp + the Octo as a dream mid-fi system.
I haven't heard about the Aune yet. Sounds interesting.
@@PassionforSound It's called Aune S17 Pro, and many reviewers actually liked it. Waiting for mine to arrive))
Hello, thanks for the wonderful review, as usual, I see you got the xduoo ta-20 plus. I want to know whether it will be the ta-20 plus or the xduoo ta-26s which one will sound better with the chord mojo 2 Dac, or what is the difference between their sound on the mojo 2? I hope you try it and share with us your opinion
thank you ツ
The 20 and the 26 are quite different amps so it will be more about the headphones you're using the amps with. The TA-20 Plus will work with all types of headphones, but the TA-26 will struggle with some lower impedance headphones while potentially maximising the sound of higher impedance models. I'll cover all of this in the review. 🙂
I wanted to use it as a tube preamp with Mojo 2, but I was confused between them@@PassionforSound
If you're using as a preamp, you'll need another downstream amp too and that will negate the need to worry about impedance. The TA-26 would be the better choice as a tube preamp IMO because it's pure tube while the TA-20 Plus is a hybrid so you're only getting 50% tube.
Just a heads up both of the SNR figures use XLR. The sabre RCAs are closer to 128, octo 130 for rca.
Thanks for sharing
That ground lift is great. I don't know how, but I scroll wheel on my Bluetooth mouse, and only my scroll wheel, would introduce a hum into my audio. The lift fixed that.
Wow! That's a unique source of ground noise!
Would you pick the A70 Pro and D70 Pro Sabre stack over the Geshelli Labs A3 Pro and J2S AKM 4499 stack or is the Geshelli a better quality stack?
The Geshelli stack is clearly better IMO. Unless you need more power than the A3 Pro provides (and that means Susvara, 1266 or Tungsten headphones only) then that's the one I'd go for.
@@PassionforSound Thanks for that input! Very helpful - and even with headphones like the Tungsten, 1266 or Susvara I assume it’s only if you want to listen to those at super loud volumes where the Topping has an advantage over the Geshelli right? So it sounds like the Geshelli is going to also have some lasting power versus something I’d have to upgrade in the future if I am understanding correctly?
The A3 Pro will probably manage the Susvaras and 1266 at modest listening levels without any EQ applied (this can create more strain on the amp). I'm not so sure about the Tungsten.
@@PassionforSound Great, thanks! I went ahead and ordered the A3 Pro and the J2S AKM 4499 stack - thanks for your recommendation again! I think this setup should serve me well especially since I usually listen to headphones at moderate levels and don’t own the susvaras or 1266s but have been thinking about getting a pair of Tungstens. Regardless it sounds like this amp should be able to handle the Tungstens at moderate listening levels so it should be good.
I hope you love the stack! Great choice!
hello, i have A70 PRO and would like to upgrade my dac. I'm consider between RME ADI2 DAC FS vs D70 PRO OCTO or SABRE, which one do you recommend? is it RME worth with double cost D70?
I would definitely go for the OCTO. There's no point spending more on the RME unless you specifically want all of the tweaks it offers (EQ, etc.) The Sabre D70 and RME have quite flat soundstages so the OCTO wins IMO.
@@PassionforSound tk for ur opinion. I gonna go with the OCTO, that's save me a lot for my next wish list 😄
Perfect! Glad I could help
Hello. I put the A70 Pro on the d70 pro octo. After an hour, hour and a half of listening, they become hot. Is this normal? How did you put them in your home? Thanks for your patience.
Hi, yes, that's normal. The A70 is quite powerful and generates a fair bit of heat as a result.
@@PassionforSound thank you very much
Hi, Are HE1000 and Topping A70pro + SMSL DO300 a good combination?
That should do fine. If you've got access to other products, something like the Aune S17 Pro or Geshelli Labs A3 Pro would be even better as the amp, depending on your available budget.
Thanks, I Choose Violectric HPA V222
I haven't tried that one, but knowing Violectric in general, that should be a great choice. Enjoy!
Do you think it would be ok to pair the a70 pro with a modius e dac
Definitely!
@@PassionforSound sounds incredible Ty
That's great news!
I spy an xduoo ta-20 plus in the back! Review coming soon?
Well spotted and yes, review coming soon. 🙂
Why do all these bundles (a70/d70) but has Xlr male to female end cables when only the Xlr female can connect to the dac but both male ends cannot connect to Amp..I bought this bundle and sitting here scratching my head on how both these Xlr cables are relevant to this combo…am I missing something here? And btw there is know trs cable sent with either dac or amp
No* not “know”
The DAC has a pair of XLR outputs for left and right. The amp has a pair of inputs in the opposite gender, once again for left and right. I'm unclear where the confusion is. Can you elaborate a bit?
Very niceeee
🙂
I wonder how A70 and similar stack against SMSL HO200 because HO200 is so great value for price and features
They're both fairly similar amps in many ways. The design and interface of the A70 Pro is nicer IMO, but their sound will be very comparable based on my experiences with both.
@@PassionforSound thanks, for me interface and switches on HO200 are fantastic and love more physical switches vs touch ones not to mention volume dial that does not click
Glad you're enjoying it. I agree that physical switches are nice on products like these. 🙂
Did you compare with the eversolo dac-z8 or z6?
It's been a while since I recorded this, but pretty sure the DAC-Z8 was the major comparison in this video.
@@PassionforSound i asked because you say z8 but the tags on the video say z6
Oh, that's a typo by me - sorry! It was the Z8
Woah...
Big booty bass, oh my!
I wondered who would comment on that one 😁 🍑
Is it better than the D70 pro sabre? And why? I don't speak English 😏 I've the dx7 pro now. Is it a good idea to take the d70, it change?
I like the D70 Pro OCTO more. It's got better soundstage and a more natural character to the sound. I haven't tried the DX7 to compare though.
@@PassionforSound thank you for the support
@@PassionforSoundI'm trying the octo with A70 Pro. With I have not the sound mode in the menu? And what filter do you use? Thanks
I can't remember the exact names of the filters, but I always go for linear phase and either fast or slow roll off.
@@PassionforSound thank you. Do you use 4 or 5 volts? Perso, I use 4.
♥
"would the topping a70 pro work well to boost my ADAM Audio T10S Subwoofer with 2- ADAM Audio T8V Studio Monitor, it seems everyone speaks only on the headphone part, but never mention anything in regards to the rear speaker outputs of the unit
Generally, you can translate everything said about a headphone amp to its preamp output too as they use very similar circuits (sometimes the same) for both.
THANK YOU FOR THE REPLY, AND SO SOON , NOW THE QUESTION WOULD BE, CAN I GET MY ADAM AUDIO T10S POWERED SPEAKERS TO SOUND A LITTLE LOUDER AND WOULD IT BE WORTH IT TO SPEND 500 US $$. I DO UNDERSTAND I SHOULD NOT USE A AMP, BUT THE TOPPING A70 PRO IS A PRE-AMP. I AM SO SORRY TO BOTHER YOU , I AM 64 AND VISIONED IMPAIRED, THAT LIKES MUSIC GOOD SOUNDING MUSIC, ANYWAY AND HELP WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. THANKS ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR VIDEOS. VERY INFORMATIVE
Most preamps won't add volume so much as just controlling the volume by reducing it from the maximum (there are exceptions to this). Where you're likely to be able to get some extra volume is actually from the DAC. Which DAC are you currently using?
what song was that int he intro
It's called "okay, thanks" and it's by Adelyn Paik.
@@PassionforSound ty
It looks like d70octo+aune s17 pro = best value sound
I'm yet to try the S17 Pro, but that could be a lovely pairing. The Geshelli A3 Pro is another amazing option as the amp.
That's exactly what I'm going for!
Aune S17 Pro is here already, and I'm going to order OCTO next week. Sadly I need channel balance, otherwise I would have gone for a Musician Draco...
Really torn between these and the Hifiman Serenade.
That's a tough one. I'd go for the Serenade because the A70 Pro is just ok as an amp (when compared to discrete amps like the Serenade amp stage). The D70 OCTO is brilliant, but I also think the Serenade R2R DAC is a touch more spacious and natural sounding. Of course, the Toppings are separates though, so it's easier to change the DAC or amp in the future without having redundancy like you would with the Serenade.
@@PassionforSound thanks for the input and confirming my suspicions. I might possibly look at a 2nd hand RME ADI-2 FS and maybe a balanced amp. I got custom balanced XLR headphone cables for all my cans and don’t want to waste them.
Ugh, I hate researching, just end up going down a rabbit hole.
Not saying balanced is best but it was with my current set-up….Klipsch Headphone Dac/amp.
IMO you can do way better than the RME. I'd take the D70 OCTO and A70 Pro over the RME for sure.
@@PassionforSoundok. Again thanks for your options. Ordered the Serenade should be here Friday. Along with a Wiim Pro and my Hiby R6 v3 DAP hooked up I should be well happy.
I think you'll be really happy with that setup. Congratulations!
Can honestly say that my taste in sound and gear definitely doesn't match up with this guy 😂 thats whats interesting about this hobby is everyone pretty much interpret sound differently unless you're one of those audioscience guys who only care about measurements
What's the specific point of difference for you?
Almost in the same time zone. Sorry. Too poor to donate. 😢
No need to donate. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🙂
If you have that great sound with music that sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard... like wtf is up with that!!!
I don't understand. What do you mean?
Lost me @ bluetooth. Why would you want radio signals around a dac?
😂 What century does the Topping company live in that they use trs instead of xlr connectors? 🤭🤭🤭
They only use TRS on their compact units like the E50 and L50. It's all full sized on the D70 and A70