Topping E70 Velvet (AKM version) reviewed and compared

[@jurgenschleicher8724]

Topping E70 VELVET! Love it! Its " velvet-sound" is unbelievable! Makes "goose-bumps" at 30 degrees celsius! Thanx for your superb videos! 😊

[@VredesbyrdNoir]

I have the E70 Sabre version and another Schiit AKM DAC and been A/B-ing them with an L70 amp and Focal Clear Mg headphones. Both DACs are set up as Class 2 USB devices and using WSAPI from foobar playing FLAC files. I'm pretty sure any differences I can hear are so small that I would certainly fail a blind test....

[@terenceyow]

Because of yours and Sandu’s review and backed up by validation from ASR I bought the E70V to upgrade from E30 for my bedroom nearfield listening. I can definitely hear overall SQ improvement for sure. Depth, separation, better bass and mids. A little more air and details in the highs. I’m a fan of AKM chips and I think $500 delta sigma dacs are far better than R2R dacs twice that price. You’re not cuckoo at all my friend. Keep up the good work.

[@eddiebaby22]

This is absolutely ridiculous the amount of different DACs that are being produced with miniscule differences. This trying to get a flavour DAC to suit ones needs or system is just so unpractical. The amount of money audiophiles are wasting to get barely perceivable changes is just idiotic. Why not just make DACs with their own DSP chip and also a parametric EQ so you can make it sound exactly how you want it. All 'well made' DACs now are pretty much good enough.

[@misterweb111]

I am beginning to agree with you ED.

[@eddiebaby22]

@@misterweb111 They've got to sell us all these slightly different dacs first. The audio industry is a con market!

[@shipsahoy1793]

That’s actually pretty funny, but actually hits close to home. I have a few different DAC implementations between $150-$500, and I could make them all sound the same with minor tweaks. Spending more in this range mostly relates to added features. When we want sonic optimization to the nth degree, we tend to get a bit crazy; and as the reviewer also pointed out, the differences are very subtle, and careful attention needs to be paid, and a resolving system is a must. Some people can’t even hear any difference, with others it’s really only subtle, but they may exaggerate the effect bc they want it or don’t; whether they’re not that critical or not, don’t have the same ears, or quality of their electronics and speakers, or just plain crazy, the observations are real to the listener. For example, if your hearing is good, you are truly objective, and you have a system capable of identifying the subtle differences, you will find that say a Topping E50 will exhibit sonic differences under critical listening with various program material depending on which filters you select, f1, f2, or f3, and which power supply, ie. a clean linear one vs. a cheap noisy switcher, but it’s subtle. And for those that can tell the difference, some will prefer the linear supply with f2, while others will prefer the switcher supply with f1. (Choosing those 2 scenarios only bc they are at both ends of the spectrum from warm and diffused to razor sharp and detailed). I don’t feel that anyone should be spending thousands of dollars on DACs. If you can’t get the sound you want with all the features you want out of any system for less than $1000, then there’s something seriously wrong.

[@eddiebaby22]

@@shipsahoy1793 what we really need is not more DACs to split hairs with or filters that do very little but a parametric EQ that anyone can make their dacs sound as they want. Please!

[@shipsahoy1793]

@@eddiebaby22 I use EQ as necessary. It’s the purist lunatic fringe that doesn’t believe in signal processing beyond what “they” determine as necessary. I was trying to avoid being insulting.. silly humans, silly human race… basically on a sailing ship to nowhere lol

[@daviddmello5141]

Thank you very much for your usual insightful review. You are one of the few experts who can articulate the subtle difference between sound characteristics in a way that I can understand & prioritize for myself. I purchased the E70 Velvet from Amazon on a Friday & received it on Monday. China to Canada in 3 days! Very pleased with the performance of the DAC - all aspects. This DAC replaced my 19 year old Musical Fidelity X-DAC v3, X-PSU v3, X-10 v3 tube buffer combo in my main living room audio system. I purchased the Musical Fidelity DAC in 2004, way before DAC's became mainstream. I wonder if I will get 20 years of service from the Topping E70 Velvet! After 2 weeks of listening, enjoying my music in a new light. Thank you again!

[@blue6point62]

Thanks for putting tested tracks on the screen. I like your music taste and I am adding these to my streaming library.

[@iiWiReviews]

Glad you like them!

[@InDueTime25]

Agreed. Dont be lazy. I have binge watched several reviews of yours. Im definitely learning something. Great stuff!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THANKS SRBOLJUB, FOR HELPING OUT THE COMMUNITY…and I hope you have a great evening 🤗💚💚💚

[@micomicic8778]

I believe it is time for DAC tier list witch should make some sense to all of us who want a new DAC

[@sean_heisler]

"Then you don't feel like a lazy douche bag." 😂😂😂

[@andreygolovchenko]

Great video. E70V is great. Custard A26 is great too - a bit too punchy for me. E70 Velvet is less punchy and I like it more but A26 is a bit more resolving with bigger stage (as the video explains). Overall A26 is a little better (both are great). PS If you are hesitating price-wise - just get E70 Velvet, you will love it.

[@chotafallen8390]

Nice review. I purchased the Topping L70 lately. replaced my ifi ZEN DAC/CAN combo. Now, I need another DAC for the L70 But the DAC should feed with LAN not USB, hm thinkg the E70 is not the correct hardware I need?

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

Hi. Great review. Especially appreciate the comparisons to The E70 sabre and your favourite SU 9 pro. Would like to know if you find the sound quality of the E70 velvet to be better than the chord mojo 2 or the chord qutest? Do you feel that the mojo 2 with its parametric EQ can be tailored to sound better than the E70 Velvet? Your opinion on this will be very helpful. Thanks. Also is the E70 Velvet noticeably better than the smsl D300. I got the smsl D300 after watching your video.

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

To answer My own question. just got the E70 velvet. Definitely sounds much more dynamic and forceful compared to the original mojo which I have. Excellent bass both in quantity and quality. Tonality is full bodied and lush as well and it does not cause listening fatigue. Highly recommend at this price point. I have the smsl D300 as well. Very smooth and analog sound yet highly detailed. Can listen to it for hours and at high volumes withourt any listening fatigue. On a side note differences in dacs can only be heard on extremely transparent and neutral hi fi stereo setup. Differences might be far lesser on headphones.

[@alebt17]

@@agnelroshandsilva3929 Hi, I was looking for a smooth sounding dac under 500€, which dac do you prefer while listening to a wide variety of music between the E70V and D300? Do you feel like one is less fatiguing than the other or are the differences more in terms of dynamics/timbre/soundstaging.. ? Thank you very much in advance for your insights!

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

@@alebt17 both the E70 Velvet and the Smsl D300 are extremely great performing Dacs while also being non fatiguing. Tonality wise the smsl D300 is slightly more crisp and sharp and would go well with a slightly thick and dynamic sounding speaker setup. E70 Velvet on the other hand has a more full bodied and bolder sound with excellent detail and dynamics and would do well in a neutral and slightly crisp sounding speaker setup. It would all boil down to the best synergy in Your system. Choose accordingly. If Your existing hi fi setup is neutral and slightly crisp sounding then go with E70 Velvet. Smsl D300 would be second choice here. If your existing hi fi setup sounds thick and bass heavy then go with the smsl D300 and avoid the E70 Velvet in this case as it would sound too bloated.

[@alebt17]

@@agnelroshandsilva3929 I see, thank you very much, that was extremely heplful! I guess I will go with the E70V then since I'd rather have I slightly bolder and more full bodied one and I also prefer the build quality from what I've seen! Thank you again!

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

@@alebt17 that's great. Please do update on your experience once you get the E70 Velvet.

[@alessandromarangio7738]

I have a pair of Focal Aria 926 speakers, an Audio Research preamp and an Adcom GFA 555 power amp. I listen mostly to rock (Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Radiohead, Metallica, etc.) and I love listening to drums. Just hearing that thump of the bass drum and the thump on the kick drum and the toms of the drum kit. Almost as if it sounded slightly forward. I am undecided between the Topping E70 and the Topping D70 Pro Sabre. Which of the two do you recommend with the characteristics I am listening to that I wrote to you? Thanks.

[@ramondelgado6778]

Wonderful review! Your opinion of this one vs. the Geshelli Labs J2S w/ the same DAC chip? Thank you!!!!

[@Chopstick2U]

You recommended disabling the Bluetooth radio. Was there an audible difference when you did that?

[@RUMBLEGO1]

Just a shout out to you for all the great music you suggest during your vids!!! Awesome

[@iiWiReviews]

It always make me happy when someone likes the music. 🎶Cheers! 🍻

[@alebt17]

Hi, thank you very much for this great in-depth review! I have a question, since i did not find many direct comparisons about it, how do you think the SMSL D300 fares sonically compared to the E70 Velvet? I'm currently looking for a new dac under 500$ with good, natural, non fatiguing sound, and I would say I listen to a good variety of music.

[@decoryder]

I have both - I'd say the D300 sounds more 'analog', while the E70V has better dynamic slam, and much better imaging and soundstaging. Both these DACs sound very natural and realistic, with the D300 being somewhat more realistic than the E70V. In any other way, the E70V sounds better IMO. They're both outstanding DACs, and you can't go wrong with either.

[@iiWiReviews]

Agreed with DecoRyder's description. I can just add that I prefer E70V. For all of its qualities, D300 was always a bit dynamically restrained for my taste. Very smooth but lacks drive. No such problems with E70V

[@alebt17]

@@decoryder @iiWiReviews I see, thank you both very much for your insights! I currently possess a Topping E50 with an Allo Shanti linear power supply and a Singxer SA-1 headphone amp, I will write down my impressions after I pull the trigger on one of these DACs then!

[@alebt17]

@@iiWiReviews Going to share my (unluckily) brief experience with the E70V. I listen with headphones and use a Singxer SA-1, so this applies to my chain of course. Immediately after receiving it and turning it on I tested the dac to try and see if I liked the overall character. Overall I did not like it paired with my Singxer SA-1, granted I did not give it any time to observe any break-in effect, but it sounded kinda artificial to me, the way it popped specific detail in the highs/upper mids. The sound presentation sounded to me like it was not uniform, and that part of the frequency response was constantly popping out and bothering me, not with fatigue, but with its tone/dryness compared to the rest of the spectrum, as if the dac was editorialising the sound presentation too much. I know it sounds weird compared to what others probably have said, but this was my experience at least. Bass/impact sounded good but was not enough of a difference compared to what I already have, at least in my chain. Could it have changed with burn in? I don't know, but I usually do not expect very drastic changes in dacs, especially when it comes to the overall presentation, but I might be wrong. In comparison, my Topping E50 (with Allo Shanti power supply) while slightly more analytical/fatiguing sounds pretty uniform in its presentation, as in nothing odd or unexpected pops out. Could it have changed radically after some hours of playback? Anyways, I want to try the Topping E70 or SMSL D300 next, we'll see how it turns out.

[@221298ale]

Hello Great review as always! Congratulations! comes Gustard's review A 26 ? Thank you

[@peterahlberg6512]

"In my head I'm always right - not always in reality but in my head" 😆 Love it - Rock on! 🤘

[@alicedunstan1441]

I will get E70 Velvet. Thanks for video it was very helpful. Subscribed!

[@britishskiing]

Absolutely superb review!!

[@decoryder]

Fantastic review as always, Srboljub! I'm a sucker for AKM DACs, so I bought it based on your review, and used your affiliate link.

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks for that and hope you'll enjoy it.

[@decoryder]

@@iiWiReviews Stupid good DAC! Thanks again!

[@gary2556]

Is this DAC better or the geshelli labs J2 better in sq

[@decoryder]

@@gary2556 IMO it's better than the J2 AKM, but not better than the J2 ESS.

[@tonym8358]

​@@decoryder Better than J2 with sparkos labs opamp?

[@seanb3303]

I find that on Chinese DACs the variable output preamp quality is poor…thin and lacking in dimension. Do you find this true? I had to move up to RME ADI 2 FS DAC to find a good variable output pre. PS. Another great review thank you.

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes, at this price level basically nobody pays much attention to the volume attenuation section. When used it lowers dynamics and overall liveliness of the sound compared to any good preamp. That's why I don't test that part, no sense in doing it and making the same conclusion every time.

[@bruunm1975]

Hi, thanks for all these reviews and well structured videos!! Question, would this be an upgrade over my Node2i DAC?

[@bruunm1975]

ok I just asked.... hahah... but I have atched at least 30 of your videos :D Does that count ;)

[@Blacksheep1042]

By my experience: E70v sounds more like 30 ips Tape and the E70s sounds like FM radio between 06:00- 07:37 on a year without sun eruptions. Also the 70v is more focused on the blurry side compared to the 70s that sound a bit narrower between 45khz and 200mhz - the coherence spectrum for ADHD and Wide Bandwidth OCD. I also noticed that when i play the akm - there is no more hunger in Africa but the ess brings peace to hot conflict points around the world. It’s a yes and no / no and yes answer, but it could also be maybe/ maybe not case. Be blessed, healthy, free and prosper.

[@kerryvanderkamp5051]

I have been experimenting with upsampling to DSD with HQPlayer and have been shocked at the improvement (to my ears) in the soundstage and layering. AKM chips have a bypass feature which skips the on-chip delta sigma modulation and this plus HQPlayer gives me a 3D experience I’ve been only getting with Chord and R2R products.

[@alexgregory1887]

Interesting info -- does this also apply to the pre-fire AKM chips? I have a D90 and I use HQPlayer. It sounds amazing.

[@kerryvanderkamp5051]

@@alexgregory1887 I’m not sure about all pre-fire chips but my old 4497 unit doesn’t seem to give me the option whereas my new 4493S unit does. That could just be a function of each DAC’s firmware and not the chip itself. I really like the default SDM settings in HQPlayer. I also like the defaults for PCM but there is an added bit of magic on the DSD256 defaults. Although, they do place a heavy load on my M1 Mac.

[@donnowak4304]

Interesting. I'm going to look into HQPlayer with my new E70V

[@hadisoewoyo8739]

How to use that sigma delta bypass feature? It that just by upsampling to dsd?

[@edg7972]

Thanks for the great review. I just got mine using your link.

[@carlsitler9071]

There must be a lot of gear junkies that have dozens of dacs since they all sound nearly the same. I've only ever bought one dac, years ago, and I'm happy with it (Sanskrit 2).

[@Geosanmo]

So it's a dac that makes up the sound, for what you're saying it doesn't have a natural sound, but everything is made up as if it were an equalizer. I think what a dac should do is give the sound as it was recorded, as natural as possible. When talking about a warm sound, it is when the dynamic range is short, so it also shortens the dynamic range?

[@50slump]

Sent my E70 Velvet back due to a buzzing background speaker noise. Yes I did perform trouble shooting by remove the E70 from the signal path. Buzzing and noise disappeared. Also tested my system with a SMSL SU-1. No buzzing speaker noise with the SU-1.

[@bobb.9917]

THANKS for the music! 👍🏼 Diggin' my Pontus II…maybe a Venus 12th Anniversary in my future😅

[@Philip-xk5ui]

Always enjoy my audio vampire!!

[@donnowak4304]

I'm getting one. After some research (mainly my trust in this channel). It's at my price point and I like the sample rate display. Upgrading from the Modi Multibit v2 for my desktop. I know Srboljub prefers the Smsl, but it's close lol.

[@Raymondey]

Great review as always! Is SMSL D400EX (or/and ES) expected for reveiw too?

[@gbmwaz]

ESp all the different versions of the D400 hopefully plus SU-10

[@righteousone8454]

Filter number 3 has the most extended flat response, compared to other filters. You picked it because it is truly the best, according to reading some graphical reviews of the unit.

[@ramencurry6672]

On my shopping list and will buy it next year. Assuming that it will still be available

[@Alex-dj7nc]

Thank you, very interesting and useful. I first heard the AKM chip in the Shanling UA3 DAC amplifier. And I immediately sold all my other small DAC amplifiers. I love AKM and Shanling. I love the AKM midrange and true bass in my opinion. I plan to definitely listen to E70 Velvet on AKM.

[@JamesBronx-h3o]

I have E70 Velvet. Will switching to A26 be a NOTICEABLE upgrade. Amplifier is Violectric V550. How much A26 would scale with this amp compared to E70 Velvet? Thanks!))

[@Amhey001]

Great reviews. As always!

[@deadline7610]

I'm glad you point out the differences while using headphones, very important. I'm waiting for a reviewer to put a $ amount to a resolving setup . Bottom - Top end :)

[@sydneybird116]

top end for me was US$2.73M. I had to tear down my house and rebuild because of the thickness of the drywall affected the jitter of my USB circuit. LOL

[@midas6032]

Does one of the two work better as a XLR pre amp? Lower noise volume control or something like that? And for a pair of bright bowers & wilkins speakers? What would you guys advice?

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

I would like your review about the new SMSL SO300. Would it be your new favorite instead os S9 pro?

[@The19661958]

I love your reviews and was wondering if you could review the chord mojo 2, I’d like to hear what your thoughts are about this dac.

[@misterweb111]

Thank you for another great and well thought review! Question... Were you connecting via RCA or balanced on your main system? I have the Velvet and am experimenting to get it to sounds it's best in my system. I agree on filter 3 so far. Happy listening and keep the videos coming.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Sound altering "filters" on a DAC? Is this happening in the digital or analog section of the DAC? Either way, were you looking for an invariable tone control? I don't understand filters on a DAC. In what way is the signal changed?

[@iiWiReviews]

I have tested it with balanced connection since I have that option and it does sound better if preamp is balanced design too.

[@iiWiReviews]

@TriAmp HiFi Digital filters are used in every oversampling DAC chip, those are not tone controls but necessary part of digital signal processing. Several methods can be chosen, each with their small influence on frequency response and impulse response. Some manufacturers choose this for you and don't let you change it... Some open that setting to the end user.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@iiWiReviews "Several" there is not. Few, there are. PCM and their rates & DSD. There are no others.🔈🔉🔊 I guess you don't call tubes tone controls either.

[@iiWiReviews]

Fast roll-off, slow roll-off, linear or minimum phase variations, apodizing, brickwall, etc. Just google "PCM filters" and read a bit about it. 😉

[@Orpheuss62]

I come back with another question: is there any difference in the sound quality between the LU4 (4V) and LU5 (5V) settings? And is the 5V setting safe for the amplifier? I assume that that "V" after 4 and 5, represent volts, or am I wrong?

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

Let's get serious. The AKM chip is probably 10$ more than the ESS.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Dont matter, implementation is key and that is what consumers are paying for.

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

@@AbsoluteFidelity Aaaa....true...but he states that the chip is the only difference. "Everything is supposed to be the same". And knowing Topping, the actual soldered chip is the only difference.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@CraciunAlexandruGh if that is the case, IF, then it really boils down to how the 'implementation' will gel with the new chip. I doubt Topping wouldnt optimize for a new chip though, they have great engineers workin for them.

[@burghelvasile3313]

Hello. What do you think of Chinese (DAC) products in general? how reliable are they? Should they be bought over other IFI or CAMBRIDGE products just because they are cheaper? Thank you.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

good enough for 75% system and typical usages, esp if its not audio focusing, such as while gaming etc

[@copperheadviper7904]

Love your sense of humour..lol cookoo

[@dezikso9358]

Have you thought about reviewing hifiman ef400? I've heard that the himalaya r2r dac in it sounds great, but the amp part is quite dry. I wonder how it compares to cheaper cayin ru6 as a budget r2r.

[@stephenbailey9969]

I've tried dacs from various companies across the years, including Topping and Schiit. I had a number with AKM chips. For some reason, I just couldn't warm up to their sound. Accurate and smooth, probably so. But somehow lacking in dynamics and drive. My current setup is an integrated amp with an ESS chip, and it suits my taste. To each his/her own.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

It matters what gear you are currently running. If you are using the new martin logan motion xt speakers, transparent and dynamic would be better than warm and smooth. On my end, I have Focal Aria and I definitely prefer the warmer sound because the flax woofers are super clear and accurate but don't have low extension, so I need something warmer with stronger low end.

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 Exactly. And what kind of sound you are searching for. I'm not a particularly 'neutral' fan. I prefer the sound I used to get from lp's back in the day, musical and fun. Even when listening to classical music, the big dynamic swings.

[@Hirnlego999]

@@stephenbailey9969 "the big dynamic swings." Well, that's down to how well the CDs, files etc are mastered. Vinyl loses some information in the bottom regions as well as high up..

[@stephenbailey9969]

@@Hirnlego999 Yes. Power supply, speakers/headphones response, amp output stage. A lot of factors. That's why synergy of all the elements is so important for achieving the sound one is looking for.

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

@@stephenbailey9969 I would agree with preferring musical and smooth sound over transparent and analytical. If you are in the high end market, then you pretty much get about as analytical as you would ever need, so might as well have a musical sound profile to go along with it. You might get a tiny bit less detail, but in my opinion, at that level it's barely noticeable, I would much rather play any album I want, be it a good recording or bad, and still beat great sound. As opposed to a completely transparent setup that sounds thin when playing worse recordings.

[@Deotex833]

Volume control on such dac devices never substitutes a decent and serious preamplifier if we'd like to go to a separate power amp. Preamplifiers not only offer volume control, but they shape the sound in a way that often elevates listening pleasure that no simple volume controls can match.

[@takeiteasy6154]

You mean they EQ and add distortion!!!

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

@@takeiteasy6154 possibly but if it sounds good then who cares

[@burakoztimur8054]

What's your opinion about d30 pro vs e70 velvet and sabre, because i have a 300 USD 2nd hand d30 pro offer vs 350 usd e70 and 450 usd e70v from amazon ? Currently i'm using advance paris ux1 ak4490 velvet in my hifi system ( krell kav 400xi +kef r5+ kef kube 10b w oehlbach bi tech bi wire cable). I could even barely notice a difference between ux1 dac performance and d30 pro. I think the differences between dacs are so tiny

[@D1N02]

The more audiophile version I guess. I tend to prefer the slow roll off filter (but not the super slow roll of). Fast roll off is too nervous.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

Sound altering "filters" on a DAC? Is this happening in the digital or analog section of the DAC? Either way, were you looking for an invariable tone control? I don't understand filters on a DAC. In what way is the signal changed?

[@D1N02]

@@TriAmpHiFi filters are baked into the DAC chip. You always use one. They don't colour sound. They are the last step of converting digital to analogue so they are necessary. They smooth the discrete digital values into a continuous analogue curve. There is a difference in how this can be done. Rather than choosing one way, there are a number option so the user can set the DAC to personal preference.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

@@D1N02 There is PCM with various sampling rates & DSD. That's it for baked in types of conversion. Everything else in those boxes is execution. Filters are an optional choice given from the designer to consumer & they get further and further away from their primary function. LQQK at all those discrete boards inside $5K dacs. There's a whole lot more than input, processing. output. I'm willing to bet many contain noise gates & subtle dynamic range expansion. Some DACs, have "jazz club", "hall", "auditorium", "rock" etc. as optional filters. That's more than a DAC. Maybe this model only dips a toe but the temperature isn't fine. The reason I comment is because it is more difficult than it should be for an audio enthusiast to get to the core of how the signal chain needs to be handled, to be good. For example, never have any part of a signal chain be wireless, ever. Always use balanced connections, never RCA. Never mix digital & analog like a preamp with a built-in dac. And an electric bass guitar gets down to 32Hz. This is efficient use of money. Nothing superfluous, nothing extra & nothing lost. Long live Funk Reggae & Brass. 🔈🔉🔊.

[@rarfn8035]

Is my Peachtree DAC ITx still competitive when compared with today’s DACs? Thx. Thinking of upgrading it.

[@ltlai9465]

1) In another review channel, he suggested pairing with a speaker that is neutral toward a bit bright instead of warm and powerful bass, is that true? 2) Noticed the new PA7 PLUS from Topping already available, any chance you will review that Amplifier soon? Would like to see D70 VELVET + PA7 PLUS 😄

[@iiWiReviews]

E70 velvet is mostly neutral sounding with just slight hint of warmth. The thing is that older Topping DACs were actually bright and analytical sounding and this one is not and it might feel like a warm sounding DAC in comparison to them... But in general it is mostly neutral. Your amplifier and speakers will set the tonality more than the DAC itself... So no need for any particular balancing act for the DAC itself in my opinion. PA7 plus is coming.

[@ltlai9465]

@@iiWiReviews Okey. Looking forward to your upcoming PA7 PLUS video. Is the KEF LS50META still with you? Wonder if they all will match... Cheers

[@wim1983]

It's hard to tell when messing with the audio gear matching, the devil live within amplified signal I believe, still listening to an AKM chip based Fostex HP-A3 and an excellent DAC+preamp provided signal is amplified via a matched power amplifier, while not much nitpicking on the headphone amp section as just for occassional detailed analytical listening when evaluating digital audio from various sources.

[@lm74829]

Any spoiler available on the E70 Velvet vs. D70 ProOcto ?

[@johncallaghan3097]

Really strange that you preferred the fast roll-off filter on the Velvet because it added more "bite", so to speak -- and by contrast found the slow roll off to sound a bit "flat". I find the situation to be completely reversed in the Aune X8 xviii - both the two slow roll off filters add bite, whereas the both the two fast ones, to my ears at least, seem a touch unexciting at times. The Aune's an FPGA DAC, maybe that makes a difference?

[@tallpaull9367]

Thanks so much for the excellent review. Between Su-9 Pro and the two E70ies, which one do you think has the better Preamp mode, Preamp sound quality?

[@ArthaxtaDaVince777]

Nobody uses a dac as a preamp, get a separate preamp

[@iiWiReviews]

Both are similarly good, SMSL by default maybe a bit better, might be because of very high output voltage. I didn't test E70 in a higher voltage mode as a preamp... But it would most likely sound better than the default lower voltage one. I honestly don't test that part extensively (or at all sometimes) because these DACs don't have good volume attenuation. They sound flat and without dynamics if no true preamp is used.

[@mehmetcamat4458]

which one is more airy E70 Velvet ? or EverSolo Z8?

[@Konttu.]

I bought this E70V to replace Node N130 internal dac. Should I use Node as volume controller, or E70V DAC+Preamp mode (with Node Output Level Fixed)?

[@Orpheuss62]

Hi iiWi I managed to buy an E70V, but now I'm in another standstill: I don't know which connection/output will provide me a better audio quality, XLR or RCA?. My amplifier is a Hegel H80, with XLR inputs as well, and the distance between him and the DAC is about 1.5m. So I wonder, having, let's say, two cables with same length, one RCA of 1.5m and one XLR of 1.5m, which one would provide a better sound?

[@iiWiReviews]

Given that cables are of the same quality, XLR should sound a little bit better (slightly cleaner and more lively). Also, if you by any chance have some kind of EMI interference near that cable, balanced connection is less affected by it.

[@Orpheuss62]

@@iiWiReviews Thx, fast as usual :) well, I ordered an XLR cable, made with the eternal Mogami 2549, for me it should be enough, if we consider that I listen in desktop regime, with speakers on either side of the monitor. All the bests for you.

[@duboracle]

Can you answer me how this DAC will compare to a NOS DAC like the denafrips (if i spell it right) or a other NOS DAC like a Metrum ? They have a higher number of THD but i believe the better sound (more natural) is not translated to these THD figures.

[@TripleE76]

A little bit coo-coo, love it.

[@jimloftis1617]

Thanks!

[@iiWiReviews]

Welcome!

[@nealcaffrey1251]

Do you prefer R2R DAC's over AKM or Sabre?

[@iiWiReviews]

Most of the times - yes. But you can always find a case of a great AKM/Sabre DAC that is better than the avarage R2R. For example, E70 (both Sabre and AKM) is better than Cayin RU6.

[@nealcaffrey1251]

@@iiWiReviews I think sometime in the future you can do DAC's (and other audio gear) Tier list video, most of us love this type of videos. Have a nice weekend.

[@burakoztimur8054]

@@iiWiReviews how about e70 velvet vs ares 2 vs d30 pro ?

[@revanshy498]

Weird question bro, I noticed you don't really talk about the headphone outs on the integrateds you review, could you just do a short summary video of the headphone outs on the integrated amps you have?

[@iiWiReviews]

Most integrated amps have very, very, modest headphone sections. I remember testing it on my Cyrus and Hegel... And even a low budget $150 dedictated HP amp walked all over them. Lately, I didn't even check it on Rega Brio and Atoll IN100. I maybe should but I got the impression that most integrated just put a very simple HP out just to be there...but not much tought is put into it.

[@revanshy498]

@@iiWiReviews ah thank you for the reply. I figured that was the case. I tried out my father's marantz 40n HP out and it was disappointingly unremarkable. Although I hoped there was at least one company who cared about it 😂

[@HowDareYouu]

what is the best newer DAC u recomend under 200euro? i own a topping e30 and it restarts itself for no reason 3 times per day, i hate it :(

[@iiWiReviews]

E30 II... If you're even considering Topping this time. 😅

[@HowDareYouu]

@@iiWiReviews i was affraid you would say that

[@deadline7610]

@@iiWiReviewsWhat happened to the E50 which is now $199 ?

[@Mladenac]

What is your power supply for your topping e30?

[@deadline7610]

@@Mladenac Anker power bank

[@LB-rq2ds]

I have schiit modi 3 now.....do you thing the topping E70 is much better?

[@leonardopapantoniou4227]

And what about E50 compared to this?

[@handcoding]

I’m likewise very curious about how it compares to the E50 as that’s the DAC that I currently have.

[@deadline7610]

​@@handcoding Just maybe if your using your E50 with just headphones there is little difference compared to a speaker setup.

[@benedyktczydziesty4399]

@@handcoding Hi Ashley, come to me, You will check AKM CHIP Yourself ;-))))).

[@krzysztofs3t532]

How these chinease boxes compare to some "milestone" not-chinease DACs? For example EarMan Tradutto, ifi iDSD, Chord Mojo 2 ?? - I mean in the sound spectrum, not in funcionality.

[@iiWiReviews]

Very well. From those you mentioned I had Tradutto. Both SU-9 pro and E70 velvet might even be a hair better DACs. Haven't tried Mojo 2, it's expensive here, in the same league with SU-10 that would for sure put a very good fight (and I personally expect it would better Mojo 2 given it's a bit better than Qutest to my ears).

[@lmcteo]

In terms of synergy, would this pair well with xduoo mt-604?

[@AhmedAddas]

I have e70v and i want to buy L70 or A70 pro. Which one is good as pre amp?

[@charlesurias]

I’m in the exact same boat. Have you heard much about the A70 Pro’s reliability? I’m learning towards the A70 Pro because I’ve heard that Topping’s Pre 90 preamp can improve the sound quality; not sure how true that is.

[@marekk842]

A mi personalmente me gusta bastante sonido de marca smsl. El mio es M7 con antiguo chip de AKG y con mi equipo cálido suena muy bien conectando como reproductor Mac Mini con Audirvana y también con HiBy pro Sabre

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

To answer My own question. just got the E70 velvet. Definitely sounds much more dynamic and forceful compared to the original mojo which I have. Excellent bass both in quantity and quality. Tonality is full bodied and lush as well and it does not cause listening fatigue. Highly recommend at this price point. I have the smsl D300 as well. Very smooth and analog sound yet highly detailed. Can listen to it for hours and at high volumes withourt any listening fatigue. On a side note differences in dacs can only be heard on extremely transparent and neutral hi fi stereo setup. Differences might be far lesser on headphones.

[@fatboyvin]

I also have the smsl d300, and looking to replace it with e70 (non velvet). How is the e70 velvet compared to the d300 in terms of overall sound quality?

[@agnelroshandsilva3929]

@@fatboyvin if you already have the smell d300 then avoid the e70 non velvet. The tonality will be very similar and you would not have much of a differentiation. The e70 velvet is much more bolder and fuller sounding in tonality and would give You a different sound than the smsl D300. Both the smsl D300 and the e70 velvet have non fatiguing high frequency. As always synergy between the rest of your components is also very important. Read My previous post here. Also wouldn't encourage you to replace the smsl D300 with the e70 non velvet as the smsl D300 sound quality is far superior.

[@fatboyvin]

@@agnelroshandsilva3929 thanks for your input, much appreciated sir

[@spamcan9208]

I'm annoyed when people ask "Will X amp work with Y dac?" so I agree fully with telling people to stop being lazy douche bags lol. To be clear, I don't have a problem with people asking questions. But you can tell who has at least done some research and those who want to be spoonfed answers.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Srboljub, it would seem that the E70 Velvet with filter #3 is similar to the Geshelli J2 AKM, I think. Though the bass quality may be different - in my opinion the J2 AKM is nearly perfect, bottom to top. I think that not only does the chip make a difference - but maybe even more importantly, the *filter* that is used - or available - is what can make or break the sound quality of a given DAC.

[@decoryder]

I have the Geshelli J2 AKM, and as soon as I receive the E70V I'll be comparing the two:)

[@decoryder]

Just got the E70V and no - not even close, it's much, much better than the J2 AKM. Not sure if it's a fair comparison though, since the e70V costs almost twice of what the J2 costs. The J2 sounds flat and 'metallic' compared to the E70V - I could go on and on, but like I said - I don't think it's a fair comparison. IMO the E70V is the best DAC Topping's ever made and prolly will set the 'new' standard for sub-500 dollar performance.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@decoryder Upgrading the J@ AKM with a linear power supply is a vast improvement. And cost $75-120 or so depending on the power supply you choose. I am using a dual voltage/dual output LPS that is powering the J2 and my Node 2i and this has an even great improvement.

[@decoryder]

@@NeilBlanchard I use high quality linear power supplies for both my J2 ESS and J2 AKM DACs. I never ran them with the stock wall-wart, so I honestly couldn't comment on any improvements with or without the LPS, but I do agree that in my experience they tend to have a beneficial effect. Even with the LPS though, the J2 is simply not in the same league with the E70V, and given the price differential, that's to be expected.

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@decoryder Okay, that's good to hear. I do think though, that price is not always a precise indicator of anything about sound quality. I have an Ares II and a Bifrost 2/64 and in my system, I strongly prefer the J2 AKM with a linear power supply. I have not ever used a J2 ESS, so I can't comment. I will be updating the firmware on the Ares II (I am pretty sure I have the upgradable FPGA chip in mine), and I will be comparing it again to the J2 AKM. One area that was weaker in the Ares II vs the J2 AKM is the bass quality and control. So having different DSP filtering before the DAC, could quite possible improve the Ares II, in this or other aspects. Like Geshelli has done, I would think that having a choice for filtering at all, or certainly having for than 3 options (like so many DACs have 6-9+ different "flavors" and filters - that it just doesn't help. The designer should do what they think is best - and then the buyer can choose based on this.

[@brooksc900]

I have a Bluesound (2021 version) Node music streamer connected to a Yamaha a/v receiver onto bookshelf speakers. I was wondering if I connected a Topping E70 velvet by coaxial from the Node and Analogue to the Yamaha I would get improved sound quality?

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't tested that Node yet so can't really tell you. But I will sometimes during this or next month.

[@brooksc900]

@@iiWiReviewsI look forward to watching your Node review and your opinions on the sound quality. The sound quality was discernible in MQA but have found the light indicator to be unreliable. Thank goodness for our ears! (^_-)

[@brooksc900]

@@iiWiReviews Bought the Topping E70 velvet today and I'm about an hour into listening to the new setup. Greater clarity and detail plus better instrument separation to my ears were immediately apparent. I have my setup on Surround Sound so the stage is 3D already but more so now. Really enjoying Smooth Jazz by Smooth Jazz from Tidal.

[@wyles8961]

How would the earmen tradutto hold up against the e70 velvet

[@iiWiReviews]

Tradutto is darker and punchier. E70 velvet is smoother and airier. They are in the same tier but I would give an edge to E70 velvet.

[@higobatman]

A diferença para os IFI ZEN DAC e SMSL D300 que eu possuo é muito grande e significativa? Agora fique ainda mais na duvida entre o E70 Velvet e o SU-9 Pro. Hehe!!! Is the difference to the IFI ZEN DAC and SMSL D300 that I own very large and significant? Now stay even more in doubt between the E70 Velvet and the SU-9 Pro. Hehe!!!

[@iiWiReviews]

If you're thinking about D300... I would suggest that both E70 velvet and SU9 pro are simply better. If the rest of the system is resolving, both should be a considerable upgrade to Zen DAC.

[@higobatman]

@@iiWiReviews What would be your Top 3 DACS under $500 and Top 3 DACS under $900? I own two systems here. I use the IFI ZEn DAC on one and the D300 on the other. The one in the living room consists of a Cambridge 851A + KEF R700 and the smallest in the bedroom with a Rotel A11 Tribute + B&W707S2. The D300 is sounding pretty aggressive. Not very good for not so good recordings. The ZEN DAC is better on these songs. I'm thinking of testing this E70 Velvet instead of the D300 to see if it's smoother, more refined and musical. What do you say! Would it be smoother, refined, less glarey, and more forgiving of all kinds of music than the D300?

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

What I would really like to know is how does the E70 compare to the D70S, which I consider to be the best DAC of all time...

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

"Best dac of all time" = "best dac I've tried". There, fixed it.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez guess you cant read. Which "I" consider to be the best. Nothing to fix.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@AbsoluteFidelity that title is only appropriate if you've heard products in every price point. You driving a Honda civic, then declaring it the best car in the world because its the only one you drove is laughable. Thats exactly what you did. It doesn't matter that you thought that, the language is inappropriate. You should say "the best I've tried".

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez nah, you are a just a smartass. I can say whatever I want from my point of view and I couldnt care less if you dont understand what I meant.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

@@AbsoluteFidelity your English is appalling. That should be corrected.

[@gamingandmusic9217]

Filter 3 is the default filter as per manual. No need to worry

[@iiWiReviews]

Interesting... Both of my units came with No. 2 active.

[@daviddmello5141]

@@iiWiReviews My unit arrived with No. 3 active as the default.

[@rarfn8035]

I wonder if it’s worth updating my old Peachtree DAC-ITx with any of these new DACs. Is anyone familiar with it? Thx.

[@dasninjastix]

"and you don't feel like a lazy douche bag that just asks" - lol and here I thought that commenters that demand comparisons and recommendations specific to them were doing you guys a favor 😉. Appreciate the content, but sort of hate that brands like Topping and SMSL have all these different offerings at relatively close price points that make it more confusing than it needs to be if you're trying to pinpoint a solution for your setup. Though I guess if having several different models all doing relatively the same eliminates Topping or SMSL from your purchasing consideration.. maybe they're actually helping consumers?

[@gamingandmusic9217]

Is the smsl su9 pro compatible with windows 11 ? Thanks.

[@iiWiReviews]

It should be, but can't say for sure since all my PCs are on W10.

[@Bob.martens]

There is no BT in DAC mode???

[@AhmedAddas]

SKYFALL by Adele is very good for testing please try to play it and give us your review. Thx😊

[@clabbem74]

can we pleced the p50 linear power supply to E70 Velvet ? thanks

[@iiWiReviews]

No, E70 velvet has AC inlet and internal power supply.

[@clabbem74]

@@iiWiReviews thanks ✌

[@ShadowHolder748]

Looking at the product page measurements, filter 3 is the most technically "correct".

[@masterazlan6999]

Akm better then ess bro...like muse compare to bur brown n so on..Akm goes well with THX amp chips too..peace!

[@sydneybird116]

"You won't feel like a lazy douche bag! HAHAHA But just tell me if I made a mistake to order a US$300 Schiit Modi Multibit 2 just this morning now that I see that you made a review of the E70 whatever version. oh, I'm being a lazy douche bag. Your review of the Multibit convinced me to try it out and see how it compares with two US$150 AK4493 DACs that I have. Thanks!

[@ekjellgren]

Which one would you get for the LS50'S? And what amp?

[@iiWiReviews]

It would depend on the amp and their matching. For example, Rega Brio would probably go nice with LS50 and E70 velvet. On the other hand, something brighter like Atoll IN100 amp would probably work better with regular E70.

[@ekjellgren]

@@iiWiReviews Are you looking to do a review of the Sanskrit 10th MK3 btw?

[@ekjellgren]

@@iiWiReviews Just watched your Brio review, and my LS50'S are in fact pretty close to the wall, mounted quite high. So.. perhaps a bit brighter amp? Still E70V?

[@MrSchwartz32]

Hi, I'm not a super expert, I have one question about the volume control. Since my main use for this dac would be via the optical cable to connect the tv, will this solution work in pre amp mode? Since in dac mode the volume is fixed, I really need to be able to control the volume with the dac's remote. thanks

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

yes

[@marekk842]

A final todo depende de sistema de escucha en salón, aveces viene bien conectar algún dac más analítico....

[@lowbudgetpcmr8122]

Hey bro i have a hd599 which dac should i go for under 50usd(not even a dollar more)

[@trubadyr99]

И тем не менее это Ваше ревю - это очень политически грамотно сделанное ревю. Мои поздравления и thumbs up! У меня остается вопрос: а какой Ваш самый любимый ЦАП in the category: reasonably priced "end game" kind of DAC?

[@KingFiercer_zip]

5:19 lmao, so related

[@REX4340]

Good DAC's should sound similar.

[@charlesurias]

I’m new to this audio stuff, and don’t know what to think. On the one hand a bunch of people say that nowadays all DACs sound the same, and spending more that $100 on one is absurd. Then on the other hand there are a bunch of people (who seem reasonable and intelligent) discussing the differences between different DACs. I don’t know who to believe.

[@ZeitdiebX]

It’s increasingly funny to me to see all these trashy low budget DAC‘s sporting the highest end chips completely ignoring the fact that two things alone comprise the sound quality of the device. And it’s not necessarily the chip itself. It’s the power supply, the quality of the op amps and the analogue stage. My AK 4493SEQ would force this fish out of the water every time. I‘m certain about it.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

You're a lot of talk but with no substance.