Topping D70S MQA DAC Review - Raising the Bar

[@IronHorsey3]

This is a great review. Your inclusion of preamp analysis sets you apart from almost everyone in a two channel speaker setup. Thank you for the hard work in sharing these details. Superb!

[@Soundnews]

Hi Roman, it was my pleasure. If you are searching for in-depth reviews, you came to the right place.

[@820SHAY]

Hi I dont understand can this dac perform as well preamp ? Without losing sound quality?

[@Renarification]

@@Soundnews 15:11 where is link to DAC comparison???

[@Flavius7]

Another day, another Topping DAC, more fun to watch. Good thing about Topping is price/quality value...mind blowing. The bad news is that similar to other Chinese companies from the moment the store sends you the unit you bought to the moment it gets to you...Topping already pulled out another DAC, with better specs. Good job, man!🙂 P.S. Great transient choice The Hu😉

[@JustBrowsing777]

Beautiful review once again. You Sir are great at what you do. Thanks for sharing all that knowledge and experience!

[@Soundnews]

Thanks mate! More is coming

[@JustBrowsing777]

@@Soundnews Looking forward to it 🤓

[@alonsov]

Thank you excellent review I learn a lot.. This will be my 1st formal DAC for use with SR8015.

[@AquaFreak]

He bro, iam also using topping dacs to run with my Marantz sr7015 👍🏼 the sound is way better then using the heos app or roon Tru the Marantz dac chipset.

[@alonsov]

@@AquaFreak Hi.. Roon it’s better for me. But I am testing mediacenter and audirvana

[@Dimaleth]

Discovered The Hu thanks to you, loving it!

[@Soundnews]

Mongol folk metal for the win!

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

If I didn't already have the D90 MQA, I'd grab this in a heartbeat! Nice review, as always!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

The 70S may be more natural sounding than your 90, as the Sabre chips in the 90 have a 'harder' more artificial upper mids and highs. Some people prefer that, but if you grew up with analog tape recording and LPs, the more natural higher frequency sound of the AKM chips in the 70S are clearly preferred.

[@ninja777de]

Hello. After I watched your review...I just impulse ordered and I received today. I just linked to my PC and to my Drop CTH hybrid amplifier and I just found that my Sennheiser Drop 6xx still had room to be improved by D70s. I'm not disappointed at all and there is a huge difference from my DX3Pro. Thank you!

[@HungryEatNow]

Wow I'm impressed They actually tweaked their design, it definitely paid off

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Wow, an excellent review!! Loved the Topping Desktop product range from the beginning E3-+L30 Stack to the flagship A90+D90 combo!! Would really love to see how these stand against the Gustard's product range!! Thank you

[@KeyboardSavant]

This is an excellent review! Your recommendation has definitely influenced my purchasing decision. I cannot wait to hear this for myself!

[@infinytower3317]

Excellent review! It helped me make a decision.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

This really has some important information. You review DAC's better than anyone. Thank you. Really. Thank you.

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! I think we can certainly expect D90S at one point.

[@andrewjames5218]

As always great review

[@Soundnews]

Thanks!

[@carlosvilhenavieira6968]

Very good Review. Thanks, another Topping DAC very good. Do you plan to Review Gustard X16? I would like to buy one of the two.

[@Soundnews]

X16 review is incoming, next month

[@carlosvilhenavieira6968]

@@Soundnews Very good, hope with this new review and information, I can decide.....

[@ga12f12o]

X16 is a measurement king. Curious for the review

[@johnanderson3853]

Always love Sandus reviews. A perfect mix of objective and subjective. The subjective is subjective, but I like and respect this guy, so I respect his educated opinion.

[@DBSTH0R]

Big thumbs up for tips on how to enable DAC only mode and turning off BT. It made a difference on my D90 (no MQA). Enjoyed the review and comparison. I am curious which filter did you use with D90 for this comparison? I found that I prefer the no. 2 (slow roll-off) or no.1 (no delay)...

[@Soundnews]

I use filter 3 with Topping gear

[@random-internet-dude]

Thanks for the review Sandu. I feel like Chifi DACs raised the bar so high that now it's more or less the same, just squeezing a few 0.001% here and there, with only the tuning left to really chose. Not gonna lie i'm more curious by the TONE2 Pro, it seems quite crazy all the things it does for this tiny form factor. Can't wait to see if it translates into something good sounding.

[@spektrograf]

Love your reviews-very articulate and approachable. 👍 When you do comparisons, it's especially helpful, since the words are most descriptive compared to something else. I noticed you have reviewed any Chord products. I'm curious how some of your favorite DAC's you've reviewed to date contrast with Chord's DAC's, since they've been a bit of a long-term darling for audiophiles over the years. Regardless, great work! Thank you for the work you put into it!

[@justasimplefox]

FYI, just changed the original fuse by an AHP one. It sounds a hair more detailed but also a hair softer and more natural. Could I live without? Yes. Will I leave it? Yes, there is no way back 🙂

[@Soundnews]

Cool little upgrade ;)

[@zeissiez]

Great detailed review. Two thumbs up 👍👍

[@calaf_725]

Thank you. I just got this dac and i like it very much. Can you tell me what DSD filters/settings you recommend please?

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

Does anyone know how this compares to the Schiit Bifrost 2?

[@ruigrilo5786]

Can you compare with SMSL SU-9 and Gustard x16

[@annelouisemendoza394]

Wow! This is a better option if d90 is too still a price. Thank you for this Sandu

[@TechEtrix]

I feel like I‘m still better off with my D90 MQA, since I‘m running a pair of Sony MDR-Z1R. Therefore I really don‘t want my DAC to be warmer than necessary, since my headphones already are a bit warmer and darker. This results in me having found a great sounding match with the D90 MQA/A90 Stack, so I don‘t think the D70s would suit into this stack any better than the D90 MQA. Still, the bigger soundstage etc is very tempting and I‘m really looking forward to a D90s. Thanks for the great review!

[@ivano.5249]

Hi! I actually bumped into your review, but the one from your website first and I was impressed by the amount of rich and useful information. It's a really well done and fun review to go through. BTW, thanks for recommending the band Wardruna. I really liked it. Has somehow similar colours to the band Dead Can Dance. If you are not familiar with it, I recommend you to check out the song "Song of the Stars" ;-) Cheers and good luck.

[@krmatiu]

Again another great video. Would you be able to review the Chord Qutest?

[@Soundnews]

Not sure, probably not. It is kind of old, but I'll try with the newest Chord stuff. I hear you

[@ruffandruff]

thanks a lot man for the review. Very well done.!!! Can you review the smsl M400 and compare it to topping d70s. Thank you

[@ramencurry6672]

This news sounds incredible! I may get it this summer

[@G-rig6969]

Seems like the D70S is as good as most people would NEED, I'm thinking that the SMSL D1SE may be worth the bit extra (just no DLAC). The Gustard X16 is the other contender. Just want what works best with active monitors.

[@steverathwell3804]

Trying to decide between the D70 and the Gustard x16. I know you reviewed both. What are your thoughts> Using TIDAL MQA and into a Tube amp driving BW 704s2

[@rezacjan]

Hi, great review, thanks a lot! BTW if you compare tihs D70 with Gustard X16 - which you consider as better DAC?

[@craoui]

Thank you for the great revue. I am using a Schiit Freya pre amp with an EDGE A2-300 power amp witch is connected for a pair of Triangle Comet Ez. My actual DAC is a D50s and I find it a bit lean in the mid with my set up. (I try Bifrost GEN 5 its better, but don't have the sub base and dynamic of the Topping) Do you thing the D70S will be a wise choice? Or maybe too much of a good things with the tube pre amp?

[@craoui]

Sandu, any chance you can help me on that one please?

[@nc3419]

If you have the Bitfrost 2 did you notice more depth in SS? I have a D50s clone and find its' sound more bunched and upfront between the speakers but decent for the price (under $200) when I bought it. The biggest thing is the glare. If someone were to compare the D50s and d70s with quick ab comparisons, you might not find much of a difference in detail and SS. But, over longer periods of time, the lack of glare, wider SS, the smoothness and beefier low to low mids makes for a nicer presentation. The Bitfrost 2 is said to have a bit more detail and increases the depth of SS so everything isn't so up front and center like in the D50s. The D70s widens the SS, but not sure if it approached the depth and separation of instruments of the bitfrost 2. Anything you can share appreciated.

[@bobzealand5692]

Just bought it will be my first dac pairing with Martin Logan motion 60 xti and crown 1450 amp I hope it’ll do something special

[@bobzealand5692]

Also am thinking of getting a class a amp do to noise floor not too good when at full level

[@rumcoffee3067]

Hello Sandu. Between D70s mqa, smsl su 9 and Topping D90 Mqa, which of them you ll choose for a more pleasant, engaging, detailed, bigger soundstage, better slamming and naturalness? Thank you

[@nc3419]

Given the price and capabilities, the D70s is the go to for many after reading the reviews and forums. SMSL SU 9 seems to have more bass but the D702 is more layered, defined from what I read plus I think Topping has better QC. D90 MQA isn't much a step up and the voltage outputs on the D70s are higher. What did you end up with? I'm deciding between the D70s and the Bitfrost 2 which may have better depth, separation and upper end detail. Some have stated the Modius matches the D90 with the Bitfrost 2 giving a bit more in detail and depth being more an R2R design.

[@ramasuharman7962]

Always great to see your review. Im corious how d70s compared to SMSL SU-9 sound quality wise. I missed the auto ON feature from topping dac. Thank you.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I want to know this as well! However, Josh Vallure gives the D70s MQA a nod in his $2700 headphone system build.

[@digitalnation2876]

better than RME adi2 ?

[@stephenfleschler9682]

My friend and I are using this DAC. I have two of them, silver and black. People are almost giving them away at $300 now used. Big mistake. I tried even half a dozen high end DACs selling up to $6,000. This DAC in my system is a place holder in my main listening room until I receive the Lampizator Poseidon ($25,000). It is playing through Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 (upgraded) speakers, a Jay's Audio CDt3 Mk3 CD only transport and Westminster Labs REI monoblock amps in a custom built listening room. Total retail for just those items is about $300,000. I observed all the input protocols of Soundnews (two friends told me prior to seeing this video review), with all of us using Filter 4. This is an amazingly fine sounding DAC, comparable to my analog setup ($24,000). I did not like any of Topping's prior offerings. I haven't heard their latest but this unit is the best recipe (and I disdain cheap OP amps costing $3 to $5 as in this unit-I prefer discrete electronics or a custom built, Sparkos or Burson model heard in expensive DACs). I probably will be using the silver unit in the living room for digital only (my wife prefers ease of use) set-up with a silver Shanling ET3 transport (2023/4 model and a bargain).

[@justasimplefox]

Same here, I have also 2 and they are staying 😊

[@xyanide1986]

Nice review! It's hard to find someone that can give a good context to sound signatures and has so many mid range DACs reviewed for a bit of comparison too.

[@Soundnews]

Thank you for your kind words..

[@harryt988]

I enjoyed your review Comrade

[@Soundnews]

Thanks Harry...but I don't have any slavic blood, it's just my eastern european accent

[@AquaFreak]

Thanks for the review! I bought it today and just connected it, I own the topping dx7pro wich I really love. But after seeing your review about the D70s MQA I decided to buy it in the hope it would sound even better. I only can say it does not sound any better than the dx7pro right out off the box. So iam going to give it at least a 100 hours burn in and then make up my mind again about this new topping D70s MQA. ( How much time did you give it before doing critical listening?)

[@nc3419]

After this period of time, how do you like it? Is it more or less holographic on speakers? I'm looking at this and a Schiit Bitfrost 2. Both should give about the same level of detail and layering but Bitfrost should give more depth in SS. Flipside, more connections and format capability for a bit less $$. Any big differences between XLR and RCA as to SQ when ajisted for loudness? Any thought appreciated.

[@tillaard61]

The Topping D70S decodes, in contrast with the D90mqa, MQA on USB input only.

[@zoranbabic249]

I have gustard a22 and it is to hot on upper register with my ribbon speakers, from what i got in this review d70s should be smoother in upper register? Thanks again for great review as always

[@Soundnews]

Hi Zoran, you are right, A22 was lit up top and quite bright with certain electronics. D70S is completely different, much smoother in the top-octave

[@zoranbabic249]

@@Soundnews thanks for info, will order d70s😁

[@zoranbabic249]

D70S arrived yesterday, it already sounds smoother than Gustard A22 i know that after 100sh hours will be broken in and sound even more smoother, thanks again for great recommendation :)

[@riccitone]

Wonderful…I’ve been wanting to get back to s delta sigma design, but have been using the airist r2r for some time and don’t want to lose those euphonics. You’ve compared to the denafrips series…can d70s still give you comparable staging and qualities of the ares II?

[@amb3cog]

Great review, but I'm not sure about one thing. At the end did you imply it was good with poor recordings? Or was very revealing of them? I'm asking because I listen to a lot of low quality stuff, recording and quality wise. So I try to avoid gear that's too revealing. And this seems right up my alley, so long as it works OK with all recordings. Thank you. ✌️

[@Soundnews]

Hey mate, low-fi music is my daily diet so no worries D70S worked well with that too.

[@amb3cog]

@@Soundnews Appreciate the reply. I almost wish it was the opposite though. Because I really don't need another DAC at all. But man this thing is so tempting me right now. Thank you. ✌️

[@stephenfleschler9682]

@@Soundnews Low-fi. I have 7,000 78s and about 3,500 of my CDs are of pre-tape era recordings, 1,000s of CDs of acoustic recordings (mostly vocal). It works wonders in a high end system on all types of music.

[@josefernandez2722]

Thanks a lot for a great review. I just got it and I wanted to know in your opinion, which input and source (music streaming, PC files etc) do you think this would sound best with?

[@jonathana.4187]

Hello, thank you for your video. I just subscribed to your channel. Will it be an upgrade if I’ll be coming from Schiit Modi 3 DAC? Thanks.

[@KytexEdits]

Hey man I gotta ask: You said you also listen to some metal, I found that my current ifi zen dac sig can be too slow for that kind of music, how fast do you think the d70s is compared to the zen dac sig?

[@Soundnews]

If you need a good DAC for metal, D70S isn't the best choice, as I find it quite mellow and relaxed. Check their D90 SE that is better in this regard and if you can add some more funds, Gustard's X26 PRO rocks really hard - a very punchy and visceral sounding unit. This would be my choice.

[@KytexEdits]

@@Soundnews Thanks for the response, the tough part is that my budget is only 600 euros, meaning 600 euros new or used. So for example I might be able to fit the d90, are there any other's you'd recommend at or below 600 either new or used? I'm also in Europe and looking on hifishark for ads.

[@Soundnews]

@@KytexEdits Check Soncoz SGD1, it's cheaper, but sounds snappy, impactful and very visceral with metal, check my review for it. It should work really well for your needs.

[@KytexEdits]

@@Soundnews That's funny I was just about to ask you about it after watching some other reviews of it. Thanks for the rec!

[@KytexEdits]

@@Soundnews I just bought one, I'll get it next week hopefully, thanks again!

[@tomas_m]

Is D90S coming?

[@newton5954]

March or April was reported to me.

[@tomas_m]

@@newton5954 awesome, thanks

[@DBSTH0R]

Whats the difference between D90 and D90S?

[@newton5954]

@@DBSTH0R Well in terms of sound quality it’s hard to know how it’s going to sound but apparently it’s gonna sound better let me elaborate when I asked him I’m looking for more detail retrieval more airiness more dynamics bigger soundstage they said yes you should be very happy with this product I said OK I guess we’re going to wait and see. The difference is is a different dac chip that’s all I know right now and it probably will output 5 V on XLR and 3v on rca if that’s the case it is already better than the D 90 in that regard ! They will use a single Design ess chip inside instead of the d90 using an AKM chip

[@DBSTH0R]

@@newton5954 5V on XLR is an improvement, not sure about the ESS chip but knowing the engineering I hope they avoid the infamous ESS hump. I am hoping for detailed but more in line with what D70S has to offer presentation. I guess we'll see. Or hear soon... :) Thanks for the info.

[@beyond_of_me]

Sandu thanks for your opinion. Can you tell me, for an i2s connection, is there any superiority of the d90 over the d70s?

[@Soundnews]

Hi Albert, I2S completely bypasses the receiver circuits (XMOS XU216 and the AK4118) for a purer/cleaner signal, both 90 and D70S would perform similar via I2S, just make sure that your USB to I2S converter is compatible with either of these units.

[@beyond_of_me]

yes. i use amanero interface with i2s d90. I just wanted to know if the 4499 has any advantages over the 4497 in terms of i2s connection?

[@sorinirimia]

hello. i use as DAC an AUNE s6 PRO in a stereo system (yamaha AS 1100 and KEf R300). . it has the same chip AM4497 as D70S. do you think Topping would be better?

[@FroiValencia]

Great review. 👍 what would you recommend, smsl su9 or d70s? I like good bass.

[@vlax12]

For the bass go with SU-9. For everything else - D70s

[@stephenfleschler9682]

@@vlax12 Maybe for some missing adequate bass. I have a pair of 15" built-in REL diamond subs with 1000 watt Class D amps in my speakers. Bass is great with the D70s.

[@larsv6144]

I currently use a Bluesound Node 2i as streamer (with a Topping E30). Now I like to upgrade the DAC but the Node 2i only has Coaxial output (to bypass DAC). So instead of being limited in choice, I might look for another streamer (with out dac preferably). Do you have suggestions? I like the Bluesound app, so another steamer needs to be easy to operate with iPhone and iPad. Don't care for bluetooth or multiroom.

[@nc3419]

A good choice would be Schiit Modius, Modi MB or even Bitfrost 2? I am looking at d70s and Bitfrost but some stated Modius is up there with D90. Did you end up with another dac? I found the E30 too polite.

[@backrack01]

The third generation bluesound node will be able to use USB to connect to DAC. If you decide to get one...just know you won't be able to use the USB to connect to your DAC until they roll out the update to do so. The people at Bluesound implied that the USB update will be rolled out within the next few months.

[@ychilds99]

What would be the associated Topping pre-amplifier with this device? I don't see an A70 on the site?

[@Soundnews]

Topping Pre90 will be their sole preamp for a while.

[@ychilds99]

I thank you kindly for taking time to answer individual questions! Even small ones.

[@georgelin6472]

How does this compare to the original d70 in terms of sound if mqa is not a factor

[@Soundnews]

Hi George. Original D70 was rolled off at both frequency extremes and it was quite slow and mellow sounding. It was quite limited in terms of sub-bass energy and upper-treble information, earning the spot of my least favorite Topping DAC. D70S is entirely something else, I've sent them a long sheet on what should be improved about a year ago, glad to report that everything I wanted it to be is inside the D70S.

[@georgelin6472]

@@Soundnews thanks that makes me reconsider getting d70s instead of d90 maybe due to price

[@stephenfleschler9682]

@@Soundnews D70 is not worth buying at any price with so many better low cost used units ESPECIALLY the D70s.

[@danielkowalski7527]

so is this better than d30pro? or just diffrent? ^^

[@ruigrilo5786]

Can I connect directly to a power amplifier and control the volume from the dac It works?

[@Soundnews]

Hi Rui, sure, you can do that. It has a remote that controls its voltage output

[@ruigrilo5786]

@@Soundnews So, what amplifier you suggest to connect to a jllab Electra 915 speakers, 90dB and 175watts. Thanks for your advise

[@Soundnews]

@@ruigrilo5786 The one that you already have?

[@ruigrilo5786]

@@Soundnews I had that speakers connected to a Yamaha dsp A2 to home cinema but now I think to change to improve sound and take the most of the speakers, what you think? Thanks for the help

[@Soundnews]

@@ruigrilo5786 JM Lab/Focal Electra 915 are not easy to drive according to their specs and sheer size. I would use a Class-AB amplifier with an oversized transformer. A used KECES S125 would do wonders with them - you can find them sometimes at ~$800-900. There are of course plenty of other amps that would do the same, stay away from class-D amps with such a speaker.

[@oscar4393]

to match d70s must be a digital preamplifier or even an analogic one...vintage,etc?Thanks

[@stephenfleschler9682]

First type I've encountered the word analogic. Analog preamplifier is fine. Used with a custom built 6 subminiature tube preamp, EAR 864 and EAR 912 preamplifiers, all tube analog type.

[@kentakagesaki6747]

Hi. Is this still worth it with the D90se being out?

[@dixter1652]

hmm... so now when does Topping release the D90s with dual DACs... one of the issues with having these new DACs and AMPs with this kind of specs you really have to match the proper headphone to them or your not getting to hear how they sound... if you have a dynamic range from a DAC/AMP of 125db + and you don't have a headphone that can reproduce that with good SPL ? These new DAC/AMPs are unreal with the proper headphones with plenty of SPL...

[@newton5954]

The next dac they will make will be called d90 or d90se and will only use 1 dac chip and that’s the ess chip. They say it will be the next flagship and better details and air and smooth sounding that was reported to me. The release date if all goes well will be March April coming up that was started. Pricing no idea but I think it will be less then d90 !! Let’s see I’m excited for this dac

[@dixter1652]

@@newton5954 they all ready have the d90... I have one now.... thats why I wrote d90s... one of the reasons to use double dac chips is you get better dynamic range and other specs improve... will be interesting what they come up with... a little bit surprised they changed the footprint on the d70s as it no longer matches any of the amps...

[@slsmaster]

Good Match for Soloist 3X?

[@papermoonmarc]

Please compare to Gustard X16

[@yogiwp_]

Wow so is this a better choice than Ares 2? (Assume I like Ares 2 sound).

[@Soundnews]

I didn't try the Ares version no.2, but I'm pretty sure D70S would sound wider and more detailed (just an educated guess, no more)

[@yogiwp_]

@@Soundnews I see. Surprised that this is at similar level to Venus. Was that only in terms of sound stage, or other aspects as well? Would love to know more about this comparison.

[@newton5954]

@@Soundnews hopefully you can review it the Ares 2 🤘🥇🙏 it’s awesome!

[@ceddy1031]

Is this D70S do MQA only through USB? What about digital coaxial?

[@Soundnews]

Only via USB and I2S.

[@MsSaxist]

Should I get this or the schiit modius and magnus stack to run balance?

[@nc3419]

Did you end up with a Modius? Some say they preferred it over a D90 and moving up to Bitfrost 2 gave more depth in SS.

[@MsSaxist]

@@nc3419 I ended up with topping D30 Pro and A30 Pro. I'm happy with it.

[@nc3419]

@@MsSaxist Good combo, enjoy!

[@ArmandoGarcia-rz1ij]

Will it decode mqa if I m bluetoothing tidal from my phone?

[@bobzealand5692]

Yes

[@mzhou05]

Why your speakers are in side a hole? Bad placement i would say

[@the0nlytrueprophet942]

In a nutshell, should I pay the extra for a d90?

[@Soundnews]

Hi Sam, it depends on your system, on your preference and on what you want to achieve. D70S is by no means a lower tiered device to D90, read the comparison it is all there. I am a transient response nut, so D90 would work better for me, to others D70S might appeal more..

[@newton5954]

@@Soundnews When I look at your review score it seems that you give more resolution and more dynamics a higher score on the D90 compared to the D70S why is that? And when you say you’re translucent nut what does that mean and what does it mean to translate into better sound quality you say you would prefer the D90 here so does it have better than the D70s ? Nvm price and d70s being cheaper I like a very full dynamic sound but I want to hear every little detail spaciously nothing overly boosted from one another just a unit that plays everything with so much air and space around everything think the d90 is in my opinion the better sounding unit the D70 ass seems like it’s boosted especially in the frequency mid range and it doesn’t use the flag ship dac so I don’t know why it would sound better when though it uses 2 chip so what ? Any thoughts 💭 🙏

[@nc3419]

@@newton5954 "translucent nut"...in the history of mankind, I think you're the first put those two words together. D70s a bit more smoothness, the D90 probably a bit more analytical.

[@dimitry1888]

Pronunciation 😃

[@r00s.]

No awards? I just ordered this over the Gustard X16. Hope I made the right decision!

[@Soundnews]

What do you mean by no awards? It got a gold medal, check the article. I like the D70S a lot more than the X16..

[@r00s.]

@@Soundnews My mistake. I read your written article after buying the D70s. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Without a doubt, this is the best Delta-Sigma DAC I have heard! I use it mostly for DSD, but it is a great all-around DAC. Very detailed and slamming bass...Just what I was hoping for! I have been using a Schiit Gungnit MultiBit for PCM and I agree with your assessment that the D70s has sonic similarities with R2R DACs. I will probably still use the Gumby for most PCM, but the D70s is no slouch though. Thanks for the excellent reviews, both in video and written form. Cheers!

[@nc3419]

@@r00s. What differences do you notice between the Gumby and the D70s? I am looking at the D70s and the Bitfrost 2. Is there a big difference in instrument separation and depth of SS? Which sounds tonally more accurate? Anything you can share appreciated.

[@r00s.]

@@nc3419 The Gumby has slightly more detail and sounds a bit more "natural," while the D70s has more bass slam and is a tad "smoother." Sorry for the imprecise terminology. Hope this helps!

[@nc3419]

@@r00s. That helps. I think then the Bitfrost will have a bit less detail from the Gumby but retain naturalness. The bass slam, mids and smoothness with no digital glare is also nice on the D70s. I think it may be just a step behind in that regard compared to MB dacs. Lastly, how do you find the depth of SS between the two? Is the Gumby much deeper? I've read the MB design is deeper with instruments farther apart (separation) but the D70s etches around instruments better? I guess if I wanted to go budget I could just get the Modius but for the additional, however marginal the improvement, that takes a sizable step up in cost. The Modius is said to beat most under $300 or even higher but the AKM 4493 might be a bit to soft compared to other dac chips.

[@soundman2604]

Did you say its one of the best DAC'a since 1947? lol

[@Soundnews]

I didn't.

[@stephenfleschler9682]

How about 2017? Probably. At that price, absolutely.

[@flatericy]

So dac has "meat"?

[@hsinkai1557]

The way to pronounce DAC is D-A-K not D-A-R-K

[@philipw7058]

Where these people get there comparisons is beyond me,all these reviews are a joke,his experiences will most likely be totally different in your space with your completely different system and space so do yourself a favor take these products home and listen for yourself his opinions will not be yours there is so much criteria involved that will make your experience better or worse

[@stephenfleschler9682]

I generally agree after 50+ years of reading reviews. However, the D70s in my system sounds EXACTLY the same as represented by Soundnews. That is very rare. See my latest posting here for some of my equipment (very high end).

[@philipw7058]

I thought I was replying to the gustard r2r dac something must have gone a stray