Topping D90 III SABRE DAC Review and Comparison, Best Sounding D90 yet?

[@Tharbamar]

↘Associated Component List In Video Description ↙ ☝Be careful of scammers in the comments or social media platforms who pretend to be me and trying to scam. 👋I'm not hosting giveaways or asking you to contact me. 👍A real comments/replies from me has a GRAYED OUT profile name just like this comment. 🫵 Also, due to spam posts, links are No Longer Allowed in comment section. Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@Rascallucci]

Wow, I believe this is by far the most transparent DAC you have reviewed at least at this price point. All you have to do is listen to the jazz/Neo-Soul guitar solo towards the end of the track. I love Neo-Soul guitar and it stands out the most on the D90 III Sabre. I compared it to your latest review on the SMSL SU-X and even the Denafrips Pontus II, they were close, but they couldn't top the Topping D90 III Sabre. It was more than just transparency as well, the guitar had a tad more meat on the bone than the other 2 too. Although the casing looks a bit pedestrian at this price point, but to my ears it sounds the best.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I'll wait for the Triple chip D90 III pro plus mk2 to come out next week. Itll be way better 😉

[@Tharbamar]

Don’t wait until next week if you want more chips, they already have OCTO.😌

[@AdiMaco]

Beside the fact that I enjoy your reviews, I also apreciate your audio system!

[@Tharbamar]

Glad to hear it!

[@harryhoplite6456]

It would be nice to know the difference between this DAC and the "similar" D70 Sabre that you have reviewed previously.

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Great sounding. But, I think SMSL SU-X sounded a tad better (through MDR-7606). SU-X was less delta sigma sounding than Topping to my ears.

[@momkagura518]

In the sound demo between the D90 III and the SU-X review, it's hard to tell which part of the DAC is influencing the final sound, because the bass in this sound demo is significantly leaner than the SU-X demo. It lost its SPL when the lower tones hit. I'm guessing it's because of the bookshelves vs the towers in the SU-X demo. Thanks for the review, Tharbamar

[@seanchong4596]

What is the different compare to D70 sabre sound character?

[@rockman22]

I have the original D90 with the old AK4499 chip, I think I got for $499 on sale, if the new generation is just a squeak better @ $900 I consider myself lucky to have purchased the original generation.

[@AttilaBalla87]

If it would be possible I would go with the 1st generation too. That wasn't only the cheapest but the most neutral (lifelike) one.

[@azabu98]

Tharbamar, thank you for your reviews. When doing the sound test could you use something like the Hero duet by Mariah Carey and Luciano Pavarotti. This gives a good balance between female and male vocals. I also find this track is revealing when testing dacs.

[@Tharbamar]

Ok who is going to pay for copyright?

[@estonianpunk]

Try placing your vibration damping footers directly under the chassis. If possible use only three. Cheers!

[@mikechivy]

Ahhh. That’s why my setup sounds like garbage. Thanks!

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

🤣🤣🤣@@mikechivy

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

OMG.. do you actually belive in this voodoo magic? 🤦‍♂

[@michaelfinnerty4661]

How does it compare to the SMSL SU-10 & which would you prefer?.

[@Infynyte]

Thank you one more time for this nice review as always. Do you consider that this D90 III DAC is better than the Eversolo DMP-A6 DAC? If I use the DMP-A6 only as a streamer transport connected to this D90 III could be a sound quality improvement? Thank you! :)

[@sensualandu]

I like your method of scoring using stars. However, it seems that all reviewed products only have scores of 4 stars or higher. Are you satisfied with everything?

[@Tharbamar]

@sensualandu Actually not all, as of recently OCTO DAC, Modius E DAC, Arylic H50 streaming amp etc., received only 3.5 stars but in modern day manufacturing capabilities there're hardly bad sounding audio products in general but if I find something that I can’t accept it in sound quality or price and performance of it I will send it back because I don’t lie to my viewers but in all of reviewers I have most honest reviews, some of them even threaten by lawsuits in the past. Probably you’re saying based on a few videos that you watched but there has been some of them, generally I have to be careful and fairly rated for the each product objectively. Thanks for the comment.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great video! Do you think the D90 III would go well with the Bluesound Node?

[@Tharbamar]

Yes, definitely. Thanks

[@johnb6677]

How does this DAC compare to the Schitt Bifrost 2/64 DAC?

[@AttilaBalla87]

Using the same case wasn't too clever from Topping. Do you plan to review DX9?

[@Tharbamar]

Not at this time, thanks

[@mizujunior2519]

HI I bought this DAC out of watching your videos, now I need a streamer for my music library on my ssd hard drive, and I am checking out the SMSL SD9 or the Ifi Zen streamer to connect my Topping D90 III, what do you suggest?

[@Tharbamar]

I would suggest you to try WiiM Pro first, thanks

[@mizujunior2519]

@@Tharbamar Thank you I will check it out

[@suzannevanslyke7294]

We just purchased the Pontus 2 12 Anniversary DAC. Can you help us figure out the correct connection from the Naim Atom Integrated Streamer to the Pontus 2 12 Anniversary DAC. Which cables and which inputs should be used? We currently have RCA Cables going from the Pontus DAC into the Denon Receiver. The Naim Atom Steamer does not appear to have a coaxial out. We are not having any luck with the connections. What inputs should the coaxial cable go into from the Streamer to the Pontus? Do you have a better recommendation for a connection hook-up?

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, it’s not going work together because Atom does not have digital output, you’ll have to use different streamer with Pontus II 12 or you can simply just use Atom built-in DAC instead.

[@audiojunkie1047]

Hello from Northern California!! Thanks for great review!! 💯💥🎉 What model of isolation pads are you using with DAC in this review? Amazon link provided shows tree different models... please clarify. I currently own D90 Gen 1 with Singxer SU-2 pairing going to Denafrips Hestia PreAmp. From strictly sound perspective should I also upgrade DDC when upgrading to Topping D90 III... or would DAC upgrade be sufficient in current setup? Would like to know what you think? Thank you for your time!

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, I would start with D90 III first based on current set up and you might even be able to remove Pre Amp from your audio chain if you want to use D90 III as Pre DAC but it is all depends on paring components, Thanks

[@audiojunkie1047]

@@Tharbamar Thank you for prompt reply! If I may trouble you a second time what model of isolation pads in use during this video review? Thanks 👍

[@Tharbamar]

@@audiojunkie1047 I think it was 39mm in size, please see more detail in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2fUiXSojpipZ8k

[@VirusForPrez]

Hi Tharbamar just wondering if you've ever reviewed the Chord Mojo 2 dac and if it's worth the asking price ,i mean compared to Chifi offerings like the Topping Dx-7 pro+ and the likes . thanks

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, DX7 Pro Plus is better buy in sound and performance for the price, MoJo 2 is way overpriced for what it can do, you’ll be better off with something like xDuoo XD05 Pro if you need portable/desktop modular design. xDuoo XD05 Pro Modular DAC Review, New Dawn of Modern DAC kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYire62GqruGeq8 Comparing High End DAC Chips in xDuoo XD05 Pro kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZzPoJSsa9uJnbM

[@lwdp74]

I’ve built my system around Topping products and I’m very pleased with the sound, but Topping’s instructions SUCK. Trying to understand illegible instructions with English, Chinese and French is a nightmare, and with the tiniest type available. It’s almost impossible to download a manual from their website while proving😢 I’m not a machine and seizing up. Their manuals should each be in one language and better explained. I can fart around and select my PRE90’s terminals and still can’t get it right! *PS* Just successfully downloaded my Topping instructions and am all totally english and well written section provided! Works great now!

[@dicksontong6498]

I am D90iii+A90d at the moment but with onyko A9755 amp

[@mizujunior2519]

HI recently bought this DAC, because of your videos, I would like to know best way to play my music thats on my Hard Drive to this DAC with out using Laptop or PC, which will give me the best sounding quality?

[@Tharbamar]

Hello, only way is to set up UPnP network with software even that you will still have use server to host.

[@thiocephas1503]

What DAC do u recommend for purely sound quality in 2k to 3k (sgd) price range?

[@mr_billb]

@tharbamar What stands are you using with your JBL L100 Classic 75 speakers? Do you like these stands better than the stock stands that come with the Classic 75s?

[@Tharbamar]

Hi, I’m using custom made 19” hardwood stands, it greatly improves bass response and stereo image, thanks

[@mr_billb]

@tharbamar They are very nice looking and sounds like an improvement. Where did you purchase them from? I am Interested in a pair

[@ValterSuriZis]

Please rank these three DACs Loxjie D50,SMSL SU9 PRO and Topping D70 Sabre for me in terms of quality and compare them to Mudica's Draco. Thank you very much.👍

[@Rider4683]

Is it d70 pro octo better than the D70 pro sabre? And why? I've the dx7 pro now. Is it a good idea to take the d70, it change?

[@bengleason508]

What stands did you use with your L100 75th?

[@Tharbamar]

I’m using custom made 19 inch hardwood stands.

[@ccshell]

Does it have a high gain setting? Just bought mine today and put it with a schiit aegir and not very loud. My old schiit stack (modi + magni) with high gain was much louder

[@Tharbamar]

You can change the output voltage in the setting or it might be in variable mode, try it in fixed mode.

[@vic2kmy]

The 899 USD price should be as of Jan 2024, not 2023 right?

[@Tharbamar]

it's corrected, thanks

[@mizujunior2519]

How does this compare to the D70 pro sabre?

[@nainghtetsoeyi7440]

Hi Bro, I'm using Matrix Audio X-Sabre-3 DAC/Streamer (with digital volume control) and Perreaux audiant 100p power amplifier (without volume control). May I check whether I should get passive preamp between my DAC and Power Amplifier to leave the DAC volume control at 0Db fixed? Could I get any benefits with passive preamp?

[@Tharbamar]

Passive pre will help you get possibly best results because most DAC digital volume control makes sound thinner, thanks

[@nainghtetsoeyi7440]

@@Tharbamar many thanks for your kind answer bro.

[@freedoctor5309]

I added a DAC in front of the Accuphase C-3900, and the sound became clearer, the three-dimensional layers were richer, and the dynamics increased.

[@progrock3603]

Would this Dac sound any better with the the U90 Topping usb bridge connected?

[@Tharbamar]

I do not use any DDC, thanks

[@sebanambrus9265]

how this compares to Gustard A26 ?

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

Is the dac plug n play or is their drivers that need to be installed in order to use the built in dac?

[@Tharbamar]

Only with Windows computers, the rest is plug and play.

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

@@Tharbamar so you can connect into power amp via xlr then dac is active?

[@Tharbamar]

Yes but Power Amp must be off.

[@denis4072]

I don't hear any differences from from their LE90 or D90SE DAC expect for price increase. Sound stage sound small and lifeless in this demo.

[@Tharbamar]

Take my word or audition it in your own system because we cannot judge any audio equipment based on KZbin sound samples, it’s just to have tiny bit of taste, probably you can hear about 60% of actual sound if you use Sony MDR-7506 monitor headphones for my sound samples.

[@34332]

Different opinions I guess. I found it quite good sounding and certainly not lifeless..

[@andymill8552]

@denis4072: Basically you are listening to compressed KZbin sound over your own sound system (tiny computer speakers?) at home. Probably in Tharbamar's room it sounds fine. That's why sound demo's over KZbin are rather useless. The only thing you can hope for is try to make out differences between the different sound samples with a very good headphone. But even that is a lottery. Therefore, as Tharbamar also says, the best way to judge equipment is in your own home over your own sound system.

[@shenayajon]

How this new topping compares vs old d90se ?

[@Tharbamar]

Please see from 6:40 in this video.

[@streamcnoremorse3323]

Hi! This vs SMSL SU-X?

[@Tharbamar]

SMSL SU-X DAC World Premiere Review and Comparisons kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4u2g4JpqZJjopI

[@streamcnoremorse3323]

@@Tharbamar Thanks! Already watch it but can not find where Topping DIII mentioned. Question of price

[@streamcnoremorse3323]

10:58

[@gfsanches1]

This one or Smsl SU-X? Thank you

[@Tharbamar]

I have not listened to them back to back yet but I will be doing comparison in a few weeks, thanks

[@matytinman]

ESS ES9039SPRO x2. Good sound. AK4499EX. I like it more: SMSL PL200 CD Player DAC Review, Addicted with Sound! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGPPpYxurpt9pas

[@milosevicbojan07]

Something weird is happening in the sound.....

[@AttilaBalla87]

What do you mean?

[@milosevicbojan07]

@@AttilaBalla87 don't know... sounds don't have expression...

[@AttilaBalla87]

@@milosevicbojan07 Right, emotions are missing.

[@REX4340]

Overly smooth, bit like Fiio R7

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

@@milosevicbojan07 Maybe because the DAC wasn't leveled out properly with an accurate spirit level, or maybe he forgot to place the rubber feet under the DAC to cut out the vibrations. 🙃

[@igorkravchenko2838]

Sad !!!

[@paulomontero12]

No offence but he puts me to sleep

[@REX4340]

It's 2024 and you're still doing the same recordings with the same mic/recorder, same music. Zzzzz😅

[@Tharbamar]

Don't need fix it if not broken.

[@REX4340]

@@Tharbamar Wake up! All your videos sound the same.

[@Tharbamar]

Nope.

[@REX4340]

@@Tharbamar you best learn from KZbinrs that aim for the best before you get left behind.

[@Tharbamar]

If listen properly NONE OF MY RECORDINGS SOUND THE SAME. It’s called reference song, not for musical enjoyment. (Also I’m allowed to use it) Thanks If you’re concerned with me being left behind but it’s okay because I don’t compete with anyone, I’m already retired at young age just doing this for hobby. Who is making decisions based on KZbin sound quality in general? No one should, I never suggested to anyone to judge audio components based on online sound samples alone, just there to have it as last resort and somewhat useful to the people who can’t audition the components. Frankly, what do I care of anyone who thinks sound samples are more important than my opinion. Thank you for your concern and comment.

[@ValterSuriZis]

Please, does the Topping D90 le make a big difference in sound compared to the Topping D30 pro and the Topping L50. Have a nice day

[@Tharbamar]

It is different but how big the difference is in sound quality is all depending on paring components. Thanks

[@rockman22]

The unfortunate answer is maybe, and its also subjective to you and your system. You just have to try it to see, really no other way around it. But if your have > $2000 set of speakers, my guess is probably yes.