I AM SO IMPRESSED BY YOUR ENGLISH! You express such subteties with such excellent refined vocabulary! This makes your reviews lusher, richer, deeper with finer detail and more focus than many others! When you review, I have to prick up my ears! All the best, Rob in Switzerland
@bobb.9917Ай бұрын
Soooo..you are saying that his reviews have the sound quality of a great DAC! 😀
@aj8kyАй бұрын
@@RobWhittlestone Agreed! Not only is his English Impeccable, his vocabulary allows him to explain things in ways other reviewers can’t. I live in England, but my English is so bad that my friends often have to translate my English into English. They hate having to do it all the time, mainly because my limited vocabulary is mostly unrepeatable when among polite company! 🏴 All the best!
@andrewbock3203Ай бұрын
Agree. Your sound stage is precise, big, bold and three-dimensional 😅
@GoggleAXАй бұрын
😂😂🙌🏼👍🏼
@audiolife50382 ай бұрын
I love your accent and you really are the best reviewer from the 50+ hifi reviewers I follow. Very good and intelligent explanations 🙂
@aaronfriedman820124 күн бұрын
Best Reviewer! I saw your review on the Topping D90III Discrete and Topping B200 and purchased both. So far, I tested just the D90 III Discrete. I had a Gustard A26. I like the Topping better. In my opinion it has much better separation and everything is more pinpoint with a larger soundstage. The A26 sounds slow and forward in comparison. I tried the Topping with DDC Denafrips Gaia and the Gaia makes it sound fuzzier (not as clear). Thanks again for an awesome review! I get great results using Audioquest 1.5m USB2.0 cable to connect from my computer to the DAC. Some cables sound congested and slow.
@arnaudbaudon84522 күн бұрын
Hi Thanks for this report. One years that I hesitate to buy a A26 Gustard ... I think I will choose the Topping D90 Discret finaly ... I need clarity, sharpness without harsh and dynamic for my listening . Good listening
@davidrivera21652 ай бұрын
Excellent review! I still prefer the Gustard a26 as it's very airy and detailed, yet not cold or analytical. According to your comments on this Topping a decent tube preamp would be needed to add body and fullness and remove hard edges common to all highend analytical dacs. Thank you for your excellent work that benefits our community.
@tupuhumuhumunukunukuapuaa30932 ай бұрын
Such a great value, especially when you consider how that thing is built.
@SunsetClaire-x1r2 ай бұрын
This Topping with Audio Space Ref 2S, Linlai E-300B, RCA red base 5691 quad, Anode direct, low negative feedback, Tesla E34L rectifier (brown base) via A90D (max volume 99) to Topping B200. Heavenly sounding to Revel Ultima Salon (first gen).
@aaronfriedman820124 күн бұрын
I had the A26. The A26 to me sounded abet slow and forward. I sold it and now I am using this DAC.
@harryfattbak87402 ай бұрын
Mr. Worth It, Excellent review! Thank you! I would like to mention to you my recent Topping experience. I own the D90III Sabre. This, as you know, is a very revealing, very detailed, very black-background DAC. I recently purchased the Topping U90 USB Bridge, mainly out of curiosity. I was completely happy and satisfied with the performance of the D90III, but wanted to see if I could push the performance of the DAC a little bit further. Well...... Wow! Once connected through IIS, the detail level went from very, very good to incredible. And, SUBSTANTIALLY more impressive, the blackness of the background became even more black. When I say black, I mean BLACK. Eerily black. I have always heard the expression "the sound comes from nothing" when referring to background blackness, and I thought I knew what that meant. I was wrong. Since you have the D90III Sabre and Discrete models at your dispossal, I would HIGHLY encourage you to try them with the U90 interface using IIS connection. Love your channel and your unbiased review style. Keep up the good work! And, again, thanks!
@JTB--2 ай бұрын
I laughed at you calling him "Mr Worth it". I remember seeing somebody calling the Singer Meatloaf... "Mr Loaf"
@aj8kyАй бұрын
@@harryfattbak8740 I like to use a DDC too! I use a tiny (8cm x 6cm x 1.3cm), cheap ($50) SMSL PO100PRO with an Xmos xu316 chip. It’s powered by its usbc input and it outputs to optical, coax and I2s. Its supports I2S: PCM up to 32bit 768kHz, Native DSD up to DSD512. As well as Optical / Coaxial: PCM up to 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD64. It has its own internal clock. Jitter: 75ps. I use it to convert usbc to optical, in order to completely isolate any electronics noise from the phone/laptop etc when connecting to my mojo2. It sounds so much better, with lower noise floor and darker background than just plugging the phone straight into the usb c port. All the best!
@frontarts11 күн бұрын
great review for both the topping D90 III discrete and cyan2. Any plan for the newly released Topping Centaurus? it's been said that this one has the cyan2 r2r module. Thanks.
@flash49732 ай бұрын
So happy, finally there is better options than chord qutest for less !!! For me who doesn’t have big money i want expensive soundstage for less than 1k !
@noneovyabuznisness6838Ай бұрын
I love your reviews, you have the most comprehensive material out there... and you seriously look like Rings of Power's Adar..!
@sloboat552 ай бұрын
Excellent review. My Tradutto is on fire. I have Synergy to spare if anyone needs it. Over three years running in my rig. Thanks to you. Made up my mind to replace it with the CEC D5 to match my CEC TL5, hopefully not soon. Cool runnings.
@JTB--2 ай бұрын
You should try and get your hands on a Geshelli J3 Pro DAC with either the Sparkos 2590 op amps or Burson V7 Vivids. 🔥
@kimai16412 ай бұрын
I'm always here for your reviews. You don't sugar coat things so therefore your opinion comes across as genuine. If you get the opportunity, please review the Aiyima A70 Mono. I like how you talk about tone and timbre along with pacing/timing. These are important (vital) aspects to music playback. Some machines do it better than others and not all things that measure well sound good. Keep up the great work that you do! I appreciate it a lot! Also, I just bought the Fiio FT1 headphones which I bought at an extremely low price (I think they made a mistake when they posted the price as I haven't seen it for that price since). They're a great all-round headphone with reasonable passive noise isolation. They might be worth a review from you!
@ВасяФорточкин-ж2щ11 күн бұрын
Thanks a lot for the review. Thanks to them, a certain understanding develops in my head-which way to dig next. Subscribers are rightly wondering if you are planning reviews on Topping Centaurus R2R and SMS SU-X in the near future. The latter, according to preliminary reviews, beats everyone in its price range. Thanks again for the review-as always-very interesting and informative
@SunsetClaire-x1r2 ай бұрын
This sounds super smooth!
@DrummingMan122 күн бұрын
Solid insightful review! I like Topping! I owned the original D 90 and really enjoyed it on hip-hop and quality rock recordings. Overall, a really nice match on ribbon speakers! 2024 has been an awesome year for DAC release! Trickle down is bringing high-end design to the masses and it's super exciting! Unbelievably fun! Cheers!
@andrewmccorkell6522 ай бұрын
S tier reviewer
@dreddguy64542 ай бұрын
Most excellent review.
@justasimplefox2 ай бұрын
So I think most of us are waiting now for the D900 and Centaurus to have a complete Topping overview before deciding 😊
@gbmwaz26 күн бұрын
Your reviews are fantastic.....very clear....thank you
@middleearthltdАй бұрын
I saw Apos had a deal on this for $850 I get the feeling it will pair better with my EL34 SE tube amplifier than the Holo Cyan 2 I believe the clean 1-Bit will work well with all the color from the EL34 I think the Cyan 2 is better suited for my KT88 amplifier which has less tubeness
@BoRerunnАй бұрын
I just bought one and it muffed my rock n roll music, it removed all the airiness and soundstage. I'm returning it ASAP
@corrrectАй бұрын
@BoRerunn it's like going to a car dealership, and the salesman tries to convince you that the brand new shiny 2024 Toyota Camry is a better performer than a 2021 Porsche 911 turbo. He made his commission and now ignores you. Lol.
@BoRerunnАй бұрын
@ funny it works really well with jazz and vocal type of music not with rock
@edverbeek62922 ай бұрын
Great review. Again.
@Drn10nАй бұрын
I was trying to decide between this and the cyan 2. but the topping is now for sale on apos and some other places for 850$. and with how taxes work in my country, the topping will cost me 1,003$ and the cyan 2 will dost 1,700$. for this difference the topping is a no brainer.
@jos50672 ай бұрын
Great review, thanks! 🙏
@renatomorais81362 ай бұрын
It's been a long time since I've heard a topping or SMSL DAC but it's funny that from your review I got what my stereotype for such products. If this is their first inhouse 1 bit product, maybe better things will come in the future but for now I'm keeping my Cyan 2. Some day I might get the May, which is sort of my dream dac, or maybe something cheaper and as good comes along, perhaps this 1bit tech opens the door to such products.
@JRVick2 ай бұрын
Great review once again. Thanks a lot.
@nutscoco43332 ай бұрын
how does it compare to A26? which one do you prefer 🤤thanks
@zenboy20002 ай бұрын
Great review and thanks for the Qutest comparison, I was considering it.
@Screwdriver123424 күн бұрын
Just bought the D90 III descrete together with 2x B200 with a 15% discount on all of it on black friday. Feels ike a steal!
@ljubisaspasic58462 ай бұрын
Great review! Do you have any thoughts on the Topping DX9?
@Frank-cm3wpАй бұрын
Which one sounds better to you, d90 III Discrete or Denafrips Ares 15th, based on your own taste?
@richardnelson168425 күн бұрын
Greetings! I just purchased the D90 III Discrete on Amazon ($849 US on Black Friday week) and it arrived on Nov. 27 taking only 6-days for DHL delivery. After only a 28-hour breakin period with music and pink noise, it was sounding pretty amazing. I could hear most all the positive traits you indicated in your review except for image depth while using an inexpensive Straight Wire USB cable. Maybe that will come with more breakin, or maybe not. My previous DAC is an RME ADI-2 PRO FS purchased in 2019 (DAC/ADC with the older AKM D/A chip). I then tried the USB cable I've been using on the RME with the Topping and found that it now sounded like the RME. My wife and I did several back and forth comparisons using the exact same USB and XLR Interconnect cables. The two DACs sounded almost identical. This is very discouraging to an electronic engineer because "bits are bits". So the Topping and possibly the RME sound more like the cable feeding them than the DAC itself. I'm now on a quest for a better USB cable. Could you please tell me which cable you used for your review? Thank you! Richard Nelson
@aaronfriedman820124 күн бұрын
I use mine with Audioquest Carbon USB2.0. Make sure it is between 1.5M to 2m long. Shorter sounds worse in digital. Over 2M can sound too thin. Most cables make the DAC sound slow, congested and less air.
@rodneyarnoldi22 күн бұрын
Yes, "bits are bits", so how on earth can USB cable make a difference to the sound quality. Perhaps it's the quality of the plugs causing errors? I've always been very skeptical regarding audio leads. (snake oil)
@misiomisioo281112 күн бұрын
that just not possible ..
@BobbyBass-x6i2 ай бұрын
I auditioned the Topping and it did sound very good. Would have kept it but the Holo Audio Cyan 2 just sounded better for only a couple of hundred $ more. Thanks for the video. Rock on!
@x-techgaming2 ай бұрын
What do you mean by "audition", exactly? You own the Cyan 2, I'm guessing? I'm looking at the Taurus DAC.
@BobbyBass-x6i2 ай бұрын
@@x-techgaming I bought and listened to it hooked up to my main setup. Yes I own the Cyan 2 and it’s what’s I’m using. You can’t buy, audition and return the Cyan 2 unless it’s defective so it’s a leap of faith but it was only about $1300 US delivered (still not cheap) so I took a chance and I’m glad I did. I haven’t heard the Taurus. Let us know how it sounds if you get it.
@vagomaniac2 ай бұрын
So the cyan2 is softer on the treble, but is it softer to the point that its not bright compared to the topping? Or is just softer period and thus crushing some detail? I ask because I got an su10 and sold it immediately cause it was annoyingly bright. Would recommend the cyan treble wise? thanks
@BobbyBass-x6iАй бұрын
@@vagomaniac yes I can’t stand bright or sibilant sound. No problem for me with the Cyan 2. Detailed but not bright or sibilant.
@x-techgamingАй бұрын
@@BobbyBass-x6iBifrosts and Gungnirs were too metallic for me, so I can't do Schiit anymore. Good to be able to narrow down your options 👍🏼
@bobb.9917Ай бұрын
Love my Iris&Pontus II …but THANKS for the GREAT TUNES! 👍🏼😀
@Harvy75a2 ай бұрын
Thx, instead of having to choose between 2 dacs now they are 3... 😢 Schiit Bifrost 2/64 and Denafrips 15th... PS I am using Topping A90 Discrete as PRE.
@kato23952 ай бұрын
Might need to add a Geshelli labs JNOG 3 to that list..
@User_not_found_40327 күн бұрын
I was considering Bifrost 2/64...but this review has swayed me towards the d90 III discrete. Pretty versatile little unit with the PEQ and Pre-amp capabilities. Just never been a fan of the "topping" branding, despite them producing good products. Just reminds me of cool whip topping...
@kato239527 күн бұрын
@@User_not_found_403 topping is only good for the abundance of feature honestly, I think they got horrible sound quality
@StephanSycz2 ай бұрын
Whenever I hear the words, "Topping" and "Discrete" used in the same sentence, I get excited, VERY excited. As a long term user of 4 LA90 Discrete amps (all run in mono), Pre-90 preamp and D90SE Dac, all as part of an active setup using Lii Audio F18 and F6 drivers in an open baffle set up, I can say that everything that has been said in terms of detail retrieval, resolution and overall musicality is correct. You are in the concert hall, you are in the recording studio. Having said all that, if the discrete version of D90 does everything as well as has been described, I may well have the need to go on bended knee to the Lady of the House seeking to have the purse strings opened again!
@windv2 ай бұрын
Hey Stephan. I am also building an open baffle setup and still in the process of figuring it out. The road with passive crossover didn't work well with the woofers I got and I am looking at DSPs now. How do you filter your creations? :)
@StephanSyczАй бұрын
@@windv Hello. In my case the Lii Audio drivers are all full range, so filtering does not present a major problem. My system consists of 4 F18's (two per channel, wired in parallel) operating from approx. 240hz down to Fs, and a further 2 F18's and 2 F6-s's (one each per channel, wired in parallel) operating from 240hz up. My active crossover is a simple Citronic cx34, hardly so-called audiophile stuff, but works splendidly and adds little or nothing sonically. From the outset, I decided to keep the signal path in the analogue domain, as to me it makes no sense to buy the likes of the Topping DAC, only to then have the results subsequently diminished by lesser quality DSP conversion/filtering. To maximise the results, good room treatment is essential, as well as careful attention being paid to reducing mains hash. I find that using something called a "digital noise suppressor", basically a ferrite ring that can be placed over either end of both power and signal cables, works extremely well. Most electrical parts stores should stock them. I hope all of the above "guff" helps you out. Good luck with your project. Regards, Stephan.
@windvАй бұрын
@@StephanSycz thanks for the detailed reply. It's great for you that you could get the big speakers from lii and could also keep you signal path analog. I also had this wish, but it turns the speakers I used are not that easy to implement passive crossover with. Have you uploaded photos of your project somewhere? I would love to see it!
@RickRolling-tc7vbАй бұрын
Yes, you are awesome :) Thanks for the review, very interesting and detailed, just how we like it.
@Harvy75aАй бұрын
I hope you will review the new Gustard X26 III and compare with Topping D90 III Discrete. As you say in the video they are both under 2k.
@countzer0408Ай бұрын
I had a Sony ES CD Player 5 Disc Carousell in the 90s that had 1 bit, bit streaming Sony called it with 256 times oversampling. All I know is it sounded amazing at the time. I wonder if this is similar.
@redkh20172 ай бұрын
Topping has done it with the topping dx9 pro, you have to try it, either as a dac or a great headphone dac/amp
@fualexander779821 күн бұрын
OK, I hope you are right as I have pulled the pin for one.😀My only concern is most reviewers are very high on the Topping D90 III Sabre, I certainly hope the Discrete is better than the Sabre in terms of resolution, separation and airiness. Obviously, last I want is to have to buy the Sabre after this.
@HudyGamer142 ай бұрын
Hvala puno. Awesome review of a great product
@DJTwizterАй бұрын
Great review!
@Johnd3s27 күн бұрын
Really enjoyed this review, thank you for given us all your personnel insight. I am very new to DACS and feel that now is the time for me to step into the DAC world, my current kit is a Atolll SDA200 paired with Kef R3 or Kef LS50 Metas, I was looking at the cord mojo 2 but as you mentioned in your video you feel its even better then a higher spec cord DAC has got me wondering. My music choice is simple, playing Apple Music via my phone/iPad into a new DAC wold be my choice. I will need to look at this Topping D90 Mark 3, many thanks, John
@grahamstrahle40102 ай бұрын
Where would you say SMSL VMV D1se2 sits in comparison?
@Pymetjestube6 сағат бұрын
Any thoughts how the D90 III discrete holds up when it's also used as a preamplifier?
@No_Limits_411Ай бұрын
So it's kind of like this. One should not have dac + pre + power amps all from topping. The sound signature is the same for all of them. So if your speakers have bright and tight sound also, you probably can't take all that.
@bluev2srt2 ай бұрын
Wow being an owner of the previous version of this dac and the r26 as well it is saying something huge to say this is better then the Gustard! The r26 beats the version prior to this so soundly... that it is not even in the same league let alone best it!
@phetmoz2 ай бұрын
1bit is a beastly technology when done right. Almost only very very expensive DACs are 1bit, up until recent few years. Topping is leading the way here. Very very impressive indeed.
@iiWiReviews2 ай бұрын
Both of these DACs are so good that in most cases winner would be determined by better system matching. It's like choosing a right type of vehicle for the right kind of road. But as far as these things can be compared objectively, which is not easy, I do belive that D90 III discrete has more potential that can be unlocked in the right setup. But in the end, it's always smarter to choose what's better for you instead of what's better nominally.
@phetmoz2 ай бұрын
@@iiWiReviews correct me if I'm understanding you wrong, but it sounds in your comment like you think the Topping D90 III Discrete is slightly ahead in terms of sheer brute force resolution and ability to unearth "plankton" micro detail? If my speakers are really full sounding, which they are, the Topping should be the clear choice yes?
@D1N022 ай бұрын
R26 can be improved by fuse replacement and external clock
@justasimplefox2 ай бұрын
Great review, nice to see Topping back with a nice dac. I like all the strong points but would have liked a few % more warmth/fullness in the mix. I´m afraid a to detailed, fast and neutral sound could be fatuiging with my already detailed speakers. Guess the Cyan is the closest to my liking but I really don´t like the copper accents 🙈 (as long I can´t hide somewhere I will never buy it). Seems I´m stuck with my D70s forever 😅 (which is not a bad thing) Laiv is actually 3000€ all included so 3x Topping
@wegardfjeld37892 ай бұрын
Right on the point. There is better at the price point without getting harsh and bright. A midrange that is flat does not sound good. It just gets in your face and gets tiring.
@akinerbarut7856Ай бұрын
For someone listening to a vast range of musical genres (electronica, jazz, rock, vocals..) what do you think would be more appropriate : this topping or holo cyan 2?
@stephencosta681419 күн бұрын
You already said for music like that he prefers holo
@menachemsteinberger85052 ай бұрын
How about taking a look at the DIY scene and review the Gabster Dac? You have done some interesting diy projects why not this?
@m4nc1n12 ай бұрын
I had some lower-end Toppings. They were okay, but I liked Schiite better. Now, though, I have the DX9, and I absolutely love it! Besides being gorgeous, it does not sound like many other Toppings (I have never heard this one, though).
@VictorWee-g6f18 күн бұрын
Good review!!! Compare the Discrete to the D90 111 Sabre which is better?
@iiWiReviews18 күн бұрын
Discrete has more spacious and more deteiled sound.
@budgetaudiophilelife-long54612 ай бұрын
THANKS SRBOLJUB FOR SHARING THIS 😎🧐💚💚💚
@massimilianomilanese504Ай бұрын
Hallo. If you comprare this one to a good delta sigma DAC (like SU-10 or D90LE), the bass punch is it the same?
@klaymoon1Ай бұрын
Amazing review! Your review definitely puts Topping D90 III on my radar. A quick question please. Have you tested the headphone out socket on Topping D90 III Discrete? I wonder if it is good enough or better paired up with a headphone amplifier.
@chrisharris1522Ай бұрын
It does not have a headphone out it is just a DAC, unless I am missing something? Topping do make all in one DAC /amps that are very good
@MrAKISPAPASАй бұрын
Very good revew. I am wondering if pairing with U90 interface will bring it to another level. at least to twice the price of other DACs. Looking FWD for another revew with the U90 interface
@liamporter11372 ай бұрын
Great review.
@phantomplastics65822 ай бұрын
Thanks for being "so awesome"!
@ChrisFiloGorgolewskiАй бұрын
Have you experienced any click noises with this DAC? Mine makes click noises whenever it goes from silence to playing and the other way around. So when you hit play, pause, even when scrolling through the song.
@iiWiReviewsАй бұрын
I haven't encountered that.
@phetmozАй бұрын
Something to do with format conversion I think.
@wotanwalhall66425 күн бұрын
Unfortunately, I'm having the same problem. It runs via Roon with a fixed sample rate. It's really annoying. Luckily, I can still send the device back by the end of January. I hope there will be a firmware update by then that solves the problem...
@ChrisFiloGorgolewski5 күн бұрын
@@wotanwalhall6642 yeah I ended up returning mine
@alessandrodifrancesco81104 күн бұрын
Hi @IWI Reviews, can you please tell.me if the Topping D90 Discrete is a very noticeable upgrade in terms of sound quality compared to the smsl su 9 ultra?
@bksve65052 ай бұрын
How doe it compare to the RME ADI 2 DAC in terms of sound quality? I like the option of parametric eq and those two DACs offer that.
@fon75Ай бұрын
There is no simple answer to that question. On my Elac speakers whith a good class a/b amp it leaves the ADI-2 behind in a cloud of dust 😅 On my Lintons the differences are small and with some material I may have a preference for the RME. Old as the RME is, it still has a lot going for it.
@bksve6505Ай бұрын
Thank you for the response.
@Zarko-x3y6 сағат бұрын
Hello Srboljub i watching your channel for some time and many your dac reviews i have node x streamer with linear psu conected to mf m5si amp and b&w 703 s3. I want ask if will be upgrade if i add this dac or other in this price range, big difrence in sound quality Thanks
@5windowcoupe14 күн бұрын
Will you be reviewing the new TOPPING Centaurus R2R DAC $800. I hope it’s not better than the Discreet III DAC I now own.😮
@wotanwalhall664212 күн бұрын
As far as I know, the Centaurus will be $999. Topping increased it.
@mathtrixmusiclix4248Ай бұрын
how does it compare to Denafrips?
@bulbousblues115 күн бұрын
Have you reviewed or heard the SMSL VMV D2R? I was wondering how it compares to the SU-10
@clarice1001nights2 ай бұрын
My Gustard AUDALYTICS AH90 is lovely with a streamer. Sounds interesting. Halo cyan 2 or Topping Discrete. Good review
@JordiBosercaАй бұрын
Excellent review!! Thank you!! Do you think it would be a good idea a combination of this topping dac with a tube preamp? And what tube preamp would you recomend in this case?
@cheongitАй бұрын
Wow, LDAC is a new feature? Glad that my SMSL DO100 Pro with XLR Out already has LDAC (& USB C). At least both Topping & SMSL DACs are better than NAIM Uniti which only has AptX HD.
@jamesderby45222 ай бұрын
Can you comment on this vs the X30?
@cheeky16642 ай бұрын
You are indeed, awesome! 👍😁👍
@noahbirdrevolution2 ай бұрын
I have the d50iii and as far as the remote, I think I discovered hitting the mute button wakes it up faster than using volume. I have not done any testing - it worked the past two times I remembered to do when turning on the TV and netflix is blasting a compressed to the tits preview. lol
@matthewtieman88422 ай бұрын
I'll be interested to see how people compare the Topping D90 III to the Bluesound Node Icon ... both have double ES9039 DACs.
@gavinhou32617 күн бұрын
I have d90le+a90d stack now and plan to upgrade either d90le to d90 III discrete or a90d to aune s17 pro. Could you please give some advice? Which upgrade will benefit the sound quality more?
@utu1124Ай бұрын
Did you notice any difference in SACD/DSD and CD/WAV playback? I just feel that the "1 bit design" specifically addresses the DSD format.
@phetmozАй бұрын
My understanding is that it converts/upsamples PCM material to DSD. Another *great* feature, confirmed by Topping, is that the digital volume control is done without any conversion, meaning it doesn't lose bit depth since it's all in the DSD domain. Quite fantastic if true.
@stevezeidman72242 ай бұрын
I think you do a fantastic job. A probably prefer the softer more expansive sound of the other dacs mentioned. I actually have the Geshelli J2S pimped and a Ladder Schumann (bought mainly on your recommendation). As many have said your mastery of English is amazing. Especially since your first language uses a different character set.
@sexter986Ай бұрын
how do you compare the j2 and the ladder in your system?
@stevezeidman7224Ай бұрын
@@sexter986 They have differing sounds. I use the J2S with an amp that’s a bit warmer. J2S has great detail, bass, and space. The Sparkos OPAMP really makes a difference. The Ladder I use with a more neutral amp and it has the opposite effect. It warms it up a touch and creates fantastic space and soundstage.
@JoseFerreira-zb7wh2 ай бұрын
If d90 iii discrete's sound quality is in the same ballpark as the cyan 2, i guess it wins looking at how many features it has (vs the cyan)
@D1N022 ай бұрын
Whichever one that has the tonality you like wins
@MrKeech6662 ай бұрын
How does this compare to the Ares 15th? I bought the 15th based off from your review, but had my eye on the D90 III Discreet. My amp is the A90 Discreet; Did I make the right choice?
@iiWiReviews2 ай бұрын
I hope you like it and worry not. Even though D90 III discrete is technically better (more revealing and faster), there's some magic and naturalness to R2Rs that is addictive. Also, I think that Ares is a good match for A90D. Mixing of different tonalities is usually a good thing. Doubling on the same character may be too much of it.
@richardleong34272 ай бұрын
If compare with musician pegasus II DAC do you recommend change to this DAC?
@truman4956Ай бұрын
When will the D900 discrete be released and will it be worth the wait?
@jrockofages5413Ай бұрын
I really enjoy your work. I am hoping you have done or will do Geshelli Dayzee
@JeremySchwarz-yx9zc15 күн бұрын
How would the Ladder Schumann DAC compare to this Topping D90 III ?
@iiWiReviews15 күн бұрын
It would have warmer and softer sound Some would call it more analog. But with lower dynamics, resolution, and not as precise layering and pinpointing.
@upitshakАй бұрын
Hi, thanks for great review. Does it work well also as a preamp if i connect it directly to power amp, or i need also a preamp unit?
@iiWiReviewsАй бұрын
It works decent as a preamp but preamps at around 1000 usd price like Schiit Freya or Ladder Bach better it with soundstage size and dynamics. Using this one as a preamp works better if your power amp has high input impedance, like tens of killoohms.
@upitshakАй бұрын
@iiWiReviews thanks, i consider to use it with pa7 you reviewed in the past
@phetmozАй бұрын
@@iiWiReviewsDid you honestly try using the D90 III Discrete as a preamp yourself, or did you just assume it would be the same step down in quality like there was with Aune S17 Pro vs Ladder Bach and not actually try it? 👀
@stephencosta6814Ай бұрын
My good friend with this match the Griff Diablo 120 integrated amplifier. They say it’s on the warmer side and dark. Would this bring it up more to neutral and transparent with air highs more sparkle cleaner mid range that’s what I’m looking for.
@paulpaulzadeh61722 ай бұрын
Naim ref DAC R2R out perform these Chinese , i have all of them but i got to say Naim sounds very organic 😊😊
@DushkoKantardjiev2 ай бұрын
...whatever organic means 🥩 🥦
@hinchlikescake75922 ай бұрын
@@DushkoKantardjiev Colored sound. So organic 🙃 'Audiophiles' and their snakeoil
@CarlVanDoren612 ай бұрын
Discrete class A output stages w optical 😊 @@DushkoKantardjiev
@paulpaulzadeh61722 ай бұрын
It means that you have singer voice infront of you in your living room with all her music instruments and musicians. 😊 @@DushkoKantardjiev
@wegardfjeld37892 ай бұрын
@@hinchlikescake7592or natural and lifelike vs clinical and analytical. The latter only people that dislike music enjoy. Most people that get cynical and harsh analytical crap learn better along their audiophile journey. Anyways enjoy your music, but don't be an asshat
@robertwang78252 ай бұрын
In China its even more convincing since it sells for US765 v LAiV US1980 thats quite a big difference
@Reeeepicheep9 күн бұрын
Any chance you could review the Schiit Gungnir 2?
@landosazo7506Ай бұрын
Hello, is it a night and day change from SMSL US-9 Ultra to this Topping D90 III Discrete? Thanks
@iiWiReviewsАй бұрын
No it's not. It never is.
@enricolisk13572 ай бұрын
Great review. Any more comparisons with R2R dacs would be really appreciated.
@Raymondey2 ай бұрын
Does it surpass fully pimped Geshelli too?
@CarlVanDoren612 ай бұрын
Nope 😮
@wegardfjeld37892 ай бұрын
Not even in the same ballpark..
@iiWiReviews2 ай бұрын
Fully pimped J2S is softer and smoother but Topping sounds bigger, more energetic, and it is more revealing. It is objectively better but that doesn't mean you would like it more.
@Raymondey2 ай бұрын
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for insighful reply 👍🏼
@stevezeidman72242 ай бұрын
I think you do a fantastic job. A probably prefer the softer more expansive sound of the other dacs mention. I actually have the Geshelli J2S pimped and a Ladder Schumann (bought mainly on your recommendation). As many have said your mastery of English is amazing. Especially since your first language uses a different character set.
@AllenUnderwoodАй бұрын
First, I absolutely love your channel and reviews. You always seem to offer relevant comparisons and you do a great job of presenting level and fair assessment of the things you are evaluating. I do have a question - what is your source you typically use to test out the various DAC’s you’ve gotten in?
@iiWiReviewsАй бұрын
Thanks. I always use network streamer. For the last few moths that has been Volumio Motivo and I2S for DACs that have that connection. But I usually try USB and coaxial too.
@phetmozАй бұрын
@@iiWiReviews Can you tell me anything about its performance as a Preamp + DAC?
@AllenUnderwoodАй бұрын
@@iiWiReviews Thanks man! Again, really love your channel. One of my favorite hifi channels on YT.
@mw36402 ай бұрын
Nice review! Regarding the remote, I guess for example an Apple TV remote will not be able to learn it since it's bluetooth?
@alessandrodifrancesco8110Ай бұрын
hi, is it much more revealing than the Topping d70 pro Sabre and the SMSL Su-9 Ultra?
@corrrectАй бұрын
If this dac is at the same level of a cyan 2 and according to you, the cyan 2 is at the same level as the laiv harmony. That means the D90 is at the same level as the harmony..... this is the same reason why I don't trust reviews.
@iiWiReviewsАй бұрын
You are right here. D90 III is at the level of Cyan 2 but with different tonality. However I did wrong Laiv Harmony DAC by saying that Cyan 2 is matching it. While the difference is small, I did find out that there's more performance to be drawn out of Harmony (using I2S and internal clock, and some better balanced cabling) that I can't truly match with these other two. Specifically when it comes to soundstage width and tonal richness. I'm even considering making another short video to correct that early Cyan 2 vs Harmony impression. I didn't want to dilute this review talking about my new findings on a completely different DAC.
@tonezoneuk2 ай бұрын
I have been looking at the Holo Cyan 2 to go with my Dynaudio Evoke 20, and this review has just blurred my choice of DAC. The Holo Cyan 2 apparently can sound different according to what you feed it, ie, upsampling from the source. The Evoke 20 are warm sounding speakers and so pairing with a non warm DAC is important ( I think). Now I am leaning a little towards this Topping DAC. Like someone else commented on here, you cannot audition any of these DACs and so it is a "leap of faith". One thing I absolutely don't want is any harshness, and the Topping's high level of detail may be too much perhaps when playing all my thousands of tracks on random, and showing up the poor recordings too much. I welcome any opinions and suggestions as to which DAC to go for, given my already warm speakers.
@D1N022 ай бұрын
A neutral DAC is best. I would tweak sound predominantly with the preamplifier. This depends on whether you are using an integrated amp or not
@Ruger62Ай бұрын
Hi, have you purchased a DAC yet? I"m interested because I too, have the Evoke 20's and have custom tube pre-amp. I am like you in that it doesn't take much brightness and the like to get fatigued. I like good bass slam and detail, kind of bumped up neutral low bass. It's hard to get that juicy mid-range with some air without all that edginess. Hope you found something.
@tonezoneukАй бұрын
@@Ruger62 I have been bouncing between the Pontus 2 15th, the Holo Cyan 2 and Gustard R26. I am buying blind and going by reviews. Because the Evokes have a warm midrange, and rich bass, I think I may go for the Cyan 2 because it has a tighter bass, which would give the Evokes a bit more slam and tighten the bass a little. Also, the Cyan can be brightened by upscaling via the music software/streamer. I thought the Evokes were slightly dark in the treble region when I first got them, but they chuck out lots of detail without the fatiguing top end, and have an amazing way of producing a wide soundstage. So, perhaps the Cyan 2 can lift that a little if needs be. From what I gather, the Cyan 2 is not bright, but it is detailed with a huge soundstage (like the R26), so combined with the Evoke 20, my guess would be an unbelievably immersive experience, ( would be with the Gustard R26). But the R26 may add a bit of warmth, resulting too much warmth, maybe? Time will tell.
@Ruger62Ай бұрын
@@tonezoneuk Interesting and I agree. I was following the Cyan 2 also. The input switching... I don't want it to be the deal breaker. I, too pretty much am stuck buying blind (deaf??). The more I read and listen to KZbin reviewers the more I am leaning towards neutral which I've read that the Cyan 2 is. A pre-owned Bryston BDA3 is also on my short list but don't see them often in Canada, which is weird lol.
@taho8823 күн бұрын
I grabbed one of these from Ali Express and got another 100 off with coupons and coins. What would be a good headamp to pair with this DAC and the hifiman edition xs ?
@arnaudbaudon84522 күн бұрын
Hi Topping A90 discret is a good choice with lot of details but not harsh. All is neutral , Good choice
@matytinman2 ай бұрын
Pearl Acoustics DACs Pt.3: The Ultimate Comparison: Topping vs SMSL vs Sugden vs Denafrips! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqjCgZt_d8aDpMk [ I also give a comparison demonstration of music played through the Topping D90 Mklll (dual Sabre), the SMSL D400 EX (dual AKM), the Topping D10 balanced (Sabre), the Denafrips Pontus 15th. (R2R, Ladder) and the Sugden DAP 800 (dual Philips TDA1543). ]
@wokthetalk30792 ай бұрын
Can you imagine what this DAC would would like with better parts and a linear power supply. Perhaps at the level of a Chord Hugo 2? I hope you will get to review the Gustard x30 Pro sometime soon.
@iiWiReviews2 ай бұрын
I know I would love to see and hear something like that.
@phetmoz2 ай бұрын
@@iiWiReviewsTopping D900 is coming. Price prediction is $1599, and I expect it to have a linear power supply...
@josiptoma658410 күн бұрын
Did someone compare it with great Marantz HD DAC1? Can it match Marantzs musicality and smoothness?
@frederf692 ай бұрын
Thanks for the music suggestion - Michel Portal 'Docking'
@AttilaBalla872 ай бұрын
Okay guys, this is the point when we can say that Topping has arrived with its DACs! And don't forget, D900 is still to come!