D50 III vs E70 (and which E70?)

[marsound]

Long time reader, first time poster (there's so much to read!). I'm learning a lot and really enjoy reading Amir's reviews.

Myself: not a total noob to audio, but no expert either.

Anyway, I'm looking to upgrade my DAC, and either the D50 III or E70 seem like good options.

Two questions:

1. Why would I spend ~$130 extra on the E70 (Velvet)?

2. Also, which E70 - Velvet or non Velvet? (Topping makes a confusing array of products...)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Svend P]

First question: Why do you want a new DAC?

Which leads to obligatory link dump when asking for new DAC:

Serious Question: How can DAC's have a SOUND SIGNATURE if they measure as transparent? Are that many confused?

I know there are people out there that think cables affect sound, which is much worse, but there really is no response to something like that, but just to smile and nod. But what about people who talk about DACS as if they were headphone drivers or speakers, and talk about the SOUNDSTAGE...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[marsound]

I want to replace my 13 yo PS Audio NuWave.

 

[AnalogSteph]

OK, and what exactly are you doing with it? Which inputs are you using, and what kind of equipment does it connect to on both ends?

Either of the DACs you're looking at easily qualify as preamp-grade, so further reshuffling of the entire setup may be possible. In which case the E70's large volume knob may be preferred. (I don't think it's got the auto-off on all inputs either.)

There were some initial reports of dodginess with the D50 III that indicated firmware and (ROM) parts quality issues, I hope that's been sorted now. Otherwise it seems like a first-rate DAC.

I hope you're not expecting any true sonic revelations... the NuWave DAC is just kinda meh but nothing immediately audible, less so if digital levels are reduced a bit. Kinda reminds me of my Realtek ALC1200 midrange onboard audio, just at higher absolute level obviously (and with slightly worse distortion). Now, considering it's likely to be a free or even paid upgrade when selling the old DAC, the new DAC just needs to do one thing you like that the present one doesn't.

 

[marsound]

OK, and what exactly are you doing with it? Which inputs are you using, and what kind of equipment does it connect to on both ends?

Either of the DACs you're looking at easily qualify as preamp-grade, so further reshuffling of the entire setup may be possible. In which case the E70's large volume knob may be preferred. (I don't think it's got the auto-off on all inputs either.)

There were some initial reports of dodginess with the D50 III that indicated firmware and (ROM) parts quality issues, I hope that's been sorted now. Otherwise it seems like a first-rate DAC.

I hope you're not expecting any true sonic revelations... the NuWave DAC is just kinda meh but nothing immediately audible, less so if digital levels are reduced a bit. Kinda reminds me of my Realtek ALC1200 midrange onboard audio, just at higher absolute level obviously (and with slightly worse distortion).

Current setup is Rpi/Volumio (USB), Roku (Optical) --> PS Audio NuWave --> Creek OBH-14 for passive volume control --> Marantz MC7100 --> ESS AMT Monitors.

I'm starting the upgrade process with the DAC, since it can replace two components and adds a remote control for volume. Will get to the others eventually.

 

[ceausuc]

Wiim Ultra is what I would get. Very, very good. Give it a try, might give you true sonic revelations, as it did to me.

 

[marsound]

Wiim Ultra is what I would get. Very, very good. Give it a try, might give you true sonic revelations, as it did to me.

That's a good suggestion. I hadn't considered it since I have Volumio on an Rpi which works fine for me. I'll check it out.

 

[Mnyb]

Even WiiM pro plus would suffice if you don’t need xlr or subwoofer crossover.
… but you migth eventually integrate a sub , the ultra is better for that purpose and the built in PEQ
Is essentiall to make sub or bass actually work .

The RME adi series are also quite feature rich products of high quality .

 

[marsound]

The WiiM DAC/streamers look really nice with lots of features. I was on their site and it seems the pro plus also has PEQ?

And I have an RME DAC in another system that I bought used for pretty cheap - I got it for the PEQ ability for some powered speakers, and it's really nice. I only use the optical for music/movies from a Roku, since I'm lazy...

I could purchase a WiiM pro+ to replace it (assuming it has PEQ) and move the RME to this system... The Topping D50III looks great except the PEQ doesn't work on the optical input - maybe that will change with a firmware update?