Well I'd place very little of my faith in those testers thoughThis is a better sounding DAC for most testers than the Topping D90 and SMSL M400.
This is a better sounding DAC for most testers than the Topping D90 and SMSL M400. I haven't heard any of them, I'm currently using a Topping D50.
As it stands, I use the Ares II in my main system, and the SMSL M400 in my nearfield/desktop system.
I have.
I own a Topping D90 and a Gustard X16
I sold my Denafrips Ares II
www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-d90-vs-denafrips-ares-ii.12143/
Active ATC floorstandersWhat was the problem with Ares II? What speakers and amplifier did you use?
I have.
I own a Topping D90 and a Gustard X16
I sold my Denafrips Ares II
www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-d90-vs-denafrips-ares-ii.12143/
...unless your mains wiring/wall wart is absolutely scuffed, the linear adapter does nothing.Hi, I use a Topping D50 with linear adapter. The sound of D50 is more opened and cleaner with linear adapter but less bass.
Can you write me what is the differences (sound) between D50 and SMSL M400? I bought Electra 1038BE loudspeakers and I think they deserve better quality DAC.
Going to A/B them properly with some friends soon.
The X16 has a couple of handy features over the D90 that suit me better (and is cheaper too!!!)
First impressions were that the X16 was even more detailed in the top end although they both measure extremely well.
...unless your mains wiring/wall wart is absolutely scuffed, the linear adapter does nothing.
Differences so audibly minute that you'd be better off pocketing the cash.
Both D90 and X16 appear to use PCB-mounted RCA jacks = low end. The Denafrips appears to use panel-mount RCA's = high end.
The facts:
My ears get fatigued quickly some days and never other days. Same system.The facts:
Topping D50 - Rotel RA-985BX - Focal Chorus 716S system:
I can listen to this system for hours. My ears don't get tired.
Topping D50+Linear adapter - Rotel RA-985BX - Focal Chorus 716S system:
Sharper high tones are less deep. The sound becomes harsh, my ears get tired after 50-60 minutes.
(I didn't even use the linear adapter with this system because of this.)
Panel mounted jacks are better since they offer one more opportunity to insert fancy silver wires with snakeskin insulation. Can't do that on a PCB.This is typical audiophile nonsense. Think about it, do those electrons know the difference?! And then there's the fact the PCB mounted "low end" jacks have a much shorter signal path, so one could argue they're actually better. Those "high end" jacks might look nice (to some who look at such things) but there's actually more in the way of the signal, again if you're buying into the audiophile mindset/paranoia.
In short, there's NOTHING wring with those PCB mounted RCA sockets at all.
My ears get fatigued quickly some days and never other days. Same system.
Thinking your simple experience can be called "fact" is just silly. This is audio science review.
I understand your experience, heck I even understand the reasoning to prefer one DAC and say you don't like the other one, I'm not sure it's valid but I understand. I just wouldn't ever state experiences as a fact. We are all whimsical creatures. It's hard to perform proper trials that can be repeated with the same results. That's the science part.I know the phenomenon, but that's not what it's about.
I never liked the way the Topping D50 sounds; it has great dynamics but sounds 'shrill' and 'thin' to my ears. The SMSL M400 is a much better DAC, and compared to the Topping sounds more relaxed and balanced across all frequency ranges. I can listen to the SMSL M400 all day long and enjoy it, which is something I can not do with the Topping.Hi,
I use a Topping D50 with linear adapter. The sound of D50 is more opened and cleaner with linear adapter but less bass.
Can you write me what is the differences (sound) between D50 and SMSL M400?
I bought Electra 1038BE loudspeakers and I think they deserve better quality DAC.
Thanks.
I never liked the way the Topping D50 sounds; it has great dynamics but sounds 'shrill' and 'thin' to my ears. The SMSL M400 is a much better DAC, and compared to the Topping sounds more relaxed and balanced across all frequency ranges. I can listen to the SMSL M400 all day long and enjoy it, which is something I can not do with the Topping.