Help me to choose my first DAC (Korg, ADAM, HPA Class D ...)

[hamanas]

Hello

In the same price range for my first DAC I narrowed down my selection to:
1. Gustard DAC-X16 (2x ES9068AS)
2. Topping D70S MQA (2x AK4497)
3. Gustard DAC-A18 Balanced (AK4499)
4. SMSL SU-9 DAC (ES9038Pro)

What I will connect to the DAC?

• MB Pro (Roon, Tidal) - USB or AES/EBU
• Android Phone (Roon, Tidal) - USB or AES/EBU
• Korg PA Arranger Keyboard - - USB or AES/EBU

Output?

• Balanced XLR to my ADAM's T7V & in another case balanced XLR to Class D Audiophonics HPA-S400ET or Audiophonics HPA-S400NC

What do I want?

1. Listening to my music from my MP disc or streaming through my components via USB.
2. Good sound on low volume
3. Adjust the volume
4. Good presentation and that it will be able to give everything to Class D amp for my passive combo and to my active ADAM's.

I am also open to other suggestions.


Tnx.

 

[Jinjuku]

I wouldn't buy another DAC. I would move up the speaker ladder.

 

[hamanas]

I wouldn't buy another DAC. I would move up the speaker ladder.

I am buying my first DAC...

 

[3125b]

I'd say get whatever you like in terms of functionality (in- and outputs, remote or whatever) and looks - between the ones you selected, performance won't be distinguishable by ear.

 

[sweetchaos]

1. Gustard DAC-X16 (2x ES9068AS) - Excellent
2. Topping D70S MQA (2x AK4497) - Excellent
3. Gustard DAC-A18 Balanced (AK4499) - Amir's review was less favorable than others.
4. SMSL SU-9 DAC (ES9038Pro) - Excellent

You won't be able to audibly distinguish between the 3...they're all transparent.
So choose based on features, warranty, usability, customer service, etc.
They all have remotes, which is nice, since cheaper ~US$200 balanced DACs don't have.

 

[hamanas]

You won't be able to audibly distinguish between the 3...they're all transparent.
So choose based on features, warranty, usability, customer service, etc.
They all have remotes, which is nice, since cheaper ~US$200 balanced DACs don't have.

Tnx. As I can see Gustard X16 had some problems with MQA. I hope they fixed it and now is working full unfold.