Is there a better DAC than Topping D30 for less than $500?

[drabina]

I am looking to add DAC to my system. I have read the positive reviews here of the Topping D30. Is there any other DAC that I should be considering besides the D30 with budget up to $500? I do not need or want a built-in headphone amp. Balanced outputs are a plus since my amp has balanced inputs. Silver face is a big plus so it matches my Yamaha amplifier.

 

[zephyros]

I am looking to add DAC to my system. I have read the positive reviews here of the Topping D30. Is there any other DAC that I should be considering besides the D30 with budget up to $500? I do not need or want a built-in headphone amp. Balanced outputs are a plus since my amp has balanced inputs. Silver face is a big plus so it matches my Yamaha amplifier.

Their D50 (unbalanced) and Dx7(s)(balanced) is capable of topping (pun intended) the D30. With 500$ you can get a silver Dx7s(no remote) or if you can find it, a Dx7(include remote).
Amir's measurement:
https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...iew-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-dac.2403/
https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...phone-amplifier-review-and-measurements.2286/
https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...s-of-topping-dx7s-dac-and-headphone-amp.2378/

 

[drabina]

Thank you. I was also looking at the Maverick D2. I wish Amir would test it and provide some insight.

 

[Veri]

Thank you. I was also looking at the Maverick D2. I wish Amir would test it and provide some insight.

It's a 2012 DAC, it obviously won't hold up technically to cutting-edge low-budget DACs from today. If you want a tube stage in your DAC, perhaps consider the Massdrop CTH amp which comes with an SDAC embedded, which measured quite favourably by amir.