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Review and Measurements of the Topping D70 DAC

You know, I have an Aeolus on order also. It's looking like they might arrive around the same time. That'll be a cool week!!
 
KingFiercer said:
I haven't m9xx to compare, but I can give some hints. Try to check AC polarity of power cord connection. D70 is sensetive to polarity, in wrong connection sound is a bit smoothed/blured (especially highs). Also make sure that the PCM filter is not 2, 4 or 5, they're affects bass presentation pretty much. Also if you're using foobar, try 32-bit ASIO mode, it reproduces low frequencies more percise. These are my conclusions after many experiments.
Listened to foot-tapping on ES9038 smartphone, there is more punch, bass is less fuller, but it really is recognized more like foot-tapping. I understand what you are talking about. Closest result on D70 is with PCM filter 6 applied (in DAC mode, not in PRE -12db), it adds density to sounds a bit in comparison with filter 3.
ADD: most dynamic and crisp sound - KS output (Kernel Streaming). Check it out.
Click to expand...

Filter 3 is my choice too when playing non-DSD music on D70. ( D70 only has two filters for DSD)
Unfortunately, Grace m9xx still provides more accurate foot-tapping, clapping and string decay even in lower volume. Don't get me wrong, D70 does deliver good sounds when paring with Sennheiser HDVA 600/GustArd H10 amps and T1/LCD2 headphones. But m9xx just delivers more.
I think Grace m9xx sets the bar really high in the same $500 price range.
 
Kane1972 said:
Thanks. Anyone have experience with the Singxer?
Click to expand...
https://www.shenzhenaudio.com/singx...d512-ak4497-decoding-headphone-amplifier.html has some measurements on the sales page :)

The harmonic distortion is comparable to D70, THD+N sweep is slightly worse than D70. But the Singxer comes with SE/BAL headhone amp. If their in-house measurements are taken as trustworthy it seems like a nice enough device if you want an all-in-one, but honestly buying tried-and-true D70 on sale with a headphone amp like JDS Atom/THX AAA, gives you verified performance while the singxer has not been tested.

Edit: the singxer headamp has 22ohm output impedance, 44ohm balanced. Way too high. I would not recommend it to be honest...
 
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Veri said:
Edit: the singxer headamp has 22ohm output impedance, 44ohm balanced. Way too high. I would not recommend it to be honest...
Click to expand...

Totally agree, before purchasing the Sabaj D5 i was looking at the singxer, even mailed with manufacturer to get confirmation on the numbers.
 
I can recommend it as Headphone Amp/Dac for the Sennheiser HD800S.
I replaced my SMSL Su-8 V2 with the Singxer SDA-2C.
It has a relaxed sound and has great synergy with HD800S. Highs are bit softer and the lows are a lot better than with other DAC/AMPS.
The Soundstage is audibly wider than with the SMSL SU8 DAC. It´s my favorite DAC/AMP for my HD800S.
It is very good in fine details without beeing harsh.


With the ADX5000 the lows are to pronounced for my taste.
I did not test it with my Speaker setup so far. It benefits from the SU-6 but the difference is smaller than with other DAC/AMPS.

Config:
WindowsPC / --> Singxer SU-6 --> Singxer SDA-2C--> Sennheiser HD800S/Audio Technica ATH-ADX5000/AKG 812 pro
 
chosen_too said:
I don't recommend buying this without listening session. It's not bad at all, but has very specific soft sound.
Click to expand...

You coming from a Sabre based DAC? These were my thoughts as well and when comparing them there is more edge on the Sabre. The lowest sub bass and highs are a bit more pronounced while the D70 they are more subtle, measurements be damned. There is what, a 0.5db margin of error through the FR? I will say this though, the treble on the D70 is fantastic and overall the sound is very pleasing.

Using D70->THX 789-> HE-560/HD6XX
 
Pillars said:
You coming from a Sabre based DAC? These were my thoughts as well and when comparing them there is more edge on the Sabre.

Using D70->THX 789-> HE-560/HD6XX
Click to expand...

I compared it to AK4490 DAC, not Sabre. For me bass was too weak, otherwise DAC is perfect.
 
Veri said:
Probably due to the higher impedance output I suppose.
Click to expand...
Yeah of course.
This time its not a bug its a feature.

But there is no coloration of sound at the XLR Output.
 
chosen_too said:
I don't recommend buying this without listening session. It's not bad at all, but has very specific soft sound.
Click to expand...

Yes, it will put you to sleep even after a few cans of Red Bull :)
Good for Susan Wong. Probably the designer is a big fan :)
 
The output stage has too small resistors and maybe LME49720 is not too strong for that task. Neither 100uF in series capacitors are not perfect transparent, maybe there is a phase change at the low frequency. Maybe Amirm will showing us the frequency response. I changed the resistors values and I eliminated that capacitors and the sound has much more punch.
 
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