Thought it would be interesting to compare two high-performing DAC/amp combos: the Sabaj D5 vs. the Topping DX7 Pro. Thanks to @amirm for all of the measurements; all of this info is from him (unless otherwise noted), I'm simply putting the measurements side-by-side.
Author's notes:
BASIC SPECS
Sabaj D5:
Topping DX7 Pro:
SINAD
Both measured using USB in / XLR out. However, the Sabaj D5 measurements were taken after 30 minutes of warm-up.
DYNAMIC RANGE
JITTER
INTERMODULATION + NOISE
The "ESS IMD hump" appears in both units.
LINEARITY
Both units are capable of 20 bits of resolution.
32 TONE INPUT SIGNAL (192 kHz)
THD+N RATIO vs FREQUENCY @ 48 kHZ
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
I didn't find this for the Topping DX7 Pro, so only the Sabaj D5 is listed.
FFT SPECTRUM OF WHITE NOISE @ 44.1 kHZ
For the DX7 Pro, please note this discussion regarding the filters between @Veri and Amir. As Amir states:
The following are the headphone amp measurements ...
POWER VS. DISTORTION (300 Ohm load)
POWER VS. DISTORTION (33 Ohm load)
POWER VS. DISTORTION (XLR out using 50 Ohm load)
CHANNEL IMBALANCE
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
I believe Amir has previously stated that his test equipment adds about 0.8-0.9 Ohms? If that's the case you can subtract that amount from each of these measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
Sabaj D5
From Amir:
Topping DX7 Pro
From Amir:
Author's notes:
- Sabaj before Topping is simply alphabetical; I'm not implying one is better than the other.
- All of the graphics are labeled, but to make it consistent: Sabaj D5 is always on the left, Topping DX7 Pro is always on the right.
- I have no experience with either unit, nor do I have any perspective on build quality / customer service.
- If anyone sees errors / omissions please let me know and I will make corrections.
- If anyone has issues with the measurements or conclusions ...... take it up with Amir!
BASIC SPECS
Sabaj D5:
- Full ASR review + measurements: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ew-and-measurements-of-sabaj-d5-dac-amp.8337/
- DAC chip: ESS ES9038PRO
- USB: XMOS XU-208
- Output impedance (1/4 jack): 3.0 Ohm
- XLR inputs: yes
- XLR out: yes
- Bluetooth: no
- Remote control: yes
- Dimensions: 24.5cm x 21.0cm x 5.0cm
Topping DX7 Pro:
- Full ASR review + measurements: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-dx7-pro-dac-and-headphone-amp-reviewed.9446/
- DAC chip: ESS ES9038PRO
- USB: XMOS XU-208
- Output impedance (1/4 jack): 6.2 Ohm
- XLR inputs: yes
- XLR out: yes
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 with support for LDAC, aptX, aptX LL, and aptX HD
- Remote control: yes
- Dimension: 22.2cm x 17.8cm x 4.5cm
SINAD
Both measured using USB in / XLR out. However, the Sabaj D5 measurements were taken after 30 minutes of warm-up.
DYNAMIC RANGE
JITTER
INTERMODULATION + NOISE
The "ESS IMD hump" appears in both units.
LINEARITY
Both units are capable of 20 bits of resolution.
32 TONE INPUT SIGNAL (192 kHz)
THD+N RATIO vs FREQUENCY @ 48 kHZ
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
I didn't find this for the Topping DX7 Pro, so only the Sabaj D5 is listed.
FFT SPECTRUM OF WHITE NOISE @ 44.1 kHZ
For the DX7 Pro, please note this discussion regarding the filters between @Veri and Amir. As Amir states:
"... either the manual or the firmware may be wrong."
The following are the headphone amp measurements ...
POWER VS. DISTORTION (300 Ohm load)
POWER VS. DISTORTION (33 Ohm load)
POWER VS. DISTORTION (XLR out using 50 Ohm load)
CHANNEL IMBALANCE
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
I believe Amir has previously stated that his test equipment adds about 0.8-0.9 Ohms? If that's the case you can subtract that amount from each of these measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
Sabaj D5
From Amir:
"The Sabaj D5 is a very well-engineered DAC and headphone amplifier. It nearly outperforms every DAC I have ever tested! The ESS ES9038Pro when implemented well (which is not common) brings stunningly low levels of distortion which shows here. Alas, it also brings the IMD hump which I blame on ESS for not working out before unleashing the design on implementers. If Sabaj and incorporate the fix that others are starting to roll out, it would have a complete game changer on their hands, obsoleting products at almost any price range!
The headphone output is simply very good. It doesn't break boundaries like the DAC side does but what is there is absolutely clean and distortion free. Only a person with very low efficiency headphone and/or need to play extremely loud would want to get something better. And if so, you have a fantastic DAC to drive whatever that is.
The only odd thing is having to leave the unit on for a few minutes for it to achieve its best performance. Then again even its "cold" performance is likely transparent enough.
Needless to say, It is my pleasure to highly recommend the Sabaj D5. A great example of a well engineered product at a very reasonable price."
Topping DX7 Pro
From Amir:
"The Topping DX7 Pro betters the DAC performance of all the products Topping had produced. On SINAD measurement, it lands in the coveted range of near 120 dB, proving beyond a shadow of doubt that it is transparent to any content you attempt to play. This is a super challenging bar to reach and I congratulate Topping for getting there.
The headphone is a step below state-of-the-art from measurement point of view. Subjectively however, it is very powerful and clean and satisfies every need I personally have. Some of you know that I use a Topping DX3 Pro as my everyday DAC and headphone unit. Given the performance of the DX7 Pro, looks and usability, I am going to replace that with DX7 Pro.
Needless to say, I am happy to give my recommendation to Topping DX7 Pro."
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