Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC Review

[Veri]

The DMP-A6 played music directly from its internal memory or via streaming services like Qobuz and Tidal, completely bypassing a desktop PC and its operating system. This alteration resulted in the D70 PRO sounding incredibly clean and highly transparent, without adding a smidge of grain, digitus, and aggressiveness which I heard when linked to a PC, making the music enjoyable even at higher sound pressure levels."

Audiophile bullshit lingo for "I added another expensive device, and suddenly everything sounders clear-er and better-er"

 

[soerenssen]

Audiophile bullshit lingo for "I added another expensive device, and suddenly everything sounders clear-er and better-er"

This was his explanation:
"Even when using the same USB input of D70 PRO, it sounded better when I completely removed my PC from the acoustic chain. This is due to the noise that goes through the USB port, along with latency and the cleanliness of the signal. For the best performance out of this stack, an EverSolo DMP-A6 felt like a must-have unit."

 

[Veri]

This was his explanation:
"Even when using the same USB input of D70 PRO, it sounded better when I completely removed my PC from the acoustic chain. This is due to the noise that goes through the USB port, along with latency and the cleanliness of the signal. For the best performance out of this stack, an EverSolo DMP-A6 felt like a must-have unit."

Must-have. Night and day! Wife heard it from the kitchen, came over and asked him oh what component did he change, the change is D R A S T I C..
Don't buy into these kind of stories. USB noise.. just ask yourself, can you hear any noise right now? What 'USB noise' is there even to fix??

 

[soerenssen]

I'm planning to run an Audirvana / Dirac Live 2.1 setup from MacOS, using D70 Pro DAC for LR and a cheap second DAC for my active sub. In MacOS a virtual audio device can be created for the 2 DACs. In order to avoid clock sync issues, what DAC do you recommend pairing the D70 Pro with?

 

[MLaranjeiras]

My biggest concern with these DACs is investing US$ 500.00 in an upgrade (my E50, which I like a lot and many who own very expensive DACs liked it too) and get frustrated if I don't find a relevant gain, in my "non-audiophile" room . Amir gives great technical reviews and, for them, there would be no reason to change a Topping D10s for any other. I look on Youtube for comparisons "on the ear" of a simpler Topping DAC vs a top of the line, but for now, it's a lot of talk and always the newest is the best. As I have a Sansui Integrated from 1990, I know that this is not the case.

 

[soerenssen]

My biggest concern with these DACs is investing US$ 500.00 in an upgrade (my E50, which I like a lot and many who own very expensive DACs liked it too) and get frustrated if I don't find a relevant gain, in my "non-audiophile" room . Amir gives great technical reviews and, for them, there would be no reason to change a Topping D10s for any other. I look on Youtube for comparisons "on the ear" of a simpler Topping DAC vs a top of the line, but for now, it's a lot of talk and always the newest is the best. As I have a Sansui Integrated from 1990, I know that this is not the case.

I don't have a 2ch DAC currently, so in my case this won't be an upgrade but a first buy. I'm looking for the best bang for buck DAC and matching pre-amp to drive an NCx500 + Kef Reference 3 Meta combo. I don't know how much difference I would hear between an E50 and a D70 Pro. According to Sandu from soundnews it's better than previous Topping DACs. But will I hear it? I don't know.

 

[cheapmessiah]

My biggest concern with these DACs is investing US$ 500.00 in an upgrade (my E50, which I like a lot and many who own very expensive DACs liked it too) and get frustrated if I don't find a relevant gain, in my "non-audiophile" room . Amir gives great technical reviews and, for them, there would be no reason to change a Topping D10s for any other. I look on Youtube for comparisons "on the ear" of a simpler Topping DAC vs a top of the line, but for now, it's a lot of talk and always the newest is the best. As I have a Sansui Integrated from 1990, I know that this is not the case.

Youtube people are influencers, the majority of them are in it as advertisers and hype-creators, not necesarily to be just in cahoots with the brands, but also to keep their audiences invested on the content.

Realisticly, topping D10S, D10B and SMSL D-6 are the only kinds of DACs that make sense to buy depending on how many features one might need, then RME ADI-2 is the only DAC that gives something extra thtas useful, the PEQ.

If topping or SMSL took the D-6 concept, added 10 band PEQ with 5 to 10 memory slots, and package it so it can be sold for under 400$ that would be it, endgame dac.

 

[soerenssen]

Can I combine the D70 Pro with the E50 or will I have sync issues with this setup?
D70 Pro would be connected to LR. E50 would be connected to 1 or 2 active subs.

 

[soerenssen]

My biggest concern with these DACs is investing US$ 500.00 in an upgrade (my E50, which I like a lot and many who own very expensive DACs liked it too) and get frustrated if I don't find a relevant gain, in my "non-audiophile" room . Amir gives great technical reviews and, for them, there would be no reason to change a Topping D10s for any other. I look on Youtube for comparisons "on the ear" of a simpler Topping DAC vs a top of the line, but for now, it's a lot of talk and always the newest is the best. As I have a Sansui Integrated from 1990, I know that this is not the case.

I'm starting to have the same gut feeling. If a DAC is just a DAC, clean/natural enough and anyway it is not supposed to change anything, then I'm wondering what one is paying for beyond audible levels besides features and design. In my case, I'm looking for a DAC for my living room, so it's a plus if it looks good and also convenient so I don't have to go there to turn it on/off or adjust volume, it can trigger the pre-amp and the amp, and it can be turned on by my Wiim Pro.

Edit: personally I like the E50 but that trigger is missing for me.

 

[MLaranjeiras]

I'm starting to have the same gut feeling. If a DAC is just a DAC, clean/natural enough and anyway it is not supposed to change anything, then I'm wondering what one is paying for beyond audible levels besides features and design. In my case, I'm looking for a DAC for my living room, so it's a plus if it looks good and also convenient so I don't have to go there to turn it on/off or adjust volume, it can trigger the pre-amp and the amp, and it can be turned on by my Wiim Pro.

Edit: personally I like the E50 but that trigger is missing for me.

A bought a Hiby FC4 DAC and it is fine, but generates noise when connected to the integrated amplifier. In terms of sound, once more, no audible diference compared with the Topping E50. Its advantage for using as a desktop (Mac Mini) DAC is its stealth form. Dissapears behind the forniture. Again, some folks stimulated me to spend almost US$ 2,000.00 on R2R or a Wyred 4 Sound 2v2 SE DAC and I said ok, maybe. If I listen before paying. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...surements-of-wyred4sound-dac-2v2-se-dac.6507/

 

[MLaranjeiras]

Can I combine the D70 Pro with the E50 or will I have sync issues with this setup?
D70 Pro would be connected to LR. E50 would be connected to 1 or 2 active subs.

Sorry, no idea.

 

[Bob101]

I got this because of the VU meter option. Ever since I changed my amp from a Yamaha A-S1100 to the audiophonics purify power amp, something was missing in the visual department, and it delivers
I now have a Topping E50 and a Yamaha A-S1100 for sale.

 

[MLaranjeiras]

I got this because of the VU meter option. Ever since I changed my amp from a Yamaha A-S1100 to the audiophonics purify power amp, something was missing in the visual department, and it delivers
I now have a Topping E50 and a Yamaha A-S1100 for sale.

Did you hear any major diference between the "sound quality" between the Topping E50 and the Topping E70 Pro that makes for you worth the investiment? Also, can you comment about the sound of the Purifi compared with the Yamaha. Class D Hypex is smooth or trends to be more dry/agressive, needing care on pairing?

 

[MLaranjeiras]

Did you hear any major diference between the "sound quality" between the Topping E50 and the Topping E70 Pro that makes for you worth the investiment? Also, can you comment about the sound of the Purifi compared with the Yamaha. Class D Hypex is smooth or trends to be more dry/agressive, needing care on pairing?

A70, I meant.

 

[Grael]

A70, I meant.

D70, you meant ?

 

[MLaranjeiras]

D70, you meant ?

Oh, yes

 

[MLaranjeiras]

Once i like de smooth sound of vintage Sansui, I am curious about the D class amplifiers, Hypex etc. Also, need a testimony to think in giving a leap on DACs.

 

[Bob101]

Did you hear any major diference between the "sound quality" between the Topping E50 and the Topping E70 Pro that makes for you worth the investiment? Also, can you comment about the sound of the Purifi compared with the Yamaha. Class D Hypex is smooth or trends to be more dry/agressive, needing care on pairing?

Between the E50 ant the D70Pro: there is a difference. I'm certain I would not be able to distinguish between them in a blind setting. Some people might, kudos to them. I did a test with voicemeeter so I could switch between the two each connected to another line input on the Yamaha The D70Pro sounds a little more open, wider and the bass ever so more defined to my ears. If you own an E50: no need to upgrade, really. I only did the upgrade because of the looks, and I can afford it. The D70pro has some more connectivity. And: Bluetooth, which I genuinely appreciate. My friends just could not grasp how it is possible your modern, multiple 1000€ system has no bluetooth, just a bunch of wires. D70pro fixed that, and I'm even beginning to use it myself. Sacriledge, I know. Ldac is perfect for a podcast while cooking or doing dishes. Again: you'd only hear the difference if you knew.
As for the Yamaha: since I am solely listening to digital (laptop/CD-transport to DAC to amp) I was using just a single input on the integrated Yamaha. I really like the looks, but I had grown disappointed with the sound, especially the bass weight and control, as well as a stangely congested midrange. When watching movies I would sometimes have trouble understanding dialogue, mistly at low volume. Also it was taking a LOT of space, and drawing 75W just idling (they don't mention that in the brochure). The Audiophonics solved all that and more. Effortlessly transparent, weighty and tight bass at any volume, sparkling highs without fatigue (on my Wharfedale Lintons) And: the power! It draws a few watts idling, and by the time it draws 75 Watts, you're no longer listening but inciting a riot the neighbourhood.
For me this is as good as it gets. Not harsh at all, I would even call it musical. The hype is real, Class D is the future. I have always liked bright sounding systems. I heard Accuphase and Luxman amps pull off the same, but (no surprise here) at many times the cost. Only downside: it's an on/off machine (duh), so volume control via the laptop or DAC. The E50 does a very good job, but the small silver device on top of my, now black, amp wasn't really doing it for me in the visual department. Plus I like myself a rotary knob. The D70pro is an indulgence for me, but the OLED is so good that VU-meter looks just real, with a nice warm yellow glow. And the knob turns.12v trigger for one button system on/off. What else is there to want? Now all I need is a nice tv/stereo rack

 

[Tovarich007]

Between the E50 ant the D70Pro: there is a difference. I did a test with voicemeeter so I could switch quickly between the two. TheD70Pro sounds a little more airy, and the bass ever so more defined to my ears. I'm certain I would not be able to distinguish between them in a blind setting. Some people might, kudos to them. If you own an E50: no need to upgrade, really. I only did the upgrade because of the looks, and I can afford it. The D70pro has some more connectivity and Bluetooth, which I genuinely appreciate. People don't understand how it is possible your modern, multiple 1000€ system has no bluetooth
As for the Yamaha: since I am solely listening to digital (laptop/CD-transport to DAC to amp) I was using just one input on the integrated Yamaha. I really like the looks, but I had grown disappointed with the sound, especially the bass weight and control, as well as midrange clarity. When watching movies I often had trouble understanding dialogue. Also it was taking a LOT of space, and drawing 75W just idling (they don't mention that in the brochure) The Audiophonics solved all that and more. Effortlessly transparent, weighty and tight bass at any volume, sparkling highs without fatigue (on my Wharfedale Lintons) And: the power! It draws a few watts idling, and by the time it draws 75 Watts, you're no longer listening but seriously angering the neighbourhood.
For me this is as good as it gets. Not harsh at all, I would even go so far as to call it musical. the hype is real. Class D is the future. I have always liked bright sounding systems. I heard Accuphase and Luxman amps do the same, but (no surprise here) at many times the cost. Only downside: it's an on/off machine. Volume control via the source or DAC. The E50 does a good job, but the small silver device on top of my, now black, amp wasn't really doing it for me in the visual department. Plus I like myself a rotary knob. The D70pro is an indulgence for me, but the OLED is so good that VU-meter looks just real, with a nice warm yellow glow. And the knob turns. 12v trigger for one button system on/off. What else is there to want?

Bob, which model of Audiophonics do you own ?

 

[Bob101]

Bob, which model of Audiophonics do you own ?

Audiophonics HPA-S400ET

AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S400ET Power Amplifier Class D Stereo Purifi 1ET400A 2x400W 4 Ohm - Audiophonics

Class D stereo power amplifier based on two PURIFI 1ET400A modules and a HYPEX SMPS1200A400 power supply.

www.audiophonics.fr