Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC Review

[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

 

[MLaranjeiras]

When I try to compare it to the EX5 I bought after the ASR test

Shenzhenaudio Topping EX5 Review (DAC and Headphone Amplifier)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping EX5 produced exclusively for Shenzhenaudio. The EX5 is slated to cost US $349.99 which it is released. The sample I have is from production run but is awaiting the manual for formal shipments. It was sent to me by Shenzhenaudio. The...

www.audiosciencereview.com

from a purely utilitarian point of view, the buyer is getting:

• marginally (probably inaudibly) better performance
• a fancier display
• no headphone amp (means another expense, if needed)
• for double the price

So, as good as this one is, I rate it as "great", but I would still buy the EX5 for half the price, if I hadn't already.

Or the E50 for 25% of its price

 

[respice finem]

Or the E50 for 25% of its price

Yes, unless you need XLR. indeed, the E50 has TRS

 

[MLaranjeiras]

In the end of the day, all of the same, much hype and here and there a good surprise.

 

[Bob101]

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.

You can do this on pc with voicemeeter. It's free software that, among a LOT of other things, lets you send the same signal to two dacs. You will not have sync issues.

 

[soerenssen]

You can do this on pc with voicemeeter. It's free software that, among a LOT of other things, lets you send the same signal to two dacs. You will not have sync issues.

Thank you for the idea, much appreciated!

 

[soerenssen]

D70 Pro Octo with 8x CS43198:

TOPPING D70 PRO OCTO DAC 8x CS43198 XMOS XU316 Bluetooth 5.1 LDAC aptX-Adaptive 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics

The DAC Topping D70 PRO OCTO features many refinements specific to a high-end audio product. High-performance chips, ultra-low jitter clocks, latest generation interfaces and great versatility, this DAC offers exceptional performance.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[marekm]

How does the OCTO version differ from regular PRO ?

 

[staticV3]

How does the OCTO version differ from regular PRO ?

Different DAC chips, same sound, $100 lower MSRP (only $15 less expensive with current discounts tho).

 

[Veri]

How does the OCTO version differ from regular PRO ?

D30 Pro > D70 Pro : much more DAC chips used in parallel to achieve higher DR/SNR (?)

 

[marekm]

So what is next ? An AKM version

 

[MBO]

So what is next ? An AKM version

Please do not install any more current DACs from AKM, unfortunately they sound worse than CS43198 or ES9039, several devices have already been compared.

 

[Veri]

several devices have already been compared.

Huh?

 

[marekm]

Any suggestions which version to consider with A70 Pro (regardless of price differences) ?

 

[AdrianusG]

D70 Pro Octo with 8x CS43198:

TOPPING D70 PRO OCTO DAC 8x CS43198 XMOS XU316 Bluetooth 5.1 LDAC aptX-Adaptive 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics

The DAC Topping D70 PRO OCTO features many refinements specific to a high-end audio product. High-performance chips, ultra-low jitter clocks, latest generation interfaces and great versatility, this DAC offers exceptional performance.

www.audiophonics.fr

Hi,

Would be interesting to see how it performs/measures against the ESS version.

 

[MBO]

Hi,

Would be interesting to see how it performs/measures against the ESS version.

I am explicitly referring to DAC chip sound quality. I have Amari with 8x CS43198 and SMSL D400Es with ES9039Pro, both DACs are absolutely great in sound, I hadn't heard a better DAC for 30 years. Both CS43198 and ES9039 are extremely good, and differ only in nuances, I would say they are on the same quality level.

 

[marekm]

Waiting to see a full blown comparison by Amirm

 

[AdrianusG]

Waiting to see a full blown comparison by Amirm

Yep,
Me too.