TOPPING D90 III、TOPPING D50 III

[Phorize]

One dB better SINAD, or two at max voltage A-weighted. That's it.


Sure thing. RME is actually making good and reliable products.

In my country (the U.K) the RME adi products have a 5 year warranty if bought from an official distributor. I have a few topping products and they are great but I can't see topping offering anything like the post sales backup you get from RME.

 

[mocenigo]

New DACs are implementing "Filter Off" on PCM Filters Settings. So it is possible to use Upsampling software, like HQ Player. I believe D90 iii does not have this option.

An absolute disaster!!!!!

 

[poopy]

It does look like Topping didn't want to waste anytime redeveloping the D90 SE.

This new version already has an interface outdated when comparing with the D70 pro and DX9.

I'd be worried that Topping releases sometime next year an updated version with Aurora UI, after realising that the D90III is a real.... flop.

 

[Guilherme_BR]

It does look like Topping didn't want to waste anytime redeveloping the D90 SE.

This new version already has an interface outdated when comparing with the D70 pro and DX9.

I'd be worried that Topping releases sometime next year an updated version with Aurora UI, after realising that the D90III is a real.... flop.

I believe there's no information about the Analog Section, right?

 

[BrokenOath]

It does look like Topping didn't want to waste anytime redeveloping the D90 SE.

This new version already has an interface outdated when comparing with the D70 pro and DX9.

I'd be worried that Topping releases sometime next year an updated version with Aurora UI, after realising that the D90III is a real.... flop.

With the release of the SMSL SU-X, which is basically the D90 III in a more modern casing, I don't see Topping selling a lot of their D90 III.

 

[mocenigo]

With the release of the SMSL SU-X, which is basically the D90 III in a more modern casing, I don't see Topping selling a lot of their D90 III.

Unless you have a A90 or Pre90 and you want your stack to have a consistent design.

 

[mocenigo]

Well, good R2R provides exemplar stage size and depth.

Interesting. I think a difference in sound that is so remarkable would be measurable, but the gap between the best R2R and Δσ is under the threshold of audibility. I would posit that many R2R (especially the NOS ones) are made in a relatively “artisanal” way with an output stage that adds a bit of second harmonic, contributing to the illusion of an emphasised soundstage depth.

Personally I always go to sigma delta as I am detail freak in medium money range, but once I decide to go high end (>1000) definitely R2R will be parked on my table. For now happy enough with D70 Pro Octo, satisfying, very positive experience in sound.

I think that is more or less a definitive DAC.

 

[mocenigo]

With the release of the SMSL SU-X, which is basically the D90 III in a more modern casing, I don't see Topping selling a lot of their D90 III.

Are you sure? Do they share the same clock and output stage?

 

[poopy]

Unless you have a A90 or Pre90 and you want your stack to have a consistent design.

So maybe it's a sign that Topping is not going to update A90 and Pre90 anytime soon, so they keep same design?

 

[BrokenOath]

Are you sure? Do they share the same clock and output stage?

The reference design files are normally provided by the DAC manufacturer, therefore, I do not expect that much difference in the layout of the boards. Look at the components and specs numbers, they are basically the same between the two units.

 

[mocenigo]

The reference design files are normally provided by the DAC manufacturer, therefore, I do not expect that much difference in the layout of the boards. Look at the components and specs numbers, they are basically the same between the two units.

Usually these DACs are quite different from the reference designs. Read their descriptions.

The fact that they use the same converter chips is, paradoxically, the smallest influence on the final result. The fact that the two complete DACs have overall results that are so close to the measurements of the chips alone means that the additional circuitry is very transparent. But the descriptions from the two companies point to two very, very different implementations.

 

[B.A.T.]

With the release of the SMSL SU-X, which is basically the D90 III in a more modern casing, I don't see Topping selling a lot of their D90 III.

Yes, this D90 III release wasn't too clever from Topping. Why is that?

- Basically the same outdated UI as in the previous models, the Aurora UI would be a much better choice.
- The trigger option is a plus, but if you want to build a matching stack you have to go with PRE90 or A90D. Unfortunately PRE90 doesn't have a 12V trigger option and A90D has only one trigger input/output. A90D must to be the first or the last in the chain. So in this case the trigger option is a compromise.
- SMSL's new SU-X DAC has a more desirable design (at least for today's standards). I don't know for sure but I guess it's UI is more user friendly too.
- Both D90 III and SU-X goes with dual ESS9039 reference DAC chips. While SU-X is $100 more expensive it uses Noratel linear PSU which is definitely better than any switching PSU. I guess D90 III still using switching power supply.
- So from an user perspective and technically speaking the point goes to SMSL this time. Only minus for SMSL is the lack of the trigger option and they really should drop that plastic remote control at this price point...

 

[Punisher1]

Yes, this D90 III release wasn't too clever from Topping. Why is that?

- Basically the same outdated UI as in the previous models, the Aurora UI would be a much better choice.
- The trigger option is a plus, but if you want to build a matching stack you have to go with PRE90 or A90D. Unfortunately PRE90 doesn't have a 12V trigger option and A90D has only one trigger input/output. A90D must to be the first or the last in the chain. So in this case the trigger option is a compromise.
- SMSL's new SU-X DAC has a more desirable design (at least for today's standards). I don't know for sure but I guess it's UI is more user friendly too.
- Both D90 III and SU-X goes with dual ESS9039 reference DAC chips. While SU-X is $100 more expensive it uses Noratel linear PSU which is definitely better than any switching PSU. I guess D90 III still using switching power supply.
- So from an user perspective and technically speaking the point goes to SMSL this time. Only minus for SMSL is the lack of the trigger option and they really should drop that plastic remote control at this price point...

Not all the times linear psu's are good .
Don't forgot that switching power supples are fast .

 

[BrokenOath]

Topping has itself to blame, I replace my topping D90 with a SMSL SU-10, and so far I am happy with it.

 

[DLS79]

Topping has itself to blame, I replace my topping D90 with a SMSL SU-10, and so far I am happy with it.

whats your point?

You mentioned earlier you preferred a different design assetic, so upgrading from your D90 to a D90iii was unlikely.

 

[Gymboy]

Not sure how D90III performs, just can say mine D70 Pro Octo slams and hits, this Topping is not shy and flat neutral anymore.

 

[BrokenOath]

whats your point?

You mentioned earlier you preferred a different design assetic, so upgrading from your D90 to a D90iii was unlikely.

My point is that I am usually very loyal to a particular brand. I have been buying the same brand of car (Acura) all my life, on my third one, I chose topping D90 and was happy with it, and have been waiting patiently for them to come out with a new version of it as per the new design language of their D70, DX9, instead they keep releasing the same unit again and again at higher price tag at each iteration.

 

[DLS79]

I chose topping D90 and was happy with it, and have been waiting patiently for them to come out with a new version of it as per the new design language of their D70, DX9

out of curriosity what do you like about the design style of the D70 & DX9?


Mosts of toppings gear, is a sleave style enclosure( a piece of metal extrusion for the main body with a front and black place fastened to it).

I personally prefer the look of a uni-dody enclosure like the topping 50 series or the SMSL SU-10. I really like the look of no panel seems and no fastners.

 

[Rhamnetin]

My point is that I am usually very loyal to a particular brand. I have been buying the same brand of car (Acura) all my life, on my third one, I chose topping D90 and was happy with it, and have been waiting patiently for them to come out with a new version of it as per the new design language of their D70, DX9, instead they keep releasing the same unit again and again at higher price tag at each iteration.

SMSL also just released a new Sabre flagship, a parallel to the D90 III called the sux. Or the SU-X technically.

 

[BrokenOath]

out of curriosity what do you like about the design style of the D70 & DX9?


Mosts of toppings gear, is a sleave style enclosure( a piece of metal extrusion for the main body with a front and black place fastened to it).

I personally prefer the look of a uni-dody enclosure like the topping 50 series or the SMSL SU-10. I really like the look of no panel seems and no fastners.

I am so satisfied with the SMSL SU-10, I don't care much for Topping anymore.