TOPPING D90 III Sabre DAC Review

[Pictus]

One of my friend tested it and says it sounds better.
content in Chinese
Why asking listening experience here?

Look here.

 

[SAV1972]

TOPPING has introduced the D90 III Discrete , priced at $999. As the name suggests, the D90 III Discrete is a 1-bit DAC built using discrete components

 

[Lupin]

TOPPING has introduced the D90 III Discrete , priced at $999. As the name suggests, the D90 III Discrete is a 1-bit DAC built using discrete components

But still transparent is transparent, being a 1-bit discrete DAC doesn't make it more transparent.
10 band PEQ is a nice touch though. Still $999 is waaaay more than I'm willing to spend on a DAC.

 

[EJ3]

But still transparent is transparent, being a 1-bit discrete DAC doesn't make it more transparent.
10 band PEQ is a nice touch though. Still $999 is waaaay more than I'm willing to spend on a DAC.

That is you but perhaps not me.

 

[SAV1972]

But still transparent is transparent, being a 1-bit discrete DAC doesn't make it more transparent.
10 band PEQ is a nice touch though. Still $999 is waaaay more than I'm willing to spend on a DAC.

Now I have Topping dx9 15th Anniversary. Superior dac & pre

 

[fametrano]

This was missing on the D90SE/LE

God forbids me, the lack of a 12v trigger is the only reason pushing me to upgrade from my DA90SE. But I will resist...

Or maybe just capitulate for the D90 III Discrete.

 

[johny_2000]

But still transparent is transparent, being a 1-bit discrete DAC doesn't make it more transparent.
10 band PEQ is a nice touch though. Still $999 is waaaay more than I'm willing to spend on a DAC.

In terms of specs, I don't see any improvement over the D50 III unit. Different approach (1-bit discrete DAC vs. Hyperstream IV integrated multiple 1-bit DACs), same results.
In terms of price, the 5x difference (D50 III ~$200 vs. D90 III Discrete ~$1000) is not in favor of the D90 III Discrete.

Topping PEQs are a nice thing they recently introduced, but at the moment they slightly degrade the output characteristics of the devices.
Some firmware tweaking may be needed, if that is even possible.