Ok, got it. Thanks again.
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TOPPING D90 III Sabre DAC Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
D90 III power consumption at different sampling rates (into XLR into 10k ohm)
176.4 || 0.0855A
192 || 0.0860A
44.1 || 0.0880A
48 || 0.0890A
88.2 || 0.0890A
96 || 0.0895A
352.8 || 0.0910A
384 || 0.0920A
Interesting how 192 is least because 8x = 384
176.4 || 0.0855A
192 || 0.0860A
44.1 || 0.0880A
48 || 0.0890A
88.2 || 0.0890A
96 || 0.0895A
352.8 || 0.0910A
384 || 0.0920A
Interesting how 192 is least because 8x = 384
What is the native rate for the chip’s delta-sigma modulation? 1-bit, 2.8MHz? My guess is that sample rates with the greater processing overhead to decimate & oversample, or Fourier transform, or whatever needs to happen computationally to get them to the native rate would result in higher power consumption.
I think it's quite a bit higher than that, actually.
It's 48/96/192/384 x 64/128/256/512/1024 and
44.1/88.2/176.4/352.4 x 64/128/256/512/1024
I think default target is to hit 45.1584/49.1520MHz (ie. 48 * 1024 = 49,152)
There might be an alternate mode that makes the target half (22.579MHz and 24.576MHz)
That's the idea I get from the datasheet, though I'm not 100%
MLaranjeiras
Active Member
Comparing only the measurements of these DAC with the Topping E50, although the TOPPING D90 III Sabre has pushed the limits a little further, overall, the measurements are practically the same. All the improvements are in the millimeters scales, maybe resulting in nuances that a balanced setup/environment would more easily highlight. This may not be the case for most audio enthusiasts, like myself.
Topping E50 - August 2021 - $175.12 USD - https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e50-review-balanced-dac.26219/
Topping D90 III Sabre - January 2024 - $879.12 USD - https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-d90-iii-sabre-dac-review.51493/
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It hasn't been the case for me for many years. Now that it's there with indistinguishable audio (for many of us, anyway), how 'bout them designing some helpful usefulness to it?
I used to run sound for local & regional bands on weekends. I never felt the need for balanced cables in my home environment.
On the other hand, IF I ever had the money to have a home that needed such long runs or through the walls runs, I would not spend it on a home that big (but on a large tract of property with my modest home hidden from the streets [and no where near where any incorporated area might have jurisdiction in my lifetime]).
Bob101
Active Member
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I went from an E50 (first gen) to a D70 (not a D90, but close enough for me and better looking). Main reason: I needed a pre-amp/DAC with a more robust volume and input control. And I could afford it. For anyone just needing a DAC: get the E50. It does not sound the same, but there a very few people, none of which you or I are acquainted to, who would be able to tell the difference in a blind test. I know I can't. And is difference the same as better? The E70 will stay with me now until it dies, which it has not shown any intent to whatsoever.
fabriciom
Member
Has anyone tested the D90III and the SMSL SU-X?
Which one would be the better choice?
Which one would be the better choice?
MLaranjeiras
Active Member
In this video, the comparison is with SMSL SU 10
He goes on and on about the subtle sound differences, I would like to see him pass a double blind test first before he offers his verbose opinions.
MLaranjeiras
Active Member
In some reviews, he is honest when afirms that on basic sets (and rooms too), diferences are hard to perceive. That is why I resist on to upgrade from my Topping E50.
This, IMHO, is a step up in appearance. That may help the audio in some sort of feely/touchy way .
fabriciom
Member
Im upgrading from an RME ADI-8 DS from like 20 years ago.
A good DAC like the RME from 20 years ago is still a good DAC. If you want to upgrade for looks or features or connectivity or you will be happy, if you are upgrading for sound quality you may be disappointed .... after the initial confirmation bias wears off. In any case have fun, its what hobbies are about after all.
MLaranjeiras
Active Member
MLaranjeiras
Active Member
Get this SMSL SU 1 to realize if this new generation worth. $72.00. https://a.co/d/7v9SNje
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fabriciom
Member
I paid little over 2k for an SPL Phonitor. A "profresional" headphone amp that simulates crossfeed, that its mean feature but it has more things.
10-15 years passed and I started messing around with DIY electronics. I ended up building a headphone amp kit the blew away that 2k amp for little over $200. I simulated the crossfeed with goodhertz can opener plugin. This little setup blew away my 2k amp. Which i have somewhere in the basement collecting dust because no one will buy it.
20 Years in technology is a long time.
I also have another problem with the RME unit. It works with ADAT. I do not have an affordable option to connect that to new macs. I have an RayDAT card for that its PCIe.
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Sounds like you need a connectivity upgrade so make sure your new DAC has what you need now and if you can guess the future. Any of the DACs your are looking at will sound essentially perfect. RME are great DACs , not cheap but great features and service and as you know they will last.
fabriciom
Member
They are good but WAY out of my price range.
I was able to buy my unit used on ebay for like 750€ back in the day. It was a great deal.
I was looking for a good converter I did not need the 8 in/outs.
Also their drivers are maintained for a very long time.
If I had the money I would upgrade. But for someone that just does music production as a hobby, I cant justify a 2k investment anymore. The SPL phonitor I was able to buy with the sale of my monitors at the time. You have no idea how I regretted selling my Dynaudio's BM12A. But I just could not keep them in my tiny flat.
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@fabriciom
Sharing advice that I got here and ignored (but I learned my lesson) Spend what you can on good speakers. Then look for the cheapest Class D amp in the blue area of the chart that comfortably meets the power needs for your speakers. Last, buy the cheapest DAC from the blue part of the charts. DACs are the lowest rung to improvement. I have a E1DA 9038D headphone DAC / Amp which i tried in place of my E30 and E50. That was so astonishingly good, it was almost comical.
My personal set up's: I run (original) Topping E50 DAC for main set up and an original Topping E30 for another room. TWICE, was drawn like a moth to making online orders. First was a Topping D90SE, then a year later a SMSL SU9. Whilst I am lucky to be able to afford them, each went back to Amazon. Amir's measurements are spot on. These are amazing DACs, but beyond my ability, or of any of my pals, to hear a difference. I REALLY REALLY tried to hear an improvement. At the time, I'd have kept the 'upgrade' if one of my pals could hear a difference that I couldn't.
Sharing advice that I got here and ignored (but I learned my lesson) Spend what you can on good speakers. Then look for the cheapest Class D amp in the blue area of the chart that comfortably meets the power needs for your speakers. Last, buy the cheapest DAC from the blue part of the charts. DACs are the lowest rung to improvement. I have a E1DA 9038D headphone DAC / Amp which i tried in place of my E30 and E50. That was so astonishingly good, it was almost comical.
My personal set up's: I run (original) Topping E50 DAC for main set up and an original Topping E30 for another room. TWICE, was drawn like a moth to making online orders. First was a Topping D90SE, then a year later a SMSL SU9. Whilst I am lucky to be able to afford them, each went back to Amazon. Amir's measurements are spot on. These are amazing DACs, but beyond my ability, or of any of my pals, to hear a difference. I REALLY REALLY tried to hear an improvement. At the time, I'd have kept the 'upgrade' if one of my pals could hear a difference that I couldn't.
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