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Topping D90 III - teardown

hello Fendy,

I didn't have direct comparison between D90 MQA and D90III since I did a fully MOD for D90 MQA.
As I recall, D90 III sounds more balance in high and bass whch got more improvement than original D90 MQA.

But the next gen of D90 III Discrete with DSM may come out on Q3,24 in rumor, I will suggest to wait that one.
Untill some reviewer provides a fully comparision between D90 III Sabre and D90 III Discrete, then pick one you preferred,
hi whyday,
is topping d90 launch every year?
d90 iii discrete is upgrade product from d90 iii sabre or both have same position with difference characteristic?
 
hi whyday,
is topping d90 launch every year?
d90 iii discrete is upgrade product from d90 iii sabre or both have same position with difference characteristic?
hi Fendy,

I can't speak for Topping cause I am an end customer just like you.
Regarding to previous experience on Topping roadmap, which looks like each generation per year or 1.5 years
And there is another one flagship DAC called D900 with DSM module follow after D90 III Discrete.
 
hi whyday,
is topping d90 launch every year?
d90 iii discrete is upgrade product from d90 iii sabre or both have same position with difference characteristic?
The D90 III Discrete is an r2r DAC and is therefore primarily intended for a different group of buyers, such as the Gustard A26 and R26. So it is an additional option in the same price range.
The first D90 was replaced by the D90SE because AKM DAC chips were not available, the D90LE was just the additional version without MQA (at the customer's request).
In the end, Topping only released a successor to the D90SE after 3 years.

There are two things you must not forget.
The manufacturers are forced to bring new DACs onto the market when new/further developed DAC chips (or other technology) are introduced, otherwise another manufacturer will make the sales. The same is also required after 2-3 years.
 
Coupling capacitor used Nichicon FW 220uF 16V, which is not Hi-Fi enough for me but still ok on circuit design.
Absolute state of the art performance is only "still ok"? Clearly these "not Hi-Fi enough" components are dragging the design down. /s
 
Absolute state of the art performance is only "still ok"? Clearly these "not Hi-Fi enough" components are dragging the design down. /s
Why do many manufacturers use Nichicon FW? Do you think it's really because of the quality and performance? Or because of the reputation built up over decades of so-called "audio grade" capacitors, which are often completely overpriced.
 
Why do many manufacturers use Nichicon FW? Do you think it's really because of the quality and performance? Or because of the reputation built up over decades of so-called "audio grade" capacitors, which are often completely overpriced.
They use caps that meet the specs and durability they require.
 
They use caps that meet the specs and durability they require.
Then everything is fine.
I wouldn't spend my money on blink blink capacitors like that, but apparently the marketing works.
And 2000 hours at 85°? Well, at least there is a level below that.
But everyone can have their own opinion about things like that.
 
Then everything is fine.
I wouldn't spend my money on blink blink capacitors like that, but apparently the marketing works.
And 2000 hours at 85°? Well, at least there is a level below that.
But everyone can have their own opinion about things like that.
You are responding to the wrong person. It was OPs opinion these weren't hifi enough.
 
hello guys, below mapping table used to explain the level of audio caps from Nichicon
As you can see FW is just a standard level in their map, and FG or KW are hifi enough for me.
But in this tiny spec which has no room for higher level caps, that's why I said ok from my POV.

Acutally I prefer ELNA Silmic II as a DIYer but Silimic EOL already, still looking for other caps to use.
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The D90 III Discrete is an r2r DAC and is therefore primarily intended for a different group of buyers, such as the Gustard A26 and R26. So it is an additional option in the same price range.
It says literally on the showcase module that it's a 1-bit DSM module.
Not all discrete DACs are R2R DACs.
 
It says literally on the showcase module that it's a 1-bit DSM module.
Not all discrete DACs are R2R DACs.
Exactly, time will tell whether it's "true" 1bit DSD DAC (worse measurements) whether kind of discrete multibit delta sigma DAC.
 
Interesting. How did you manage to remove the front panel and\or access the ribbon connector connecting the main PCB to the front panel?
 
Exactly, time will tell whether it's "true" 1bit DSD DAC (worse measurements) whether kind of discrete multibit delta sigma DAC.
Based on Topping's specifications, at least, the D90 III Discrete has slightly worse SINAD/SNR/DNR/THD compared to D90 Sabre, and is in fact closer to E70 Velvet's specifications from Topping.

-Ed
 
Interesting. How did you manage to remove the front panel and\or access the ribbon connector connecting the main PCB to the front panel?
You may need a long hexagonal screwdriver to relief the screw between frame and front panel.
As I recall, my hexagonal screwdriver is around 240mm (depends on how long of Topping DAC)
Remove the hexagonal screw on back panel first then use the long screwdriver through that holes on back panel.
 
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