Topping D90 MQA Vs SMSL SU-9 Vs Gustard DAC-X16

[Kit Carson]

Hi,
please, can you help me?
I'm on the market to buy a DAC.
I narrowed down my choice between does ones:

• Topping D90 MQA : €800
• SMSL SU-9 : €400
• Gustard DAC-X16 : about €450

Looking at each one spec and manual, they seem very similar, pretty the same, a part from the DAC chip.
Is it this the only difference?
Does it justify the big difference in price?
I guess there are some other differences between them, maybe the SMSL and the Gustard aren't truly balanced...

Thank for your help!

 

[gustard]

Gustad DAC-X16 is truly balanced

 

[Kit Carson]

Gustad DAC-X16 is truly balanced

Thanks, and what about SMSL SU-9?

 

[ninetylol]

Id take a Gustard X16 if it was actually available anywhere. Elsewise take the SU-9 for 400.

 

[Pankar0]

Id take a Gustard X16 if it was actually available anywhere. Elsewise take the SU-9 for 400.

Here is available..
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-...th-50-32bit-768khz-dsd512-silver-p-14961.html

 

[Pankar0]

I m ready to pull the trigger.... !!! But I think it's important to see more reviews so I m waiting.

The only thing to push me to su-9 is the option to change the color of music... very nice future I think.

 

[trl]

Gustad DAC-X16 is truly balanced

Which one is not fully balanced, please?

 

[galgogergo]

Hi,

I'm in the same decision.
I could buy a Topping D90 (non-MQA) used, or a Gustard X16 new. What do you think would suit me best in my (home, hobby) studio for critical listening on active studio monitors? (I already have a preamp, would use it as DAC)

 

[trl]

Really hard to say: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/topping-d90-balanced-usb-dac-review.10519/ vs. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ds/gustard-x16-balanced-mqa-dac-review.17419/. Based on measurements there are ups and downs, but in the end nobody will hear any differences between the two, so either you'll pick up the one that looks better to your eyes, either you'll pick up the one that has more warranty left (preferably warranty on your country or continent).

 

[Lupin]

Hi,
please, can you help me?
I'm on the market to buy a DAC.
I narrowed down my choice between does ones:

• Topping D90 MQA : €800
• SMSL SU-9 : €400
• Gustard DAC-X16 : about €450

Looking at each one spec and manual, they seem very similar, pretty the same, a part from the DAC chip.
Is it this the only difference?
Does it justify the big difference in price?
I guess there are some other differences between them, maybe the SMSL and the Gustard aren't truly balanced...

Thank for your help!

All three measure well enough that you won't hear the difference between them.
Pick the one that has the features you want in the chassis you like for the price you are willing to pay for it.

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

The display on the new Topping D90SE is much easier to read than the Gustard X16. Of course, it's nearly double the price…but I could see myself picking one up at some point even though I already have (and love) the X16.

 

[MiLi]

Hi,
please, can you help me?
I'm on the market to buy a DAC.
I narrowed down my choice between does ones:

• Topping D90 MQA : €800
• SMSL SU-9 : €400
• Gustard DAC-X16 : about €450

Looking at each one spec and manual, they seem very similar, pretty the same, a part from the DAC chip.
Is it this the only difference?
Does it justify the big difference in price?
I guess there are some other differences between them, maybe the SMSL and the Gustard aren't truly balanced...

Thank for your help!

You could buy all three and sell out not chesn ones… . Any other method, which use external opinions brings bias to your decision.

 

[dsnyder0cnn]

I m ready to pull the trigger.... !!! But I think it's important to see more reviews so I m waiting.

The only thing to push me to su-9 is the option to change the color of music... very nice future I think.

I posted several times in this thread about my experience comparing the Topping D90SE and Gustard X16. TL;DR - sound quality is identical, but the D90SE may be worth the extra $400 if you need a digital preamp that can directly drive power amplifiers due to its larger display and lower output impedance.

Topping D90SE Review (Balanced DAC)

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