Topping D900 DAC Review

[WillBrink]

Correct--but I don't know of any DACs that have DIRAC, except for miniDSP Flex with analog outputs, and those don't have analog volume controls. You'd have to combine a miniDSP Flex with digital output with one of these DACs that have analog volume control like the ones I listed in order to have such a combination.

I guess my instincts to list the MiniDSP for that application were correct then. It would make more sense to learn REW at that point and apply to the topping. I still think a one and done box with reference quality pre amp, DAC, and DIRAC or similar would be a winner. The Anthem STR pre amp is such a unit, and it costs far more, and is now an older design technically. It could probably use an update if got no other reason to scam, I mean convince people, into thinking a new DAC will sound better. I have the STR integrated and while it's not cheap, I can't ask for much more from a unit.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

I guess my instincts to list the MiniDSP for that application were correct then. It would make more sense to learn REW at that point and apply to the topping. I still think a one and done box with reference quality pre amp, DAC, and DIRAC or similar would be a winner. The Anthem STR pre amp is such a unit, and it costs far more, and is now an older design technically. It could probably use an update if got no other reason to scam, I mean convince people, into thinking a new DAC will sound better. I have the STR integrated and while it's not cheap, I can't ask for much more from a unit.

I forgot the second option which is miniDSP with analog outputs to something like an L70, A70 Pro, or Pre90 for the preamp piece (probably A70 Pro, it would be a decent aesthetic match for the miniDSP in your console).

 

[Thighsofsteel]

Might as well save yourself even more with an E50 II at that rate.

But the D50 doesn’t have Xlr out to my active monitors. Or the fancy screen to mesmerise the ladies.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

But the D50 doesn’t have Xlr out to my active monitors. Or the fancy screen to mesmerise the ladies.

E50 II has balanced out, you just need to use TRS to XLR cables. But yeah, it does not have the fancy screen.

 

[Thighsofsteel]

E50 II has balanced out, you just need to use TRS to XLR cables. But yeah, it does not have the fancy screen.

Mind you a few more quid for beer is an attraction.

 

[DrCWO]

I don't know much about it, especially compared to others. Has anyone tested it?

Me, I use Acourate to create the DRC FIRs and works excellent.

 

[babadono]

Ok I'm ignorant...whatsa 1 bit DAC? Or should I go a googling and come back after I follow the rabbit to the tea party?

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Ok I'm ignorant...whatsa 1 bit DAC? Or should I go a googling and come back after I follow the rabbit to the tea party?

The hardware digital to analog converter is native DSD as opposed to multi-bit/PCM. It operates in the megahertz range instead of 44.1KHz etc.

 

[misterdog]

Would anyone here like a through-hole processor?

Or go back before even PCB's existed, point to point wiring of components for your old cathode ray tube TV - it's the future according to some.

The sound quality was something to behold.

Anyone guess the SINAD ?

Simple to fix though once you have spent hours finding the faulty component, just whack a new one in, assuming they are still manufactured.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Or go back before even PCB's existed, point to point wiring of components for your old cathode ray tube TV - it's the future according to some.

The sound quality was something to behold.

Anyone guess the SINAD ?

It's the present according to xDuoo.

xDuoo TA-66 OTL Tube Amplifier

Explore the xDuoo TA-66 High-Performance Tube Amplifier, featuring 6N2 and 6N5P tubes, point-to-point wiring, and a step-by-step volume potentiometer for unparalleled audio fidelity. Discover how it enhances your music with detailed, rich sound and learn about its professional-grade components...

apos.audio

So handsome, though...

 

[misterdog]

It's the present according to xDuoo.

xDuoo TA-66 OTL Tube Amplifier

Explore the xDuoo TA-66 High-Performance Tube Amplifier, featuring 6N2 and 6N5P tubes, point-to-point wiring, and a step-by-step volume potentiometer for unparalleled audio fidelity. Discover how it enhances your music with detailed, rich sound and learn about its professional-grade components...

apos.audio

View attachment 518498

So handsome, though...

View attachment 518499

Someone needs to send one to Amir.

 

[Scytales]

Ok I'm ignorant...whatsa 1 bit DAC? Or should I go a googling and come back after I follow the rabbit to the tea party?

Here is how Philips defined its "Bitstream" digital-to-analog conversion method, one of the first "1-bit" methods available on the market, in a document dating from 1989:
'The technique of converting binary samples (eg. 16 bit words [Note: can be 20, 24, 32 bit or whatever nowadays]) into a one-bit code representing two levels ('0' and '1'), using Oversampling, Noise Shaping and Pulse Density Modulation (PDM)'.

Followed that statement: 'The basis of the 1-bit technique is to exchange the resolution in amplitude with resolution in time' (Stressed by the author).

Source: Sunil S. Nethisinghe, Bitstream Conversion, Philips Components, 2nd edition, December 1989.

 

[mocenigo]

Beautiful DAC and performance is impressive for a discrete realisation.
However, the cost is high.
By the way @amirm : you should correct "discreet" to "discrete".

 

[xanalog]

As always, thank you for the Review, @amirm,
Kudos to Topping going SOTA but this device is cost-prohibitive for 'laggards' like me.

Collectively, we should pray for the 'early adopters' to make such device' offsprings much more affordable.

 

[Endibol]

I think this device is a definitive answer to everyone who doubted Topping's engineering expertise. If you've spent any time on audio forums, you know Topping has been dismissed for years as a company that simply sources the latest chip and slaps on −100 db of negative feedback. That was always the go-to criticism: "That's not real engineering. They just grab the newest DAC chip, pile on negative feedback with cascading op-amps, and call it a day. They don't actually know what they're doing. They're not a real engineering company. They don't have the expertise to design a 1-bit DAC or an R-2R DAC."

Basically this is a big fuck you from Topping to haters and showing others(who sell their dacs for 14000$) how it's done. I don't think you are the target audience here. They beat Chord in their own game while also making the dac 8 times cheaper.

I agree, and by the way: what's wrong with lots of negative feedback, nature's greatest invention?

 

[192kbps]

I hope Topping will get into the same segment as the miniDSP Tide16 soon.
Well, I’m only thinking about my wallet.

 

[HD800Fan]

Conclusions
As custom DAC implementations go, the D900 is the most perfect I have seen. It represents a heroic effort to near match state of the art, integrated DAC silicon. In other words, you get the buzzword of "discrete 1 bit" DAC with almost no penalty. Getting this level performance out of huge number of individual components is not easy and shows excellent engineering prowess.

So this means there are integrated DACs that perform better than this, which?
I am not an expert at reading these reviews but I'd be really curious to know.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

So this means there are integrated DACs that perform better than this, which?
I am not an expert at reading these reviews but I'd be really curious to know.

Everything left of the red bar

 

[HD800Fan]

Everything left of the red bar
View attachment 518634

Yes but I would guess SINAD is not everything and that some of those DACs to the left have other drawbacks.

 

[SoySalsaPicante]

Yes but I would guess SINAD is not everything and that some of those DACs to the left have other drawbacks.

Discontinued, missing other features (most DACs don’t have an integrated analog volume control or active buffer, the D900 does; some might have integrated headphone amps, etc.).