Topping D90SE Review (Balanced DAC)

[Angsty]

To be honest, I do the same. I experimented with the 'valve' and the 'transistor' options and couldn't understand how these really were high fidelity options.

For the “valve curious” crowd!

 

[Rottmannash]

I couldn't discern any difference between the 3 so left it neutral.

 

[Dgob]

I couldn't discern any difference between the 3 so left it neutral.

Sorry to hear that, as it were . There are very audible differences (particularly on the 'Valve Sound' option) on my set-up. These are especially obvious regarding bass reproduction, dynamics and imaging. I expected that to be a universal outcome, which underpins my curiosity regarding their functionality.

Can I ask what set-up (gear) your D90SE runs with?

 

[Rottmannash]

Sorry to hear that, as it were . There are very audible differences (particularly on the 'Valve Sound' option) on my set-up. These are especially obvious regarding bass reproduction, dynamics and imaging. I expected that to be a universal outcome, which underpins my curiosity regarding their functionality.

Can I ask what set-up (gear) your D90SE runs with?

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

 

[Dgob]

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

Many commentators then, and a nice system. Strange feeling to apparently be the only one who can hear the notable (noted) distinctions!

But more seriously, I am amazed that even the Valve Sound option is not obviously distinct (although I could understand greater difficulty in distinguishing the distinctions between the OFF and Transistor Sound options). As I said, it is not a small distinction for me.

 

[staticV3]

As I said, it is not a small distinction for me.

It's not, right until you close your eyes and ask a friend to choose a random setting while you guess which one it is

 

[Sokel]

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

If one wants to see how these modes look like here they are:

We're talking 60db and 40db SINAD for Transistor and Tube.
(that could put some SINAD chasers to rest and it's ironic to happen by a SINAD champion)

 

[Dgob]

If one wants to see how these modes look like here they are:

View attachment 365805

We're talking 60db and 40db SINAD for Transistor and Tube.
(that could put some SINAD chasers to rest and it's ironic to happen by a SINAD champion)

Thank you. That looks like what I imagine I'm hearing.

 

[Dgob]

It's not, right until you close your eyes and ask a friend to choose a random setting while you guess which one it is