Topping D90SE Review (Balanced DAC)

[strom]

The prototype tested by @WolfX-700 is very close in measurement to the tests on this unit;

https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-d90se-dac-prototype/

Looks like a winner... but could be priced more competitively IMO.

Look at the difference in the Vrms levels there... @amirm also mentioned here that he got the higher figure too.

JSmith

 

[strom]

Can the Topping D90SE be used with my Stax electrostatic setup? Are there L and R RCA inputs in the rear?

 

[Swtoby]

i corrected the statement to say hifiguides. like i said i will not derail this thread. however the way you talk to your customers has been unacceptable, and permanently damaged toppings credibility for some people outside of the engineering mistakes that destroyed headphones, many people mention in many threads. if you dont care fine i wont argue with you here.

I agree completely.

 

[Nukkumatti]

I agree completely.

Having lurked on the forums for a while now and having read or at least skimmed through most of the recent review threads I have to say that John's comments and behavior has only made Topping products more appealing to me.

So I guess-- I couldn't disagree more.

 

[Doodski]

I agree completely.

@JohnYang1997 as a Topping representative and as a peep here has been as clearly spoken as can be in simple yes and no terms for all peeps here. He deserves more than a slagging. He approaches every peep whether a customer or not as a honest no games straight shooter. That is a rare thing these days. We are lucky to have him here @ ASR.

 

[sq225917]

I find him totally righteous and straightforward, especially given English isn't his first language. He's a credit to the brand.

There will always be some posters with an axe to grind looking to argue the detail of individual phrases to start some crap if they don't get smoke blown up their arse.

 

[Gradius]

I'm still wondering what that 3710 chip could be. I now found it in another DAC.

Analog Devices:
https://www.analog.com/en/products/lt3710.html

It's a DC regulator.

 

[b4nt]

Analog Devices:
https://www.analog.com/en/products/lt3710.html

"Secondary Side Synchronous Post Regulator", no.

I was thinking this 3710 could be any differential line driver like THAT provides.

http://www.thatcorp.com/1600-series_Balanced_Line_Driver_ICs.shtml

 

[Gradius]

"Secondary Side Synchronous Post Regulator", no.

I was thinking this 3710 could be any differential line driver like THAT provides.

http://www.thatcorp.com/1600-series_Balanced_Line_Driver_ICs.shtml

Without the PCB in my hands (or ours), or even better... the schematics, we are only speculating.

 

[b4nt]

Without the PCB in my hands (or ours), or even better... the schematics, we are only speculating.

This is why I asked what that 3710 is. Cannot be a power supply chip. May be a line driver seeing where it is located.

 

[JohnYang1997]

This is why I asked what that 3710 is. Cannot be a power supply chip. May be a line driver seeing where it is located.

Analogue switch.

 

[azoazo]

I follow this thread very often. After reading a few posts, I think I should login to express my appreciation to John's straightforwardness and outspoken style. This is rare in today's world and needs a lot of time. Please continue.
In my signal path, everything before the power amp are from Topping and I plan to replace my D90 with D90SE.

 

[Lupin]

I plan to replace my D90 with D90SE.

Probably my bad but I don't really understand/see what you hope to achieve by doing that..

 

[azoazo]

Probably my bad but I don't really understand/see what you hope to achieve by doing that..

More accurate reproduction of signal, at least to the output of DAC.

 

[Veri]

More accurate reproduction of signal, at least to the output of DAC.

Gotta do what you wanna do but one could posit the AK4499/Topping D90 is already insanely accurate!

 

[respice finem]

Disclaimer: purely subjective. I never regarded as necessary to "rationalize" a purchase. If I like something, it fits my use case and I can afford it, why not? You only live once... That said, I then tend to keep the stuff I've bought until it fails.

 

[azoazo]

I 'rationalize' every dollar I spend. This is the value of ASR and Amir's work, which all of us should appreciate. It enables us to make informed decision.

 

[auronthas]

Sorry to bring it up again, should Roon recognise Topping DAC , Roon/Topping users can modify D90 settings in Roon Remote 's device setup as the above photo eg. upsampling , MQA capabilities as decoder/renderer, MQA core decoder etc.

Or I will get a Roon Ready Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 , tempting

 

[b4nt]

Or I will get a Roon Ready Matrix Mini-i Pro 3 , tempting

What is Roon usefull for? I just saw an offer at $9.99/month. To listen my owned music?

 

[enricoclaudio]

Placed my order today for the D90ES at Apos. Looking forward to get it delivered this week. Going to use it as an external DAC with my Bluesound NODE over Coaxial until Bluesound releases the firmware that would enable the USB out in the NODE.