Topping DX3PRO PRO+ vs Dragonfly Black – noticeable difference on Edifier S2000 MKIII?

[Drago94]

Hi,
I’m considering getting a new DAC for my Edifier S2000 MKIII, which I have connected to my PC. I’m currently using a USB AudioQuest Dragonfly Black, but I’m wondering if the sound could be significantly improved.

I’m mainly interested in:
• sound clarity and resolution,
• bass performance and overall dynamics,
• the possibility of using the DAC as a preamp for connecting active speakers.

What do you think about the Topping DX3PRO PRO+ or Topping E50? Will the speakers sound noticeably better compared to my current Dragonfly? Or should I buy SMSL PO100 PRO and connect the Edifier through coaxial ?

 

[kyuu]

Hoo boy...

Long story short, unless your DAC is broken it's the last place you should be looking for sound improvements.

 

[Drago94]

??

 

[Talisman]

I don't know the Dragonfly's measurements, but it's unlikely you'll get any improvement by swapping out a somewhat decent DAC.

 

[JSmith]

@Drago94, welcome to ASR.

USB AudioQuest Dragonfly Black, but I’m wondering if the sound could be significantly improved.

Doubt it... that DAC is audibly transparent, as most are;

Audioquest Dragonfly Black v1.5 review

Measured as following: USB2 port --> Dragonfly Black v1.5 --> 3.5-to-TRS adapter --> ID4 mk. II Software gain was set to 100% via Windows volume control. Do note the ID4 impedances: 2.8 KOhm for the mic and >8 KOhm for the line inputs. Whenever you see "preamp on", it means that microphone...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Measurements and Review of SMSL iDEA and AudioQuest Dragonfly Black DACs

This is a detailed measurement and comparison of SMSL iDEA and AudioQuest Dragonfly Black DAC and headphone amplifiers. Both of these are diminutive devices in the form of "USB thumb drives." The SMSL iDEA is $86 with prime shipping from Amazon. The Dragonfly Black will cost a few more ice...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Will the speakers sound noticeably better compared to my current Dragonfly?

Nah... but sure, get a new DAC if you need more functionality (as you mentioned preamp function), inputs etc.

If you want to get a bit more serious, best to get an UMIK & REW, take some measurements and apply EQ where needed;

Room Measurement Tutorial for Dummies Part 1

There are few more things transformative in audio than learning how room acoustics works. You never look at any system the same again. Like moving from film photography to digital, measurements give you instant feedback on what your system is doing. Even if you choose to not make any changes...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Taking and Interpreting Measurements with REW (FREE eBook)

MODS: I wanted to create this thread in "Audio Reference Library" but I have no permission to do so. Would you be able to move this thread there if you think it is appropriate and delete this message. @amirm @RickS A few years ago, Amir wrote Room Measurement Tutorial for Dummies Part 1 and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

JSmith

 

[Drago94]

Ok. So is it better to use for example SMSL PO100 and connect my Edifier through optical cable instead using Dragonfly and RCA ?

 

[Talisman]

I don't understand the point, if you use optical or coaxial transmission you are using the internal DAC of your speakers.

 

[JSmith]

Ok. So is it better to use for example SMSL PO100 and connect my Edifier through optical cable instead using Dragonfly and RCA ?

Not sure about "better"... if you run optical, then the DAC in the Edifiers will be used instead of the Dragonfly, which is likely also audibly transparent.

DAC's are basically a solved problem and don't contribute anything to perceived sound quality, unlike all those subjective comments online out there.

When level matched and compared without peeking, those differences are often non existent.

Gains in SQ are to be had by speakers, placement, room, EQ and treatments... not really from DAC's.


JSmith

 

[Drago94]

That’s right. I’ve never used the internal DAC of Edifier.
Edifier has: amplifier : TAS5754, DAC: Burr-Brown PCM 1802 and DSP: TL320AIC3254.
Yes, my question sounds stupid and I’m a noob when it comes to audio. But isn’t the AudioQuest DragonFly Black actually worse than the internal DAC in the Edifier?
I mean worse in terms of sounds ?

 

[Talisman]

Without measurements you can't know, but as you've been told before me, both DACs will probably be simply transparent to listening so use the one that's more comfortable for you.

 

[JSmith]

But isn’t the AudioQuest DragonFly Black actually worse than the internal DAC in the Edifier?
I mean worse in terms of sounds ?

Hard to say... maybe measurably better/worse, but not likely audibly so.

I'll be straight up here, as you seem like a genuine poster who wants to learn... honestly, just forget any and all subjective comments about DAC's. You're in the right place now to ascertain the reality, as ASR has a wealth of info to digest.

This may assist as a starter point;

JSmith

 

[Drago94]

Guys, let me ask you this — how would you connect the Edifier S2000 MKIII to a PC?
Would you use an external DAC via RCA, or go with a coaxial/optical connection through some kind of digital audio interface?

 

[JeremyFife]

Just a thought, looks like the Edifiers digitise the RCA inputs anyway ... i.e. there is no point in using an external DAC since the internal DAC will always be used.

The 'HiFi Report' review suggests this https://www.hifireport.com/edifier-s2000-mkiii/
"The input signal of the analog (sic) signal needs to be converted by an ADC chip, using PCM1802."

In other words, don't worry about a DAC and you may want to remove the Dragonfly too - just go PC direct to speakers (you may need a USB to Optical converter, but they are inexpensive) and enjoy

 

[Drago94]

Ok . Is it better to use coaxial or optical cable? I will be using SMSL PO100

 

[JeremyFife]

No difference for sound quality, but if you use optical you reduce the chances of ground noise.