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Showing 1 of 28 conversations about:
Will2416
75
Sep 8, 2019
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MassDrop can't you make it available for the EU market?
Everybody else: I just took the plunge on the Topping D70. One does not preclude the other; I could always double-dip if beneficial, but is it? Thoughts?
I can add that I have ordered the popular THX amp and anxiously await shipping in November. I also ordered an Xduoo TA-20 tube amp and I am considering the Aune X7S. Yes I’m rebuilding my whole DAC and Amp setup after several years of headphone purchases all running off of one old-n-busted DAC/amp. I have Senns, Fostex, MrSpeakers, Audeze headphones.
Anyone want to give their two cents on this particular DAC with the above mentioned amps and headphones? Or just the DAC in general?
(Edited)
Brosefstalin42
260
Sep 8, 2019
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Will2416At this price, aside from ladder vs sigma Delta, you're hitting diminishing returns on the DAC side. Your choice of amp is going to matter much more. I have the D30, D70, xDuoo XD-05, TA-10, and had an SMSL SU-8. The 05 is a little cold, otherwise the others do well to be closer to neutral or maybe a slight hint of warm, TA-10 being a tube buffer DAC+amp getting even more diverse depending on the tube, the only thing is I feel like the D70 has a little more oomph on the bass end than the D30 and SU-8. I enjoy them all, the price point between them being 120-430 and even there it's not like there's a HUGE difference, other than the XD-05 being a DAC+amp that's a little colder/brighter than the rest and the TA-10 has the tube buffer rolling.
The best price deals are the D30, SMSL SU-8 for your basic needs, the D30 being single ended at about 120, the SU-8 around 200-250 and balanced. The D70 is wonderful and balanced, but is it near 75% better based on price difference of the SU-8? Probably not. The drivers were in a better situation when I got the D70 vs the SU-8, but that was also nearly 2 years difference.
If you want balanced, this DAC is essentially half the price of the Schiit Yggdrasil with a similar features setup. If you don't need balanced, the Airist R-2R might be a better value prospect. If you don't want R-2R then your D70 should serve you well, focus on amps that have good power and low impedance out to your headphones. I've been living off a Jotunheim for the basic high power and low impedance output across both single and balanced outs. Haven't come across anything value-wise that tops it with better power or similar impedance out.
aledh1128
14
Sep 8, 2019
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Brosefstalin42THX AAA 789 is more powerful, lower impedance and cleaner
Will2416
75
Sep 8, 2019
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Brosefstalin42Thank you for your extensive and insightful reply. I was really close to getting the SMSL SU-8 but decided to cool my jets and just get the D70. People we talking about the pairing with the THX amp and the dual AK4497’s so that pushed me to spend a little more on a DAC. I prefer to stay balanced and as I await the D70 and two amps with a possible third I got the Nobsound 1-in 3-out XLR audio switch. It seems like with your insight that I can relax with the incoming D70 and not get too worked up about this particular DAC drop. I can always pick it up later from a regular retailer. Maybe not at a Drop price but then there’s no rush to get it or long wait.
Thanks again Bro. /Will
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