R2R Vs Delta Sigma, 3 Best Buy DAC Under 1000USD Comparison

SMSL SU-10 DAC

Topping D90SE

Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC

Sound Sample with;
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Video Timeline
0:00 Comparison
9:22 Synergy Synergy Synergy
10:42 D90 SE Demo
11:46 Ares II Demo
12:50 SU-10 Demo
13:54 D90 SE Demo
17:33 SU-10 Demo
21:12 Ares II Demo

#tharbamar

[gbmwaz]

First cut - Only with the SU-10 can you actualiy not only hear the different bass notes of the bass strings BUT also easily hear just how tight each string individually is with proper resonation. Totally lost with the Aries. Topping hits hard initially but worse finish and is not near as cut the bass and piano sound more apart from each other on the SMSL - better then Topping and Aries. Aries again sounds really slow in the bass guitar. Never quite catches up. No PRAT. I'm listening thru a VMV D1SE/AO200/Elac Debut Reference DBR62 BTW - Great review AS USUAL sir you are one of my favorite and most trusted reviewers on YT. There are only 3 reviewers I trust enough to actually spend money after hearing their reviews. Thats how I bought near all my current system thanks to YOU.

[rosswarren]

Love the fuller tonality of the Ares II. Not as etched in outlines as the others, but given its ability to offer a larger soundstage, it might well be worth the price difference. It is good that these days there are several competent DACs that don't cost a small fortune. Thank you for all the reviews.

[mmorales]

I'll go with the SU-10 is the best mix between that sweet analog sound and the transparency, flatness of the Topping. Let's not forget the SMSL also has the sound color options and a bunch of filters which can alter the sound even more and extend the life and enjoyment of the product!

[Gez]

Absolutely in agreement the Ares2 has the most analogue sound piano and guitar sounded more real. The SMSL had good decay on bass notes though less organic but sn't far behind. I didn't really connect with the Topping I found it quite cold sounding with very sharp note leading edge and decay cutoffs. So my opinion on the placing is very much in line with yours. Thanks for the review.

[ramaidaugirdas]

That piano on the SU-10 is magnific! I would choose it over the others.

[focalfan]

If you set yourself in background music mode, they all sound great (and roughly the same). If your "obsessively critically listen", then you come to likely incorrect conclusions. I'm sure they are all great live. Thanks for the comparison video. I say go for features and esthetics!

[LimePieMusic]

SU-10 a more open and detailed sound, you can feel the emotions that the musician conveys

[Jil]

Fantastic test . Keep them coming. Topping d90 sounds way more transparent and live than the

[vadimvadimvasiliev]

S.m.S.L - noticeably deeper and more detailed soundstage. He is the best here.

[bertrandgirard]

Hello,
I am French on La Rochelle, Thank you for this excellent and very interesting comparative video. Mr. Tharbamar you do things in an intelligent way. To make an idea on YouTube is very relative, the good comparison allows to make a better judgment.

[nc]

I like the D90 SE (and there's the LE version too) and the SU-10 best but sometimes seem to prefer one over the other depending on how it renders the music or perhaps how I prefer to listen to a particular passage. While it is close, I more prefer the SU-10 based on the limited sample for that added fullness at times where its needed and the treble seems just a tad more rounded, taking the edge off of some of the more harsh sounding notes. This through a computer, in a real, and different room, perhaps a bit different experience? Still, both companies are offering top performance for DS chipped dacs under a grand.

I use the D70s with good results. Recently picked up an Aune X8 and Sparkos chip which I will try out soon. For budget gear under $500, I would say the forerunner picks (my opinion) are the Aune X8 with ability to mod out with different op amps or the Geshelli dacs available right now. If you want to go higher in price, there's some R2R dacs as well as the top offerings in DS and R2R by Gustard. Something for most everyone.

If you have money to burn, the sky's the limit but my audio flight plan has a lower ceiling. The other factor I consider is perceived reliability, but I think SMSL may have caught up to Topping.

What's your experience, preference (all viewers welcome to comment)?

[robk]

You are doing a great job on these dac review my man! Thank you. Seems like you really like the ares 2, where do you feel the gustard r26 improves on the ares 2? Or does it lol?

[madcrabber]

Very helpful as usual, thank you. I bought this sacd after hearing it on one of your other videos.

[vagomaniac]

Fine job there my friend. Aries 2 sounds engaging but less dynamic, slow though. Next up ladder schuman vs r26 vs pegasus??

[latheofheaven]

Ah, a perfect video! 😁 I'm so glad that you did a comparison between these three, that is absolutely what I wanted to know. In the Demo, even though I am listening through my secondary system, I can easily tell that I like the Ares II the best. You can actually hear the plucking of the bass strings, whereas on the other two I could not. Also, the Ares II to me came across a LOT more natural sounding and much more vibrant. The voice and percussion were far more 'airy' and spacious sounding.

I have the SMSL DO200 which I bought as my very first DAC specifically due to your review 😊 But, if I ever decide to try another one, it would be the Ares II. Do you think the SMSL DO200 falls very far behind the Ares II? Do you think it is worth the replacing the SMSL DO200 with the Ares II? Would you mind mentioning the differences you have noticed? Thank you!

[cristianciobanu]

very helpful, thank you! I'm using a Sanskrit 6th right now (for my headphones) and i'm looking for an upgrade. I guess i will go with SMSL SU-10.

[decoryder]

All DACs were great, myself I preferred the Ares II.

[snowingsky]

Great review of those DAC. Thanks. In the measureing of performance to DAC, Topping SMSL are Better than R2R . But R2R is always more musical than them

[dkokalanov]

Topping/SMSL are head-and-shoulders - Topping being faster in the bass and SMSL more revealing in the mids, while Denafrips lacks speed and resolution, trading it for subjective "warmth".

[Daniele_Zanardini]

I have D90SE and I'm very satisfied. It has very detailed sound and fast response.
I agree with your review.