Topping D70s MQA DAC review - Can it justify its $650 price tag?

00:00 D70s Introduction
01:10 Build and Connectivity
03:28 Features and Settings
06:56 Sound
11:41 vs Topping D30 Pro
13:58 vs SMSL SU-9
15:06 vs Denafrips Ares II
21:11 vs SMSL M400
22:26 Conclusion

Test system:
Raspberry Pi with Allo DigiOne Streamer
Denafrips Ares II DAC
Hegel H90 Integrated Amp

#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo

[Shaken_AND_Stirred]

The best audio reviewer on YouTube. Gets to the point up front and then gives you the "run down" of the product(s). Not sure why he doesn't have a million plus subscribers yet.

[bryansu]

best reviewer in youtube about DAC. Because u compare it to other DAC and explain it in details. and u are not afraid to say the bad things or the weakness of the gear. unlike a lot of reviewer, they just talk of all the good thing. even the bad thing is express in the good way...so everything seem to be good, and confuse the listener/buyer. at the end, we cant decide whether to buy it or not. but with your explanation, as a buyer, i know exactly what is the pros/cons, and i know excatly which dac is suitable for me..good work...thumbs up to u

[decoryder]

I think this is now the best audio reviewer on Youtube - accurate, descriptive and matter-of-fact. No other reviewer describes the products reviewed here with more relevant detail, insightful precision and comprehensive clarity. I'm very grateful, thank you for the great reviews.

[mauben]

Thanks for the great and pleasant review.

I own a D70S since last March, and use it with MBL pre/power amps and Dynaudio speakers. Your opinion on the D70S largely coincide with mine: it is among the best delta sigma dacs I’ve heard so far.

When I bought the D70S I had a Soncoz SGD1, which I sold being not up to the D70S in bass presence (Soncoz: leaner), midrange (Soncoz: more forward and grainier) and resolution (D70S largely more resolving in complex passages like choirs but also for instance with brushes).

Along with a friend of mine who designs and builds top level tube amps, and who advised me to buy the D70S having examined its implementation (quite similar to the Linn Climax), I personally compared (blind, level matched tests) the D70S with several dacs, among which Topping D90, Denafrips Pontus (big time disappointing dac), Schiit Yggdrasil (the only dac which in some areas bested the D70S but fell behind due to “tizz tizz tizz” treble”) and Bladelius Embla (a 13K sumptuous sounding machine). Wide prices sprectrum, as you can see. On every comparison, the D70S came out as preferred due to being either more musical, harmonic, precise or resolving.

Compared to the D70S, the D90 showed less bass extension and a trifle fatiguing treble; the Pontus was less resolving, weaker in bass, ghost voices and “bunched well within the speakers” image; the Yggdrasil had comparable bass, less grainy and more present voices but annoying treble; the Embla was a very very close match but a trifle less resolving in complex passages.

As I said, probably the best delta sigma currently available.

Thanks again for your review and keep up with your outstanding job.

M

[themactigers]

Great review as always - especially enjoyed the comparison with the Ares II

[joaquinbarreto]

Phenomenal video. Nobody in youtube can describe a dac like this guy. Just phenomenal!

[cabronesse]

Damn! You convinced me to buy this D70s! Great review man, keep up the great work! Thank you.

[cobrabucket]

I have owned the ARES 2 and currently own the D70s. I prefer the resolution from the D70s a bit, but the ARES 2 is very good, too. I think you and I have a similar ear for music and similar preferences. I use the D70s for DSD and MQA and a Schiit Gungnir MB for PCM. I enjoy your thoughtful, genuine reviews! Cheers from USA!

[klaymoon]

Honest review which I cannot find any other places. Honestly the best review!

[mikhalize]

This is really a good review with balanced points of view.

[jlovigs]

This video helped me choose the D70s. Thank you. Your descriptions and explanations in your reviews are some of the best I've heard on YouTube.

[chrismartinphotography]

Firstly thank you for producing some of the best HiFI videos on YouTube! I am new to the world of HiFi and have been using a Chord Mojo DAC to date, this video persuaded me to buy a D70s and wow!!! This little black box has done things to my music that I didn't know was possible, absolutely blown away. I would try and put into words how amazing the music sounds but I lack the words to accurately convey it. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[DSupremeLounge]

Thanks. What a great and well detailed review. Keep up the good work.

[JoaoSimoes]

From what I’ve read in other reviews, the Loxjie A50 fall in the scope of the dac’s you’ve metioned (smsl-m400, denafrips aires II, D70s). Love to ear your review too on Loxjie to cover all. Really like your reviews and sound dac’s comparsion. 👌👍

[unotsolucky]

Think you're my favorite audio reviewer. Would love to see you get your hands on a Soncoz SGD1 to review. Cheers.

[decoryder]

Ok, just bought the D70s based on this review, and I got EXACTLY what was described here. I also own the Denafrips Ares II, and the SMSL M400, and again the review was spot-on with the comparison between the three DACs. This is an amazing DAC, and if it sounds anything else but amazing in your system - your system is the problem, but most definitely not this DAC.
Thanks again Srboljub !

[mar-a-lagofbibug]

I like your description on the sound differences between RS2 and D70.
I understand the sound differences without hearing both of them.
👍

[JustBrowsing]

Thank you, great review and interesting comparisons. I like how you always describe the tonal qualities in detail.

[keithjohnson]

I have the D70s on my desk paired with A90. It's an awesome combination. The preamp out is feeding a Rolls SX45 analog active cross-over. The low pass is going to a REL T0 mkIII subwoofer and the high pass is going to Kanto YU2 powered speakers. This config totally exceeded my expectations.

[retro_boy_advance]

Hmmm. I've been lusting over the D70s ever since Sandu gave it a glowing review on Soundnews. Your comments comparing it to a R2R DAC like the Denafrips Ares jives with what he had to say about the D70s. Ahhhh my wallet can't take it... 😅