Asedillo Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 Ah got it....Thanks for the info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
was_a Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 Well it seems the AUD$429.99 for the D70 might be an invalid price, since payments are apparently not being processed. The same seller has the D70 for US$429.99... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rand129678 Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 DX7 Pro is coming out October-ish... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asedillo Posted August 5, 2019 Share Posted August 5, 2019 Looks like it is now changed to AUD $639.99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldiver Posted August 7, 2019 Share Posted August 7, 2019 I notice several SNA members have ordered the D70. I'd be very interested in your impressions once you set them up. From what I've read on the ASR site, a coaxial connection seems to get the best results from this DAC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
was_a Posted August 11, 2019 Share Posted August 11, 2019 Yes, seems AES or coaxial options provide the best performance, though I guess the listening will be the ultimate guide. So anyone using the D70 in their systems? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittaku Posted August 11, 2019 Share Posted August 11, 2019 On 07/08/2019 at 10:22 PM, goldiver said: From what I've read on the ASR site, a coaxial connection seems to get the best results from this DAC. Interesting. What was that based on? Does that mean for ideal USB use it would perform better with a separate USB to SPDIF converter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ittaku Posted August 11, 2019 Share Posted August 11, 2019 3 hours ago, was_a said: Yes, seems AES or coaxial options provide the best performance I skimmed over the entire thread and couldn't find any measurements comparing AES or coaxial to USB. Where did you two come up with such a conclusion? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asedillo Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 I almost grab a D70 until I heard a denafrips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray4410 Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 20 minutes ago, Asedillo said: I almost grab a D70 until I heard a denafrips which denafrips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asedillo Posted August 16, 2019 Share Posted August 16, 2019 6 minutes ago, ray4410 said: which denafrips Hi, just ARES one....I'm currently using a loaner old ARES while waiting for the ARES II to arrive. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suopermanni Posted September 12, 2019 Share Posted September 12, 2019 Alright, I've received the demo Fein DAC II to compare with the Topping D70. Here is what I've noticed: Quote Anyway, my initial impressions of the Fein DAC 2 is that there is a noticeable improvement in precision, instrument separation and 'airiness' compared to the Topping D70, which sounded a bit thicker on USB connection. This could be an effect of the different output stage and psu Clayton uses for the Fein Dac 2 I will try the coaxial output on both units as well. Both are good units and will serve their users well. I will say that Fein DAC II definitely has improved casework compared to the GroB unit I had before. Clayton has done a great job with the Fein DAC II, in my opinion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tobes Posted September 20, 2019 Share Posted September 20, 2019 (edited) On 07/08/2019 at 10:22 PM, goldiver said: I notice several SNA members have ordered the D70. I'd be very interested in your impressions once you set them up. From what I've read on the ASR site, a coaxial connection seems to get the best results from this DAC. Recently bought the D70 as I was curious how it might compare to my Benchmark DAC3 - which was considerably more expensive. Judging by measurements the D70 should be highly competitive. I'd never owned a dac with an AKM converter, so thought this might be another draw card - they seem to have some fans. Looking at these two smallish black boxes there is nothing to suggest the DAC3 is more expensive than the D70 (the DAC3 is physically unimpressive in fact) - arguably the D70 with its small OLED screen is better looking and appears well put together. I installed the D70 on the second XLR input of my Benchmark HPA4 pre/HP amp. Cables for both were Mogami 2534 star quad/Neutrik gold XLRs. Input to both DACs was from my Mac Mini via iFi usb3 decrapifier. The gain on the XLR inputs of the HPA4 have +/-10dB adjustment in 0.5dB steps and was adjusted so that there was no perceptible level change switching between the DACs. I set Roon up with the DAC3 and D70 'grouped' so that whatever music I played got streamed to both simultaneously - allowing me to switch from one to other with a simple button press. Comparisons were then conducted via my Focal Utopia headphones and ATC SCM100aslt active speakers. My initial impression of the D70 was quite positive, it sounded very decent - especially for the price. Quick changes between the DACs showed a lot of similarities - I was actually expecting more differences from the AK4497 based D70 vs the ESS 9028 based DAC3. EDIT: I previously had a mini review of how I believed the DAC3 was better than the D70 - better transient/tonal detail and more realness and authenticity to acoustic instruments - the difference was pretty obvious. However I subsequently played around with the filters on the D70 and realised that the standard filter (mode 3) was in fact a minimum phase filter. When I placed the D70 in mode 1 (linear phase, fast rolloff) it sounded similar to the DAC3 - and much more to my liking. At this stage I don't have any serious issue with the sound of the D70. Even with the different dac chip and build layout/parts It sounds close to the DAC3. Once level matched switching between the two is pretty seamless - surprisingly so. The DAC3 has a bit more clarity and 'presence' and ambient detail/air - it sounds a bit more transparent and 'quick'. There is still some tonal 'flatness' with the D70 - well recorded piano shows this up - no doubt due to the above deficiencies. I probably need to listen further to tease out the differences, but thought I'd correct my setup mistake so that people aren't misled. Edited September 24, 2019 by Tobes 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 Where does one buy a Denafrips AresII ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddyev Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Batty said: Where does one buy a Denafrips AresII ? @Dacman is the local distributor I think www.dacmanaudio.com.au Edited September 24, 2019 by buddyev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to music Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 1 hour ago, Batty said: Where does one buy a Denafrips AresII ? Just now, buddyev said: @Dacman is the local distributor I think Or https://www.vinshineaudio.com/shop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted September 24, 2019 Share Posted September 24, 2019 12 minutes ago, Addicted to music said: Or https://www.vinshineaudio.com/shop Is that in Singapore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addicted to music Posted September 24, 2019 Author Share Posted September 24, 2019 26 minutes ago, Batty said: Is that in Singapore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08Boss302 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 8 hours ago, Batty said: Where does one buy a Denafrips AresII ? @Dacman He is the Australian Distributor. Icontacted Vinshine a month or so ago and was put in contact with Stav by Alvin at Vinshine who is @Dacman on our forums. I purchased one on the weekend from him, he has a handful on the way, once i heard it i secured one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 I am in contact with Dacman via PM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08Boss302 Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 6 minutes ago, Batty said: I am in contact with Dacman via PM I have zero affiliation with Vinshine etc but Stav is a good guy to deal with. I have had lengthy discussions with Clay from Giesler re his products and also Stav re the Denafrips products and found them both to be upstanding guys that give you time to chat and have your questions answered. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 Sent an email ordering one 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sloper Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 Goodaye all Still waiting for somebody to give there impressions comparing a D50 to the D70. Considering a big shift of equipment so will need another DAC. regards Bruce Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.dent Posted September 25, 2019 Share Posted September 25, 2019 13 minutes ago, sloper said: Goodaye all Still waiting for somebody to give there impressions comparing a D50 to the D70. Considering a big shift of equipment so will need another DAC. regards Bruce If the measurements can be taken as means of deciding which will sound best they will sound the same. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-of-measurement-comparison-charts.8246/#post-207205 See both DACs at 109 dB SINAD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
was_a Posted September 26, 2019 Share Posted September 26, 2019 (edited) I've done an extensive listening comparison between the Topping D30, D50 and D70s. Their sonic flavours are different according to their respective DAC chips, but dynamic delivery is rather similar due to their relatively small profiles. Power supplies are merely adequate, as is the number and quality of components used in the analogue output stages. In my opinion, these compromises make the D50 and D70 overpriced at RRP. Soundwise, the D30 is very clean and quite balanced across the frequency range. The treble and upper-mids are a little forthright, but paired with forgiving amplification the D30 is great for a budget setup. It reminds me of the first-release Benchmark DAC. The D30 is also good value price-wise, and I keep one in the cupboard as a standby. The D50 is even clearer with a wide soundstage and 'blacker' background, but it sounds rather sterile compared with the other ES9038 DACs I have (and have heard). It's my least favourite of the three Toppings. The D70 would make a great beginner's DAC - at $450 or $500 AUD! It is smoother in the higher frequencies and midrange, yet it remains very transparent with a nice soundstage: in this respect it compares well to more expensive competition. On the flip-side, the bass lacks drive and definition, making things a little lumpy downstairs. And dynamically it disappoints, sounding somewhat restrained. I feel that a better-developed output stage would improve things (as would twin transformers!). Hope that helps. Edited October 28, 2019 by was_a 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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