Topping D90SE Review (Balanced DAC)

[Angsty]

To be honest, I do the same. I experimented with the 'valve' and the 'transistor' options and couldn't understand how these really were high fidelity options.

For the “valve curious” crowd!

 

[Rottmannash]

I couldn't discern any difference between the 3 so left it neutral.

 

[Dgob]

I couldn't discern any difference between the 3 so left it neutral.

Sorry to hear that, as it were . There are very audible differences (particularly on the 'Valve Sound' option) on my set-up. These are especially obvious regarding bass reproduction, dynamics and imaging. I expected that to be a universal outcome, which underpins my curiosity regarding their functionality.

Can I ask what set-up (gear) your D90SE runs with?

 

[Rottmannash]

Sorry to hear that, as it were . There are very audible differences (particularly on the 'Valve Sound' option) on my set-up. These are especially obvious regarding bass reproduction, dynamics and imaging. I expected that to be a universal outcome, which underpins my curiosity regarding their functionality.

Can I ask what set-up (gear) your D90SE runs with?

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

 

[Dgob]

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

Many commentators then, and a nice system. Strange feeling to apparently be the only one who can hear the notable (noted) distinctions!

But more seriously, I am amazed that even the Valve Sound option is not obviously distinct (although I could understand greater difficulty in distinguishing the distinctions between the OFF and Transistor Sound options). As I said, it is not a small distinction for me.

 

[staticV3]

As I said, it is not a small distinction for me.

It's not, right until you close your eyes and ask a friend to choose a random setting while you guess which one it is

 

[Sokel]

Trust me, everyone who has commented on these modes on various sites have agreed-no one can reliably tell a difference. My rig is in my sig. Eversolo DMP A6>D90SE>Freya+ passthru>Buckeye 3 ch Purifi>F208's.

If one wants to see how these modes look like here they are:

We're talking 60db and 40db SINAD for Transistor and Tube.
(that could put some SINAD chasers to rest and it's ironic to happen by a SINAD champion)

 

[Dgob]

If one wants to see how these modes look like here they are:

View attachment 365805

We're talking 60db and 40db SINAD for Transistor and Tube.
(that could put some SINAD chasers to rest and it's ironic to happen by a SINAD champion)

Thank you. That looks like what I imagine I'm hearing.

 

[Dgob]

It's not, right until you close your eyes and ask a friend to choose a random setting while you guess which one it is

 

[amper42]

If anyone wants a Topping D90SE please let me know. It's barely used and needs a new home.

FS/US: Topping D90SE DAC - Black - Excellent $500 shipped USA

The Topping D90SE includes an ESS SABRE ES9038 PRO DAC chip and can decode high-resolution audio up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD1024. It offers a range of connectivity options including XLR, RCA, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth with LDAC support. See the ASR Review here...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[SashaR]

I ask for the help of experts!

How to use the Topping D90SE and Topping LA90 kit with the greatest efficiency?

1. The D90SE DAC should be used in DAC mode, WITHOUT volume control, - and the LA90 amplifier should be used in volume control mode.
2. The D90SE DAC is used as a volume control - and the LA90 amplifier is switched to the mode WITHOUT volume control.

USB cable comes to the input of the DAC, and 4-ohm speakers with a sensitivity of 88.5 dB (Vela 408) are connected to the output of the amplifier. The interblock cables are XLR.


Thank you very much!