The Topping D70s DAC is shaking up the audiophile world, delivering exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of its high-end competitors. This review delves into the intricacies of this remarkable device, exploring its unique architecture and sonic capabilities. Equipped with eight separate Cirrus Logic DAC chips, the D70s employs an unconventional approach to drastically reduce noise and distortion, resulting in a level of clarity and detail that rivals far more expensive models. We'll examine its impressive connectivity options, explore its sound signature, and assess its overall value proposition against premium DACs like the Denafrips Venus 15 and the PS Audio Stellar.This in-depth analysis will uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the Topping D70s, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. We will scrutinize its soundstage, imaging, bass response, and overall sonic presentation, comparing its performance to established industry leaders. Ultimately, this review aims to determine whether the Topping D70s truly represents an audiophile's dream under $600, offering unparalleled value and performance in the competitive DAC market.
Pros And Cons
- Sounds amazing, comparable to much more expensive decks ($4000)
- Very detailed, neutral, and balanced sound
- Revealing; lets the quality of other components in the system shine through
- Very quiet, with a dark background
- Dual XLR output
- Multiple input options (RCA, coax, optical, USB, AES)
- High-res Bluetooth
- Remote control
- Preamplifier capability (though the reviewer recommends using it primarily as a DAC)
- 5-volt output option for even lower noise floor (though the reviewer recommends sticking with the default 4-volt setting)
- Channel balance control
- Beautiful, sharp display with multiple display options (volume, VU meter, FFT)
- Build quality is typical Topping/SMSL (compact)
- Preamplifier section doesn't sound as good as the DAC section
- Bass performance, while present, is not as textured or warm as some competitors
- High frequencies can be fatiguing for some listeners, especially when the listener is sick
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The Octo DAC: Eight Chips for Superior Sound
The Topping D70s boasts an impressive eight DAC chips, hence the 'octo' moniker. This isn't a multi-channel setup; instead, all eight chips contribute to a refined stereo experience. This unconventional approach aims for significantly reduced distortion and noise compared to using fewer, higher-channel DAC chips.
While other manufacturers have employed similar strategies with single chips handling multiple channels (like the PS Audio Stellar), the D70s uses eight physically separate, high-end Cirrus Logic chips for a potentially even greater reduction in noise. This is considered by many to be quite excessive, a common theme in high-end audio.
Sound Quality and Comparisons
The D70s surprisingly rivals much more expensive DACs like the Denafrips Venus 15, costing four times as much. The sound signature is exceptionally detailed and neutral, a characteristic also shared with the Denafrips, showcasing a very nuanced and precise soundstage.
Unlike the warmer, more robust sound of the PS Audio Stellar, the D70s prioritizes clarity and detail. This makes it ideal for systems aiming for transparency and letting the source material shine. The level of detail and nuance are remarkable for the price point, and it closely rivals more expensive R2R DACs in terms of its fine detail and clarity.
Features and Connectivity
The D70s offers comprehensive connectivity, including balanced XLR outputs (a welcome feature at this price point), RCA single-ended outputs, coax, optical, USB, and even AES/EBU. This versatility makes it adaptable to a variety of audio systems.
The inclusion of a high-resolution Bluetooth option, along with a remote for easy control and volume adjustment, enhances user convenience. The ability to use it as a pre-amplifier is convenient, but the reviewer recommends using a separate pre-amp for best sonic performance.
Performance and Special Features
One unique aspect is the 5V output option (in addition to the standard 4V), potentially lowering noise further. However, the reviewer advises caution and sticking with the default 4V setting to avoid compatibility issues with other components.
The D70s also boasts an excellent and quiet background. The reviewer comments that the background noise is minimal, making for exceptionally transparent sound. The D70s also offers several filter settings, but the reviewer suggests sticking with the default 'fast rolloff' for optimal sound.
Soundstage and Imaging
The D70s delivers a wide and deep soundstage, with excellent instrument and vocal imaging. The precision in placing instruments within the soundstage is noteworthy and often hard to find at this price point. This accuracy contributes to an immersive and engaging listening experience.
While the bass performance is impressive, it lacks the textured warmth of the PS Audio Stellar, but it's still impressive for this price point and sounds comparable to the Denafrips Venus in terms of overall bass quality and quantity.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Topping D70s offers astounding performance for its price, closely matching more expensive DACs in terms of detail and clarity. Its neutral and revealing sound signature makes it suitable for both desktop and audiophile systems.
While not surpassing high-end DACs in every area (specifically in bass texture compared to the PS Audio Stellar), it presents an exceptional value proposition. If you value detail, neutrality, and a clean soundstage without breaking the bank, the Topping D70s is a strong contender. It's extremely close to being 90% of what you get from the Venus 15, without paying almost seven times the price.