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RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...."

73.229.163.4

In Reply to: RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...." posted by andy evans on October 26, 2023 at 14:57:03

I had the original Topping D90 [AKM version] which was good but the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and my current SMSL D400EX are more to my liking. The treble is smoother in the RME and SMSL for one thing.

I had the Chord Qutest and thought it was OK but I'd take the RME or SMSL over it. The Chord was detailed, transparent, resolving, and offered smooth extended treble but my personal preference is for a slightly more robust full bodied sound. The Chord was almost 'thin' in the lower mids and light in the bass so it didn't fit my needs.

Chord Qutest 2021:

I also prefer running balanced XLR interconnects which aren't offered on the Chord and I wasn't a fan of those Chord colored gumballs. Cute but unintuitive gimmick that had me always referring to the Chord supplied cheat sheet to determine sample rate based on gumball color.

Follow Ups:

RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...." - ABliss 15:10:42 10/27/23 (3)
Same thing with the ifi dacs, you have to guess the sample rate by the colors.

Edits: 10/27/23
- RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...." - Dawnrazor 13:44:48 10/28/23 (2)
  Same with the Audioquest dragonfly. Heck, my dac doesn't even tell you what the sample rate is afaict.
  
  Cut to razor sounding violins
  - RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...." - AbeCollins 14:52:54 10/29/23 (1)
    My PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC doesn't show sample rate either and it sounds great.
    
    But if a DAC manufacturer IS going to show you sample rate why turn it into a confusing rainbow of colorful gumballs that requires a cheat sheet to decipher?
    - RE: "certainly one can do better than a topping...." - Dawnrazor 07:22:10 10/31/23 (0)
      yeah I agree that the way they show it is problematic. My dragonfly is the same concept and I never know what is going on, but good news, the 3.5mm jack cuts out anyhow.
      
      Cut to razor sounding violins

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