Topping D70 OCTO DAC Review - Topping's Best Yet
Vložit
- čas přidán 12. 06. 2024
- Get the D70 Octo: bit.ly/D70Octo
Video Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:11 - Build
01:34 - Controls
02:02 - Under its Hood
03:39 - Sound Performance
06:18 - Soundstage & Imaging
07:30 - Transient Response
08:46 - Resolution
10:08 - Bass
11:00 - Midrange
11:32 - Treble
12:08 - My Conclusion
FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
📱 www. Soundnews.net/
📷 / soundnews.net_
🐦 / soundnews_net
🏠 soundnews.net/
Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Hifiman Susvara: bit.ly/3a39pm2
🎧 Hifiman HE1000SE: bit.ly/3gwkXRW
🎧 Hifiman Arya Stealth: bit.ly/3HORBss
🎧 Audeze LCD-5: bit.ly/3nb5KbD
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Kennerton Rognir: bit.ly/3zD1IxT
🎧 Meze Elite: bit.ly/3RPojys
🎧 Erzetich Phobos V2021: bit.ly/3HMWBhf
🎧 Sennheiser HD800S: amzn.to/3T5FX2J
🎧 Sendy Peacock: bit.ly/3EyZxQf
🎧 Apos Caspian: bit.ly/3nab1QO
Wireless headphones I’m using:
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 4: amzn.to/3CodrCc
🎧 Sony WH1000XM5: amzn.to/3RUfQKu
🎧 Apple AirPods Max: amzn.to/3rGHQqr
IEMs I’m using:
👂 7Hz Timeless: bit.ly/3q7RNgm
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FH9: bit.ly/3zSWka5
👂 FiiO FH7S: bit.ly/3fYOgi9
👂 FiiO FD7: bit.ly/3nEqw4h
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF Reference 3: amzn.to/3qZKbMm
🔊 Natural Sound NS17: bit.ly/2TuUXx3
🔊 Sound Of Eden Crescendo UNO: bit.ly/3f5jO1X
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 Chord Electronics Ultima 5: amzn.to/3CLWVxi
💪 Burson Timekeeper 3X GT: amzn.to/3Ext5hm
💪 Benchmark AHB2: amzn.to/37jcR9M
💪 Topping LA90: bit.ly/3SPThbj
Best DACs I tried so far (in no particular order):
🥇 Gustard R26 Discrete: bit.ly/3TemlZP
🥇 Gustard X26 PRO: bit.ly/2ORB7Ko
🥇 Chord Electronics DAVE: amzn.to/3Tbs2aY
🥇 Denafrips Terminator Plus: bit.ly/3rLr35m
🥇 Rockna Wavelight: bit.ly/3hD33xl
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Musician Aquarius: bit.ly/2U9qwwT
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X2: bit.ly/3Eryerb
🥇 Matrix Audio X-Sabre 3: bit.ly/34oBFyG
🥇 SMSL VMV D2: bit.ly/3q9lIF7
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Gustard X18: bit.ly/3CMcJ2W
🥈 Gold Note DS-10 Plus: bit.ly/3f7pYie
🥈 Topping D90SE: bit.ly/3gC5FcO
🥈 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/2OvCOgn
🥈 Matrix Mini-i Pro 3: bit.ly/3t97FkN
🥈 SMSL SU-10: bit.ly/3Eq9jEm
🥈 SMSL VMV D1SE: bit.ly/3nbaTjT
🥈 SMSL M500 MKIII: bit.ly/3yvztl8
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Gustard X16: bit.ly/3SQr6ZL
🥉 Topping D30 PRO: bit.ly/3taPWcE
🥉 Topping E50: bit.ly/3q9e6CE
🥉 Topping D10S: bit.ly/3r1hWNh
🥉 SMSL DO200 MKII: bit.ly/3elkZO4
🥉 SMSL SU-9N: bit.ly/32U7qj3
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Burson Conductor 3X GT: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 FiiO K9 PRO: bit.ly/3ejKRd3
🎶 Topping DX7 PRO+: bit.ly/3rH6siH
🎶 xDuoo XA-10: bit.ly/39UsS7K
Best Headphone amps:
💣Trafomatic Primavera: bit.ly/3Co8wAZ
💣Trafomatic Head2: bit.ly/3VdNrC1
💣Enleum AMP-23R: bit.ly/3CV2QQN
💣Ferrum OOR + Hypsos: bit.ly/3tbjNSn
💣Burson Soloist 3X GT: bit.ly/3q7nrus
💣Flux Lab Acoustics Volot: bit.ly/3fJegep
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣SMSL SP400: bit.ly/3sAUEO2
💣Topping A90 Discrete: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
💣Singxer SA-1: bit.ly/3eI6aCC
Best USB Dongles & Bluetooth DAC/Amps & Portable DAC/Amps:
📱 Chord Mojo2: amzn.to/3fWXYkM
📱 FiiO BTR7: bit.ly/3fJUhij
📱 Shanling UA5: bit.ly/3yuksQR
📱 xDuoo Poke II: bit.ly/3CIewWO
📱 Topping G5: bit.ly/3Evjs2p
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M17: bit.ly/34pgo84
🎵 FiiO M11 Plus: bit.ly/3Ew0l8K
🎵 Shanling M9: bit.ly/3r4swDh
🎵 Shanling M7: bit.ly/3I9rldH
🎵 Shanling M6 Ultra: bit.ly/3RXGsKQ
🎵 Hiby RS6: bit.ly/3t9mUKw
🎵 Hiby RS5 MKII: bit.ly/3KSqiyE
🎵 Hiby RS2: bit.ly/3EgakPb
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this CZcams channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#topping #audio #review - Věda a technologie
I have to say that I love my D30Pro DAC with the same dac chips. I had tried the SMSL SU-9 with the ESS 9038 chip and the treble regions bit me so I sent it back for the D30Pro which I've been VERY happy with. I was very excited to see Topping come out with this Octo DAC for the same reason. Great review. Thankyou for wasting no time reviewing it.
Topping D70pro Octo Vs. SMSL D400EX ???? This is the answer we all need as you have reviewed both but never compared. Thanks for all your great work!
And smsl d400es, smsl VMV d1se2
Great review, Sandu! I totally agree with you about the D70 OCTO - it's one of the best DACs to come from Topping ever in terms of musical enjoyment. It seems like they're starting to find the balance between technical prowess and musical enjoyment.
Hey Lachlan, thanks for stopping by! Until DX9 comes along, this is indeed the only current production Topping unit that sounds about right without following it with tube amps and/or sweet-sounding headphones and speakers Eventually, they will realize that good measurements aren't everything, the final exam still needs to happen in a stereo or head-fi battle station.
@@Soundnews I completely agree!
I remember the old cirrus logic chips in my old iPad they were really sweet sounding dacs, if it sounds anything like those I’d love to pick one up.
have you seen WaveTheory youtube review of this dac?
Awesome intro!
I ordered the OCTO on your recommendation. Is it good, it is miles ahead of my multibit dac. I did find that the DAC sound best in DAC mode rather that pre amp mode. It was miles apart. I am well pleased. Very resolving and far more detailed than my other DAC. Thumping Base!!!!
You are the first person to confirm my observations regarding DACs based on Cirrus Logic systems. I had a D30 Pro and really liked the sound of it. None of my friends understood what I meant. This made me doubt. Maybe I'm deaf after all. I like to look for new things and after the excellent reviews I bought the E70V. However, I wasn't fascinated by its sound, but it stayed with me for a long time. Now I'm returning to the sound of Cirrus Logic in the new version of the D70 Pro Octo. I can't wait for the shipment.
What is the difference in sound quality of D30pro vs D70pro? I have D30pro and I love it, do I need an upgrade to D70pro octo?
@@rajasankar1245As said in the review, the difference is in the sound resolution. Maybe this isn't the reason you need to replace your DAC. The overall sound is similar.
Вам понравился Octo? Стоит его брать??
Superb review! Though, you would have been more accurate had you referred to the other DAC the 'D70 Pro Sabre', as both DACs are iterations of the D70 Pro.
Nice review, thank you Sandu! I have a question regarding the comparison between the Sabre and Octo versions. You tested the Sabre version originally on your KEFs. Did you compare the 2 DACs on the Raidhos? (just to make sure, that the differences in their sound signatures that you mentioned in your review are not because of the different speaker setup)
Thank you for the wonderful review Sandu! I am curious to know if you feel that this is the successor to the D70s. Thanks!
It's not far off from D70S, except that D70 Octo is even warmer/fuller and more spacious sounding. Everything else is more or less the same (from memories, as I don't have the D70S anymore)
Thank you for the reply!
Sandu is my favorite reviewer! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Hi Sando, I got Topping A70 Pro connected to EF400 and could immediately feel the difference, great upgrade based on your review. Can you please tell me from a memory how would D70Pro Octo compare to something like Musician Draco or even EF400's R2R, sense of stage,details, transparency, bass level? Thanks in advance!
Thank you for this. I have a question. How would you compare Topping Octo to Aune S9C Dac section?
Hi Sandu from Northern California!! Great review... as usual!! Just now seeing this in Jan. 2024. Looking for bedroom DAC D70 Gen 1 upgrade and I think I've found it in D70 Pro Octo. I have Matrix DDC to use since Octo does not have I2S interface, which I think will pair nicely. No sub in bedroom which the slower response and added bass punch you speak of will work well while keeping remainder of system flat. Would like to know you thought on change! Thank you for your time!! 😀👍👀🙋
I would love a comparison of balanced vs single ended out performance in these reviews. My headphone rig is balanced but my HiFi is single ended due to my preamp. Thanks!
There's hardly a sonic difference unless you require greater headroom with a hotter input or output.... or if you have poor grounding and require a differential solution to negate hum.
I am looking for a balanced replacement for my Schiit Asgard amplifier (4 years old). I am looking at the new discrete Schiit Midgard. Can you review that one? I would like to hear your thoughts or your recommendations for a good pairing balanced Head Amp for the OCTO.
Nice video! But now im a little confused.
Gustard X18, Topping D90SE or Topping D70 Octo. Which one would you choose?
Sandu. What about the original D70? Would you consider upgrading from the original to this new version?
I am really tempted to replace my Topping D70S with that one.... 🤔@Sandu : Do you thing it will be a great upgrade in term of natural sound and soundstage?
Thanks ..food for thought..
I just picked up a Topping E50 ( with an IFI power supply) …and it’s ( for the money ) pretty decent…however if I was to upgrade ..this looks interesting.
Great review.
Take care.
I had a topping e-50 with the topping PA50 power supply and I liked it. When I found a used denafrips ares 2 for about $650 I bought that and love it. You should see what you can get used,audiophile equipment is so expensive.
Yup
what's the difference with D70 Pro Sabre. It seems same 100% incase of physical body, but different in chip. Which one more "analogue" like sound? thank you
Will you review SMSL D2R?
I am looking to get this to upgrade from my Node2i internal DAC. This should be a nice upgrade I am sure ;)
You say that had already reviewed the Topping D70 Pr, do you mean the TOPPING D70 Pro Sabre please?
Please review the Hiby R3 II. 😊
Hello. How does it compare to Gustard x18?
I'm trying the octo with A70 Pro. With I have not the sound mode in the menu? And what filter do you use? Thanks
Hello Sandu. I know it's not a fair comparison, but if you can recall which one gave you a more hologrific sound: Denafrips Ares II or this Octo?
Thank you
A very long time passed since I had the Ares for review, they should sound pretty close in terms of soundstage & imaging, but the Ares II might edge it by a hair as R2R units are still champions in this regard.
I don't quite understand the correlation between the pro and octo against age? Is this about what kind of music you think different age groups listen to? or is there some physical difference (eg our ears age along with the rest of our bodies) that you are factoring in here?
please, compare the SMSL SU-9 ULTRA to the TOPPING D70 OCTO
Мне это тоже интересно, не могу выбрать из этих двух DACs…
How would you compare the D70 Pro Octo to EverSolo Z8 since they are priced the same
Z8 - punchier in the bass, having a slight edginess in the treble. D70 Octo - no edginess whatsoever, the bass is strong, but it's not Z8 strong. Z8 sounds wide, D70 Octo sounds deep. The midrange is a clear winner on the D70 Octo. I like them both, but what will work better for you depends on system matching and personal taste.
Thank you for the info
@@SoundnewsWhat does it mean that "Z8 sounds wide"? That there is more space in the sound?
How does the Octo compare to the Gustard's you rated?
Was also hoping for a few more comparisons..
Is it as deep & wide as r2r dacs? How does it compare to schiit products?
Yes, very close to R2R DACs in that regard. Can't say much how it compares with Schiit units.
Wow it's bang for your buck
This one how does it compare to the vmv d2?
Faster, cleaner and more transparent than D2. D2 feels leaner, slower and a bit boring by comparison. D2 is still great if you value a massive soundstage and a smooth presentation.
I spy with my little eye the Raidho TD2.2. Not an accurate speaker but its fun and exciting.
What would be an accurate speaker for you? (just curious). The only speakers that provided a bit more resolution (a tiny bit more) were the Borresen M1. I love a fun and exciting sound, so the TD 2.2 is right up my alley.
@@Soundnews KEFs, Revels, Genelecs, Neumanns... those are brands that often create accurate speakers to name a few. Raidhos are far from accurate, they are tuned to sound good for the masses, or at least that is what the designer is after. Ive heard the Boressen M1, M6 and the entry level X3 in Thailand at Absolute Sound less than 2 weeks ago, beside the Ms were the old-ish but large Raidho D5.1 and a few other Raidhos (XTs). All the Raidhos sounded thin in comparison to the Borresens, especially in the midrange. The Borresens are very coloured too, but in a way that is way way way more pleasant than the Raidhos IMO. The X3s were a shocker, they sound exceptional for their price, nothing Ive heard so far in this price comes close. Still, not accurate but a very very captivating sound. I thought Borresens would sound like Raidhos but after the very long session at Absolute Sound I was dead wrong. :)
I got double CS chips in my dap but compared to my D70 (dual AK4497) it sounds somehow boring. Probably I need to try R2R to get what Im looking for, my soul is older than body :) I love tube amps and old records
if you think records sound better than digital then you’re looking for non oversampling digital filterless DACs.
those DACs won’t disrupt the time domain and then try to correct it with filters. they sound correct in terms of the time domain but they won’t measure well.
if you prefer gear that measures well, then maybe the DACs i’m referring to won’t be to your liking.
but if it’s all about the music and the connection to the music, look into them.
Personally I’d recommend trying to get a lightly used Gustard R26. I have a DAVE and it’s still king of all DACs I’ve heard but it can be a bit too much sometimes, I think the Gustard is a balance of non-fatiguing sound and good detail.
Absolutely lovely screen and excellent musical leaning tuning. But the reality is The D90 is still their flagship dac for resolution and instrument separation. If you don't need VU METERS on your screen I'd still go for the D90Se.
D90se is thin. A90D isn't worth the msrp. This meme of silicon waste is better and less expensive. Rebel amp and Singxer much better for the segment. Hell, even Midgard is more promising.
@@Maver1ck911No, it isn't!
Привет мужик! Молодец, что подстригся! 😄
I was hoping this was an 8 channel DAC with AES/EBU inputs. Sadly, no such luck.
Starting the vid I’m skeptical at topping and best in the title
Is it D90se/le still better than this?
Their best measuring DAC is the D90 III, but their best sounding? (subjectively), it's definitely the DX9.
The KEFs are gone?
Not YET....but soon. I'll make you an amazing deal on them ;)
@@Soundnews:-D Are you saying that you bought that pair of Raidho for 40000€? OMG 😮
Those raidho's in the background must be far far beyond your kefs,isn't it?
TD 2.2 are better than my Reference 3 in every possible way. I'll probably sell my soul for a pair 😅. Do you know anyone interested in a mint-looking Reference 3 at half the price?
WHAT HAPPENED WITH YOUR SPEAKERS??? )
What happened to them? 😁
At that price I want a bigger screen and some graphics
Great review,these dacs crush Chord products and at a fraction of the price
I doubt this can come close to the Mojo2. Yeh I said it.
I own several top-grade Chord Electronics products, but Mojo2 cannot compete with D70 Octo, especially in terms of spaciousness & holography. Mojo2 is still great, but only with IEMs and several desktop cans, in a stereo setup it lacks the stage and imaging of big units, plus it's not as dynamic & engaging.
SU-10 is the best this one is for kids..
Yes? I am looking for double Sabre SU-10 vs's D70 Octo and i'm not sure what i'm doing if i go D70 Octo... I really lime Sabre, but i also really like my Fiio KA13 portable with Cirrus..
What a mess of a review. They are both D70 Pro, dude! One is called D70 Pro Sabre and the other is called D70 Pro Octo.
Hi updating my dac should I buy topping e70 Vs smsl su9 Pro Vs topping d70 octo