Topping D90 III Discrete 1-bit Fully-balanced DAC. What’s old is New! What is he on about?
The Topping D90 III Discrete utilizes a very modern take on an old school technology. Remember “Bitstream?” It’s back in the D90 Discrete. I go into it a bit in the video.
• Albums used in this review:
• Holly Cole, “Don’t Smoke in Bed”: https://tidal.com/browse/album/1556956?u
• Steve Morse, “Split Decision” : https://tidal.com/browse/album/5525056?u
Apos Audio Topping D90 III Discrete link: https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-topping/products/topping-d90-iii-discrete-1-bit-fully-balanced-desktop-dac?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews.
If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn’t affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you.
Amplifiers:
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-amplifers-1/p/black-ice-fusion-f22v2-tubeintegrated
• Advance Paris A7: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
• Cambridge EVO150: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Opera Callas Speakers: http://operaloudspeakers.com/en/collections/callas-line/callas.html
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: https://amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Elac Debut 3.0 DB 52-BK: https://amzn.to/4hjyKYC
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• LAIV Harmony μDDC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-uddc
• Geshelli Labs Dayzee: https://geshelli.com/dayzee/
• Sparkos Pro Discrete Op Amp SS2590: https://sparkoslabs.com/product/pro-discrete-op-amp-ss2590/
• FiiO PL50 Linear Power Supply: https://www.fiio.com/pl50
• SMSL PO100 PRO DDC/Reclocker:https://amzn.to/3WHbBqS
Streamers:
• Audirvana is my primary streaming platform. You can get a 30 day free trial here: https://audirvana.com/try/
• Cambridge MXN10: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
• FiiO S15 Streamer DAC: https://www.fiio.com/s15
• Alpha Audio, Alpha One Streamer DAC: https://www.alphaaudiocanada.com/#programs
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/4aJVcrp
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform: https://amzn.to/4aFbQsc
• Audio Technica AT540ML MM Cart: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna
• Boyuusound NC-25C Step-Up Transformer: https://amzn.to/4jpS8F3
• Stack Audio (Spindle) Serene Stabiliser: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-stabiliser/
• Stack Audio Serene Record Mat: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-record-mat/
Accessories/Cables:
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series III Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/3PXLxEn
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series II Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/4aIrfbm
• IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck Series Acoustic Isolators: https://amzn.to/4aFLeY2
• All Line Level, Speaker & Mains cables are from Wire World: https://wireworldcable.com/
• Stack Audio AUVA Equipment Isolators: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/auva-equipment-isolator/
Basement desktop gear:
• FiiO K17 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC *Not yet for sale*
• Philharmonic True Mini Monitors: https://philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini?variant=44391547764980
• Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/desktop-hifi-audio-rack-large-standard-height
Editing desktop gear:
• Douk A5 Amp: https://amzn.to/3WK8Ftz
• Sound Solver Medium Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/desktop-hifi-audio-rack-medium-standard-height
Headphones:
• FiiO FT-1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• FiiO FT-5 Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4e6zG09
Email: questions4oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Community Post Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxFWsrQVhpupMc-WdqrP_X4ZtMXiQmVz1q
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/504b4da9-38d5-4f3b-83ea-6d3e73fb90bf
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3cf20a05-c649-474d-aa32-72c710212b59
00:00
13:00 Holy Cole
14:38 Steve Morse
17:11 Summary
#Topping #D90 #III #Discrete #1bit #Fullybalanced #DAC #Whats
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmnVeJorJyY
The Topping D90 III Discrete utilizes a very modern take on an old school technology. Remember "Bitstream?" It's back in the D90 Discrete. I go into it a bit in the video.
Apos Audio Topping D90 III Discrete link: https://apos.audio/collections/brand-spotlight-topping/products/topping-d90-iii-discrete-1-bit-fully-balanced-desktop-dac?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF.
All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews.
If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
No can do. Made in China.
I appreciate your candor. How close was this sonically to the SMSL raw dac? Many thanks!
I have this setup with a90 discrete and it blows me away everytime how clean the sound is
Thank you for the review. Could you please tell me, if i use SMSL PO100 Pro with FiiO K9 AKM will i get any sound benefits? Im using a PC as a source, connected via USB directly to K9 AKM.
iiWi Reviews says that the Discrete sounds a bit better than the Centaurus and you say the Centaurus is clearly superior. Total respect for both. Maybe it's the rest of the equipment or personal taste. I'd like to be able to compare them myself. Thanks for the video.
Excellent review, but what's its comparison to other mid-fi units like the J3 or bifrost? Great review.
Is it better then the mdac pluse?
I wouldn't presume to challenge your observations about the D90 III Discrete. FWIW, I've owned the D70, D70s, and D70 Pro Octo, the latter of which is a completely different beast than the prior iterations. I would say, though, that that sharpness you mentioned is the common thread running through each Topping I've owned, until, that is, the unit is completely broken-in. And in my experience, a week or two always-on is nowhere near adequate. In my experience, it's more like 4 to 6 weeks until the sharpness subsides, the flower opens up, and the fat lady sings. Ergo, I'm wondering if perhaps your review sample wasn't quite "there" yet. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed your review, but my experience with Topping DACs is entirely consistent in re extended break-in periods. And I don't engage with break-in naysayers. Life is too short.
Much like yourself Ed, that's a good looking unit! LOL Great review. Your knowledge of everything digital is staggering!
I respond to note weight and tone, instrument separation and stage depth and for voices, string and horn instruments to have a kind of lifelike sound/texture, especially piano notes.
I can give up some resolution and detail if I can get the other but sometimes detail and texture along with sufficient resolution are dependent upon each other. Without space, especially if depicted in a recording, I feel something is off.
Don't need incredible dynamic shifts either. I am happy with what I get and more can also be too much requiring constant adjustment in volume.
I have a Topping D70s with a dual set of AKMs which do me very well. It rides a balance between resolution/detail and a smooth, robust sound with sufficient "slam" for me Sometimes there is a bit of glare but it seems to depend on the speakers and recording as well.
Based on this review, I would consider either the Centaurus or the Topping flagship using the original AKM the first D90 used. The D70s supposedly kept up pretty well with the original D90 so maybe slight improvements from here.
I think the Centaurus could be a good replacement if mine ever goes. But Topping dacs can last for many years from what I have read. A dream dac for me may be the Laiv Harmony or Denafrips Venus 15th…but these will cost and I don't think the improvements would be worth the cost the way I listen to music. The $500 to a grand category can get one a good way along the journey of satisfaction that can last for a long, long time and at a more palatable price when the unit finally croaks. Spending upwards of $3K…I would feel obligated to repair the dac rather than replace it, which won't be cheap.
What's with all the alphabet soup? How about some explanation for us unwashed masses?
All of my high end topping gear has failed. I'm staying far away.
Thanks for the review. Appreciate all the details. I tried this Topping. It sounded okay but not as good as my Holo Audio Cyan 2. Be well and rock on!
This is Holo Audio Cyan 2 pricing. Tough sell.
Hey Ed. Thanks for the awesome music recommendations today. I've been sitting at work writing performance reviews (ugh!) but listening to Steve Morse (Split Decision) and Holly Cole (Don't Smoke in Bed) both are really awesome with my ZMF headphones using a Schiit modi/magni stack. Thanks again.
After listening for a few weeks, this DAC was way too accurate and a bit dry for my tastes lol.
Great job on this review! In a DAC, I'm looking for a little more body and weight in the vocals and lower midrange. More presence. I am currently using a $500 SMSL SU9 PRO, which is very good, but a smidge more body in the mids would be welcomed. I have a feeling you would recommend I try the Topping Centaurus. Thanks, and I am looking forward to the next review!
Great stuff as usual Ed. Really looking forward to that A12 review. Thanks.
Love it. Thanks for all the shoot-outs to Philips. Let's not forget that by far most of the basic digital audio techniques came from Philips. I'm so proud of my colleagues back then, we had a lot of real talent, creative and innovative.
I find many R2R DACs rather soft sounding, removing bite from music that should have it. So I bought this DAC as a halfway house between Delta Sigma and R2R, a bill it fits perfectly! I love the sound from my digital setup so much now, that I’ve stopped playing records, oops!
Thanks for the review. Does this have both an IR and bluetooth remote in one? Can the bluetooth function of the remote be fully turned off? I prefer to use only IR. Thank you.
That holly cole album was awesome…thank u sir
Do you think putting these types of DAC in a decent sized box far,far away from the smps would help.
I let my software player upsample 44.1 K PCM to DSD64 to my dac. Is that similar to what's happening here?
Love the videos. Pray for your recovery.
Sorry-long comment:
I just purchased a Gustard X30 and getting to grips with it. I started by using my WiiM Pro Plus as my streamer to it via optical. I then tried the coax connection which sounded better. I use Tidal but I was tempted to know what DSD was like. I did some research as to how to be able to play this file type thinking it would be more hardware and expense, when I discovered if I used the X30 Roon Bridge built in software(via Ethernet/Wifi extender to the PC) and try a free subscription of Roon to see what I thought. Tidal sounded better through Roon to me and DSD did seem to offer nice control over the demo track I played. To add to the mix, the X30 has 3 PCM sound filters Gentle/Composite and default Vivid. I think the Vivid is what has swayed a lot of reviewers with its detail but a little bright on my system so I tame it very gently by a tiny reduction at 2KHz on my Douk equaliser so vocals are smoother and a little 350 Hz boost to push the vocal forward and give it a bit more presence and warmth. If you access the X30 via its IP address you can try between Direct and Musicality sound-so I think I’ve got every permutation possible. I prefer a warm sound but open and detailed at the same time. A bit of a balancing act. Hoping there will be more readily available DSD content in the future (streaming?) at a reasonable cost.
Geez, I appreciate the depth and all, but I should not have watched this video. I know very little about DACs (just the very basics) as I am not a digital guy all that much, but after watching this video despite you excellent efforts, I know less now than before! To me spending $1000 on a DAC is a fool's errand at best (that would not be the case if I was a digital guy though, in that case a $1000 DAC would make some sense). That said though I'm ordering my Douk Audio Q11 in just a couple of days and I'm looking forward to playing with it. (It will also be the only external DAC I will ever own I think although if I ever get extra money I may be interested in that R2R from Topping.
Hmm, I may want to look at Apos.
Be vary hard to beat the D903 discrete plus the b200 monoblocks as a modern complete system….add a waxing digital phono and it's complete…for the price unbeatable
If you want to hear digital playback that is bold, generous, human and emotionally involving, try Ayon.
Thanks, Ed. I truly appreciate the historical context you're so qualified to provide, and to me, it's one of the unique highlights of your channel…makes me realize how lucky we are to have such amazing components available to us at affordable prices nowadays. Also, I enjoy being introduced to an array of music in your videos.
Re compelling female voices, have you ever reviewed components with Stevie Nick's songs? What a voice!
Ed, please lead me in the right direction to which SMLS unit you were talking about. I know you keep mentioning it but I haven’t written anything down so I want you to be specific and get back to me if you have the time
Awesome. I am looking at this and the Centaurus. So I guess that settled that.
How it compares to denafrips ares 15th?
I own a Topping D90III Discrete. Almost all you say is spot on.
I gained much better sonics using the USB input by changing interconnects.
The biggest change when the edginess goes away is when you invert the phase in the DAC settings. The same effect can be heard by reversing speaker cable polarity.
Thanks for the technical and comparative review.
Apos often has some deals on certified refurbished. Never had a bad experience so far. Much of their stuff ships from China, but DHL is quick. My Topping A90D (refurbished) arrived eight days from order date, and it's been perfect. ????
Returning my Fiio S15. My Centaurus arrives today; can't wait! Thanks for the recommendation.
Ed, you have GOT to stop tempting me like this! I bought the LAIV mu DDC (it comes this week) and now I want this! ????
You do a great job describing “how we got here” from a tech perspective.
DAC reviews are very boring
It is not fully balanced ????
Thank you for the informative review, as always. We really appreciate it!????
Thanks for great review! My best!
Thank you for your honesty ????????
Great Job Ed