Mini Impression and Reflection on Topping D90SE
Equipment Used: Emm Labs NS1, Emm Labs DAC2xV2, Headamp GSX(mk2 module), Headamp GS-1(mk2 module)
Headphones compared: Neumann NDH30
Cable: Audio Envy AES, DNM RCA, Fog City Cardas balanced cable
Music Genres: jazz (small ensemble and big band), symphony, Jpop, Cpop, electronic, solo instruments.
Notes on Connection and Setup:
Topping D90SE is connected to Emm Labs NS1 via Audio Envy AES cable. I note AES connection is the best digital output from NS1 (apart from the even superior proprietary fiber optics connection that only works with Emm Labs dac). I did not test the USB connection as I have already tested various DAC with USB and compared the USB connection with NS1's AES and NS1 has time and time again offered significantly superior performance to USB connection (I have used ifi igalvanic and iUSB3 and other USB decraper; but nothing I have used come close to NS1's AES output). I note that in no time during my test did D90SE drop connection with NS1 or exhibit any connectivity or other issue.
D90SE was configured for dac-only output with 4v output. The reconstruction filter is set to linear and all other settings are stock. I have been listening to primarily CD quality music from wav file and Qobuz. I did not test any high-res or DSD.
Impression and Personal View
As a seasoned audiophile and someone who have jumped on the chi-fi train since the early days and have been disappointed over and over again, I must confess that I approached D90SE with a certain level of distain, dismissiveness and prejudice, similar to how you would look down on that $5 discount supermarket sushi at the end of the day. But, this unassuming converter has forced me to reevaluate my preconceived notions regarding audio reproduction within its price range and those devices from China that focus only on measurements. Though it was with great reluctance that I entertained the possibility of this modest device exceeding my expectations and I obviously took the challenge for schits and giggles, I must admit that it has done so with a modicum of grace and finesse and it has forced me to reflect on my preconception of chi-fi gear.
So to get the obvious sound impression out of the way. D90SE is NOT lifeless, bland, flat, stringent, overly digital sounding, 2D and collapsed soundstage, weak bass, low resolution, piercing high, dry midrange, no instrument separation, wrong instrument timbre. Now that we got the obvious out of the way, I am going to skip talking about D90SE on its own as I personally hate those kind of reviews and go directly to compare with Emm Labs dac2xv2, a dac that's 15x the cost of D90SE.
Emm Labs dac2x does indeed outperform the D90SE in various aspects of music reproduction. While the D90SE was able to deliver a level of audio quality that was competitive within its price range, the dac2x ultimately maintains its superiority in multiple areas. Notably, the dac2x exhibits greater sound density, weightiness to the musical notes, and a more dynamic range, significantly setting it apart from the D90SE. Furthermore, the Emm Labs dac2x excels in microdynamics, instrument separation, and rendition of space, offering a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience. Dac2x also excels in the rendition of these tiny sounds and harmonics around a dominant sound. D90SE on the other hand would render the dominant sound rather well but cannot reproduction these secondary harmonics and sounds, making it a "one-note" sound. Also, with dac2x, the space between instruments is better represented, and the mid-range is characterized by a more liquid quality (there is a hint of liquidity with D90SE but dac2x just does it a lot better). Overall, the dac2x delivers a more life-like reproduction of instruments and human voices. While the D90SE is impressive within its price bracket, it is clear that the dac2x remains the superior choice for those seeking the highest level of audio fidelity - just stating the obvious.
If I have to sum up in one sentence the sound profile and reproduction quality of D90SE, it would be D90SE is the modern equivalent of Weiss DAC1 from 10-15 years ago. Weiss DAC 1 is now on either third or fourth gen and is just a different league of dac than the iteration from the last decade. But if you ever get to hear first gen Weiss DAC1, you should find it to sound very similar in quality and sound profile to D90SE.
In conclusion, my initial skepticism of the D90SE has been challenged by the device's actual performance. While it may not be the giant killer touted by ASR, the D90SE offers an excellent listening experience that demands a reevaluation of what can be achieved in this segment of the market and gear from China. Though I may not be entirely won over by the D90SE, it is impossible to deny that it has provided a new perspective, and it is certainly worth considering for audiophiles in search of a more affordable, yet high-quality digital to analog converter.
