Choosing a new DAC & Headphone amp pair

[Rantenti]

Dear all,
I am considering the purchase of second DAC/ headphone amp stack, I have shortlisted my choices to the following:

DAC:
1. Topping D70s MQA ($649. Reviews stated much improvement over the older D70. Dual AKM 4497, warmer and nuanced sound)
2. Topping D90 ($749, single AKM 4499, very clean and detailed sound)
3. Gustard A18 ($649, single AKM 4499. Reviews claim it approaches the A22, and is very similar to the Topping D90 if not even more neutral. It's $100 cheaper than the D90. However, there seems to be no option to select only RCA/ only XLR/ both output)

Headphone amp:
1. Topping A90 ($499)
2. Gustard H16 (399)

Apparently the Topping A90 measures better, and the Gustard H16 is perhaps not as powerful as the Topping A90.

I wonder if mixing brands work well eg, Gustard A18 DAC + Topping A90 amp or should I stay with one brand?

And how about Gustard's customer service? I'm reluctant to consider SM*L due to their rumored (lack of) customer service, while Topping is said to be very responsive.

Any suggestions would be highly appreciated! Thanks.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

You could look at Audio-gd. But I am pretty sure they don't have anything with MQA support.

 

[Deolum]

Currently having the D90 here and i'm very impressed. A90 follows soon so i can't speak for the A90 yet.

 

[silent-circuit]

Been very happy with my D90/A90 stack. Very clean sound, plenty of power.

 

[Rantenti]

Been very happy with my D90/A90 stack. Very clean sound, plenty of power

would you describe the sound as punchy and lean with a sharp clean finish (analytical and dry side) or clean yet rich with rich harmonics and good depth (musical but of course not sticky and syrupy)?

I listen to a lot of piano and instrumental music (classical, chamber, and some jazz and occasionally electronica), a sound that feels organically weaved built upon clarity and good bass and treble extension itself will be important. (I am not the type who prefers very warm tube sound signatures imposing on my music though).

 

[Rantenti]

You could look at Audio-gd. But I am pretty sure they don't have anything with MQA support.

Thanks, will sure have a look! MQA is not a must though it is welcome if the package comes with it at a fair price.

 

[Archerious]

Which did you go for, OP?

 

[Rantenti]

Which did you go for, OP?

Hi, I got the Gustard X26 pro and the Topping A90. Glad the X26 pro came out while I was still undecided. This DAC with double ES9038 pro plus MQA really shines, and is worth the extra price.

The Topping A90 is still the best bang for the buck and its transparency and power is hard to beat. It widens the soundstage a bit, so cable choice is important to prevent a hole in the middle. It's not immune to EMI noise but going XLR solves it all.

 

[Archerious]

Hi, I got the Gustard X26 pro and the Topping A90. Glad the X26 pro came out while I was still undecided. This DAC with double ES9038 pro really shines, and is worth the extra price.

The Topping A90 is still the best bang for the buck and its transparency and power is hard to beat. It widens the soundstage a bit, so cable choice is important to prevent a hole in the middle. It's not immune to EMI noise but going XLR solves it all.

Nice, does the A90 have a remote control for volume? My arm has a bit of scar tissue so I like to use remotes instead of stretching out to twist a knob.

 

[Rantenti]

Nice, does the A90 have a remote control for volume? My arm has a bit of scar tissue so I like to use remotes instead of stretching out to twist a knob.

No, I wish it had, but only the Gustard X26 pro does. I hope everything's well with your arm. Perhaps you could place the A90 somewhere just below your elbow level.

 

[Deolum]

If you want the best for the buck get the Gustard X16 + the THX 887.

 

[wimawow]

If you have the X16 I'm curious how you connected your headphone amp to it. I can't seem to get signal to the RCA outs on my x16.