[AudioQuality777]

Appeared in black.It looks more stylish.

 

[pataburd]

I much prefer the black, too.

 

[AudioQuality777]

According to the user's review, the D400 PRO, like the D400EX, play more interesting than the D90le from Topping. Apparently, the number of chips in a device with the same line-up does not have a strong difference, except that there is a slight difference in the numbers on the graphs when measuring.

 

[pataburd]

@AudioQuality777
D400EX vs. D400 PRO would be a worthwhile comparison to post.
Do you have-/is there- a link to this a/b review?
As an aside, to my ears, the D400EX represents a significant improvement over the M400 in virtually every respect.
Thank you.

 

[AudioQuality777]

​

"I have owned many ESS dacs and only recently have been trying AKM DACS. FWIW after years of Benchmark and other ESS Dacs there's an upper midrange glassy hint to my ears. This went unnoticed for years, and when you take confirmation bias into consideration may not even be happening. Your mind is very good at tricking you (That's why the world is so er...interesting as of late) . I have had the SU10, VMV D2, and enjoyed both very much. The Topping D90 LE was only compared to the D400 Pro because I loved the SU10 and VMV D2 sound so much I wasn't motivated to swap out. The screen is so much better the Toppings retro looking screen looks antiquated, but mostly my eyesight is awful.

I can read the display of the D400 Pro from 17' away!
Regardless, I for some reason consistently prefer AKM to ESS. It just sounds more whole and complete. Detailed, dynamic, and errros on the less sterile side harmonically. I think it's neutral, some say warm.
Before you consider the VMV D2R at it's price I would consider the 400D Pro because it's a no brainer price for a DAC that is really a pleasure to listen ,"

 

[pataburd]

Having listened to well implemented AKM chip-based DACs, I find them more natural-sounding and listenable, too.

 

[AudioQuality777]

Having listened to well implemented AKM chip-based DACs, I find them more natural-sounding and listenable, too.

You're right.AKM are more melodic.

 

[pataburd]

Still awaiting a "D400 Pro vs. D400EX showdown".
I like the D400EX quite a bit [it is easily one of the best DACs I have ever owned].
Honestly, I'll be miffed if they turn out to be [audibly] comparable; even more miffed if the Pro betters the EX(!).

 

[NexusOne]

Is it true that the unbalanced Input offers the same volume as the balanced? Why? Not truly balanced?

Is the Topping DX9 much better?

 

[MLGrado]

thoroughly reviewed....

https://www.euphonicreview.com/lans...o-dac-is-a-real-doozy-lets-find-out-what-kind

 

[pataburd]

Too bad the reviewer didn't have another amp, besides the SMSL SP400, on hand.