[Interceptor69]

One factor in your decision might be whether you want to support the continued existence of MQA by paying (indirectly) the company behind it. There are those who believe it is harmful for the music industry. See here, for example.

Agreed. Marketing hype. Archimago has a very detailed blog post explaining in detail how MQA works and why it's a lossy format.

 

[iFi audio]

The money is not what bothers me here it is the rumors that the mqa version sacrifices quality for non mqa material. I am wondering if there is any feedback to support this?

From what I can tell, there are many people fond of MQA playback, so it's good to try it on your own, compare with regular files if possible and move from there.

 

[Vosya]

Oh well no wonder 4.82 caused my DX7 to stop working completely in Windows 10 v2004. Reverting to the Microsoft drivers restored functionality.

"Sorry for the late update, we already update V4.86.0 to our website.
Web address is http://topping.audio/newsinfo/435189.html
Best Regards!
----------------------------------
TOPPING service"

 

[ttol]

Looks like the updated driver is now available: http://www.tpdz.net/newsinfo/435189.html

The .zip package is corrupt but you can extract it with 7zip (winrar didn't work for me) and the actual driver .zip inside is intact.

Installed without issue on Win 10 2004. You'll need to fully disconnect (e.g. the back power switch) after installing the new driver.

 

[Marlowe]

Looks like the updated driver is now available: http://www.tpdz.net/newsinfo/435189.html

The .zip package is corrupt but you can extract it with 7zip (winrar didn't work for me) and the actual driver .zip inside is intact.

Installed without issue on Win 10 2004. You'll need to fully disconnect (e.g. the back power switch) after installing the new driver.

I was unable to install the new drivers after downloading several times, getting a message each time that Windows could not open the file because it is invalid. I came here to ask if anyone had been able to install the 4.86 diver and found your post. To be honest, I'm not that computer savvy (about average for an almost 67-year old) and I wasn't quite sure what to do, but within about ten minutes I had downloaded 7zip as you suggested, had the new driver installed (I checked the D90's properties and the driver is now 4.86) and it appears to be working fine. I have Windows 10 2004 as well. So many thanks

 

[Prashant18]

Hello experts, I am new to audiophile community so please excuse my limited knowledge. Here, I am looking for some recommendations on DAC, 'Denafrips Ares 2' Vs 'Topping D90'.
I own Senn. HD650 and recently got my DropTHX 789 amp and now looking for best matching DAC. Though I have done some research and went through sub 800$ options, finally I am torn between Denafrips Ares 2 and Topping D90. Can someone please suggest which of these 2 would be best value for money and overall performer to match with THX-789?
My preference is analog/realistic and soothing sound with good balance over upper, mid and lower frequency ranges. I am looking for best balance of width and depth of soundstage among these 2 DACs. For reference, my usual choices include rock and sometimes classical and hip hop. In addition, as an enthusiast I keep exploring almost all kind of genres occasionally thus looking for best overall performing DAC.

Thanks!

 

[KingFiercer]

Here, I am looking for some recommendations on DAC, 'Denafrips Ares 2' Vs 'Topping D90'.

Check it out first

Topping D90 was good via USB input, but I heard that Ares doesn't have the best USB implementation, and other inputs are better choice.
From my expirience D90 isn't soothing at all, it's dynamic, agile and punchy. The D70 is certainly more soothing and relaxed sound. I won't say anything about Ares, I didn't try it.

 

[Yviena]

The USB of the D90 also sounds very good with allo shanti/allo signature usbridge with BT disabled, and in DAC mode, dunno how it would compare to I²S tough.

 

[sajunky]

Topping D90 was good via USB input, but I heard that Ares doesn't have the best USB implementation, and other inputs are better choice.

Denafrips has implemented excellent USB TheSyscon libraries, the same as in XMOS chips, sans a high frequency jitter XU208 chips produce.

I personally would go with A-GD R28 dac/amp combo, but as you like 789, I don't have recommendation 4u, sorry.

 

[Interceptor69]

Hello experts, I am new to audiophile community so please excuse my limited knowledge. Here, I am looking for some recommendations on DAC, 'Denafrips Ares 2' Vs 'Topping D90'.
I own Senn. HD650 and recently got my DropTHX 789 amp and now looking for best matching DAC. Though I have done some research and went through sub 800$ options, finally I am torn between Denafrips Ares 2 and Topping D90. Can someone please suggest which of these 2 would be best value for money and overall performer to match with THX-789?
My preference is analog/realistic and soothing sound with good balance over upper, mid and lower frequency ranges. I am looking for best balance of width and depth of soundstage among these 2 DACs. For reference, my usual choices include rock and sometimes classical and hip hop. In addition, as an enthusiast I keep exploring almost all kind of genres occasionally thus looking for best overall performing DAC.

Thanks!

I have the 789 and paired it with the Topping D70. Great pairing in my opinion.

 

[rickydenim]

I'm looking to get a better DAC for my lounge system to run into my integrated amp and bypass my AVR. Currently running Tidal via Shield TV Pro to my Denon X3500H. Originally I was thinking of getting the Bluesound Node 2i streamer but now I'm thinking maybe I get a better DAC like this guy and then use a spare tablet as a source. Not quite as user friendly as can't use phone app whilst around the house but for the same money you'd think this would give better SQ yeah? Could also play from BT on phone too I guess.

 

[Interceptor69]

I'm looking to get a better DAC for my lounge system to run into my integrated amp and bypass my AVR. Currently running Tidal via Shield TV Pro to my Denon X3500H. Originally I was thinking of getting the Bluesound Node 2i streamer but now I'm thinking maybe I get a better DAC like this guy and then use a spare tablet as a source. Not quite as user friendly as can't use phone app whilst around the house but for the same money you'd think this would give better SQ yeah? Could also play from BT on phone too I guess.

I have the Node 2i and find it sounds surprisingly good. Running Tidal and Qobuz through it, using the built in DAC.

 

[rickydenim]

I have the Node 2i and find it sounds surprisingly good. Running Tidal and Qobuz through it, using the built in DAC.

Awesome, thanks for this!

 

[Prashant18]

Check it out first

Topping D90 was good via USB input, but I heard that Ares doesn't have the best USB implementation, and other inputs are better choice.
From my expirience D90 isn't soothing at all, it's dynamic, agile and punchy. The D70 is certainly more soothing and relaxed sound. I won't say anything about Ares, I didn't try it.

Thanks KingFiercer!
Anyone here with experience on both Denafrips Ares 2 and Topping D90? Or any other better DAC recommendation for THX 789 pairing?

 

[Prashant18]

I have the 789 and paired it with the Topping D70. Great pairing in my opinion.

Thanks Interceptor69!
D70 is my fall-back plan, if it comes-up on DROP sometime soon.