Topping Dacs D-50, DX-7, and DX7s

An interesting article. But unless I missed something the author did not mention how it sounds??? I remember when I first bought a Benchmark DAC and it measured very well, but many people complained it sounded clinical. I was not bothered by that, but everything you hear or buy has it’s own leaning (sonic signature) Again the author did not mention any sound characteristic just that it’s dirt cheap for the measurements???

@2psyop

You make it seem like measurements don’t directly tell us how it sounds. If anything, the Benchmark sounding clinical (dead accurate, not forgiving) is a compliment. If you don’t wanna hear how your music actually sounds, then don’t buy a DAC that is transparent, though most are, only stuff like Schiit and Audio-GD will add “color”. Same reason my grandma doesn’t like daylight LEDS in her house, as they show her pores.

Just saying I think I care about many things related to a dac...including how it sounds. There are many factors I consider when buying a car. The quality of the parts, reputation of the company, the performance, reliability, warranty, etc, etc. The practicality is a big issue for some and fun factor is a big one issue for others. A car can perform perfectly and not be any fun to drive. Not trying to say measurements are not important, but I care about other things too...
perhaps the price is attractive combined with measurements, that is what is important for you.

If it's not the pro then it's not the top ESS saber chip. The top chip is the 9038 pro. And it's incredible sounding very analog, I have it in my wyred for sound 10th anniversary dac. It's very difficult to work with so I don't know if the Chinese are smart enough LOL

If it's not the pro then it's not the top ESS saber chip. The top chip is the 9038 pro. And it's incredible sounding very analog, I have it in my wyred for sound 10th anniversary dac. It's very difficult to work with so I don't know if the Chinese are smart enough LOL

They’re certainly smarter than you.