New Topping D90SE DAC

If you’re in the market for a new DAC it’s worthwhile considering a Denafrips Ares II, it’s definitely a DAC that has had hugely positive reviews so much so I bought one and it’s very very good and the build quality is amazing. 

@vanson1 Do you like a detailed neutral sound or some warmth?  That should help you decide if you get the Topping D90SE. What else is in your system. Any warm components?

I have a CODA 07x preamp and that is a sonically warm preamp and likely mate well with the Topping D90SE because it sounds great with my similar measured Benchmark DAC3B. So a neutral DAC and warm preamp.

With regards to measurements, In my case, measurements do mean a lot. Today, I am listening to a classic 20 year old Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD player modified by Vacuum State to Level 5+. This is a warm player and has a great sound. The best sound I ever got from it were with 2 preamps that currently have the best measurements of any gear I have seen published. They are the Topping pre90 and the Benchmark HPA4. I have been saying the HPA4 is the best preamp I have "not heard" and now the Topping pre90 is in the same class for me. They measure almost the same and these measurements indicate that they do not impart a sound on things connected to them. Measurements matter in this case where I want the exact sound of the source.

I do not like the SONY SCD-1 paired with the CODA 07x. Warmth on top of warmth not fun for me. So measurements mean a lot when used for specific purposes.

The more expensive the DAC the more "expectation bias" comes into play! When someone spends four and five-figures they must convince themselves that their shiny new toy is somehow "better" than a cheaper DAC! This psychological "bias" factor is used by companies to market ever more expensive "high end" audio products!

I did order the new D90SE and now recieved the FedEx shipping information. 

When I complete a review I will post my impressions. 

BTW i am listening thru B&W 803d3 and mc452 amplifier for the mid to upper frequencies. 

First of all, pay no attention to Audioscience review, the guy seldom likes anything...measurements mean crap. Second of all, buy the Border Patrol dac R2R. It measures poorly, according to stereophile’s John Atkinson. However, according to Herb Reichert, it sounds terrific. I own it and it is a great dac.