Battle of the DACs 400$ vs 1000$ - Should you pay more? TOPPING D30 Pro vs DENAFRIPS ARES 2

[@СергейХудорожков-р9р]

The presentation of both DACs is very close, D30 is a little brighter and the price makes it a smarter choice 😉.

[@rg6556]

Totally agreed! Aries 2 has texture & density and sounds more like real music; D30 sounds little cleaner but also leaner and a bit flat.

[@alexandreserainshuvaloff6640]

The soundstage is more realistic with Topping. ARES sounds frontal and a bit ordinary. Topping goes as much as ARES down with basses without giving the impression of a thick soup. This video gave me the assurance to buy a Topping DAC, maybe a D50III. Thanks a lot. Great HIFI set you have, and your video was very useful.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

I have the D30Pro. Thank you for this review and comparison. I learned a lot.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@KalleRabben]

Again thank you for a interesting test. The differences are easy to hear but not as big as your last battle between Aries 2 and Lampizator

[@DanielSmith-km4tu]

They both sound good. Not worth bothering with.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@sjhorton1184]

So..my comments on the Aries 2 v the Lampizator Amber 3 are the same for this comparison, only this is MUCH less different between these two than between the Aries 3 and Lampizator. Yes the Denafrips is better but I wouldn't pay the difference to upgrade the Topping D30 Pro if I had it. There is a slight improvement going to the Denafrips but the Topping has nothing to be ashamed of in this contest.

[@mounirehab]

Very helpful comparison, thanks

[@VirtualHiFi]

Please let me know if you liked the video by clicking the like button. 👍
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[@thierrybernot9369]

Différence on the bass and the voice is quite important. Denafrips is more analogic (voice) and delivers more bass. For the price topping is a great contender.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you, indeed topping is great since there is significant difference in price, but I'd say it's worth paying more here ;)

[@tudorm6838]

It is very important which firmware and driver you are using for the D30Pro. There are significant differences between different versions. My decision was to keep the 2.44 firmware and 5.12 driver. Which drivers and firmware have you used here?

[@VirtualHiFi]

sorry it was so long ago that I don't know which version of the software it was ;)

[@tudorm6838]

I think the D30Pro needs an electric filter, I used a portable power station just for the DAC, and all aspects of the sound were improved, especially the details and clarity.

[@Tbagnbdn]

Denafrips is a clear winner, much more natural sounding

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your comment

[@garyalexander5686]

To my ears the Aries is warmer sounding. It sounds fuller. In this case I'd pay more. I don't think I'd want the Topping in my system.

[@dwaynepiper3261]

Very close so the Topping is great value. What is name of last track?

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thanks for sharing 😁

[@mounirehab]

Very interesting ...

[@VirtualHiFi]

Glad you think so!

[@10sassafras]

Thanks. They sound the same.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you for sharing your feedback ;)

[@10sassafras]

@@VirtualHiFiActually, I should clarify. Allowing for any small difference in level and/ or gain, they sound the same. How did you level match?

[@alberto3028]

3:21 more transients, I can hear the difference.

[@VirtualHiFi]

Thank you ;)

[@vitalll84]

Both same ))