I agree, the E70 is an excellent dac! You're site and ASR are the last word in DACs, IMO. Interestingly enough, for the first time a can detect a difference in Topping filters, 5 being the most "palpable" to my ears.😊
Excellent review, mate! I’ve had the E70 Velvet for a few weeks. It’s a good match with my Adam Audio A7V & Sub8 for my computer audio system. I’ve always liked the AKM sound and am glad to see them getting back in the game after the big fire. Looking forward to your E70 Velvet review!
I have been listening to the artist you have referenced in the video and I have seen that are all similar type of music, with voice is very presents and music is mostly acoustic. Very nice! I think that you should consider to do some videos about audiophile recording where we can enjoy music and very good sounding in our systems. Thank you!
Srboljub, this is why I am hoping you can listen to the Geshelli J2 AKM (they also make 2 other version with two different Sabre chips) - because it has a massive soundstage, and plenty of dynamics, and quality bass and midrange. And I am very glad that the trend is toward the more lively musical tonality! This is the whole point, after all - enjoying the music!
I was crazy into audio DACs and Amps about two yearsr ago but I realized that between Topping, SMSL, Schiit, stuff was coming out every mos. And most of the time is was always slightly better. I love my gear but I've settled on Schiit for my daily use. Topping and SMSL may be better but maybe its the design or something. I'm really enjoying Schiit even though I do not thing their build is as good as other brands.
I am glad you are going on reviewing these DACs because in my experience different DACs are still making a big difference in the overall sound quality of my system.
Looking forward to your review of the E70 Velvet version with the AK4499EX chip. "Therbamar"'s review of the velvet reveals quite a difference between the two E70's. As always, Thank you very much.
I’ve watched so many DAC reviews, as well as other audio components, and it always comes down to two basic concepts.. 1) pay more, get more; and 2) is it the right fit for your needs.. 👨🏻
It's sound reasoning and I mostly agree. But on rare occasions some devices set new price/performance standard and it takes a bit for others to catch up. So even though the market equalizes itself in the long run, at some particular moment it might happen that there is something new costing $500 that's a better buy than something older costing $700. That's why it pays for someone looking to buy a new device to check the current state of the market. I do it every time I need to upgrade my PC for example - I watch several reviews to find what parts are the best value at the moment because good info from 12 months ago might be outdated right now.
@@iiWiReviews Yes! Great follow-up comments, I agree 100%. I generally do that, especially with digital technology, as it is always moving forward. I’m happy to see manufacturers stretching out and working on improvements and new designs with new chips, especially when they actually consider customer feedback. But at some point, when you need or want a specific component at a specific time, you have to consider your requirements and your budget, and then go for whatever is the best choice for you at that time. Then you can upgrade when something better shows up down the road. Keeps things interesting 👍😉
Hello, first I would like to say your descriptions of sound and the exercise are very informative and good. What I can't find anywhere, however, is how it performs via Bluetooth. I'm looking for a Bluetooth dac that I can stream spotify to via phone to my stereo system. Yes, I know spotify does not have a high bitrate. My stereo has a tube preamp and a 2-channel power amp, therefore no Bluetooth, so I use my phone via 3.5 to rca, which is cumbersome. Had hoped that this would sound less compressed, even though bluetooth is compressed
E70 vs D30 pro? I want to mention that D30 pro sound very different depending on firmware and driver version. My preferences goes to 2.44 for firmware and 5.27 for driver. The initial default driver was not so good, and only version 5.00 and 5.27 are acceptable for me. Now I am using 5.27. Regrading my question I am not interested in comparing E70 with D30 with other drivers than the above mentioned ones.
I absolutely love your videos! It's funny, sometimes I look at you thinking you could be Peter Steele's (rest in peace) younger brother, I mean that as a compliment as Type O Negative is a phenomenal band! I had to say it as it has crossed my mind many times and I mean to compliment, not make fun... although, having someone compare you to a band member of one of their favorite bands, I think is an awesome compliment! Ok, so that being said, I do have a question for your expertise. What would you think in comparison of this Topping E70 to the ifi Zen One Signature, since they are similarly priced?
A very interesting DAC …maybe something to look at 2023 …as I’m pretty much maxing out on my IEM’s…but better 🎶🎶🎶sources 🫤 Thanks for the very informative video.🥃
Hvala Srboljube na ovako lepom predstavljanju Topping E70. Imam Topping E30 i zeleo sam da sa tobom razmenim neka misljenja oko ovih DAC-ova i uopste o HiFi. Citam i tvoje recenzije u HiFi caospisu, i zaista imam samo reci hvale. Ako je tako najlakse, poslao sam ti na Instagramu poruku, pa ako zelis da mi pomognes javi mi se tamo. Hala unapred. Veliki pozdrav!
Hello. After the unpleasant experience with the Topping E50, I settled on the Topping E70, the Cambridge 200m and the ProJect pre box S2. Topping E70 and ProJect have the same price 350E. Which would be better with Marantz and Dali Oberon? With much respect I greet you.
I haven't heard 200m but I prefer E70 to S2. It has more dynamics, fuller tone. S2 was a very good DAC but with few probelams, and Project never updated it to catch up with very aggressive offerings from Topping and SMSL.
It seems not. I encountered some problems during shipping and given how many devices are waiting for a review I don't think I'll order it again. It would again take sometime to arrive, clear the customs... And SMSL will make MKIV before I would upload it. 😄
Hi. Love the reviews. Super helpful to me. I’m building my desktop headphone audio setup. I’ve bought a few DACs and I’m trying to pick my favorite. My wife is helping me test them “blind” by swapping them out without me knowing which is playing. Is there anything else I need to do to make a fair comparison? I’m conscious that if I know which is which I’m sure to be biased by my preconceptions, but I also wonder if their are settings I need to make sure are apples to apples. I’m using the same amp for all of them. How do you set up your tests so you can compare blind? I’m new to the high-end audio thing so would appreciate your advice.
there wont be any coloration on good dacs, its what proper dac for, converting digital file into analog hearable sound so just pick what review said best, no need blind test on dacs, dac+amp however, different story
@@iikatinggangsengii2471 Exactly. But whatever I'm comparing, if it's not blind, I'm worried I'll be biased. I was wondering how professional reviewers like this make sure they're blinded for comparisons. But no reply yet from the channel.
E70 is warmer, bolder, and more forward. Aune/Sparkos reveals more deteils, air, has deeper soundstage but colder and more laid back presentation. Personally I still prefer Aune/Sparkos if the rest of the system is not too analytical sounding.
Hello. Please tell me which one is better Topping D30 PRO (CS43198) or Topping E70? I listened to iFi Zen Dac V2, I liked it for its musicality, but I wanted a more informative bass. I'm facing a choice now. Thank you.
E70 is better in my opinion. Very full but at the same time informative sound. D30 pro is not on that level. I haven't heard Zen V2 but V1 was also far behind.
If price difference does not mater then d70s or e70? Only considering spaciousness of the sound and if looking for a kind of sound that fills more the room that is pleasant and maybe makes you smile how good stereo can sound.... Something like this.
Zanima me DAC audiolab M-DAC+ Bio je veoma nagrađivan i jedan od najboljih u cenovnom rangu, ali pre pet, šest godina. Ali vidim da koristi stariji čip ESS 9018, dok se sada prelazi, uglavnom, na 9038. Šta mi možeš reći o tome? Hvala.
D30 Pro has softer presentation in general, less precise bassline, more laid back midrange and soundstage in general. E70 sounds cleaner, more energetic and explosive, more forward with vocals and midrange in general. Now that illusive part - D30 pro sounds more analogue...but all in all I prefer E70 quite a bit.
@@iiWiReviews And also the E70 is preferable if the volume level is controlled by the built-in digital encoder, because the ES9028 has 32-bit internal processing.
Good review. Been watching them for awhile. but I'm confused.. How can a DAC without the power to even drive the headphones be so expensive? Why are they even sold separately so often? They sell dac/amps for less money. So if I buy this, I STILL need something like the L70 to power my headphones?
Some people use DACs for their speaker systems only, so they don't care about headphone out. In that case, a manufacturer can move some of the costs associated for head-amp section into creating a even better DAC section (linear power supply, better op-amps, etc.) or just more features (more inputs/outputs, MQA licence, etc.). In case you use it for your headphones system, you have two options: 1. Get a two in one DAC/AMP such as Topping DX3, DX5... or 2. Buy separate DAC and Headphone amp like E70 and L70.... First option is usually a better value. The second one is more for enthusiasts that like to mix and match components and change them often.
@@iiWiReviews Ok, so initial impressions on the E50 with a coaxial connection. .. . Definitely worthy sonically at its price point. Haunting similar to my old not so pricey Burr-Brown DAC multibit design using filter 3 on the E50, but to be honest, not much difference between the filters; hard to tell but, f1 seems like the most broadband open sound, with f2 warmer and softer, with f3 a pleasant compromise between the two, and oddly enough, as mentioned, at least seemingly so, hauntingly similar to my multibit. I need to spend more evaluation time though before I get crazy lol. Definitely a step up from the Modi+, but it is a price increase, but also there’s a few more features. Already I’m thinking either one is a great value for what they cost. As most DAC reviewers suggest, the differences are very subtle. My only real complaint thus far is that it doesn’t have complete functionality without a remote, but I knew that going in, and it’s really not that terrible. The remote is very common (at least for now lol). That’s it for now.. Cheers!🥳🥂
@P T Sorry P T, I couldn’t offer any opinions on that; I’ve only focused on stereo. One thing I will say is sometimes the “more” may be “added” sonic features that may or may not be considered “better” 🤔I think back to when ZZ Top redid some of their albums to sound more “modern,” an 80’s sound as opposed to a 70’s one, so reverb and stuff “added” and I hated it. I guess some people liked it, maybe newer fans especially, but I thought they destroyed the originals, so I’m kind of wary of things that are “added” .. Maybe if bits of sound show up that were “missing” fine, but when things are “added,” it’s not something I prefer when I am already used to the existing recording, and I don’t think it needs changes. Sometimes change is good, Sometimes it isn’t. It’s really a case-by-case basis for me. One thing I can’t stand is if I buy a recording with a certain expectation, and I get something different, because somebody decided to change it for the “better.” Some of Frank Zappas remasters suck on that note, especially “Apostrophe,”and some Steve Wilson Tull remixes, especially “Passion Play” and a lot of remastered Jazz CD’s come to mind. For every “good” example, you could come up with a “bad” one. Sometimes even the artist doesn’t realize what his fans want. Ian Anderson comes to mind; he has no concept of how good the original Robin black engineered Passion Play album is.. just because some critics bashed it and it wasn’t ubiquitously liked, and he wasn’t crazy about playing saxophone, he doesn’t realize that Tull fans from the original 70s albums like that album just the way it was.👨🏻🥂 Enjoy the E70. I find that to be an interesting product too, but I don’t think I’m gonna go down that rabbit hole. I don’t see the value proposition for me.
@P T oh yes I agree, and I’m sorry I didn’t realize that you didn’t have the E 70, and also thanks for that info. I was thinking about the power supply . I like the E50, but I was wondering if one of those Jameco’s would change anything.. I am using one of the USB PSU bricks from one of the older phones; It’s a little bit larger and it seems to be working fine, but I was wondering if one of those $20 power supplies would dare make any difference; maybe give a little more punch in the low end or something, I wasn’t sure, but I figured the difference would probably be so subtle that I could just turn up the 100 Hz bass control a couple of dB, and have more than enough extra bass lol Edit: sometimes backing off some voltage out of the E50 and letting more signal through the passive preamp sounds a little warmer. I find that playing with the signal chain budget has a subtle effect on results too; one of the reasons why I feel everyone disagrees about which DAC is better than which, and their sound impressions. It has been suggested that reducing the DAC output voltage may compress the audio or reduce the soundstage somewhat, but if the overall result is more sonically pleasing, then why the hell not!?😉 I try various things and make multiple comparisons before I really come to terms with what I think on these matters. Btw, I haven’t been able to disapprove any comments yet that I made about the E50 on here previously. I guess that’s a good thing. I try to put a best foot forward.
i have compared E70 with Cayin iDAC 6 MK2 in the same system . and all warm words that you've said about E70 I'll give to Cayin because E70 sounds poorly flat with spots on vocals and highs that hides all other instruments so the whole sound's peacture is corrupted
I really don't get it. What in the world are you guys hooking these dacs to!? I have a little $10 usbc to rca adapter that I use for my phone and computer and if I need to adjust tonality... Eq. All for... $10. I've tested optical out vs hdmi Arc to reciever (obviously has a dac built in) and compared that to the tvs 3.5mm out(obviously the TV has an on board dac) compared that to the usbc adapter from both phone and computer and there I such miniscule difference between them all that your better off just spending cash on amps and headphone/iem for a substantially more impactful result. I guess this is just part of the addiction that the hobby brings? Similar to why I have a million iems for no reason 😅 or maybe the impact is much more pronounced on floor/bookshelf speakers rather than headsets/iems? I find myself so tempted to play with the E dacs but after so much testing and so little difference between so many devices I hesitant to throw cash around.
I was stuck between D30 and E70, but I finally decided with D30 because of the soundstage with THX 887. Plus, I kept hearing E70 had delay issues with plugged into optical.
@@erkyperky1387 Glad to hear your enjoying it. Not sure what your using as an amp but have you got a chance to try both rca & xlr outs and did you notice a big difference besides more volume/power ? Are you using it for cans or speakers ?
@@deadline7610 I'm using it with a Cambridge audio cxa80 and cxc via RCA (soon to connect with XLR) and the sound? Well it has amped the sound and compared to the Wolfson Dax in the cxa80 it is more spacious sounding (found the Wolfson dac to relaxed sounding too dark. Hope that helps
E70 is warmer sounding, fuller in the bassline and midbass, fuller with vocals and mids in general. It also has more three-dimensional soundstage. E50 has more neutral tonality but sounds flat compared to E70 when it comes to dynamics and soundstaging.
Have original AKM D90, bought E70 velvet for second system. D90 much better sound quality in every way. More musical, better soundstage, more real. E70 velvet sounds flat and cardboard like in comparison. E70 velvet going back.
Same question as before, do you know how these compare to the two DACs under 1000 everyone on TH-cam seems prefer to everthing else? Of course I mean the Mojo2 & the Geshelli J2.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 88 | คู่เอก "ป้อมเพชร vs อัสลามจอน"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/1ZqTVVbMgbo/mqdefault.jpg)
The matching head-amp L70 review is coming in a few hours...as soon as I finish editing.
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮
would really like it if you reviewed and compared this One with its Velvet model
Hi, does anyone knows if this one sounds better then Matrix Audio i-3 Pro?
Been finding a dac that would replicate mimby v2 soundstage. 7:36 so this is pretty much on par with that?
I agree, the E70 is an excellent dac! You're site and ASR are the last word in DACs, IMO. Interestingly enough, for the first time a can detect a difference in Topping filters, 5 being the most "palpable" to my ears.😊
Excellent review, mate! I’ve had the E70 Velvet for a few weeks. It’s a good match with my Adam Audio A7V & Sub8 for my computer audio system. I’ve always liked the AKM sound and am glad to see them getting back in the game after the big fire. Looking forward to your E70 Velvet review!
Me too!
How can you compare E70 Velvet with d30 pro and su9 pro ?
I haven't commented much lately, but still subscribe and appreciate the updates AND your thoroughness and style. Best wishes.
+1, best reviwer on YT, I just don't comment much either.
I have been listening to the artist you have referenced in the video and I have seen that are all similar type of music, with voice is very presents and music is mostly acoustic. Very nice! I think that you should consider to do some videos about audiophile recording where we can enjoy music and very good sounding in our systems. Thank you!
Srboljub, this is why I am hoping you can listen to the Geshelli J2 AKM (they also make 2 other version with two different Sabre chips) - because it has a massive soundstage, and plenty of dynamics, and quality bass and midrange. And I am very glad that the trend is toward the more lively musical tonality! This is the whole point, after all - enjoying the music!
I was crazy into audio DACs and Amps about two yearsr ago but I realized that between Topping, SMSL, Schiit, stuff was coming out every mos. And most of the time is was always slightly better. I love my gear but I've settled on Schiit for my daily use. Topping and SMSL may be better but maybe its the design or something. I'm really enjoying Schiit even though I do not thing their build is as good as other brands.
I am glad you are going on reviewing these DACs because in my experience different DACs are still making a big difference in the overall sound quality of my system.
Great review, as ever - thank you - plus, I always love listening to the music you use! 👍😁😁👍
Glad you enjoy it!
@@iiWiReviews always, my friend 👍
Will be looking out for the L70 review. Was strongly considering this combo.
I really want to hear your review on SMSL M500 MK3. My top three wish list DACs are M500 MK3, SU-9 Pro, and Gustard X-16.
Looking forward to your review of the E70 Velvet version with the AK4499EX chip. "Therbamar"'s review of the velvet reveals quite a difference between the two E70's. As always, Thank you very much.
waiting for the same.
I bought that one. It dropped in price to about 350 Euro. It is cool and tonally very nice.
I’ve watched so many DAC reviews, as well as other audio components, and it always comes down to two basic concepts.. 1) pay more, get more; and 2) is it the right fit for your needs.. 👨🏻
It's sound reasoning and I mostly agree. But on rare occasions some devices set new price/performance standard and it takes a bit for others to catch up. So even though the market equalizes itself in the long run, at some particular moment it might happen that there is something new costing $500 that's a better buy than something older costing $700. That's why it pays for someone looking to buy a new device to check the current state of the market. I do it every time I need to upgrade my PC for example - I watch several reviews to find what parts are the best value at the moment because good info from 12 months ago might be outdated right now.
@@iiWiReviews Yes! Great follow-up comments, I agree 100%. I generally do that, especially with digital technology, as it is always moving forward. I’m happy to see manufacturers stretching out and working on improvements and new designs with new chips, especially when they actually consider customer feedback. But at some point, when you need or want a specific component at a specific time, you have to consider your requirements and your budget, and then go for whatever is the best choice for you at that time. Then you can upgrade when something better shows up down the road. Keeps things interesting 👍😉
great review!! waiting for the Velvet now!!!
Hello, first I would like to say your descriptions of sound and the exercise are very informative and good. What I can't find anywhere, however, is how it performs via Bluetooth. I'm looking for a Bluetooth dac that I can stream spotify to via phone to my stereo system. Yes, I know spotify does not have a high bitrate. My stereo has a tube preamp and a 2-channel power amp, therefore no Bluetooth, so I use my phone via 3.5 to rca, which is cumbersome. Had hoped that this would sound less compressed, even though bluetooth is compressed
E70 vs D30 pro? I want to mention that D30 pro sound very different depending on firmware and driver version. My preferences goes to 2.44 for firmware and 5.27 for driver. The initial default driver was not so good, and only version 5.00 and 5.27 are acceptable for me. Now I am using 5.27. Regrading my question I am not interested in comparing E70 with D30 with other drivers than the above mentioned ones.
I absolutely love your videos! It's funny, sometimes I look at you thinking you could be Peter Steele's (rest in peace) younger brother, I mean that as a compliment as Type O Negative is a phenomenal band! I had to say it as it has crossed my mind many times and I mean to compliment, not make fun... although, having someone compare you to a band member of one of their favorite bands, I think is an awesome compliment! Ok, so that being said, I do have a question for your expertise.
What would you think in comparison of this Topping E70 to the ifi Zen One Signature, since they are similarly priced?
A very interesting DAC …maybe something to look at 2023 …as I’m pretty much maxing out on my IEM’s…but better 🎶🎶🎶sources 🫤
Thanks for the very informative
video.🥃
Hvala Srboljube na ovako lepom predstavljanju Topping E70. Imam Topping E30 i zeleo sam da sa tobom razmenim neka misljenja oko ovih DAC-ova i uopste o HiFi. Citam i tvoje recenzije u HiFi caospisu, i zaista imam samo reci hvale. Ako je tako najlakse, poslao sam ti na Instagramu poruku, pa ako zelis da mi pomognes javi mi se tamo. Hala unapred. Veliki pozdrav!
E70 Velvet is great and the best price to quality per my perception. Difference to other pricier dacs will be marginal at best.
Hello. After the unpleasant experience with the Topping E50, I settled on the Topping E70, the Cambridge 200m and the ProJect pre box S2. Topping E70 and ProJect have the same price 350E. Which would be better with Marantz and Dali Oberon? With much respect I greet you.
I haven't heard 200m but I prefer E70 to S2. It has more dynamics, fuller tone. S2 was a very good DAC but with few probelams, and Project never updated it to catch up with very aggressive offerings from Topping and SMSL.
Are you going to review the M500 MKIII?
It seems not. I encountered some problems during shipping and given how many devices are waiting for a review I don't think I'll order it again. It would again take sometime to arrive, clear the customs... And SMSL will make MKIV before I would upload it. 😄
@@iiWiReviews It's a shame, I'd like to see a comparison with the E70 😟
Hola ! Y a ti cual t gusta más , Topping e70 o Smsl do200 mk2 ?
Saludos
I appreciate you!
Hi. Love the reviews. Super helpful to me. I’m building my desktop headphone audio setup. I’ve bought a few DACs and I’m trying to pick my favorite. My wife is helping me test them “blind” by swapping them out without me knowing which is playing. Is there anything else I need to do to make a fair comparison? I’m conscious that if I know which is which I’m sure to be biased by my preconceptions, but I also wonder if their are settings I need to make sure are apples to apples. I’m using the same amp for all of them. How do you set up your tests so you can compare blind? I’m new to the high-end audio thing so would appreciate your advice.
there wont be any coloration on good dacs, its what proper dac for, converting digital file into analog hearable sound
so just pick what review said best, no need blind test on dacs, dac+amp however, different story
@@iikatinggangsengii2471 Exactly. But whatever I'm comparing, if it's not blind, I'm worried I'll be biased. I was wondering how professional reviewers like this make sure they're blinded for comparisons. But no reply yet from the channel.
Please make a video of D30 pro vs E70 vs E70 velvet vs SU9 pro.
It would the best and most useful video for everyone.
Thanks 👍
I am looking for a good dac for my bluesound node (latest version). With my rock and metal music unlike a warmer sound. Which dac?
Dacs have so many features these days, I will wait for one that will do my taxes.
Hi! Very nice review as usual. How does It compare with aune x8 + sparkos Op amp? Thanks
E70 is warmer, bolder, and more forward. Aune/Sparkos reveals more deteils, air, has deeper soundstage but colder and more laid back presentation.
Personally I still prefer Aune/Sparkos if the rest of the system is not too analytical sounding.
@@iiWiReviews thanks!
Hello. Please tell me which one is better Topping D30 PRO (CS43198) or Topping E70? I listened to iFi Zen Dac V2, I liked it for its musicality, but I wanted a more informative bass. I'm facing a choice now. Thank you.
E70 is better in my opinion. Very full but at the same time informative sound. D30 pro is not on that level. I haven't heard Zen V2 but V1 was also far behind.
If price difference does not mater then d70s or e70? Only considering spaciousness of the sound and if looking for a kind of sound that fills more the room that is pleasant and maybe makes you smile how good stereo can sound.... Something like this.
Zanima me DAC audiolab M-DAC+ Bio je veoma nagrađivan i jedan od najboljih u cenovnom rangu, ali pre pet, šest godina. Ali vidim da koristi stariji čip ESS 9018, dok se sada prelazi, uglavnom, na 9038. Šta mi možeš reći o tome? Hvala.
How would this DAC compare to a Denafrips Ares II, you say it is warm in nature , would it be comparable ?
When this DAC is in preamp mode is there a way to make it display the sample rate instead of the volume level on screen?
Quickly, in just a half dozen words, how's this compare to D30Pro? BTW, great review. Thank you!
D30 Pro has softer presentation in general, less precise bassline, more laid back midrange and soundstage in general. E70 sounds cleaner, more energetic and explosive, more forward with vocals and midrange in general. Now that illusive part - D30 pro sounds more analogue...but all in all I prefer E70 quite a bit.
@@iiWiReviews And also the E70 is preferable if the volume level is controlled by the built-in digital encoder, because the ES9028 has 32-bit internal processing.
you titled the d30 pro review as”class leading sound stage”.
is the E70 better than D30 pro in that aspect ?
D30 pro still has deeper soundstage but E70 is to my ears better in all other regards - tonality, dynamics, resolution.
Good review.
Been watching them for awhile.
but I'm confused..
How can a DAC without the power to even drive the headphones be so expensive?
Why are they even sold separately so often? They sell dac/amps for less money.
So if I buy this, I STILL need something like the L70 to power my headphones?
Some people use DACs for their speaker systems only, so they don't care about headphone out. In that case, a manufacturer can move some of the costs associated for head-amp section into creating a even better DAC section (linear power supply, better op-amps, etc.) or just more features (more inputs/outputs, MQA licence, etc.).
In case you use it for your headphones system, you have two options: 1. Get a two in one DAC/AMP such as Topping DX3, DX5... or 2. Buy separate DAC and Headphone amp like E70 and L70.... First option is usually a better value. The second one is more for enthusiasts that like to mix and match components and change them often.
Denafrips Ares II or SMSL E70 Velvet?
how about E70 velvet with akm 4499EX? for 449usd it seems to be a better deal than the E70
I will cover it too soon.
I want to buy a hypex class d amp with this pre amp. With only rca on my sub, do you know if i can connect the sub to the e70?
I’m going to be testing the E50 as soon as a cable comes in, hopefully tomorrow.😉
Have fun!
@@iiWiReviews 👍Thanks! 🤣 I’ll let you know what I think about it. 🤔
..before I run out to buy an 8-channel 32 bit ESS chip DAC😉
@@iiWiReviews Ok, so initial impressions on the E50 with a coaxial connection. .. .
Definitely worthy sonically at its price point. Haunting similar to my old not so pricey Burr-Brown DAC multibit design using filter 3 on the E50, but to be honest, not much difference between the filters; hard to tell but, f1 seems like the most broadband open sound, with f2 warmer and softer, with f3 a pleasant compromise between the two, and oddly enough, as mentioned, at least seemingly so, hauntingly similar to my multibit. I need to spend more evaluation time though before I get crazy lol. Definitely a step up from the Modi+, but it is a price increase, but also there’s a few more features. Already I’m thinking either one is a great value for what they cost.
As most DAC reviewers suggest, the differences are very subtle. My only real complaint thus far is that it doesn’t have complete functionality without a remote, but I knew that going in, and it’s really not that terrible. The remote is very common (at least for now lol). That’s it for now.. Cheers!🥳🥂
@P T Sorry P T, I couldn’t offer any opinions on that; I’ve only focused on stereo. One thing I will say is sometimes the “more” may be “added” sonic features that may or may not be considered “better” 🤔I think back to when ZZ Top redid some of their albums to sound more “modern,” an 80’s sound as opposed to a 70’s one, so reverb and stuff “added” and I hated it. I guess some people liked it, maybe newer fans especially, but I thought they destroyed the originals, so I’m kind of wary of things that are “added” .. Maybe if bits of sound show up that were “missing” fine, but when things are “added,” it’s not something I prefer when I am already used to the existing recording, and I don’t think it needs changes. Sometimes change is good, Sometimes it isn’t.
It’s really a case-by-case basis for me. One thing I can’t stand is if I buy a recording with a certain expectation, and I get something different, because somebody decided to change it for the “better.” Some of Frank Zappas remasters suck on that note, especially “Apostrophe,”and some Steve Wilson Tull remixes, especially “Passion Play” and a lot of remastered Jazz CD’s come to mind. For every “good” example, you could come up with a “bad” one. Sometimes even the artist doesn’t realize what his fans want. Ian Anderson comes to mind; he has no concept of how good the original Robin black engineered Passion Play album is.. just because some critics bashed it and it wasn’t ubiquitously liked, and he wasn’t crazy about playing saxophone, he doesn’t realize that Tull fans from the original 70s albums like that album just the way it was.👨🏻🥂
Enjoy the E70. I find that to be an interesting product too, but I don’t think I’m gonna go down that rabbit hole. I don’t see the value proposition for me.
@P T oh yes I agree, and I’m sorry I didn’t realize that you didn’t have the E 70, and also thanks for that info. I was thinking about the power supply . I like the E50, but I was wondering if one of those Jameco’s would change anything.. I am using one of the USB PSU bricks from one of the older phones; It’s a little bit larger and it seems to be working fine, but I was wondering if one of those $20 power supplies would dare make any difference; maybe give a little more punch in the low end or something, I wasn’t sure, but I figured the difference would probably be so subtle that I could just turn up the 100 Hz bass control a couple of dB, and have more than enough extra bass lol
Edit: sometimes backing off some voltage out of the E50 and letting more signal through the passive preamp sounds a little warmer. I find that playing with the signal chain budget has a subtle effect on results too; one of the reasons why I feel everyone disagrees about which DAC is better than which, and their sound impressions. It has been suggested that reducing the DAC output voltage may compress the audio or reduce the soundstage somewhat, but if the overall result is more sonically pleasing,
then why the hell not!?😉
I try various things
and make multiple comparisons before I really come to terms with what I think on these matters. Btw, I haven’t been able to disapprove any comments yet that I made about the E50 on here previously. I guess that’s a good thing. I try to put a best foot forward.
can you compare allo katana player with e70 and su9-pro?
can we pleced the p50 linear power supply to E70 Velvet ? thanks
i have compared E70 with Cayin iDAC 6 MK2 in the same system . and all warm words that you've said about E70 I'll give to Cayin because E70 sounds poorly flat with spots on vocals and highs that hides all other instruments so the whole sound's peacture is corrupted
I really don't get it. What in the world are you guys hooking these dacs to!? I have a little $10 usbc to rca adapter that I use for my phone and computer and if I need to adjust tonality... Eq. All for... $10. I've tested optical out vs hdmi Arc to reciever (obviously has a dac built in) and compared that to the tvs 3.5mm out(obviously the TV has an on board dac) compared that to the usbc adapter from both phone and computer and there I such miniscule difference between them all that your better off just spending cash on amps and headphone/iem for a substantially more impactful result. I guess this is just part of the addiction that the hobby brings? Similar to why I have a million iems for no reason 😅 or maybe the impact is much more pronounced on floor/bookshelf speakers rather than headsets/iems? I find myself so tempted to play with the E dacs but after so much testing and so little difference between so many devices I hesitant to throw cash around.
You can't upgrade power supply as it is inside the unit. (Whisper) But at least you can upgrade the power cable!
lol at whisper, the hounds of hell shall see your power cable comment, you can not hiiiiide!
Has anyone used this in 5v mode? I've got mine connected via XLR in 4v to Cambridge audio amplifier.
Any idea / hint on how the Velvet compares to the E70 OCTO ?
I received Octo few days ago but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I will make that comparison once the review of Octo is ready.
Nice !
E70 or D70s for smsl a300 and da-9. Kindly help dear iiWi. I will be replacing it with the smsl d300.
For those amps I would personally choose E70 to add its fullness and boldness to the mix.
@@iiWiReviews thanks so much, good to know that the e70 will suffice
How does it compare to Gustard A26 or R26?
Haven't tried A26 yet but R26 is more reviling and with a bigger, especially deeper, soundstage.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for your answer.
Now they need to make a speaker amp to match..
I was stuck between D30 and E70, but I finally decided with D30 because of the soundstage with THX 887. Plus, I kept hearing E70 had delay issues with plugged into optical.
@@erkyperky1387 Glad to hear your enjoying it. Not sure what your using as an amp but have you got a chance to try both rca & xlr outs and did you notice a big difference
besides more volume/power ?
Are you using it for cans or speakers ?
@@deadline7610 I'm using it with a Cambridge audio cxa80 and cxc via RCA (soon to connect with XLR) and the sound? Well it has amped the sound and compared to the Wolfson Dax in the cxa80 it is more spacious sounding (found the Wolfson dac to relaxed sounding too dark. Hope that helps
bold and full at the bottom and mids with top end missing in action
Can you comment something about E70 vs E50?
E70 is warmer sounding, fuller in the bassline and midbass, fuller with vocals and mids in general. It also has more three-dimensional soundstage. E50 has more neutral tonality but sounds flat compared to E70 when it comes to dynamics and soundstaging.
Have original AKM D90, bought E70 velvet for second system. D90 much better sound quality in every way. More musical, better soundstage, more real. E70 velvet sounds flat and cardboard like in comparison. E70 velvet going back.
You don't have to worry about a power supply. Instead you can worry about the power cord 😁
If I use a linear power supply like Allo Shanti, I still worry about the power cord. 🤣
Same question as before, do you know how these compare to the two DACs under 1000 everyone on TH-cam seems prefer to everthing else?
Of course I mean the Mojo2 & the Geshelli J2.
🙋♂️🤗💚💚💚😊