Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Impressive levels of detail and texture in sound, providing a resolving and informative listening experience
- Delivers a punchy and lively sound without sacrificing dynamics, with a firm grip and control over the bassline
- Presents a wide and reasonably deep soundstage, which is better than other Topping DACs and most Delta Sigma DACs in its price range
- Exceptional build quality, with a sturdy aluminum case
- Versatile connectivity with a plethora of digital inputs including USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES, and I2S, as well as both RCA and XLR analog outputs
Product Considerations
- The energetic and high-octane sound might not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking a smoother or more mellow presentation
- Some reviewers find the default filter settings to be less than ideal, and the filter names can be incomprehensible to inexperienced users
- The higher voltage output mode (5V) may sound brutish and crude when used as a DAC connected to a preamp—potentially drowning fine detail
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the SMSL M500 MKII, the D90LE resolves more details, offers a punchier bassline with better control, and presents vocals with more presence and realism, but the M500MKII is fuller and smoother in the midrange
- Compared to the SMSL M400, the D90LE is more neutral and energetic, with crisper edges and quicker transients, whereas the M400 provides a warmer, more relaxed sound
- Compared to the EarMen Tradutto, the D90LE offers a wider soundstage and more resolution, while the Tradutto has a fuller, more musical sound and a similar bass slam
- Compared to the Denafrips Ares II, the D90LE provides a cleaner, more dynamic, and faster sound, compared to the Ares II, which has a larger but hazier soundstage and a more organic, analog-like presentation
- Compared to the Topping D70S, the D90LE sounds more palpable in the midrange with greater details and a bigger soundstage
- Compared to the Bluesound Node (with internal DAC), the D90LE brings the Node to life, providing a larger soundstage, improved air and space, and more respectable frequency discipline
Takeaway: The Topping D90LE is a detail-rich, energetic DAC with excellent build quality and versatile connectivity, making it a great choice for audiophiles who value a clean, dynamic, and controlled sound. The lower price point makes it an even more attractive option for those who don't need or want MQA.
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D90LE
reviews
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Topping emphasizes achieving extremely low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratios in their products, often exceeding the measurable limits of testing equipment.
- They offer a range of products (DACs, headphone amplifiers, and integrated amps) that can be easily stacked together, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing desktop setup.
Select products
D10s:
- Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Offers a simple yet effective solution for those seeking a budget-friendly DAC with solid performance. Features a USB input and RCA output, making it ideal for small setups or desktop use, unlike the D10 Balanced which offers additional balanced outputs for more complex systems.
D10 Balanced:
- Positioning: Mid-range option with balanced output capabilities.
- Description: Stands out with its balanced outputs, providing better noise rejection and improved sound quality compared to the D10s. This makes it suitable for users who need balanced connections for their audio systems.
D50s:
- Positioning: Mid-tier DAC with enhanced features for audio enthusiasts.
- Description: Equipped with dual DAC chips, offering superior sound quality and more detailed audio reproduction than the D10 series. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity, making it more versatile for users who want wireless streaming capabilities, unlike the D10 models which lack this feature.
D50 III:
- Positioning: Advanced DAC with high-resolution audio support.
- Description: Improves upon the D50s with upgraded DAC chips and enhanced power supply design, delivering even clearer and more dynamic sound.
D90 III Discrete:
- Positioning: High-end DAC with discrete component design for audiophiles.
- Description: Features a fully discrete circuit design, providing exceptional sound quality and precision, setting it apart from the D50 series.
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Topping
What if you spend more?
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Product Strengths
- Fantastic sound quality and usability for the price
- Easy to set up and use
- Includes the OptiBox, which improves sound quality via optical Ethernet connection
- Streams hi-res files and DSD without converting to PCM first
- Has a custom DAC that sounds phenomenal
Product Considerations
- There can be occasional lag when switching songs
- No hardware remote is supplied
- The screen is on the smaller side and may be difficult to see at a distance
- The NEO Stream is not an all-in-one media hub, as it doesn't have any other inputs aside from network and USB storage, and it doesn't work as a DAC for other sources
- No Bluetooth capability
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Bluesound Node, the iFi NEO Stream has a larger, more organic sound and a wider soundstage
- Compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN V2, the Cambridge has S/PDIF inputs (coaxial and optical) like the NEO, but includes a Type-B USB input for its DAC, and also has balanced XLR stereo outputs, but lacks the iFi's more advanced networking connectivity
Takeaway: The iFi NEO Stream is an impressive streaming DAC. It offers great sound quality, multiple features and makes enjoying high-quality streamed audio easy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
We shouldn't have favourites but CXN100 is something else. Hi-fi specialists and our listeners alike loved its predecessor CXN V2 – just wait until they hear this.
CXN100 will instantly transform a classic hi-fi stack into a system with a bright future. And because it's a network device, CXN100's firmware can be upgraded remotely, via our StreamMagic app, to receive the latest services. CXN100 Network Player's screen
Forever Changes
The first thing you'll notice is the big hi-res colour screen – all the better for album artwork. We've changed the volume control too, to do one thing well with a reassuringly tactile response. Inside, we take things up a level with a new ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 DAC and our Gen 4 StreamMagic module. Redesigned, expertly tuned, and simplified circuitry for a purer signal path, complete the picture. Smartphone playing music through the CXN100
Ready for the Revolution?
The convenience of streamed music was once let-down by its quality. That's no longer the case – thanks to better CODECS, broadband speeds and products like CXN100. It's designed to deliver the effortless accessibility of the digital format, but with the uncompromised sonic excellence that comes with over 55 years of designing hi-fi, and well over a decade perfecting our StreamMagic platform. StreamMagic app screenshots
Whatever you Want
CXN100 has free and subscription hi-res streaming services, like internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect with MQA, Qobuz, and Deezer on board for the best available sound quality. With Apple Airplay2 and Chromecast built-in, you can access Apple Music, Amazon Music, BBC Sounds and more. CXN100 is also Roon Ready, consolidating your digital music browsing experience in one place. CXN100 internal circuit board
The Whole Story
CXN100's circuitry has been totally re-designed to capitalise on the ESS ES9028Q2M SABRE32 Digital Analogue Converter's 32-bit capabilities. We've been able to simplify the audio signal path and tune our carefully chosen components' performance to make sure that nothing comes between you and the original recording. The result? A warmth, depth and nuance not often associated with digital audio. CXN100's StreamMagic Gen4 Module
StreamMagic
If the DAC is the CXN100's heart, then our StreamMagic Gen 4 module is its brain. It runs our custom-made streaming platform and app, which we've perfected for well-over a decade. It's responsible for the network player's slick, seamless and stable listening experience from any digital source. CXN100's firmware can also be upgraded over-the-air to receive updates and access to new services. Young man enjoying the sound of a CX range stack, including the CXN100 Network Player
Control. Pure and Simple
A beautifully smooth volume dial and large colour display take the experience of playing music from CXN100 up a level. The StreamMagic app is your remote control, giving you intuitive command of connected sources – curate playlists, program pre-sets or browse albums from the comfort of your listening position. CXN100 also works with the physical remote control supplied with CXC and CXA components. Remote control available here
CX stack on an hi-fi rack, including the CXN100 Network Player, CXC and CXA81
Designed for Life
With elegant, minimalistic lines, crafted from aluminium and steel, CXN100 will endure physically and aesthetically for many years to come. Its ability to receive over-air updates should repay your investment too. Making products that last is just one of the ways that we can minimise our impact on the planet and maximise your listening pleasure. After all, great sound shouldn't cost the Earth.
Product Strengths
- Clean, precise, and articulate sound with ample detail
- Expansive and open soundstage
- StreamMagic control app is stable, logical, user-friendly, and easy to navigate
- Features AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio
Product Considerations
- Loses a touch of its predecessor's sonic solidity and warmth
- Does not include HDMI ARC
- Bluetooth is only compatible with SBC and AAC codecs
- Can be provoked by careless system-matching with bright, treble-centric equipment
- Volume is not controlled through the StreamMagic app
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- CXN100 has improved clarity, precision, and spaciousness, but is missing some of the CXN (V2)'s sonic solidity and warmth, compared to the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
- CXN100 trades off detail functionality to offer a user experience that is polished and genuinely pleasurable, and is able to take less than stellar recordings and avoid sounding strident or aggressive a little better than the EverSolo DMP-A6
- CXN100 has better low end and a slightly greater perception of space, compared to the Cambridge Audio MXN10
- CXN100 has a more natural quality to vocals with better realism and less fatigue, compared to the Bluesound Node
Takeaway: The CXN100 is a user-friendly and feature-rich music streamer that provides clear and detailed sound. It is an excellent choice for those seeking to add modern streaming capabilities to a classic hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Solid digital sound, good authority, solid bass, and a weighty sound with good scale
- Excellent clarity, very good timing, and a very good soundstage
- Outstanding build quality—solidly made and near indestructible
- Versatile unit that can become the hub of the digital audio world
- Clean and effortless digital processing
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The Lightning DS app is only available for iOS
- The 4-inch non-touch screen is adequate, but not exceptional
- When written instructions feature on the screen, the words can be small and difficult to see
- The alphabetical order of the albums is not followed when used with an external hard drive
- Some reviewers felt a need for a high-end turntable setup, as the analog input feeds directly to the analog output stage—bypassing the digital stage altogether
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M10 V2: The Altair offers a step up in sound quality
- Vs AURALiC Aries G1: The Altair G2.1 chassis is a significant upgrade with an internal copper sub-chassis, tuned feet, and a solid steel base
Takeaway: The AURALiC Altair G2.1 is a versatile and well-built streaming DAC preamplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound. Comprehensive features and excellent sound quality make it a great choice for audiophiles looking for an all-in-one solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Top-tier packaging and sound quality
- Detailed, modern, and holographic sound
- Excellent soundstage
- Remote control can also manage PS Audio DAC
Product Considerations
- Requires about an hour to reach peak performance when powered on using the back switch
- Soundstage might not suit all tastes, which is subjective
- Top-end extension is slightly less extended
- Bass is slightly less punchy
Takeaway: The Stellar Gold Preamp is a great choice for those seeking a modern and transparent sound with good dynamics in their audio system and a smooth, non-aggressive presentation. It especially shines with recordings that have a good soundstage, making the performance feel convincingly real.
Product Strengths
- Great, ear-pleasing sound
- Easy to use, especially with the remote control
- Offers loading presets and custom loading options for moving coil cartridges
- Low noise performance
- Clarity of sound
- Good depth of field for its price
Product Considerations
- Sensitive to grounding, ultra-low capacitance cables, RF, and other interference
- Does not have adjustable resistive and capacitive loading for fixed-coil/high-output cartridges
- Can have a high-pitched noise if cables are not oriented well
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stellar sounds more interesting than the Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
- The Stellar is not as bright as the iFi iPhono3 Black Label
- Bass extension and grip are not as powerful as more expensive phono preamps
Takeaway: The Stellar Phono Preamplifier delivers great sound and an enjoyable user experience with its flexible settings and remote control, making it a worthy addition to any vinyl lover's system. Its clarity and low noise floor allow listeners to fully appreciate the nuances of their record collection.
Product Strengths
- High damping factor for bass control and plenty of headroom
- Near-perfect linearity, low distortion, and high efficiency
- Neutral and colorless tonal balance
- Combines speed and power with a bass-range grip
Product Considerations
- Lacks the epic bass extension and hard-core slam of more expensive amplifiers
- Top end lacks the effortless harmonic bloom of other amplifiers
Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar S300 is an excellent choice for a powerful, clean, and neutral-sounding amplifier. It offers high performance and finesse, delivering dynamic contrasts and excellent bass control, making it a worthwhile addition to any high-end audio setup.
Product Strengths
- Musicality and cohesiveness to music
- Nice drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging
- Delivers impressive drive with solid dynamics and 3-D imaging, accompanied by nice depth in both soundstage and low frequencies
Product Considerations
- I2S input is not HDMI compatible
Takeaway: The PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell DAC/Preamp is a great choice for an DAC/Preamp that makes music easy and joyful to listen to. This product allows for great flexibility with its full-featured options and can become the centerpiece of a hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clean and transparent sound signature, faithfully reproducing the source material without adding coloration
- Excellent measured performance, achieving some of the highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest distortion levels
- Higher output setting of 5V XLR/2.5V RCA can cause input overload with some preamplifiers or headphone amplifiers
- Supports a wide array of digital inputs including USB, I2S, Optical, Coaxial, AES, and Bluetooth with comprehensive codec support
Product Considerations
- Included remote control found to be basic or not fully functional by some reviewers
- Menu system can be cumbersome to access
- 'Louder' sound signature compared to other devices was not always ideal for some reviewers
- ESS DAC chip employed might not be the best for DSD playback
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping D90 MQA: The D90SE has better bass impact and transient response, with more detail and transparency, while the D90 MQA is smoother and more relaxed
- Vs Gustard X-16: Sonic differences are difficult to discern, with the D90SE offering a similar level of performance
- Vs Topping EX-5: The D90SE plays a little bit cleaner—the notes are just a little bit more in their lane, everything is just a little bit sharper, a little bit cleaner
- Vs Matrix Audio Element X: The D90SE had a clearer and more transparent sound, but the Element X has a much nicer volume control and preamplifier section
- Vs Schiit Modi Multibit: The D90SE provides superior detail retrieval, making the sound more transparent, dynamic, and accurate
Takeaway: The Topping D90SE is a top-performing DAC that delivers incredibly clean and detailed sound, making it a great choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a transparent and accurate listening experience. It provides great value for its price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very detailed and resolving sound, capable of revealing nuances in music
- Fast, punchy, and dynamic sound, especially good for electronica, rock, and metal
- Produces a holographic soundstage with good depth and focus, better than some entry-level R2R DACs
- Has a very low noise floor, making it easy to focus on faint sounds
- Tonally neutral and linear frequency response, revealing the quality of the recording
Product Considerations
- The plastic remote control may feel cheap compared to the unit
- Some reviewers would prefer more warmth and life in the midrange
- Can sound analytical at times, lacking some refinement or lushness compared to some other DACs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- D90 Discrete is more detailed and resolving than the D90 SE/MQA
- D90 Discrete has higher resolution, dynamics, and snappiness, than the SMSL SU-10
- D90 Discrete has greater resolution, inner tone textures, and is snappier and punchier, than the Chord Cutest
- D90 Discrete is faster, more precise, and punchier, than the Holo Audio Scion 2
- D90 III Sabre has better transparency and dynamics, and is more forward-sounding, than the Topping D70 Pro Octo
- D90 III Sabre is more neutral, with a tidier and quicker bassline, and more etched tone edges, than the SMSL SU-10
Takeaway: The D90 offers impressive resolution, dynamics, and a holographic soundstage, making it a great option for those seeking a detailed and accurate listening experience. It has an honest, ultra-linear sound, especially good for audiophiles who don't want colorations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Centaurus produces a very musical sound and can infuse naturalness back into the music
- The midrange is a standout region, with lively, real sound, making acoustic music and vocals magical, with more emotion, vibration, and energy
- Parametric EQ enables users to tune the sound and customize it, distinguishing it from its peers
- The UI is colorful, modern, easy to navigate, and has a good display
Product Considerations
- The upper treble is no longer as defined or sharp, with slightly less energy, definition, nuances, and micro-detail information
- The bass is not the punchiest in its price range, some reviewers found the D90 Discrete to be more impressive in bass punch
- The touch buttons on the display are very hard to see
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping D90 Discrete: The Centaurus makes the music a bit more alive and sweeter sounding
- Vs HIFIMAN Serenade: The Centaurus was maybe a little bit more detailed, but still had a very nice warmth to it
- Vs SMSL Raw Pro DAC 1: The Raw Pro DAC 1 might be more resolving of fine details, but does not give you the depth in soundstage and the layering in the soundstage
- Vs Holo Audio Cyan 2: The Centaurus is not the same DAC only cheaper, though the R2R DAC board is the same the Holo Audio Cyan 2 uses
Takeaway: The Topping Centaurus is a very musical-sounding DAC, perfect for listeners that want a more natural, emotional sound, especially in the midrange. With features like parametric EQ, it makes it easy to tailor the sound to their liking.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Pristinely clean sound with exceptional tone clarity from top to bottom
- New colored display and redesigned, intuitive UI (Aurora UI)
- Energetic presentation with increased speed and dynamics
- Offers a choice of output levels: 2V/4V or 2.5V/5V
Product Considerations
- I2S input is absent, a feature that was present on the D70s model
- Included remote control is small, plastic, and needs to be aimed directly at the device
- Valve and transistor sound modes do not significantly alter the sound
- A70 PRO gets hotter than former Topping amplifiers and needs good ventilation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping E70 Velvet, D70 Pro offers cleaner sound, higher detail retrieval, darker background, and increased speed/dynamics
- Vs SMSL SU-9 Pro, D70 Pro offers cleaner sound, higher detail retrieval, darker background, and increased speed/dynamics
- Vs Musician Draco, D70 Pro has slightly better microdynamics and more energetic edges, while Draco sounds slightly more natural with richer tone timbre in the midrange and high frequencies—with NOS mode engaged
- Vs SMSL SU-10, D70 Pro offers slightly more focused sound and greater dynamics, whereas the SMSL SU-10 sounds warmer and more spacious
- Vs Chord Mojo 2, D70 Pro offers slightly better focus, bassline control, and noticeably better dynamics, whereas Chord Mojo 2 presents fuller tonality with richer tone timbre
- Vs Topping D90LE, D70 Pro fully matches the capabilities of the D90LE and might be a slight upgrade in bassline control and midrange clarity
Takeaway: The Topping D70 PRO offers very clear and energetic sound. Its display is well-designed and intuitive to use, making it a good choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clean, crisp, and detailed sound, extracting a lot of information from the music
- Considered a good value for its price, offering performance comparable to more expensive DACs
- Laid-back sound character with a rich inner tone texture, presenting a believable and natural tonality
- Redesigned, easily readable color display with an intuitive user interface (Aurora UI)
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the bass to be a little thin, and the treble not as emphasized as in other DACs
- Standard plastic remote, which some reviewers found disappointing
- Aluminum chassis may not be the thickest, with some flex noticeable when pressed
- Highest frequencies are not as extended as on the Sabre version, though this can only be noticed in direct comparison, and it still manages to paint a very believable and natural tonality
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Topping D70 Pro Sabre, the Octo is more laid back and resolves more detailing in the midrange, while the Sabre is more forward-sounding with bolder dynamics
- Vs Chord Mojo 2, the Mojo 2 presents fuller tonality with richer tone timbre, while the D70 Pro Octo offers slightly better dynamics
- Vs SMSL SU-10, the SU-10 sounds warmer in the bassline and through the midbass and lower midrange and more spacious, while D70 Pro Octo is crisper sounding and pinpoints details in the recording with greater precision
Takeaway: The Topping D70 Pro Octo is a well-built DAC with a clean sound. It's a fantastic option for anyone building a system or who wants to upgrade their older DAC.
Video review
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