Destroys other DACS 4X the Price? Best DAC Under $230!

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6 күн бұрын

I was super surprised with just how good the Toppind D50 iii was. Not perfect but it's probably the best DAC under $230!
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Пікірлер: 116

@mikecampbell5856 4 күн бұрын

I am getting a Geshelli DAC some day. I'm buying a new house at the ripe old age of 67 (stupid) and my new listening room will be 3 times the size of my current one. I need some upgrades badly!!! I'm waiting patiently for Randy's garage sale! LOL

@ptioxon 4 күн бұрын

You don't look a day over 66.

@mikecampbell5856 4 күн бұрын

@@ptioxon LOL! Thanks!

@rolandd5397 3 күн бұрын

good for u. if u can afford it no regrets

@mikecampbell5856 3 күн бұрын

@@rolandd5397 Thanks!

@jefffeith4201 4 күн бұрын

Nice review. I had the SMSL DAC with the garbled distortion too. Returned for a Topping Velveeta Cheese DAC and all is tasty.

@timbacchus 4 күн бұрын

You know I have always thought I had the latest stuff but I never heard of DACS until this year when I came across your channel learning so much. Thank you.

@FootballFinn 4 күн бұрын

Another great video! You're looking much more relaxed after the Italy trip and it's summer.

@bigme75201 4 күн бұрын

I've been using a D50s in my bedroom system, it sits between a 50 year old Sansui AU-517 and my modern sources, USB from a laptop that fetches hi-rez rips on my home server, Optical is connected to a Google Chromecast Audio and Coax is connected to Pioneer Elite CD/HDCD/SACD player. It is a great device and adding a remote volume to a vintage set-up is fantastic.

@ramondelgado6778 4 күн бұрын

Sounds like an awesome setup up!!!!!

@therealboofighter Күн бұрын

That very similar to how I use mine.

@abxaudiophiles 4 күн бұрын

"Heyyyyyyy, youuuuuu, guyyyyssss" - Goonies... :) Cheers bro!! Nice rundown of the topping..

@MarkBrown-gw4wl 3 күн бұрын

I remember that phrase from the show ‘Electric Company’!

@Brian_Romska 4 күн бұрын

Thanks Randy!

@hoonhog28 4 күн бұрын

Agree that the Su1 is a great little unit with amazing performace for the price. I recently upgraded it to the SMSL DO100Pro and playing CDs through my oppo UDP - 203 as a Transport which has given me a greater sound stage, lower floor and instruments have a little bit more air. not sure of pricing in the States between the Do100 Pro to the 50III but in Australia the are in the same price point with the later been $100 more. Specs wise it also has two chips like the Topping in the form of the ES9039Q2M chips. Woiuld be really interested of your review on the SMSL DO100Pro at some stage. Keep up the good work.

@stevezeidman7224 4 күн бұрын

You had me chuckling with the filters, Randy.

@danyal2 4 күн бұрын

I like the smsl d6s a touch more. The midrange is more pleasing but the topping has better highs 🤷 great review CAM. Maybe a side by side in the future?

@aeon7748 4 күн бұрын

This is the impression I got after watching many reviews, IIWIreviews describes the Topping d50 iii highs as “radiant” and Rick Ruiz Audio has a sound test that shows this, while the d6s has been described as having better mid-range in comparison, but from many online reviews the d6s is already relatively a leaner sounding DAC tonally, this made it easier for me to choose the d6s because I valued mid-range rather than the highs in this class of DAC’s.

@eleckson 2 күн бұрын

Appreciate this, as I have a D6s and was thinking of switching, but nope.

@riffraff9000 4 күн бұрын

Schiit Modius FTW. Or better yet, the Schiit Modi Multibit for a few bucks more.

@bengleason508 4 күн бұрын

Thank you Randy!

@jtavegia5845 3 күн бұрын

I am using 3 Topping E50's on my disc spinners. The first 2 were $200 and the last one on sale was $159. 3 filter settings and a sample rate display. Audio Science Review loves this DAC. If it has never been measured I won't buy it.

@jukingeo 4 күн бұрын

@Randy. Very nice and well done video! Nice to see you going back to your roots and reviewing an actually affordable item! While I did have high hopes for this, when you mentioned the Geshelli J2 and the 4493 version and how it still beats it, it does confirm my initial thoughts on DACs as based on many reviews in the past. Not only yours, but others as well. Granted, as you pointed out, the downside is that the Geshelli is only a DAC and I could see having a DAC that could also double as a pre-amp. The D50III could definitely fit that bill, however, what I am waiting for right now, is the release of the Wiim Ultra. I think that unit would cover all bases for me. I am wondering how the DAC in that compares to the Geshelli J2. This brings me to another question in regards to the J2 4499. How does the stock op amp J2 4499 sound in comparison to the J2 4493 with the Sparkos op amps?

@_fakeklg 3 күн бұрын

That little jaunty tune should be your official unboxing music for all unboxing and/or installation-related tasks. That's a funny little tune.

@fhaquuu 4 күн бұрын

I’m using a D70 for my main system. I love it.

@steveh545 4 күн бұрын

Old school Randy, love it! (but digging the new direction too). I guess you can have it both ways

@MarkBrown-gw4wl 3 күн бұрын

I bought the Eversolo D6 this time last year. It’s an excellent streamer/NAS device for roughly $900 plus some for adding 4GB solid state storage. Feed it FLAC files with a subscription to Tidal to drive a pair of rebuilt Carver Amazing Loudspeakers and I’m in audio heaven!

@tmdillon1969 4 күн бұрын

I bought a Topping D50 last summer and my experience wasn't good. I really like my SMSL SU-1 but if I was spending more than the Schitt I'd just go with Geshelli J2. If this was priced closer to the Schitt that would give me pause but if my choices are similar performance and one is domestic and one isn't I'll probably go with domestic.

@brendanhoffmann8402 4 күн бұрын

I'm pretty happy with my Matrix mini pro (2015). It doesn't have the fancy streaming stuff of the newer models but it sounds great! It only cost me $130 too!

@jeffjefferson7384 4 күн бұрын

The steel drum version of Body Movin' is one of my Beastie faves.

@JohnScheppler 4 күн бұрын

The design form of this DAC looks a lot like the Lavaudio DS601, just with some extra connections on the back.

@muenesume7857 4 күн бұрын

Randy, would you get D50 iii instead of E50? Are those extra $30 worth spending?

@bernardoandrade88 4 күн бұрын

D50 iii or smsl do 100 pro?

@rhphotocdn 4 күн бұрын

Funny how you’re the only reviewer that I can find that hates the SU-X. If you have a warm sounding system, the SU-X might just be the ticket? Topping D50 III looks nice, but by time you buy a proper Pwr Supply this makes this alternative around the $500 price range. The D50 III is in the SMSL D100 Pro price bracket. Curious which would sound better?

@bernardoandrade88 4 күн бұрын

If u can get a smsl do 100 pro please compare it to this topping d50 iii

@DavidArcuri 4 күн бұрын

I'm using Wiim Pro -> Topping E50 -> L50 with DCA Aeon Closed and I can tell you the Wiim pEQ is necessary to tone down the headphones. I'm wondering if its time for a Topping stack upgrade, as I can't keep up with them every time they put out a new DAC/Amp series. These definitely look a bit sleeker than the older ones.

@j-rod6420 4 күн бұрын

I find as soon as I engage the eq the sounstage shrinks,even with eq set flat.

@superidyt 3 күн бұрын

You were the first to mention that there is no Topping Tune version for MacOS. This is a major downside for people who, like me, are not willing to use Windows 10/11 just to tune a DAC. Honestly, I don't believe they will make a Mac version in the future. I am looking for a DAC to use with TIDAL through my smartphone (Galaxy S21 FE) wired or wirelessly. The SMSL SU-1 failed due to the absence of separate inputs for power and data via USB-C. I had to increase my budget, and the model that seemed most interesting was the SMSL D6S, which comes with a built-in power supply and all the connections I need... and MQA compatibility! The release of the Topping D50III made me consider this product as the main competitor to the D6S because they are in the same price range and have practically the same connections and sound characteristics. The lack of an included power supply is a downside because we know that the quality of the power supply affects the equipment's performance. Another point that matters to me is the presence of a joystick instead of a rotary knob to adjust the volume. Although I haven't made a direct comparison between the D50III and the D6S, the comments from colleagues are helping me decide, and I am seriously inclined to go with the SMSL D6S. Thank you, friends!

@eddieruddock7014 4 күн бұрын

Noob question... Would there be a benefit to using the output control on the DAC rather than using the volume control on my stereo amplifier? Could I leave the DAC on 100% or is a lower number optional? I have no idea. Thanks in advance.

@trued2010 4 күн бұрын

I'd suggest using the DAC to control source volume and using the amp volume more as a gain knob; set at amp at the max you would ever listen at then never touch it again. In theory the Dac can lose quality at lower volumes because of they way they sample but if initial sample rate is high enough it shouldn't matter. An amp can also have channel imbalance at lower volumes too( ex. left louder than right), and using the dac for volume will let you keep the amp out of (above) that zone where there might be channel imbalance.

@silkhead44 4 күн бұрын

Smsl D6s ...please review

@gratmatassa5432 Күн бұрын

i'll stick with the dac in my Mission 778x amp & instead save some money & get the Mission 778s streamer when it arrives in the autumn.

@joshhardin666 2 күн бұрын

I'm kind of curious how this compares to my SMSL SU8s. I find it strange that they're using TRS connectors for the balanced out on the d50III instead of XLR connectors that offer significantly better electrical noise reduction while still being cheap as chips.

@peterwalkerden6778 4 күн бұрын

How does the combination of the d50iii with a basic wiim streamer compare against the wiim pro / plus?

@MLantier 4 күн бұрын

I own a WiiM Pro Plus that I'm using both as a streamer and a DAC. How much better would the D50 III sound compared to the DAC inside my WiiM Pro Plus?

@patriknilsson6451 4 күн бұрын

wonder if it gets a signal from optical or USB does it Wake and then send a trigger Oh does it Stay asleep. Thanks for a good video

@pattygraham830 4 күн бұрын

Why Why Why did you use Max Champion at the 6:31 mark. Been to see Joe Jackson lately ? Good vid 👍👍

@jkingkingsbury9490 4 күн бұрын

hey i need a amp to power my subwoofers or just to give them the extra kick they can produce i have one amplifier that i get all the main power from then it goes into a small amp and makes my subs sound amazing but it will cut in and out or the music will cut out totally and i have to turn the amp off and back on i think its because of volt drop its a fosi audio TB10D amp it only happens at high volume and it has the 48v 5a power supply so i either need a new power supply if you recommend one or a new amp amp specifications i would like cheep 4 channel around 100watts rms more or less also it is connected to a other amp too 4 ohms it would power 4 15inch subs 500watt rms 1000watts peak

@josephkelleher1401 Күн бұрын

What about how it compares to the schiit modi

@johnpetrakis379 4 күн бұрын

Ripple?? My preference is some Mad Dog 20/20 or maybe Night Train only the finest 20% "fortified" stuff. Have an SMSL SU-1 for backup

@bstatmeister 4 күн бұрын

What about compared to the SMSL D-6S for a similar price?

@philcibley1804 4 күн бұрын

How does it compare to the Schiit Modi?

@Icyjit 2 күн бұрын

Does anyone know if this DAC would be good to route a dj controller to my computer speakers?

@patriknilsson6451 4 күн бұрын

Nice with 12v Trigger. Would like to pair this with A Aiyima A70

@patriknilsson6451 4 күн бұрын

I wonder if it gets a signal from optical or USB does it Wake and then send a trigger Oh does it Stay asleep. Thanks for a good video

@JoseFerreira-zb7wh 4 күн бұрын

Does the peq work with all inputs? I red somewhere it only worked with usb...

@NosEL34 4 күн бұрын

I read the same thing. If it worked on all inputs I think this dac would be more popular. PEQ functions is a big deal. But I'm not totally sure if it's USB only.

@tunejunky 3 күн бұрын

cracking me up with the Tootsie Pop "thrrree". great review and a solid choice for a budget dac

@fardosh4193 4 күн бұрын

Is it comparable to the topping dx 3 pro?

@VoiceOfReason5487 4 күн бұрын

Since my Emotiva BasX PT1 Preamplifier has a built in DAC, Analog Devices AD1955, do I need a separate DAC?

@BobbyExcellence 4 күн бұрын

I have 2 different Geshelli J2's on an Emotiva TA1. The DAC in the Emotiva is fine. Each of my J2 DAC's (different op amps) sounds better than the Emotiva.

@user-id9mg5vx6d 9 сағат бұрын

you can install windows on a mac , but your dac sounds like a kitchen concert with kitchen tools

@SounduSleep 4 күн бұрын

How does it compare to chord mojo's 1 and 2?

@theonlyegg 4 күн бұрын

The only reason to “upgrade” a DAC in 2024, in my view, is EQ options. I like iFi only because of that Xbass boost. How’s the PEQ compare to say Qudelix 5k?

@theonlyegg 4 күн бұрын

Wow, no Mac support just killed it for me. Do a mobile app, at least. I do have a WinPC for gaming but it’s not connected to my main system. All these ChiFi companies are great with hardware but the talent needed for software is just never there. FiiO, looking in your direction. 👀

@JoseFerreira-zb7wh 4 күн бұрын

Actually not many audio companies are strong with software. Not sure if chifi ones are the worst... Sure Fiio is a bad (good?) example, but you also have wiim, eversolo and the sort. Having strong software is hard, specially for smaller companies like most of the audio ones, it takes a lot of (constant) investment, that not always corresponds to more sales.

@nosurname9652 4 күн бұрын

Chinese software was not brilliant even for windows, but due to "quite cold" relationship btw US and China I wouldn't wait for Mac software support in closest future. They are pushed out of US market in many spheres so going for EU/Russian market is logical step. And these regions are mostly "windows based".

@michaelsegel8758 4 күн бұрын

Uhm all of Amir's reviews get Pink Panthers. The question is which one? Happy Panther is good. Golfing Panther is top rating... And if its neither of them... fugitabout it.

@montynorth3009 4 күн бұрын

If the Topping is slightly more laid back, I would choose the Geshelli.

@damienlahoz 4 күн бұрын

Rolling with denafrips for rest o my days, if my ares keeps working that is

@shamnoor07 4 күн бұрын

Nice ..

@TheBeardedLibertarian 3 күн бұрын

Macs have a eq built in

@bobbyclark-qt3em 4 күн бұрын

Are Topping availuable in hi-fi stores, or just online ? I guess they are from tsina ?

@nosurname9652 4 күн бұрын

You guess right. Topping and Smsl are well known chinese DAC manufacturers.

@bobbyclark-qt3em 4 күн бұрын

@@nosurname9652 Its not a sin, my small Cambridge sounded very good, even assembled in tsina. The new model the 200 M is also made in tsina, sounds even better.

@timenchanter4095 2 күн бұрын

Mac snob, you may be a cub fan to lol

@cheapaudioman 2 күн бұрын

I don’t know how to respond to this.

@timenchanter4095 2 күн бұрын

@cheapaudioman stay in the neutral zone, my friend, cheap audio, and loves everything

@brynearson 2 күн бұрын

"I'm no mathematician!" HaHa!!

@benkrake3678 4 күн бұрын

I have 2 DAC’s, the SMSL C200 and the FIIO K11. I bought the K11 because the USB input on the C200 decided to stop working, and I use that for my phone when streaming. I was very disappointed with the K11, though it is very detailed, it is also very sibilant, grainy and doesn’t seem to have a full sense of scale and doesn’t dig low in the bass region. Very underwhelming DAC. Looking for something that replaces both these DAC’s.

@jungtarcph 3 күн бұрын

what is the DAC that cost 920 that is crushes?

@danielnegron2456 4 күн бұрын

Love your channel Randy but please stop saying "destroys". It makes all your posts look the same. Annihilates maybe? lol.

@FelixtheMetalcat 4 күн бұрын

No annihilates either....that's been used to death. I know it's about getting attenion but lately it's all been overused. What happened to this channel that it has come to this?

@rickhardkarjalainen4308 Күн бұрын

is there coffee in the cup of coffee anymorre... review good.

@-MarkWinston- 4 күн бұрын

This channel has turned into a joke. Next up a 200 dollar speaker is going to beat a Borresen speaker 30 times it's price. Oh wait, the SSCS5 does that... my bad...

@petef.4361 4 күн бұрын

Join the dark side... get a PC! In all seriousness though, I have never plugged headphones into a DAC before, so I don't know if I want to spend the money on one or not??? Maybe I will order one from a place that will let me return it since I am not sure if I'll be able to tell the difference between using one or not using one.

@user-uj4tk5rz8f 4 күн бұрын

God I love your videos

@sagi_tech_n_stuff 4 күн бұрын

Why? Its pure garbage, shilling and misinformation.

@Norman-bone13 4 күн бұрын

He’s not a deity. That’s just the Cheap Audio Man!

@eddieruddock7014 4 күн бұрын

Cheap Audio Deity

@mikedambrosio1578 4 күн бұрын

oh no not another DAC review...

@user-uj4tk5rz8f 4 күн бұрын

@lotuseater68 3 күн бұрын

So, you can get a better DAC for 231 dollars?🤔

@carlosflup 4 күн бұрын

btw, windows > mac

@josecintron85 3 күн бұрын

smearing on the bottom is never a good thing...

@sandwaves5642 4 күн бұрын

How' bout testing of different hearing aid devices ?? - Even though, your channel, most probably, appeals to the younger segment, still - the old farts, don't always buy, only, most expensive stuff.... And what is the good stuff good for - if your hearing ssucks ??!! 😀😀

@carlitosgomez71 3 күн бұрын

Great DACs until they fail

@spons1982 4 күн бұрын

no one uses macintosh computers

@kennydelaney7299 4 күн бұрын

More destruction! Will thy mayhem never end? This video destroyed my subscription. We had a good run, cheap aufio man. I can't do anymore of your paid infomercials of destruction.

@diegoantonioabarca6431 4 күн бұрын

So easy😅

@BobGeogeo 4 күн бұрын

Why compare anything to the SU-X after you've panned it? Cheap move.

@silvershield2342 4 күн бұрын

Yuck. Another soulless ChiFi box

@kriskelvin64 4 күн бұрын

Andy: Stop bickering and let people get a 100 dollar windows pc so they start enjoing the virtues of Windows.

@BoredSilly666 4 күн бұрын

You'll be lucky if it has more than $50 worth of parts. Measurements mean nothing, Its how it sounds. Cheap like all the rest of the cheap Dacs.

@bluelithium9808 4 күн бұрын

Fifty cent dac chipset in every cellphone is flat to the human ear. But it your money.

@NosEL34 4 күн бұрын

Once upon a time I streamed straight out of my phone to RCA inputs on a stereo with adapter. Works in a pinch but not the ultimate in sound quality. But I understand what you are saying. No reason to spend big on a Chip dac in 2024..unless it has great options & features

@BoredSilly666 4 күн бұрын

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