New Topping D90SE DAC

I am really impressed by Topping. The pre90 that I received a few days ago is incredible and a component (a preamp) where specs rule for me. I do not want my preamp to add any color.

You can buy a Topping on a 30 day home trial. You can send a unit back by USPS for about $120. 

Topping D90SE DAC Review - A New Benchmark (soundnews.net)

I own the Gustard X26 Pro ($1500) that is mentioned in the Topping D90SE review that I linked above. The Gustard is incredible and also preferred over the Topping D90SE by the reviewer. It is both detailed and warm. Maybe not as detailed as my Benchmark DAC3B (and likely Topping D90SE) but that is a matter of minor differences. The warmth of the Gustard makes it suitable for many setups. Along with the NOS/OS mode and 3 custom filters.

@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.

Sounds like my Benchmark DAC3B. I use the Topping pre90 and D90SE with Benchmark AHB2, The DAC3B is used in another system.

The Topping D90SE is a clear, detailed, and a neutral DAC. It will not add any flavour to the sound. My Gustard X26 Pro is unlike the DAC3B and D90SE. That DAC is warmer and slightly less detailed. I like all 3 of them with the right match of gear.