Yeah, I could do research forever. Lots of DACs and reviews. Still might give Topping another go.
Thought I Found My DAC and Then
- Thread starter geode
- Start date
Yeah, I could do research forever. Lots of DACs and reviews. Still might give Topping another go.
Yes the SP14 mated with Bob's VTA ST120 amp sounds great. It is the first tube equipment I have ever had. I have been rolling tubes both preamp and amp. Can't wait to get the phono preamp built. The Cambridge is rising to the top. Since it is twice the price of the Topping DAC I have been looking at DACs in the $500 or so range, too.
FlaCharlie
Super Member
My experience with DACs is quite limited but I'd suggest you take a look at the Loxjie D30.
I bought one of the original versions and have been using it for about 18 months or so. It has inputs for optical, USB, coax and bluetooth and it has several filter settings. It can be run as a straight DAC or as a preamp with remote control. As a bonus, although I've never used it, it also has a headphone output.
I actually picked it up thinking it would be a stopgap while I was waiting (. . . and waiting) for a Schiit Modi Multibit. The Schiit finally arrived (after about 7 or 8 months!) and I do use it in one system but I prefer the Loxjie. The Modi is nice but it has none of the features of the Loxjie and I don't like that it runs really hot.
I recently decided to look for a DAC for another system and I was considering the Topping E30 since the newest version of the Loxjie D30 costs about $100 more than the original because they added MQA, which I have no use for. The E30 seemed very similar to the Loxjie except that it has no bluetooth or headphone out but it's priced about the same as the original Loxjie version.
But when I was researching the Topping DACs I started reading that a lot of owners - many of whom had bought them based on reviews on Audio Science Review - were having problems and Topping and ASR were getting a lot of grief as a result. I got the impression that Topping still hasn't resolved the issues. I don't know if all the Topping models were affected but I became leery of their quality control. Fortunately, I was able to find a slightly used original version of the Loxjie D30.
But even the newest version of the Loxjie D30, with MQA, is only ~$260 shipped, so well within your price range and worth a close look.
I use them with tube systems too, if it matters.
Cool and thanks. I will take a look.
Old Guy Bill
Member
I just put my first DAC, a Schiit Modi 3E, in my system.
Windows 10 desktop, Modi, SX-1050, very pleased so far
Windows 10 desktop, Modi, SX-1050, very pleased so far
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
I have been looking at Schitt products for a long time. No bluetooth, though.
That is a nice looking DAC. I have concerns, though. I am very familiar with Elna Silmic caps having used many over the years. I have never seen a Silmic that looked like the ones they show in the parts photos. All the Silmics I have seen and used are maroon colored with white lettering, not black and gold as theirs are. Additionally, Elna discontinued the Silmic line
That is a nice looking dac. The pictures of the Elna Silmic caps threw me, though. I have used many Elna Silmics through the years and all of them have been brown/maroon colored with white lettering. The Elnas they use in their dac are black/gold. And then Elna has discontinued the Silmic series. To me it screamed counterfeit parts, until I did some research. I found Elnas Silmics for the Asian market are Black/Gold. Discontinued is a worry, though.
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
IMO, a company as reputable as iFi would not put counterfeit parts in their units. The sound of this DAC is incredible. That’s both thru Bluetooth and SPDIF.
I never got around to using the USB. I used coax from cd player to DAC and also used Bluetooth. And I did swap all the cables out. This DAC was defective.
Probably right. What threw me was the coloring of the caps that I am very familiar with. I never knew they had Silmics for the Asian market. But then again there is a lot I don't know. Live and learn. I am researching the iFi because it does what I want.
Just ordered this DAC from Music Direct. Reviews are good. Thanks.
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
Already shipped
I'm looking forward to it. Going through those tubes should sound glorious 
Thanks for the suggestion. Other good info from folks in the thread. Makes the job easier to listen to other peoples opinions. Will let y'all know my thoughts on it when I get a chance to play it. Can't wait.
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
Already shipped
For the Bluetooth side, I feed it Apple Lossless and the sound is superb. On the SPDIF side it is hooked into my Rotel CDP and sounds equally sweet.
swamppirate
Lunatic Member
Already shipped
totem
Addicted Member
When Bluetooth and superb are used in the same sentence it makes one ponder.
cecaa850
Well-Known Member
Agree. I guess it all depends on what you're used to.
It occurred to me that I never gave feedback on this DAC. I did get and use the iFi Zen One Signature model. I can say it has been performing flawlessly and sounds great. I really have used it only with the Bluetooth connection. I will compare it to the DACs in the Sony Blueray player. Those DACs aren't too shabby, though. I wished I could give a better accounting, but I am a man of few words. 
I can say that I would buy this DAC again.
I can say that I would buy this DAC again.