Topping D50s - 3 months in - Socketed OP Amp Swapping choices?
- Thread starter Sam08861
- Start date
Don't forget to rock the matching P50 linear power supply along with the much thicker and better sounding Ghent power interconnect cable. It made a very large difference with my V6 Burson Classic opamp with case mod over the stock unit and power supply. I think I have taken this design as far as I can while more than doubling its cost compared to a stock D50s. It sounds quite good at this point with a much bigger soundstage with greater musical separation that is much more organic and richer sounding without the 'glassy digititis' that it had before. It was always detailed sounding since the beginning and still sounds quite detailed- perhaps even more now.
At this point, the only thing I feel pretty sure could be a definite upgrade to this DAC (purely based off reviews, sonic signature and value) that it is "claimed" to have from reading hours and hours of reviews/ videos, is the Denafrips Pontus II which will be the next DAC I purchase, sadly at around an extremely steep pricetag of about $1,800 (which is said to be a very good deal for the quality, craftsmanship, and most importantly -sound- of this DAC).
I had been eyeing the Ares II for months to upgrade from the Topping, but the Pontus II is rumored to be much better sounding (and the best price/ performance deal) in the entire Denafrips line. It would be the last DAC I purchase as I have no intention of ever spending more than $2k for a DAC, which in my opinion is already borderline insane at the $1,800 price tag that I have somehow talked myself into even considering.
Truth is, I watch Lots of TV, Netflix, movies and video gaming every day that are all enjoyed through a very nice looking Bravia 4k television with a great picture which is all sent through my DAC. This enjoyment could likely be enhanced even further through the Pontus II as the rest of my sound system should be up to snuff to showcase and highlight the improvement the Denafrips could make. Then again, that's 4x the cost I've put into the D50s, so you get what you pay for I guess. I will say I have enjoyed the D50s immensely, so much so that I have delayed even considering switching it out for a very long time. It is certainly an overachiever at its price- even when considering the added cost I have spent upgrading it.
At this point, the only thing I feel pretty sure could be a definite upgrade to this DAC (purely based off reviews, sonic signature and value) that it is "claimed" to have from reading hours and hours of reviews/ videos, is the Denafrips Pontus II which will be the next DAC I purchase, sadly at around an extremely steep pricetag of about $1,800 (which is said to be a very good deal for the quality, craftsmanship, and most importantly -sound- of this DAC).
I had been eyeing the Ares II for months to upgrade from the Topping, but the Pontus II is rumored to be much better sounding (and the best price/ performance deal) in the entire Denafrips line. It would be the last DAC I purchase as I have no intention of ever spending more than $2k for a DAC, which in my opinion is already borderline insane at the $1,800 price tag that I have somehow talked myself into even considering.
Truth is, I watch Lots of TV, Netflix, movies and video gaming every day that are all enjoyed through a very nice looking Bravia 4k television with a great picture which is all sent through my DAC. This enjoyment could likely be enhanced even further through the Pontus II as the rest of my sound system should be up to snuff to showcase and highlight the improvement the Denafrips could make. Then again, that's 4x the cost I've put into the D50s, so you get what you pay for I guess. I will say I have enjoyed the D50s immensely, so much so that I have delayed even considering switching it out for a very long time. It is certainly an overachiever at its price- even when considering the added cost I have spent upgrading it.
The thing about the Pontus II compared to my D50s for 4x the price is the Pontus doesn't have bluetooth, a remote, and a way to easily mute the sound. I suppose I am willing to sacrifice BT, but at a minimum, the Denafrips should at least come with a remote and not having one may be a dealbreaker.
My preamp doesn't have a remote either -because of its age- so I get blasted by annoying ads and commercials when viewing some content. Maybe the D50s should stick around after all? The functionality and sound are really hard to beat for the price and work I've put into it.
My preamp doesn't have a remote either -because of its age- so I get blasted by annoying ads and commercials when viewing some content. Maybe the D50s should stick around after all? The functionality and sound are really hard to beat for the price and work I've put into it.