Topping D70s test

Pros

Highly linear sound, Excellent detail retrieval throughout, Hard-hitting yet even bass, Wide BT codec support

Cons

Settings menu overly-complicated to access, Volume buttons are inefficient, Large footprint

Verdict

The D70s strength lies in its ability to effortlessly resolve the minutiae and do so without any fatigue, all the while upholding an almost perfectly even-handed presentation

Introduction

Im sure by now the vast majority are no stranger to Topping. The company has been making source devices for quite a few years now and have recently received widespread accolades for their chart-topping measurements and cost-efficient, scalable designs. The D70s represents the successor to Toppings original D70, sitting just below the D90 in their dedicated DAC line-up. It utilises two of AKMs AK4497EQ chips and features an upgraded XMOS 16-core XU216 microcontroller in addition to BT5.0 with LDAC support. Topping promise less jitter and native MQA decoding for a hearty jump in measurable performance over its predecessor.

The D70s retails for $649.99 USD at the time of writing. You can read more about it and treat yourself to a unit on Apos Audio [affiliate].

Disclaimer

I would like to the team at Apos Audio for their quick communication and for providing me with the D70S for the purpose of review. The company is a sponsor of THL, however, all words are my own and no monetary incentive has been provided at any time for a positive review. Despite receiving the DAC free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents

• Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
• Page 2:Sound Breakdown & Verdict

Behind the Design

Linear Power Supply

All great sources are built atop a quality power supply and the D70s is no different, using the same linear, regulated toroidal transformer as the D90. It has 8 independent voltage regulators and 7 Nichicon electrolytic high-grade caps built for audio application that provide clean and stable power.

Dual AK4497EQ DAC Chip

At its heart lies two of AKMs 2nd highest DAC chip, the AK4497. However, Topping were able to beat even AKMs own reference design in terms of measurable performance, to the extent that it almost matches the flagship AK4499 as used in the D90. Besides this, the D70s implements the same Accusilicon AS317 femto-clocks and Altera MAX II CPDL FGPA module with Topping coding.

High-Performance Inputs

The D70s utilises XMOS latest USB chipset that enables full-MQA decoding and native playback. In addition, they pair the AKM DAC with AKMs AK4118 chip handling digital inputs for maximum compatibility and performance. On the Bluetooth front is the CSR8675 receiver chip from Qualcomm with wide codec support and BT5.0.

Unboxing

Similar to Toppings amplifiers, the D70s comes within a large card box with the device itself safely secured within a laser cut foam inlet. There are adjacent cutouts for the remote, power wire, BT antenna and USB cable in addition to a user manual and warranty papers on top. The unboxing experience is simple, effective and utilitarian matching the ethos of the product itself.

Design

As compared to the original D70, the successor boasts a slightly more sophisticated design and proud MQA certification on its faceplate. It retains the aluminium shell that provides rigidity in addition to enhanced isolation. Robust silicone feet provide a planted and stable feel on the desk. The fit and feel is also impressive with rounded edges and a nice, uniform sand-blasted finish across its exterior. Though this remains far from a modern design, especially coming from SMSLs competing devices, with visible screws and a simplified black and white OLED display with 4-button navigation. The faceplate is squared off and protrudes noticeably from the housing rather than sitting flush. In turn, I find this design to be nowhere near as sleek as the D90 or even the former D70 to my eyes. However, this can also suggest that the device is intended to be stacked or contained.

Otherwise, it feels solid and robust; Topping are clearly capable of providing strong build quality and the D70s BOM are well considered. The device does have quite a large footprint, being the largest Topping DAC in fact, which is something to consider if you have small desk. It is clearly larger than my THX789 and the SMSL SU-9, especially in width. The control scheme is button-based as opposed to the rotary encoders weve seen implemented elsewhere. On the rear are the inputs and outputs. A power switch sits adjacent to the plug and a voltage selection switch is located on the right-hand side since this device uses a linear power supply that cannot automatically adjust for different voltages. The D70s supports AES, COAX, USB, Optical, I2S and Bluetooth inputs while providing XLR and RCA outputs.

Usability

Navigation

The D70s provides, to me, a versatile experience albeit not the most intuitive one for the user. It excels best, in my experiences, as an all-in-one DAC used not just for headphones but also speakers and perhaps even a media/TV setup. This is because the device is, by far, easier to navigate with the included remote, which can be inconvenient to constantly have on hand during use in a regular headphone/desk setup.

Accessing the sound setting menu without the remote requires powering off the device using the rear-facing power switch, holding the sel button and switching the DAC back on. Otherwise, when on, the sel button simply changes sources, the arrows the level of the pre-amp output unless set to pure DAC-mode [in which volume control is disabled]. Its frustrating that holding the sel button whilst the device is on offers no further functionality here as would be intuitive.

Apart from this, the D70s provides a streamlined experience and users shouldnt feel the need to constantly tweak these settings during daily use. It also features an auto-power on feature which is super handy for use with a PC setup. A small niggle, the volume control via the front-facing buttons is noticeably slower than a rotary-encoder, however, source selection is quick and clearly denoted by the large OLED display. The DAC also constantly provides status of the inputs/outputs in use, the volume setting and the sampling rate it is currently using.

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth input is also easy to use, simply change to the BT source input and it becomes discoverable by any BT source. The D70s promptly paired to my Xperia 5 II over an LDAC connection. On the phone I was able to prioritise either signal stability or sound quality in addition to LDACs usually auto-scaling function. The wide codec support of this DAC is a huge plus, providing the convenience of wireless with surprisingly low-quality degradation. Of course, this is not how the DAC will be assessed but is surely handy when listening to music during social events. I found the connection to be stable and the range easily sufficient to traverse a large room without any form of intermittency or artefacts on behalf of the external antenna.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown & Verdict

Sound

Testing Methodology: SPL volume matched comparison to SMSL SU9. Both powered by THX 789 listening through the Audeze LCD-X.

Tonality

As I havent looked into the source market for quite some years now, I was very curious to see how it had evolved. And, where there were unspoken guidelines before, such as ESS chips being brighter, AKM designs being warmer, it appears that modern implementations dispel this entirely it really does change on a case by case basis. Immediately, the D70s dispels these former notions, delivering a detailed and immediate sound. Though not overtly bright, it is certainly is a technical-orientated source focusing on a swift and highly defined note presentation in addition to high-resolution throughout. In turn, this also cannot be considered a laid-back source in any manifestation, erring a touch on the aggressive and engaging side. Such a note presentation is realised through a balanced and highly linear sound signature. What differentiates the D70s from the plethora of considerably cheaper sources that also hit a highly linear signature is its space, resolving power and range that enthral the listener.

Bass

A strong point of the D70s, the low-end is endlessly extending, powerful and controlled. Do not mistake these descriptors for suggesting that there is any form of emphasis here as the D70s comes across as very even and balanced in its expression. It has one of the most accurate timbres Ive heard with a clean tone and minimal colouration to my ears. Note size, separation and positioning are all faithful to the source material. This, in my eyes, is a huge asset of the D70s, granting it versatile synergy whilst upholding engaging depth and dynamics.

The note presentation is as aforementioned, being concise, controlled and highly defined. Compared to even the SU-9, the D70s has noticeably stronger bass definition, the SMSL DAC being smoother and slightly fuller but also less resolving. The D70s also has a harder-hitting sub-bass, again, impressive considering the lack of any emphasis. Timing is excellent as is separation, delivering a rather effortless portrayal of complex tracks. Im sure a greater amp would unearth further findings, however, even on the very mid-fi THX 789, I was able to appreciate Toppings achievement.

Mids

Much like the low-end, the D70s targets linearity and cleanliness in the midrange, delivering a highly accurate timbre by association. Once again, the highly defined note presentation and agility of the source comes to the fore, creating the impression of a slightly more engaging and vivid sound despite a lack of any forwardness or brightness. This is an articulate source, not sharp or fatiguing, but surely concise, prioritising definition and resolution of fine detail over smoothness and warmth.

The SU9 once again comes across as a lusher source with greater warmth and body but also less articulation up top. It is not as defined nor as well-separated though does come across as slightly more layered to my ears. It is also an easier listen and I can see some preferring this style of sound due to personal preference. Still, undoubtedly, the D70s is the more detailed and resolving source here, delivering music with great tact and precision.

Highs

Perhaps I hear the slightest hint of emphasis in the lower-treble, especially relative to the smoother SU9. The D70s provides a slightly crisper sound with a sharper transient response. Despite this, instrument body is similar, just a hair thinner and treble isnt forward in the grand scheme of things the SU9 simply being a slightly laid-back source. The D70s is rather neutral, leaning towards slightly analytical to my ears. It does have superior fine detail retrieval though the SU9 is not far behind despite not being as overtly resolving.

The SU9 impressed me with its dark background and in juxtaposition, the D70s provides a more linear expression here with greater air and headroom. It has similarly strong extension as that model and a bit more sparkle in its top-octave. Its not an energetic or sharp source once again, but an agile and resolving one for sure. The linear extension permits high resolution without glare or sharpness and I do personally find the foreground detail presentation to be in good taste as well.

Soundstage

The D70s provides a medium sized soundstage, clearly more spacious and expansive than the lower-end sources Ive heard but not quite as large as the SU-9. In fairness, the D70s has a very different style of presentation, you sacrifice some space and atmosphere instead for a presentation that is more focussed and direct. The SU-9 has better layering on behalf of its more laid-back top-end that enables a stronger ability to project distance and a dark background that provides stronger contrast.

By comparison, the D70s has sharper imaging with a much sharper centre image especially. While its layers may not be as delineated, it has quicker, more defined directional cues, the SU-9 being more holographic but less precise in its positioning. The D70s also has a leg up on separation due to its highly defined note presentation combined with its neutral and linear presentation throughout. These qualities contributes greatly to its effortless detail portrayal.

Suggested Pair-ups

With a linear, slightly vivid sound and focus on technical performance, the D70s is best paired with a neutral to warm source. The slightly more powerful sounding THX789 was on the cusp of balance with its slightly higher contrast sound to my ears, though with a hugely dynamic bass that I found healthy counterbalance and immensely satisfying in general. The slightly less substantial sounding SMSL SH-9 meanwhile, did come across as a little thin so I would personally recommend a fuller, warmer or dead neutral source as ideal companion for the D70s.

Verdict

We truly live in blessed times to see such a mature implementation of high-end parts at reasonable midrange prices. Whilst not as accessible as something like the Khadas Tone Board, the D70s is considerably more outfitted in terms of IO and features, and does provide very tangible performance benefits over cheaper models. The design isnt the sleekest and access to the settings could be refined, though as any great source should, the D70s provides a streamlined daily experience alongside a focus on delivering superlative sound. As Topping have achieved renown for, the D70s provides a highly linear, balanced expression, engaging with its focused, highly-defined note presentation. A larger soundstage can be found, similarly, a more musical tonality this, arguably, is not the D70s intention. Rather, its strength lies in its ability to effortlessly resolve the minutiae and do so without any fatigue, all the while upholding an almost perfectly even-handed presentation. If this sounds like your schtick, the D70s represents a strong value proposition.

The D70s is available fromApos Audio[International] for $649.99 USD at the time of writing.Please see our affiliate link for the most updated pricing, availability and configurations.

Comparison, D70s, DAC, Review, SMSL, SU9, THX789, Topping, Vs

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