DAC comparisons

[Hibster_2000]

Has anybody compared a SEG against a DAC Magic + or a Topping D50?
If so, would you care to share your thoughts?

I am at the point of getting my upgraded SEG upgraded even more, but was wondering if a different flavour DAC would suit me better. I realise my ears are the ones that will have the final say, but before I go and buy either of the DACs with the intent of trying them and sending them back if I don’t like the,, I was wondering if it was worth the hassle to me and the online vendor?

I am most tempted by the DM+ with multiple coax inputs, but the topping is much cheaper.

The upgrades on the SEG are likely to be cheaper still, and basically will consiste of better RCA sockets and a super clock.
If I à have time today I am going to rig up a different PC with a coax feed to the SEG and do a comparison of my Asus Essence DAC to the SEG fed from the SPDIF from an Asus motherboard. I have seen the audioscience review, which suggested the Asus DAC was not that good, but my ears tell me otherwise.

[loonytunes]

I have seen the audioscience review, which suggested the Asus DAC was not that good, but my ears tell me otherwise.


Then let your ears decide. ASR is perhaps a baseline to go from but, for sure, don't choose a DAC based on scientific measurements that ASR put together alone. Your ears make the final decision, measuring instruments have no emotion.

[Hibster_2000]

Thanks for the response.
I am curious by nature, and I am wondering if there is anything better out there for the money.

[jandl100]

Only just now noticed this thread.

If you are still interested in opinions, I have owned a SEG, DACmagic and a Topping D30 [not a D50 but very similar, I believe], but not an Asus.

The DACmagic is totally outclassed imo.
The SEG and the D30 are about equivalent with the D30 being more analytical, the SEG more 'organic'.
I'd expect a SEG superclock to give it a significant advantage.

But you've probably sorted yourself out by now. :)

[Firebottle]

The D50 is a good step up from the D30 Jerry.

[jandl100]

I know of one person who 'upgraded' from a D30 to a D50 and preferred and kept the D30!
Maybe they didn't let the D50 run in for long enough?
They have now got a D70 and are very happy with it.

I have no views on this, only having heard the D30.

[Opti-cal]

I really like the look of the D70s. AES/EBU input and balanced outputs are very appealing to me. Plus I seem to get on with other Topping DAC's well. Bought another D30 off Jerry for a 2nd (4th....) system. Also heard Alan's D50 at the weekend and it was certainly an improvement over my 30. Some nice filter options on the D50/70s too.

I think all Topping DAC's are very good vfm. If you like the "neutral" house sound.

[Hibster_2000]

Another one of interest is the Sabaj D5.
Looks like a very well.designed DAC.

Has anybody got experience of one?

[Hibster_2000]

Are there any concerns about Chinese HiFi product longevity?
Would I be better off spending a bit more for a DAC made by someone with better customer service?

[StanleyB]

Are there any concerns about Chinese HiFi product longevity?
Would I be better off spending a bit more for a DAC made by someone with better customer service?
Support can be a big issue with items bought directly from China. I have had some hilarious email exchanges with Chinese companies when seeking technical help.

[Sir Real]

Are there any concerns about Chinese HiFi product longevity?
Would I be better off spending a bit more for a DAC made by someone with better customer service?

The SMSL M6 DAC I've used for the last couple of years has been excellent. No issues with build or sound quality, IMHO