Unveil The Ultimate Dac Duel: Denafrips Ares Ii R2R Vs Topping D90
What To Know
- However, if you are on a budget, the D90 is a great option that offers excellent sound quality at a more affordable price.
This blog post will compare the Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC and the Topping D90, two high-end DACs that offer exceptional sound quality. We will discuss their features, performance, and price to help you make an informed decision about which DAC is right for you.
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC and the Topping D90 are two of the most popular high-end DACs on the market. Both DACs offer excellent sound quality, but they have different features and price points. In this blog post, we will compare the two DACs in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Features
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC is a fully discrete, resistor-ladder DAC that uses a custom-designed FPGA chip. The DAC has a wide range of features, including:
- Support for PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Support for DSD audio up to DSD512
- Two pairs of balanced XLR outputs
- One pair of single-ended RCA outputs
- A headphone amplifier with a dedicated volume control
The Topping D90 is a delta-sigma DAC that uses an ESS Sabre ES9038PRO chip. The DAC has a wide range of features, including:
- Support for PCM audio up to 32-bit/768kHz
- Support for DSD audio up to DSD512
- Two pairs of balanced XLR outputs
- One pair of single-ended RCA outputs
- A headphone amplifier with a dedicated volume control
Performance
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC and the Topping D90 both offer excellent sound quality. However, the Ares II has a slight edge in terms of overall performance. The Ares II has a more natural and organic sound, with better detail retrieval and soundstage imaging. The D90 has a more analytical and precise sound, with a slightly brighter treble response.
Price
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC is priced at $2,499, while the Topping D90 is priced at $1,499. The Ares II is a more expensive DAC, but it also offers better sound quality. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, the Ares II is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the D90 is a great option that offers excellent sound quality at a more affordable price.
Which DAC is Right for You?
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC and the Topping D90 are both excellent DACs that offer exceptional sound quality. The Ares II has a slight edge in terms of overall performance, but the D90 is a more affordable option. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, the Ares II is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the D90 is a great option that offers excellent sound quality at a more affordable price.
Summary
The Denafrips Ares II R2R DAC and the Topping D90 are both excellent DACs that offer exceptional sound quality. The Ares II has a slight edge in terms of overall performance, but the D90 is a more affordable option. If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, the Ares II is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the D90 is a great option that offers excellent sound quality at a more affordable price.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: What is the difference between a resistor-ladder DAC and a delta-sigma DAC?
A: Resistor-ladder DACs use a series of resistors to convert digital audio data into an analog signal. Delta-sigma DACs use a combination of oversampling and noise shaping to convert digital audio data into an analog signal.
Q: Which type of DAC is better?
A: Resistor-ladder DACs are generally considered to be better than delta-sigma DACs in terms of sound quality. However, delta-sigma DACs are more affordable and offer a wider range of features.
Q: What is the difference between balanced and single-ended outputs?
A: Balanced outputs use two conductors to carry the audio signal, while single-ended outputs use one conductor. Balanced outputs are less susceptible to noise and interference than single-ended outputs.