What To Know
- The D10 has a slightly lower noise floor than the Modi 3, but the Modi 3 has a slightly better dynamic range.
- The Modi 3 is a bit smaller and lighter than the D10, and it has a slightly more neutral and analytical sound.
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 are two of the most popular budget DACs (digital-to-analog converters) on the market. Both offer excellent sound quality at a very affordable price, but there are some key differences between the two devices. In this article, we’ll compare the Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Build Quality
The Topping D10 has a solid metal chassis that feels well-built and durable. The Schiit Modi 3 also has a metal chassis, but it’s slightly smaller and lighter than the D10. Both DACs have a simple and clean design, with a few buttons and a small display on the front panel.
Features
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 both support a wide range of digital audio formats, including PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD up to DSD256. The D10 also supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), a high-resolution audio format that’s becoming increasingly popular.
The D10 has a few more features than the Modi 3, including a headphone amplifier and a built-in preamp. The headphone amplifier is powerful enough to drive even high-impedance headphones, and the preamp allows you to connect the D10 directly to a power amplifier or active speakers.
Sound Quality
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 both sound excellent, but there are some subtle differences between the two devices. The D10 has a slightly warmer and more laid-back sound than the Modi 3, which is more neutral and analytical.
The D10’s soundstage is also a bit wider and deeper than the Modi 3’s. This makes the D10 a better choice for listening to music with a lot of spatial information, such as classical music or jazz.
Measurements
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 have both been extensively measured by reviewers. The results show that both DACs have excellent technical performance. The D10 has a slightly lower noise floor than the Modi 3, but the Modi 3 has a slightly better dynamic range.
Which One Should You Buy?
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 are both excellent budget DACs. The D10 has a few more features than the Modi 3, including a headphone amplifier and a built-in preamp. The D10 also has a slightly warmer and more laid-back sound than the Modi 3.
The Modi 3 is a bit smaller and lighter than the D10, and it has a slightly more neutral and analytical sound. The Modi 3 is also a bit cheaper than the D10.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which DAC is right for you is to listen to them both and see which one you prefer.
The Verdict: Topping D10 vs Schiit Modi 3
The Topping D10 and the Schiit Modi 3 are both excellent budget DACs. The D10 has a few more features than the Modi 3, including a headphone amplifier and a built-in preamp. The D10 also has a slightly warmer and more laid-back sound than the Modi 3.
The Modi 3 is a bit smaller and lighter than the D10, and it has a slightly more neutral and analytical sound. The Modi 3 is also a bit cheaper than the D10.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which DAC is right for you is to listen to them both and see which one you prefer.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which DAC has a better sound quality, the Topping D10 or the Schiit Modi 3?
A: Both DACs have excellent sound quality, but the D10 has a slightly warmer and more laid-back sound than the Modi 3. The Modi 3 has a slightly more neutral and analytical sound.
Q: Which DAC has more features, the Topping D10 or the Schiit Modi 3?
A: The D10 has a few more features than the Modi 3, including a headphone amplifier and a built-in preamp.
Q: Which DAC is smaller and lighter, the Topping D10 or the Schiit Modi 3?
A: The Modi 3 is a bit smaller and lighter than the D10.
Q: Which DAC is cheaper, the Topping D10 or the Schiit Modi 3?
A: The Modi 3 is a bit cheaper than the D10.