What To Know
- The Zen DAC V2 exhibits similar technical capabilities to the D50s, with a low noise floor and a wide dynamic range.
- However, it uses a Burr-Brown DAC chip compared to the ESS chip in the D50s, which may result in subtle differences in sound character.
- The D50s offers a neutral and detailed sound with excellent connectivity options, while the Zen DAC V2 provides a warmer and more musical sound with additional features such as TrueBass and XBass+.
In the ever-evolving world of audio equipment, the budget DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) market has witnessed a surge in exceptional contenders. Topping D50s and iFi Zen DAC V2 stand out as two such contenders, offering remarkable sound quality at an affordable price. This comprehensive comparison aims to guide audio enthusiasts in making an informed decision between these two highly acclaimed DACs.
Design and Build Quality
Topping D50s: The D50s boasts a sleek and compact aluminum chassis with a brushed finish. Its minimalist design features a bright OLED display and a single knob for volume control. The unit feels sturdy and well-built, exuding a premium aesthetic.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The Zen DAC V2 adopts a more retro-inspired design with a warm glow emanating from its vacuum tube-like element. Its solid aluminum construction and compact form factor make it both durable and portable. The DAC features a large volume knob and a toggle switch for selecting between different filters.
Connectivity and Features
Topping D50s: The D50s offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU. It supports high-resolution audio formats up to PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512. Additionally, it features a pre-amp mode and a headphone amplifier with a gain of up to 6dB.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The Zen DAC V2 provides similar connectivity options as the D50s, including USB, coaxial, and optical. It also supports high-resolution audio formats up to PCM 384kHz/32bit and DSD256. Notably, it incorporates iFi‘s TrueBass and XBass+ technologies for enhanced low-frequency performance.
Sound Quality: A Subjective Journey
The sound quality of these DACs is a matter of personal preference and system synergy. However, both devices have earned praise for their exceptional audio performance.
Topping D50s: The D50s delivers a neutral and transparent sound with excellent detail retrieval. Its wide soundstage provides a spacious and immersive listening experience. The DAC excels in reproducing the nuances of instruments and vocals with remarkable clarity.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The Zen DAC V2 offers a slightly warmer and more musical sound signature. Its TrueBass technology adds a subtle but noticeable fullness to the low frequencies, making it ideal for bass-heavy genres. The DAC’s XBass+ mode provides an even more pronounced bass boost, catering to those who prefer a more impactful sound.
Measurements and Technical Performance
Topping D50s: Measurements show that the D50s has an extremely low noise floor and a wide dynamic range. Its jitter performance is also very good, ensuring accurate digital-to-analog conversion.
iFi Zen DAC V2: The Zen DAC V2 exhibits similar technical capabilities to the D50s, with a low noise floor and a wide dynamic range. However, it uses a Burr-Brown DAC chip compared to the ESS chip in the D50s, which may result in subtle differences in sound character.
Value for Money
Both the Topping D50s and iFi Zen DAC V2 offer exceptional value for money. The D50s provides a neutral and detailed sound with excellent connectivity options at a very competitive price point. The Zen DAC V2 offers a slightly warmer and more musical sound with additional features such as TrueBass and XBass+.
Which One to Choose?
The choice between the Topping D50s and iFi Zen DAC V2 ultimately depends on individual preferences and system requirements.
Choose the D50s if:
- You prefer a neutral and transparent sound.
- You need a wide range of connectivity options.
- You value excellent technical performance.
Choose the Zen DAC V2 if:
- You prefer a warmer and more musical sound.
- You want a compact and portable DAC.
- You desire enhanced bass performance.
The Final Verdict
Both the Topping D50s and iFi Zen DAC V2 are outstanding DACs that deliver exceptional sound quality at an affordable price. The D50s offers a neutral and detailed sound with excellent connectivity options, while the Zen DAC V2 provides a warmer and more musical sound with additional features such as TrueBass and XBass+. Ultimately, the choice between these two contenders depends on individual preferences and system requirements.
Questions You May Have
Q: Which DAC has a better soundstage?
A: Both DACs offer a spacious and immersive soundstage, but the D50s may have a slight edge due to its wider frequency response and higher resolution support.
Q: Can I use either DAC as a headphone amplifier?
A: Yes, both the D50s and Zen DAC V2 feature headphone amplifiers with adjustable gain. The D50s offers a higher gain of up to 6dB, making it suitable for more power-hungry headphones.
Q: Which DAC has more connectivity options?
A: The D50s offers a wider range of connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU. The Zen DAC V2 lacks AES/EBU connectivity but includes TrueBass and XBass+ features.