What To Know
- Its front panel is adorned with an extensive array of buttons, knobs, and a large LCD screen that offers a wealth of information and control options.
- While the RME ADI-2 offers a wider range of features and slightly better sound quality, the Topping D90 DAC represents an exceptional value for its price.
- If you prioritize a natural and transparent sound, ample headphone amp performance, and an affordable price, the Topping D90 DAC is an excellent choice.
The world of high-fidelity audio is constantly evolving, with new and innovative products emerging to push the boundaries of sound quality. Among these, the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 are two highly acclaimed contenders that have garnered significant attention from audio enthusiasts. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of these exceptional devices, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one reigns supreme for your audiophile needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Topping D90 DAC boasts a sleek and compact design, featuring an aluminum chassis that exudes both durability and sophistication. Its minimalist aesthetic is enhanced by a clear OLED display that provides essential information such as the current input and volume level.
On the other hand, the RME ADI-2 adopts a more utilitarian approach, with a rugged metal casing that prioritizes functionality over form. Its front panel is adorned with an extensive array of buttons, knobs, and a large LCD screen that offers a wealth of information and control options.
Connectivity and Features
The Topping D90 DAC offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB, coaxial, optical, and AES/EBU inputs. It also features a dedicated headphone amplifier with adjustable gain and impedance settings, making it a versatile solution for both home audio systems and personal listening.
The RME ADI-2 boasts an even more comprehensive array of connectivity options, including additional XLR and ADAT inputs. Its extensive feature set includes a built-in microphone preamp, balanced XLR outputs, and a variety of digital filters and EQ settings.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, both the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 deliver exceptional performance. The D90 DAC is known for its natural and transparent sound, with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage. Its bass response is tight and controlled, while the treble is extended and airy.
The RME ADI-2 offers a slightly different sound signature, with a more analytical and detailed approach. It excels in revealing subtle nuances and textures, and its spacious soundstage provides a truly immersive listening experience. However, some listeners may find its sound to be slightly less warm and inviting than the D90 DAC.
Headphone Amp Performance
The Topping D90 DAC’s headphone amplifier is a standout feature, delivering ample power and excellent sound quality. It can effortlessly drive a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance IEMs to high-impedance planar magnetics.
The RME ADI-2’s headphone amplifier is equally impressive, offering a similar level of power and sound quality. However, it lacks the adjustable gain and impedance settings found on the D90 DAC, which may limit its versatility for some users.
Measurements and Technicalities
Objective measurements reveal that both the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 have excellent technical performance. The D90 DAC exhibits an impressive signal-to-noise ratio of 124dB and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.0005%. The RME ADI-2 matches these figures with a signal-to-noise ratio of 122dB and a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.0003%.
Price and Value
The Topping D90 DAC has a retail price of around $600, while the RME ADI-2 is priced at approximately $1,000. While the RME ADI-2 offers a wider range of features and slightly better sound quality, the Topping D90 DAC represents an exceptional value for its price.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a natural and transparent sound, ample headphone amp performance, and an affordable price, the Topping D90 DAC is an excellent choice. However, if you require a more comprehensive feature set, analytical sound quality, and the best possible technical performance, the RME ADI-2 is the superior option.
Summary: The Pursuit of Audiophile Excellence
Both the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 are exceptional audiophile-grade devices that offer unparalleled sound quality and functionality. Whether you are a seasoned audio enthusiast or just starting your journey into the world of high-fidelity audio, these devices will elevate your listening experience to new heights.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which DAC has a better soundstage?
A: Both the Topping D90 DAC and the RME ADI-2 offer excellent soundstage performance, but the RME ADI-2 may have a slight edge in terms of spaciousness and depth.
Q: Can the RME ADI-2 be used as a standalone headphone amplifier?
A: Yes, the RME ADI-2 can be used as a standalone headphone amplifier, but it does not have adjustable gain and impedance settings like the Topping D90 DAC.
Q: Which DAC is more suitable for critical listening?
A: The RME ADI-2 is more suitable for critical listening due to its analytical sound signature and extensive EQ and filter options.