Review on 🎧 Linsoul Topping D10 Black USB DAC with ES9038K2M, XMOS XU208, ASIO Drivers, Balanced TRS/XLR Output, Automatic Power on/Off, Support DSD256 PCM384 by Alex Taylor

As a prelude to my note: I blog quite a bit about various audio gear, particularly components under $250 or so. Most of the gear I usually blog about and review includes components like DACs, preamps, and of course headphones. As such, it becomes a special treat when one discovers a component (or components) that are reasonably priced but offer sonic performance that rivals many of the larger (much more expensive) components on the market today. Coating D10S. A very basic device - only has a USB input - suggesting that most of them will be used by a PC or laptop (hey, that's not a problem as many of us hear sound on a desktop or laptop next to the field computer ). I connected this D10S via USB to my 64 gigabit Lenovo desktop system with Audioquest USB cables and connected it to the iFi USB Purifier (it's a phenomenal device to connect between your DAC and your PC. Link too about this iFi USB conditioner / purifier that can make the world different: https://www.amazon.com/iPurifier2-Audio-Signal-Filter-Connector/dp/B018H0JK28/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=iFi+USB +conditioner&qid=1624977251&sr=8- 18 Since I got hooked the RCA cables to an amazing (also budget friendly) xDuoo MT-602 hybrid tube preamp/preamp and guys I wasn't ready to hear what I heard I let the D10S warm up for a good 24 hours (I usually run all my gear) and when that time was up I started listening to various classical (chamber and full orchestra), jazz and other instrumental groups I discovered a long time ago to use the Audioa pp to really evaluate instrumentation it is necessary to route many types of sounds through these components. see how they deal with the tonality / timbre of different musical instruments.1. Based on this combination of D10S and xDuoo MT-602 Hybrid Tube/Preamplifier, which I highly recommend, I came to the following conclusion. Now remember that combining a solid-state DAC with a tube or hybrid tube preamp/preamp will, in many cases, put a smile on your face for the best sonic results.1. General Orchestral Presence/Depth/Imagery: Through the use of high-quality recordings, streaming and high-resolution CDs, I've gotten music with exceptional presence, but more than that, genuine musicality. By musicality I mean that your attention is immediately captured, like a live performance. The instrumental timbre was excellent and the image was crisp, making it possible to tell where each musician was. The depth was amazing. What is unique about this particular combination is that while the music is more "direct" in nature, the tubes in the MT-602 flatten the sound somewhat and both units offer excellent dynamics and (depending on the recording) 3D-like depth. I dare say that based on my experience with many DACs over $500, the musical output of this duo rivals it. By the way, xDuoo MT-602 can be found here (just copy and paste this Revain link): https://www.amazon.com/MT-602-Transistor-Performance-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B08SR3VTCP/ ref= sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=xDuoo+MT-62&qid=1624975601&sr=8-22. Bass performance: This combination results in excellent, tight and dynamic bass. Now it doesn't give you bass where there isn't (I think it's called fidelity) but when it's present in a good recording the bass sounds with dynamic authority, great timbre and a density that some other DACs often lack . / Preamp Blocks. Instruments such as shell/bass drum, double bass strings, etc. sound with an authority that other comparable units sometimes lack. MF: With this combination, the middle frequencies are not colored at all. Instruments like brass of all kinds (again) have a dynamic impact with that realistic sound (without harshness) that one would experience in a live performance. Treble/Treble: Remember that the capabilities of your audio equipment are limited by the source material used. On excellent recordings (again, that's the main point), high frequencies like strings, cymbals, bells/triangles, etc. sound with a silky quality that draws your attention. When you listen to a full symphony orchestra playing a Beethoven symphony, the strings sound so silky it just puts a smile on your face. Now some of you are probably thinking "This guy is really testing the xDuoo MT-602, not the D10S". Nothing is further from the truth. Topping D10S has exceptional resolution with a very "full" sound for any orchestra or musical group. This is a budget DAC with a smooth yet very detailed sound. Combined with devices like the MT-602, they form a synergistic duo to create a delightful musical experience, and unless you told people the true price of both, they'd probably think the combination is high-end. audiophile equipment. So yes, I'm impressed. I'm keeping the D10S because it does a lot of things right, doesn't require a power plug, and is built like a small tank. Another plus is that it has a digital output, which means that even though you've connected it to a USB device, you can run a digital cable to, for example, a TV etc. Again, all reviews are subjective. . My thoughts are based on my experience. I used the following gear to complete this review: 1. Topping D10S and xDuoo MT-602.2 tube and preamp combo. Cables used: Audioquest Pearl USB cable connected to iFi USB air conditioner. The RCA cables used to connect the xDuoo preamp and powered speakers are from World's Best Cables RCA Interconnects.3. Active monitors used: Presonus E5 XT with Mackie CR8S-XBT 8" powered subwoofer mounted under my desk. The Presonus E5 XT is a 5" powered monitor with unbalanced and balanced cable inputs. The speakers were placed on either side of my extended 32-inch color monitor (which I use for professional photo adjustments) and I sat 4-5 feet apart. away from them in the near-field hearing evaluation.