Review on AIMPIRE AD10 Mini USB DAC CSS XMOS XU208 ES9018K2M OPA2134 HIFI Audio Decoder Amplifier For Enhanced Audio Performance by Victor Ewing

After listening to computer-based audio for the past 11 years, and doing it exclusively through the computer’s headphone jack, decided that it was time to step things up. Assembled a wish list of affordable and strong performing Schiit-brand components, but wasn’t crazy about spending $500 on it. It then occurred to me that I might already own enough miscellaneous audio gear to put a comparable system together.After scrounging through my odds and ends, found an unused: AudioQuest JitterBug USB filter, AudioQuest Carbon USB cable, AudioQuest Carbon RCA-to-3.5mm cable, and an old and now seldom used C&C BH2 headphone amp (which has only a 3.5mm analog input). All of this is good-to-great gear, but was missing a good-to-great DAC with an RCA output.DACs boasting integrated headphone amps are everywhere, but I needed a pure DAC, meaning no headphone amp. This requirement made the search for a $100 (max) DAC slightly challenging. Despite this, the search ended and everything fell into place when I found the Topping D10. Fortunately, every D10 review that I could find (and there weren’t too many) was flattering and confirmed the value of D10. So, took the plunge and bought it.While I don’t claim to have "golden ears,” my hearing does seem to clue in on audible peculiarities better than many others. Having said that, the D10 (paired with the aforementioned C&C BH2 headphone amp) seems to create a natural, clear, and realistic soundscape with just enough excitement and energy to keep me grinning for hours. I know that you could buy a superior DAC, but not for the same price ($90). I especially love that the D10 is USB powered (no wall wart is necessary), stout in build quality, heavy enough to stay where you place it (no sliding), aesthetically pleasing, requires no special drivers, and that it is certified for high-resolution audio.Am very pleased and contented to have the D10 in my system.and for a tad over $400 less than the Schiit-brand components! Thank you Topping!