Topping D10s Mini USB DAC CSS XMOS XU208 ES9038Q2M OPA2134 Audio Amplifier Decoder Black

Love that I can clearly see the PCM sample rate as I play different digital sources. Certain “redbook” level recordings sound better than their lossless brethren.

I had an older Topping D50 which I liked very much but is no longer made. The D10s has the same chip, just a single rather than a dual implementation, which mostly affects the noise which is already well below audibility. The D10s sounds very good out of the box. I did a direct comparison with the SMSL SU-1. The SU-1 has incredible detail but exhibits some odd faint ringing artifacts on certain material. It was also tiring to listen to for extended periods. The D10s is smoother and non-fatiguing. I definitely preferred it over the SU-1 and worth the extra 30 bucks. The D10s has a swappable op amp in a DIP socket so I intend to replace the stock one with the OPA1612A used in the D50. Will add to this review at that time.Also, connecting to a Win10 PC with its standard driver, the D10s auto configured at 32bit/44.1K max in windows. I could hear an improvement on Amazon Unlimited Ultra HD streams when I upped the sample rate to 192K, which is Amazons max stream rate.Update: I substituted an OPA1612A for the stock LME49720 op amp and got back the sound I knew and loved from the D50. Since the OPA1612A is only available as an SOIC (8) SMD device, you must use an SOIC to DIP adapter, which requires SMD soldering skills. If you can do that, I think the swap is well worth the time and effort. Not really recommended for beginner DIYers. Small beef: Topping uses 4 blobs of hot melt glue inside at front and rear to keep the PCB from rattling. I needed to remove the rear panel (1.27mm hex) to break the rear blobs loose and slide out the board to the front. Perhaps Topping could find a more professional way (thin gasket?) to tension the PCB. I didn't bother re-gluing because I know the slight rattle won't affect performance or reliability in my fixed installation.

After having some trouble finding a DAC that works properly with my PC I tried the D10s and was glad I did. The sound signature of this DAC is excellent it is a neutral sounding DAC with no emphasis on the bass, midrange, or treble. This is not to say it does not retrieve subtle details because it does, it just does not exaggerate them. I read some reviews that the bass is lacking and that is not my experience, the bass is solid and well controlled so no flabby bass like some other Dac's. This uses the ESS9038Q2M and as I stated the sound is smooth and non fatiguing to listen to which busts the myth that ESS chips all sound clinical it is all in the implementation of said chip and output stages. Ease of use does not get any easier on Windows 10 it was recognized automatically and no drivers were needed. I went into my sound menu and opened device options and selected 192 khz at 24 bit's since that is the max my music software operates at. The display is a nice dark orange color that is easy on the eye's the picture shows the display lighter than it really is. Keep in mind the optical and coaxial connections are outputs not inputs so you can connect this to a sound bar or powered speakers with there own volume control. If this will meet your needs and budget just buy it you will not be disappointed.

I bought this Topping D10S in order to have USB audio for use with my dock for my Macbook. I didn't want to skimp on audio as the Macbook has a really good built in DAC. However, after listening to music for a while I do notice there is an improvement in sound quality. It's more noticable the hi hats and cymbals, it really does make a difference. I was surprised.This really is a no thrills DAC, not a lot of special features or anything besides having digital out which can be really nice to have for certain applications such as providing a digital input for another hi-fi setup or multiple setups perhaps. There's a lot of options.I like the fact that the Topping DACs work EXTREMELY well with Macs. They. Just. Work. Its kind of a pain to change the audio settings but I just leave mine at 44.1 and that's plenty for me. The LCD screen on mine has a weird blob in it but doesn't affect it from displaying. In fact you can see the weirdness in the picture.At the end of the day, it's just a simple dac that works and does the job well. Simple. Sometimes that is all you need.Anyways, I recommend it.

My fellow Americans, let us consider the humble DAC—an unassuming device, yet one of great importance to those who value the clarity of sound. This particular model stands as a testament to ingenuity and affordability. It is, without a doubt, a choice for those who seek excellence without burdening their wallets.Hooked to my MacBook, sending its signal to Kanto YU4s, this DAC transforms sound itself—lifting it from the limitations of the built-in option to a realm where the difference is, as they say, night and day. I would urge anyone who cares about the quality of their music to give it a chance.And though the first unit arrived with a flaw, the seller—quick, responsive, and true to their word—ensured a replacement was sent without delay. This, my friends, is a product and a transaction I can recommend without hesitation. Let us strive always to recognize and support quality in its most accessible form. Thank you, and may your sound be ever clear!