I forgot to mention that the new D30 supports full MQA hardware decoding. The older version didn't do that. I guess it's most relevant to Tidal users. Cheers!
I had two AK-based DACS, before settling on the Sabre-based Atom DAC+. I gave it to my daughter with a system I built for her. Wish I still had it - the DAC+, with its Sabre chip, sounded fantastic.
I’m using the original D30 and have no complain. But I was anxious to know if the new version has some improvement about the sound quality. Thank you very much for the timely review. By the way, I heard that the AKM factory gives up to reconstruct the production line and it takes very long time to build the new whole factory.
Great review! I purchased the original D30 based on your review a year ago. I noticed there was changes made to the new D30 and it had a Sabre chip and was curious what the sound differences may be. You mentioned the original had a wider soundstage. Does it also have more depth?
Another great review ,thanks a lot pal !! It may be good enough[as a dac] but comes notably more expensive [270 euros] and misses its initial advantage .I 'd like to know how it compares to the new SMSL SU 6 [175 euros].Keep up the good work !!
Glad that you mentioned the E50 for comparison, my choice in this realm of DACs. MQA is something I don't even consider, paying for the MQA liscensing on these DACs is a real pisser imo. Also, battery supplied power can make the E50 sound very good too without buying an expensive linear power supply.
Dear, I appreciate so much your reviews! You're so accurate and sharp during the descrptions. I would a suggest from you: which I should choose between Topping DX3 Pro+ or Loxjie D30 new version? The source is my PC desktop and I listen mostly funky music and electronic music and often I like to see films and listen accurate audio on them. Headphone Sennheiser HD 560S Thank you for your suggest.
I think the new Topping dx-3 pro plus has better value. I bought it a month ago to replace the Topping E-30. It has a much more powerful headphone amplifier than the Loxjie's The dac of the Dx-3 pro plus sounds less dry and analytical and its bass is stronger than that of the E-30.
Looking at the specs here in the UK I see that the new version is MQA enabled giving full MQA decoding and MQA-CD support. I don't know if the one you showed had that (or whether the older version did) but that alone could account for the big increase in price. (Personally I would wish to avoid MQA as I don't think it adds any value but always adds to the price.). More important is whether it supports USB from Windows 7. Some of these lower price DACs don't but it may be that ESS dacs will and the D30 with ESS chip will work with Windows 7 upwards.
The D40 uses 2 of those chips in differential mode and a better power supply. perhaps you get it as well. the layout looks like the one of the SMSL DO 200 or Gustard X16.with $450 it is more expensive but should be comparable to the M500mkII.
I too would love to see a review of that one actually. It’s got a couple of rave reviews from other reviews already, but I would have an easier time believing your review. Then their reviews. As you have a lot of experience reviewing them, and therefore can offer a better comparison to other DACs IMO.
You should really try, and hopefully review, the Sabaj D5. It’s not new at all, but that’s just means the price has dropped quite a lot. And it competes with much more expensive DACs, just like it did when it was a lot more money (I think it was $479 originally). I think it’s currently $369 US at AliExpress, and only US$351 and change at Amazon right now amazingly. It uses a better chip then all these DACs you’re mentioning, measures much better then most DACs, and has a balanced headphone amp in it. Along with a built in linear PS, remote control, XLR (balanced) outs, and preamp capability. It’s among my top 3 DACs that I own. Along with the Topping D70s MQA, and my Audio Gd N 28.38 (originally almost $1000 US). Which has the same ESS 9038 Pro DAC chip in it, as the Sabaj does. While I would say both of the other ones do sound a tiny bit better to my ears, in my room, and in my system. It’s very, very close to them IMHO. It seems almost forgotten about nowadays, but it’s still one of the best out there under $1000 right now, and quite possibly the single best one, under $500. I’m willing to bet it easily beats the other two more expensive DACs you compared in this video, and costs less too. I highly recommend you check it out. Love the channel. ✌️
@@hardtymz2517 I wrote this a long time ago. I own a few newer DAC’s that are way better now. But oddly enough, I’m not even using them ATM. Because the dac in my Exposure 3010 S2D integrated amp is just as good as any of them. But yes, I agree, it’s worth it to spend money on your source. Be it a DAC, or whatever you’re using. Everything matters in HiFi. A good quality preamp alone can lift your system to amazing heights. ✌️
Heya, thanks for the review. Any plans to review the Fiio K9 Pro? Also any recommended Amp/Dac to replace a Xonar Essence STX? I am using it with Denon D2000 headphones and like it a bit warm.
Great review but.... you didn’t comment on probably the biggest selling feature. It’s a MQA “full” decoder! Meaning it will decode MQA-CDs and MQA tracks without TIDAL software. I would really like your opinion on how it sounds with MQA. I’ll probably have my own D30 by that time.😉 Anyway...Great sound description on the DAC! I preferred AK chips too, but ESS Sabre will have to do. Especially at $250!!! Keep up the great reviews!!
I have an echo dot and am trying to get active speakers. What’s the best way to stream Apple Music to this setup. Would a schiit modi 3 be good? I would like to the raspberry pi 4 route.
I do sonically, but I usually avoid recommending it because it had some problems with low quality USB connector and OLED burn in. But yeah, sound quality is excellent.
I forgot to mention that the new D30 supports full MQA hardware decoding. The older version didn't do that. I guess it's most relevant to Tidal users. Cheers!
is project pre box S2 digital better?What is your preference?
what about bluetooth connectivity ?
There are thousands of names to call objects, why did locxije i*****s use the same name for two profoundly different Dacs??
Love your work.........Keep on keeping on!
It'll be interesting to see this compared to the $200 Topping DX3 Pro Plus.
I had two AK-based DACS, before settling on the Sabre-based Atom DAC+. I gave it to my daughter with a system I built for her. Wish I still had it - the DAC+, with its Sabre chip, sounded fantastic.
I’m using the original D30 and have no complain. But I was anxious to know if the new version has some improvement about the sound quality. Thank you very much for the timely review. By the way, I heard that the AKM factory gives up to reconstruct the production line and it takes very long time to build the new whole factory.
D40 already came out! These guys just don't stop! :D
Great review! I purchased the original D30 based on your review a year ago. I noticed there was changes made to the new D30 and it had a Sabre chip and was curious what the sound differences may be.
You mentioned the original had a wider soundstage. Does it also have more depth?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Geshelli j2 dac. They might send you one if you asked. Great review as usual.
Yes please
Another great review ,thanks a lot pal !! It may be good enough[as a dac] but comes notably more expensive [270 euros] and misses its initial advantage .I 'd like to know how it compares to the new SMSL SU 6 [175 euros].Keep up the good work !!
Glad that you mentioned the E50 for comparison, my choice in this realm of DACs. MQA is something I don't even consider, paying for the MQA liscensing on these DACs is a real pisser imo. Also, battery supplied power can make the E50 sound very good too without buying an expensive linear power supply.
MQA is crappily compressed. It’s basically a huge mp3 file. You actually DONT want your DAC to support it.
I have the the older version. Have been very pleased with it 😎
Ecellent review in every way! Well-structured and describing the sound quality
in a very precise manner! Happy New Year and Merry Orthodox Christmas!
Dear, I appreciate so much your reviews! You're so accurate and sharp during the descrptions.
I would a suggest from you: which I should choose between Topping DX3 Pro+ or Loxjie D30 new version?
The source is my PC desktop and I listen mostly funky music and electronic music and often I like to see films and listen accurate audio on them.
Headphone Sennheiser HD 560S
Thank you for your suggest.
Ah, dang it! This review came 1 week too late or I would have bought the D30 Mk1. As it is, I went with something completely different.
Honest, critical and fair. As always.
I think the new Topping dx-3 pro plus has better value. I bought it a month ago to replace the Topping E-30. It has a much more powerful headphone amplifier than the Loxjie's The dac of the Dx-3 pro plus sounds less dry and analytical and its bass is stronger than that of the E-30.
Looking at the specs here in the UK I see that the new version is MQA enabled giving full MQA decoding and MQA-CD support. I don't know if the one you showed had that (or whether the older version did) but that alone could account for the big increase in price. (Personally I would wish to avoid MQA as I don't think it adds any value but always adds to the price.). More important is whether it supports USB from Windows 7. Some of these lower price DACs don't but it may be that ESS dacs will and the D30 with ESS chip will work with Windows 7 upwards.
Agree on MQA. It need tog be boycotted. Its a scam.
The D40 uses 2 of those chips in differential mode and a better power supply. perhaps you get it as well. the layout looks like the one of the SMSL DO 200 or Gustard X16.with $450 it is more expensive but should be comparable to the M500mkII.
I think your reviews are the best ones! Speaking of DAC/Amps, do you plan to review the Aoshida Dilvpoetry DAC DT-1 anytime soon?
Thanks! And this is the first time I heard about DT-1, seems interesting and sure looks unique.
I too would love to see a review of that one actually. It’s got a couple of rave reviews from other reviews already, but I would have an easier time believing your review. Then their reviews. As you have a lot of experience reviewing them, and therefore can offer a better comparison to other DACs IMO.
I'd like to see Loxjie D40 Pro review!
You should really try, and hopefully review, the Sabaj D5. It’s not new at all, but that’s just means the price has dropped quite a lot. And it competes with much more expensive DACs, just like it did when it was a lot more money (I think it was $479 originally). I think it’s currently $369 US at AliExpress, and only US$351 and change at Amazon right now amazingly.
It uses a better chip then all these DACs you’re mentioning, measures much better then most DACs, and has a balanced headphone amp in it. Along with a built in linear PS, remote control, XLR (balanced) outs, and preamp capability.
It’s among my top 3 DACs that I own. Along with the Topping D70s MQA, and my Audio Gd N 28.38 (originally almost $1000 US). Which has the same ESS 9038 Pro DAC chip in it, as the Sabaj does. While I would say both of the other ones do sound a tiny bit better to my ears, in my room, and in my system. It’s very, very close to them IMHO.
It seems almost forgotten about nowadays, but it’s still one of the best out there under $1000 right now, and quite possibly the single best one, under $500. I’m willing to bet it easily beats the other two more expensive DACs you compared in this video, and costs less too. I highly recommend you check it out. Love the channel. ✌️
Wait until you hear a good DAC like the 10th SU-9. Nothing compares
@@hardtymz2517 I wrote this a long time ago. I own a few newer DAC’s that are way better now. But oddly enough, I’m not even using them ATM. Because the dac in my Exposure 3010 S2D integrated amp is just as good as any of them.
But yes, I agree, it’s worth it to spend money on your source. Be it a DAC, or whatever you’re using. Everything matters in HiFi. A good quality preamp alone can lift your system to amazing heights. ✌️
It would be great if you could review the new SMSL sh-6, su-6 amp and dac. I really appreciate your work.
Coming next month. 😊
Heya, thanks for the review. Any plans to review the Fiio K9 Pro? Also any recommended Amp/Dac to replace a Xonar Essence STX? I am using it with Denon D2000 headphones and like it a bit warm.
Great review but.... you didn’t comment on probably the biggest selling feature. It’s a MQA “full” decoder! Meaning it will decode MQA-CDs and MQA tracks without TIDAL software. I would really like your opinion on how it sounds with MQA. I’ll probably have my own D30 by that time.😉 Anyway...Great sound description on the DAC! I preferred AK chips too, but ESS Sabre will have to do. Especially at $250!!! Keep up the great reviews!!
i have the old D30 + A30. i dont get why they changed the display. Now it doesn't match nicely with the A30.
New version is APT X HD Bluetooth. Can't change display colour? has less PCM filters (3) .It has spdif changable DPLL function.
Can you recommend a budget, hi-fi streaming unit to connect to the digital input for listening to UA-cam Music or Tidal?
I have an echo dot and am trying to get active speakers. What’s the best way to stream Apple Music to this setup. Would a schiit modi 3 be good? I would like to the raspberry pi 4 route.
Sotm vs Allo usbridge signature next rime?
Thanks! Got one a weeks ago, the dac it's great, but i nerd more power, You think in something better than a topping l30?
Nerd power!
The D30v1 has a little hiss with IEMs. Is that the case for the v2?
Nice review but how does it sound? Hehe...:-)
But MQA is bad. It’s just huge sized compressed mp3 quality no matter how much it is decoded/“unpacked.”
Can you tell me best soundstage for beginner audiophile like me through schiit DAC ? Or American DACs
I think Schiit Modi Multibit has a really good soundstage and great tonality.
@@iiWiReviews but in another video you said you would prefer s2 pre box over multibit
I do sonically, but I usually avoid recommending it because it had some problems with low quality USB connector and OLED burn in. But yeah, sound quality is excellent.
@@iiWiReviews so the s2 can have issues ? I live in india so I don’t want to risk repair issues .. the s2 sound is more better than multibit
@@rajendrabiswas Yeah, they can have issues and I would not risk it if you don't have local support that can service it.
What about D40? I just saw it on a Chinese site
It’s a good camera.