Topping or MSB?

My Oppo 205 uses the same DAC's as the Topping, uses a similar way to overcome the "midrange hump" (summing the output of 2 of the ESS 9038PRO chips) with (very likely) a better output stage. Over about 50-60 hours of comparison with this to the fully optioned MSB Discrete, my initial impressions (arrived at after only about 10 minutes of comparing) were confirmed. The Modwright Oppo is clearly the equal (or better) of several DAC's in the under $10k range to which I compared it, but the MSB Discrete (even at the bottom of that manufacturer's range) is a clear step above.

Steven Stone is one of the few subjective reviewers with whom I have both a frame of reference and respect for his opinions, and it's not 100% clear to which higher end DAC's he is comparing the Topping, but in the greater scheme of things it is not truly "reference level".
 
I have a Topping D50. Sometimes you find that even though you paid almost nothing for a product, you paid waaay too much.
 
MSB Premier $28,000.00. Topping D90SE $900.00. That’s almost $27,000.00 I could have put in my retirement fund AND had an EndGameDAC! You guys are killing my financial security. Thanks
 
nc42acc said:
MSB Premier $28,000.00. Topping D90SE $900.00. That’s almost $27,000.00 I could have put in my retirement fund AND had an EndGameDAC! You guys are killing my financial security. Thanks
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LOL


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Could it be that Topping has committed to some long-term advertising with TAS? Wasn't Topping, at one time, one of those cheapo brands you could buy at Parts Express?
 
nc42acc said:
MSB Premier $28,000.00. Topping D90SE $900.00. That’s almost $27,000.00 I could have put in my retirement fund AND had an EndGameDAC! You guys are killing my financial security. Thanks
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Well it all depends on how much you value your retirement funds vs using a piece of equipment. :peace:
 
Well.....a good friend with a nice system (Tannoy Westminster, Acoustic Signature Montana, Canary Amps, etc) bought a Topping preamp as a back up and prefered it over his Audio Research Ref 6 preamp. I couldn't believe it when he actually sold the Ref 6.

I haven't heard the Topping so I can't comment about the sound.
 
I will keep the MSB and enjoy my system until I run out of retirement funds. I think this is a better ROI.


CPP said:
Well it all depends on how much you value your retirement funds vs using a piece of equipment. :peace:
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Jeff this doesn’t surprise me but we are talking about the Topping DAC. Trust me I have had my share of DACs through my system and I am staying with my MSB.

jeff1225 said:
Well.....a good friend with a nice system (Tannoy Westminster, Acoustic Signature Montana, Canary Amps, etc) bought a Topping preamp as a back up and prefered it over his Audio Research Ref 6 preamp. I couldn't believe it when he actually sold the Ref 6.

I haven't heard the Topping so I can't comment about the sound.
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nc42acc said:
Jeff this doesn’t surprise me but we are talking about the Topping DAC. Trust me I have had my share of DACs through my system and I am staying with my MSB.
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No I get it. I consider MSB and Audio Research Ref equipment to be some of the best available. I was shocked that anything "Topping" could hold a candle to some of the best.
 
nc42acc said:
Guys after reading this review I am thinking I should sell the MSB and purchase the Topping DAC. With such a glowing review and “EndGameDAC” status it should be a no brainer right?
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Have I got a deal for you. I'll buy the Topping DAC and do a direct swap for your MSB. Fair?
 
jeff1225 said:
Well.....a good friend with a nice system (Tannoy Westminster, Acoustic Signature Montana, Canary Amps, etc) bought a Topping preamp as a back up and prefered it over his Audio Research Ref 6 preamp. I couldn't believe it when he actually sold the Ref 6.
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Wow, an actual subjectivist. No audiophile for sure.
 
jeff1225 said:
Well.....a good friend with a nice system (Tannoy Westminster, Acoustic Signature Montana, Canary Amps, etc) bought a Topping preamp as a back up and prefered it over his Audio Research Ref 6 preamp. I couldn't believe it when he actually sold the Ref 6.

I haven't heard the Topping so I can't comment about the sound.
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So, did you have a chance to compare the Topping preamp to the ARC Ref 6 in your good friend's system before he sold the Ref 6?
 
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