Gustard a18 vs topping d90

[OldBigEars]

Just sent my D90 back.  Fantastic measurements, DSD 256 and all..

I just wasn't loving with my music any more.

YMMV - let us know how it goes.

[OldBigEars]

11 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

 

i would think so, comparing $700 topping d90 dac to your $2500 dac...that hegel looks nice...

 

i don't think my $500 gustard a18 dac will compare much to your $2500 dac either....but there is always the other side of the fence that believes all dacs that measure well will sound the same....who knows...

 

 

Well that's the theory I was interested in testing for myself.... good quality 7 year old technology vs a strong representative of the latest low-cost/high-measurement wave.  It was an interesting experience that I might write about some time.  As I've mentioned elsewhere, the D90 was impressive (simply put) in the detail and lateral breadth of its sound stage.  I heard things in my music I'd never heard before.  Normally you might think this would mean it's game, set and match - test over, money saved, extra features, thank you.  But after a while I found that I couldn't relax and enjoy the sound from the D90.  For want of a better description, it lacked the effortless power of the Hegel, and almost sounded strained by comparison. Certainly it's a lightweight thing by comparison - almost reminds me of an old bedside clock radio, in terms of its physical presence.  After 4 weeks, I decided it wasn't a fit for my system and musical preferences.

[OldBigEars]

I must add that Apos Audio have been very classy about returning the D90 - no issues whatsoever. Highly recommended if you want to give this DAC a try.

[OldBigEars]

10 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

i got the gustard a18 from them (Apos audio).  I am surprised they let you return it after 4 weeks?  I understand the gustard a18 is heavier and feels more solid than the d90. 

 

The reviews will be flying in soon - hope it's good

[OldBigEars]

6 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

do you happen to know if the remote allowed you to power off the unit with long-hold, or no way to turn off with remote?

 

Hmm,  can't remember as I tend to leave my DAC's on 24/7.  It seemed to go into sleep mode when not used, I think.

[OldBigEars]

Just to conclude my DAC experimentation process.....I received a new Chord Qutest yesterday.  I already love this DAC.  I've only used it through the standard USB so far, but it's absolutely outstanding. Incisive filter with 1V output is ideal for me.

 

Take everything that was 'missing' with the Topping - and add it back in, with refinement, weight and musically.

 

Whereas with the D90 I was listening to music in a constant state of agitation, fast-forwarding my way through favorite pieces of music, the opposite is already evident with the Qutest - straight out of the box.  It's funny - before this experiment started I imagined that the D90 would have similar sound characteristics to the Qutest, but would magically save me a handy $1000.

 

In reality, their sound qualities are remarkably different.  That $1000 is the difference between immensely enjoying my music, and being frustrated by it.  Obviously all these comments relate to my DACs' blend with my other equipment, my room and my music selection.  Your experience could be different. 

[OldBigEars]

46 minutes ago, johndoe21ro said:

I think he has made the right choice! So, Kudos to OldBigEars! ☺️

 

Thank you johndoe, my Kudos Super 20's have never sounded so good.  They are loving the Qutest.

[OldBigEars]

1 hour ago, soundbloke said:

 

Similar experience here - Apos had of their own accord upgraded the shipping to DHL Express on the purchase (took only a few days to get to where I am on the East Coast even w/customs & COVID!). 

 

Then graciously accepted return of the D90 past the 30 days when I had informed them that to my ears & personal listening preferences, although it was a really great sounding DAC esp in its price class (the expansive soundstage & detail retrieval thru my D90 + Arya + Wywires cabling rivalled my HD800 which is quite a feat, but sans the sibilance & bass deficiencies) ...however didn't quite live up to my (admittedly inflated) expectations as a long term investment when matched to my present system... Apos had even paid for the return shipping  

 

Maintained great communications with this first time customer throughout the whole process - found their sales & support team to be always courteous, helpful & responsive without ever resorting to aggressive or pushy sales tactics.  Well done all around!

Agree 100%. Their speed of service is remarkable.  And of course they sell a variety of brands worth considering. 

[OldBigEars]

For a long time, I've been curious about the extent to which DAC's really affect the sound quality of an audio system.  I was not expecting much of a difference between my older-tech Hegel HD25 and the relatively new Chord.  But the Hegel, in my opinion, pretty much brushed away the new Topping - even though it was less detailed.  It was just more enjoyable.

 

However the Qutest is a revelation.  After the first 30 seconds I was grinning like a cat - within 2 minutes I knew the Chord was in my system to stay.  It has even more information than the Topping BUT it unpacks and organizes the layers beautifully.  No digital hash or harsh, irritating high frequencies - at least not in my system.  

 

Enough hyperbole. you get the picture. I love what it's doing.  My Kudos Super 20's are known to be resolving speakers - they don't mix comfortably with brash sources.  With the Qutest they are singing sweetly.

 

Connections....with the Hegel I discovered that coax (via Schiit Eitr) was a nice improvement over its USB. I will explore this combination soon with the Chord but, as mentioned, even the stock USB sounds terrific.  

[OldBigEars]

17 hours ago, beerandmusic said:

Well I got my Gustard A18 and it sounds as good or better than any DAC I have heard, and I am pleased.

Most notably is depth and detail especially with native DSD256.

Good to hear - enjoy it !