Asia is kicking Ass and Taking Names


Ancient 'phile here. Owned a lot of kit over the decades. but for the last ~8 years a dac/pre; Audio Alchemy  DDP-1, which died about 4 months ago. Thinking it might cost too much to repair, I contacted AA but got no response, which was a blessing in disguise. Being retired living on SS ans a small monthly insurance stipend, even used hi-end kit is out of h question. I had been watching YTVs (made by several non-hi-end reviewers) about various Asian companies making quality audio, but as a Amazon not only do they carry most of the brands I was curious about, but free returns AND 6 no interest payments: first I bought a SMSL PL200T top loading transport, and partly because it decodes MQA (I know not many many of  them available, but still)... Amazing for $500. Next I bought a Topping D90iii Dac/Pre; a one bit, discrete, fully balanced @ $999 (MSRP of AA  when new was $2600), and as good as. Reading more, several reviewers urged getting a preamp. I bought the Topping D90 @$900) . IMHO, all outstanding value for < a quality used transport, dac or pre. High end prices are dinosaurs. HTH

tweak1

Asia-great band!

Yes I have $900 Topping d90III SABRE  DAC as well and it’s exactly as advertised performance-wise and an end gamer.   
Not everyone would agree but so what?  That’s how it always is. 
Synergy will vary by system and is always subject to listener preferences. On paper, it’s undeniably a top performer and you can bank on that. 

I saw Asia in a small venue. Carl’s drum set was 6 feet from me and Squire did The Clap at the break on an electric guitar because his acoustic set up failed. 
 

great show

@tweak1 I'm glad you found products that you enjoy. We are lucky to live in a time for this hobby when we have access to products that are very good at all points across the price spectrum.