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

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.

I had a Topping E70 Velvet and was pretty blown away by its cost/performance. Can’t go wrong with that particular DAC. I would put it up against FAC’s costing 3 times as much. 
 

Also agree that Asia was one hell of a band! That’s why they were called a “Supergroup” back in that day!