Topping E70 Velvet AK4499EX DAC Audio Decoder- Bluetooth5.1 LDAC Hi-Res XU316 32Bit/768kHz DSD512 BT/USB/Coax/Opt Inputs RCA/XLR HiFi Stereo Digital-to-Analog-Convertor Black

I got this because I was curious about the AKM 4499ex DAC chip, since it was touted as being warmer than the ESS alternatives. I hooked this up to my NAD C538 CD player, which had a limited internal Wolfson DAC, and the difference was astounding. Bass & Midrange are rich and smooth and there's enough detail to surprise you but not so much that you forget to enjoy the music. The highs have some sizzle, which I dialed back with EQ and the soundstage is wide and fairly deep. A bonus was that you could adjust the balance (+ or - 10db), which I like because I have a bit of asymmetry in my hearing. The remote was bog-standard Topping, but works well and the display is easy to read from my 5-6 foot listening distance. I'm still in the foothills of my DAC journey, but this one really leans into my preferences for a delicate balance between dynamics and warmth.

I've owned several DACs, and the general online consensus I've seen is that after a certain level there is no difference, that it's a solved problem. I used to think that too, using measurements as a basis for buying decisions, and insisting DACs can't sound different.I can no longer claim that after using this DAC. Funny thing is this isn't even the most expensive DAC I've owned, this costs less than half that, but sounds better to me. I know, the sound isn't supposed to sound different, but it does. Maybe it's the filter, but it's there. Generally speaking, motherboard audio is and has been fine for a long time. An upgrade to a solid DAC above that, say a Topping D50s with ESSabre chips, tends to be better, albeit not sound any different from Cirrus Logic and many other other DACs and chips I've had. Go up to say an ESSabre 9028Pro or equivalent is maybe a fraction better. But I found I liked AKM's sound when I briefly tried an SMSL d-6 (Also found in Schitt Modi, Topping E30 II and some other options, all great choices). So I figured I'd grab this one, and I'm just blown away. I'm not going to bore you with audiophile terms, but it just really does sound more detailed and resolving and all that stuff. It shouldn't, that's what I've read at ASR and the like, but somehow it does.Now onto some specific issues. I actually didn't get a remote. I asked Amazon CS and they couldn't help. Fortunately e-mailing the seller did, they're sending me a remote. They responded quickly. I haven't gotten it yet, you don't need it use it but it will make changing options including filters much, much easier. I also didn't get instructions, Amazon CS did link me to those, so I was able to program the options that way, fortunately. I'd like to try out the other filters, but have left it to the default and recommended setting of 3. Product did take awhile to arrive, but it arrived in the delivery window, at the very final day. This also has a one minute auto-standby, but doesn't turn off when you turn off your computer immediately. Also if you did turn it off while the computer was on (manually or something happened) it doesn't automatically turn on, you'd have to select source and tap that button a few times manually. Honestly all this would ordinarily cause me to dock a star. And heck, I'll say I did, because this is a 6* quality product and I'm giving it 5*.You might not need the driver but I have it installed and it covers all Topping products, so it was an easy switch and plug for me. Google the driver, or go to toppingaudio dot com. You probably don't actually need the driver, but just in case you want it or something doesn't go right. There are no instructions for this anywhere. The driver does give you a nice little status icon in the system tray with latency and other options, and a display of the current sample rate---the DAC doesn't display this like the D50s does, so this is the best way to check that.Update: Product has been shutting down randomly (standby and not detecting USB) while in use. I've owned the product less than 2 weeks now and I've had 4 such failures, I think they're getting more frequent now and it probably will get worse.Update 2: Contacted seller and they were willing to replace, but also mentioned using USB 2.0, I had plugged into USB 3.2 slots. So far so good, problem might have been on my end (random so I can't be sure for a few more weeks). So it's something to keep in mind. Putting this back at 5 stars, and I want to also mention seller was quick to respond and help. I also received the remote. Unfortunate it wasn't initially inside the product, but I'm not going to ding a star for now. Hopefully just a rare mistake and others don't have to deal with it, but in case it happens to you, e-mail the seller.Update 3: Ultimately decided to return it, since I was within my return window, when the issue happened again. Probably the seller would have just replaced it, and I saw after they promise to handle shipping costs for one year, which usually isn't the case. Truth be told I've been burned by too many bad warranties and sellers that I didn't want to take the risk---this seller very well could be a great one, and I would have probably found out if I was past my return period---but I just didn't want to take that risk.I still think highly of the sound of this product, and do miss it. I'll keep an eye out for these chips in the future, maybe for a better price down the line. Maybe even this product again to roll the dice and hope it works out better. I still highly recommend it, and just cross your fingers that you don't have any issues like I did (I'm sure just bad luck on my end, but Amazon returns are great, and I did get my full refund--I almost never return anything, but it's good to know you're protected just in case).

I am new to outboard DACs and was using my Node2i’s internal DAC as an all in one streaming solution. Once I figured out the settings, etc., the Topping E70 Velvet has made my Qobuz streaming sound closer to my records - a good thing. I just wishes Topping provided a better (any) instruction manual or even a YouTube setup video for newbs like me.Also, a remote but no batteries! Would Denon or Yamaha EVER ship a remote without including batteries?

This DAC works well and sounds fantastic. The digital menu is easy to navigate, and it offers six adjustable filters. I have preferred filters 2 (default) and 3.As someone who primarily listened to vinyl, this was my first DAC. I wanted to explore audio streaming with a high quality DAC, so I did some research and chose this Topping DAC with the Velvet AKM chip based on a few online and video reviews. The sound quality has exceeded my expectations, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed so far!I have it connected via Toslink to my smart TV, but I especially enjoy using the Bluetooth feature, which allows me to adjust the EQ on Spotify directly from my phone. My phone pairs almost instantly to this DAC.My current setup includes the DAC running into an older Yamaha preamp, which is connected to the Topping PA5 II amp and a pair of Polk es20 bookshelf speakers. I keep the DAC in DAC-only mode, outputting via RCA. It’s hi-fi heaven in my opinion!I can’t see myself needing to upgrade from this DAC any time soon.Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Topping E70 Velvet DAC!

The Topping E70 Velvet, and the S.M.S.L D300 are my two favorite DACs I own.These are my new reference DACs. They are very musical. To me they are the budget/midrange DACs to beat. I also have the S.M.S.L SU-9, and the S.M.S.L M500 mkII DACs. I can't wait to try the new ESS 9039S PRO based DACs, and the Cirrus Logic CS43198 based DACs that are out.So far the Topping E70 Velvet is the best sounding DAC I have yet to hear. It is well balanced. Detailed, large sound stage. You get just the right amount of sparkle at the top. NOT harsh sounding, Lots of depth. I can't find a single con with this DAC. AKM has come back from the dead a winner with their (AK4499EX+AK4191) dual chip package!

Didn’t improve the sound of my WiiM Ultra, but didn’t sound worse either. Great packaging and build quality, but obviously “Used/Returned” product. Do better, Topping…such a waste of time.

This (DAC offers detailed and warm sound reproduction. When paired with my B&W 804 speakers and Krell amplifier streaming through my blue sound node 2i. the combination delivers exceptional audio, analog performance. In comparisn to a equivalent DAC from SMSL featuring the Sabra chip, which did not exhibit the same level of accuracy and refinement. I believe that investing three times the cost may not yield a significant improvement in sound quality over this musical masterpiece. I was going to purchase the SU10 saved a few coins.