Topping E70V Review

Controls & UI

The E70V can be controlled in 3 ways, but as with all Topping DACs, navigation is still controller-dependent. First of all, we mentioned that the power button on the front panel can be used to change the input, but it is also possible to change the active output via the volume knob. If you want to change the DAC’s modes, filters, and all other settings, you’ll need the help of the remote. Details of the controls can be downloaded here.

As with Topping’s other DACs, you need to access what Topping calls the “setup menu” to access important options such as changing the DAC mode. You can only access this menu when the device is switched off. With the device turned off, hold down the volume knob and turn the power switch on the back of the device to ON. Voila, you are in the setup menu.

In this menu, you can set the automatic power on and change the standby behavior, adjust display brightness, change the maximum output level at 0dBFS, set PCM filters, adjust channel balance, set pure DAC or preamp modes, and finally enable/disable the Bluetooth. When you are done adjusting the settings, press and hold the same button again and when you see 8-8 on the screen, it means that you have successfully saved the settings. 

I recommend using the remote control for the setup menu as it is both easier and more practical. If anything goes wrong, the E70V has a rather odd factory reset procedure; in the standby state, turn the knob on the front counterclockwise until the display is fully illuminated.

DAC Performance

Testing Equipment: Focal Alpha 80 Studio Reference Monitors, System-wide Audioquest Cables.

I was really impressed by the E70 and L70 duo that we reviewed in the last months of 2022. Alongside their technical prowess, we found the DAC to deliver a very clean and accurate reproduction and decided to award both of the units with an Headfonia Recommendation

When the E70V was offered to me for review, I was very excited as, after the success of the E70, I was curious to see what Topping could do with AKM’s top-of-the-range DAC chip. For those of you that do not know me, I have no clear preference between the ESS and AKM, as the success of the chip is directly related to the implementation and engineering behind the product.

To evaluate DAC performance, I paired the E70V directly with my time-tested studio monitors via XLR. I switched between both of the units, volume-matched, and used the same AQ cables. The E70V sounds natural, impressively clean, and accurate. It is tonally balanced, with a colorless signature across the spectrum. The E70V features the same, mighty impressive technical ability as the E70. It is not surprising since Topping has been constantly upping its game throughout 2022. Its resolution is just brilliant. I believe the biggest difference between the two devices is that the AKM has a more realistic, slightly meatier, and slightly more natural timbre, especially in wind and natural instruments. Although the difference is quite small, I was able to distinguish between the E70V and E70 8 out of 10 times in a blind test conducted with the help of my beautiful girlfriend.

Just like the E70, the E70V has a great PRaT and can take your vintage speakers to a level that you would never have thought possible. Just like the E70, E70V conveys the sound signature of the equipment you pair it with, without saturating or coloring it. You will also get the maximum efficiency from the equipment you are using the DAC with, which is the ultimate purpose of the source equipment.

The E70 and E70V can easily rival some of the pricier options such as the Gustard X16 or the DA-ART Aurora in terms of technical capability. The E70V’s natural timbre and tonality is, in my opinion, unmatched at this price bracket. The E70V does not saturate but helps the equipment you pair it with to shine without changing their signatures. The Alpha 80s and budgety Edifiers that I have both sound madly impressive with the E70V. The Alphas have good PRaT and great imaging capability, which is enhanced by the E70V even further. The instruments sound natural and as-they-should, without any dips or peaks. 

The E70V’s natural take on the reproduction is quite something, especially where there are a lot of natural instruments on the stage. Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue and Art Blakey’s Moanin’ is a great example to some of the albums that E70V just reproduce beautifully. 

The E70V and L70 combo sounds magically dynamic, natural and resolving. The duo sounds great with my VE7 monitors, has lots of juice to drive my Edition XS to the absolute max, and is friendly enough to use with multi BA low ohm IEMs like the Yanyins thanks to their low output impedance. The E70V has a wide and deep stage, and can project track’s stage to the listener with high accuracy. You get a clear view of where the instruments are, and there are plenty of air between them so its presentation never let you feel claustrophobic. The E70V reflects the sheer power of 8 inch monitors, capable of delivering clean signal and lets you push the monitors to their absolute limit, which is not my neighbours’ favorite.

The E70V is the best DAC under the five hundred mark, full stop.

Bluetooth Performance

Let’s talk about wireless performance and signal stability. The device comes equipped with one of Qualcomm’s premium-tier chipsets, QCC5125. The QCC5125 is a well-known chip and it utilizes Bluetooth 5.1. The chip supports AAC / SBC / aptX / aptX LL / aptX / LDAC codecs. The signal stability was great during my time with the E70V, I haven’t had any audio cut-outs or stuttering. I exclusively used LDAC and Android’s audio quality priority (900-990kbps) Bluetooth mode. The LDAC range is quite good and you get no stutter up to 6-7 meters. AAC & SBC range is 10+ meters. 

In terms of sound, the Bluetooth sound performance is impressive and perhaps one of the best in this price bracket. Of course, it’s not as good as wired, especially from a technical point of view, but you get similar bonuses regardless. In my experience, resolution, in particular, is slightly reduced compared to wired, and the DAC works a little harder to cope with congestion, but I don’t think there’s a noticeable difference in casual listening, although the equipment you’re listening to has a lot to do with it. For example, while I can tell the difference between wireless and wired with the Alpha 80s, I can’t do the same with my budget Edifier speakers. If I were to put it in numbers, I would say that wireless is about 10% worse than wired, with good enough equipment. Again, I’m talking purely about technical achievement. In terms of tonal balance, signature, etc., you can experience the E70V just as well on wireless as on wired.

Comparison

vs. K9 Pro ESS

In the past, I have vocalised in more than one article that the K9 Pro ESS is the best product FiiO has ever made. I still stand by that opinion. The K9 Pro ESS uses 2 flagship dacs, the ES9038Pro and feeds them with a THX amplifier circuit and toroidal supply. In this comparison, I compared both products in pure DAC mode, so I try not to include the amplifier circuit of the K9 Pro ESS. I also directly connected both products to my active reference monitors, volume matched, using the same cables.

The K9 Pro ESS has a better slightly low-end reproduction, tighter with more presence. The E70V’s midrange feels realistically more natural, especially in timbre, compared to K9 Pro ESS, however, the difference is negligible. The E70V’s treble is slightly more silky, velvety, compared to more energetic and sharper K9. Both of the units handle congestion-prone tracks with ease, when combined with equally capable monitors. PRaT-wise they are quite similar. Honestly, I am happily surprised that the E70V does a great job here, keeping up with a much pricier unit. If you are only shopping for DAC, go for the E70V. If you want an all-in-one device, pick the K9 Pro ESS. Both will keep you happy for years to come.

vs. Gustard X16

The Gustard’s X16 uses dual ES9068AS. It has wide-range of I/O options, it is built to last with good components, it has an over-engineered, neatly and tightly packed inner design with some of the best measurements that I’ve seen, it has Bluetooth and LDAC support just like the E70V. Sound-wise, they are close, however, the E70V sounds more realistic with a more natural timbre. The E70V feels more 3-dimensional where at times, the X16 places instruments side by side, in a more flat and linear manner. Both of the DACs are highly revealing when it comes to detail retrieval. The X16’s presentation can be tiresome for some, it feels analytical at times, especially with badly mastered tracks. The E70V’s more natural take works better here, and it deals with congestion better than the X16. At this price, I recommend picking up the E70V.

Last Words

Topping has managed to improve the E70, which we liked very much, and to offer AKM’s flagship chip in a convenient package. With LDAC support, very good bluetooth performance, rich I/O options and a relatively small chassis, it is one of the best DACs you can buy in this price band, perhaps the best. 

If you need a versatile DAC with an excellent SQ, I definitely recommend that you give the this one a chance. We thought it is only fair to award the E70V with the HFN Recommended Award. So these units are now featured on our best DAC list!

Page 1: Topping, Topping E70V Desktop DAC, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality

Page 2: DAC Performance Controls & UI, DAC Performance, Bluetooth Performance, Comparison, Last Words

 

4.4/5 - (304 votes)
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Long time Tech Enthusiast, an ambitious petrol-head, Yagiz likes his gadgets and always finds new ways into the tinkerer's world. He tries to improve anything and everything he gets his hands onto. Loves an occasional shine on the rocks.

9 Comments

  • Reply April 13, 2023

    Nate

    Hi Yagiz,
    Good review!
    I need your input:
    Is this E70V would be a good DAC match with Topping A90D for HD800?
    or do you think HD800 would be sound good just with RME ADI-2 FS DAC?

    Thanks

    • Reply April 14, 2023

      Yagiz

      Totally yes. The E70V & HD800 combo would perform great. I don’t believe you need the RME, I find them a tad overpriced.

  • Reply May 8, 2023

    Daorom

    Hi YAGIZ.
    you compared e70v with Yulong Dart Aurora? Which one is more musical, melodic, natural…? I have e70v+l70 + Edition XS. After about 36 hours, the sound improved noticeably and became very pleasant and clear. Fully agree with your review!

    • Reply May 8, 2023

      Yagiz

      Hello Daorom,
      Stick with the E70V / L70 combo. Technical capability is superior compared to the Aurora. The Aurora lacks the refinement and resolution. I’d recommend getting a copper wire upgrade for the Edition XS.
      If you can DIY, I recommend this wire.

      All the best,
      Y

  • Reply June 30, 2023

    Nelu

    Hi

    I have a pair of Dynaudio Emit 10 connected to an H80 Hegel amplifier.
    Amplifier which has an integrated DAC.
    Now I’m a little bit confused, because I don’t know which DAC would be better, with a better sound: Hegel’s integrated DAC or this one?

    • Reply June 30, 2023

      Yagiz

      Definitely the E70V as it is a dedicated DAC with impressive performance.
      Hook it up to the H80 and enjoy the Emit 10s 🙂

      • Reply December 13, 2023

        Peter

        I would be more cautious with such declarations

  • Reply June 30, 2023

    Nelu

    Thx for this fast answer, I’ll give him a try

    All the best for you

  • Reply January 10, 2024

    Robert

    Hi,

    Hi,

    Which warmer sound dac for Bluesound node n130? Topping e50 or e70?
    With my system and music, older Rock and metal, i don’t like bright sounding streamer. Have looked at the Cambridge cxn v2 but too bright with my music.

    Tannoy xt8f, mf m5si, Bluesound node.

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