Short answer: the Topping D900 if measured performance matters most, the Topping D90 III Sabre if price matters most. The Topping D900 ranks #2 of 30 DACs, rated 4.9/5, at $1,799. The Topping D90 III Sabre ranks #7, rated 4.8/5, at $899, $900 cheaper.
What the Topping D900 does well: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The catch: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price.
What the Topping D90 III Sabre does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price.
Buy the Topping D900 if measured performance matters more than the price. Buy the Topping D90 III Sabre if the price matters more than measured performance.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping D900 | Topping D90 III Sabre | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.00 | $899.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 30 in DACs | #7 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) | - |
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- Topping D900 vs SMSL M400
- Topping D900 vs SMSL VMV D2R
- Topping D900 vs Topping Centaurus
- Topping D900 vs Chord Qutest
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Topping D900: $1,799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It has a huge input set, including USB, two optical, two coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, plus a volume knob, 10 band parametric EQ and an XLR preamp output for powered speakers.
Cons: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price. Outputs are XLR only with no RCA, and at 2,520 g it is a large unit.
Full Topping D900 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping D90 III Sabre: $899.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 123 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and drives an amp or powered speakers over RCA or balanced XLR. A volume knob and Bluetooth remote let it work as a preamp.
Cons: The Topping D70 Pro SABRE matches both its rating and its 123 dB SINAD for much less, and the SMSL D-6S matches its rating for a fraction of the price. It has no headphone output.
Full Topping D90 III Sabre review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039SPRO |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (220 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 123 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob and Bluetooth remote |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Gustard X18
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D1se2
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL D400 Pro
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL RAW Pro-DAC1
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL SU-10
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL M400
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs SMSL VMV D2R
- Topping D90 III Sabre vs Topping Centaurus
- See all 9 comparisons