Overview

The Topping D70 Pro Sabre is a premium desktop DAC using ESS’s flagship ES9039SPRO in an 8-channel configuration (four channels paralleled per side). Released in 2023, it offers USB, optical, coaxial, AES, and Bluetooth 5.1 (LDAC/aptX Adaptive/aptX HD/AAC/SBC) connectivity [2]. The full-color Aurora UI shows playback info plus FFT/VU views, and the unit supports seven PCM filter options (F-1 to F-7) and “Sound mode” voicings (Off/Valve/Transistor) [2]. Output can be set to standard 2.1 V/4.2 V or boosted 2.5 V (RCA) / 5.0 V (XLR) for wider compatibility [3].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

Manufacturer-published lab data indicate THD+N (A-wt) of <0.00006% (XLR) and <0.00008% (RCA) at 1 kHz, dynamic range up to 133 dB (XLR) / 128 dB (RCA), noise <1.0 µVrms, and crosstalk reaching -140 dB (XLR) / -128 dB (RCA)—all comfortably within transparency targets for a DAC [3]. Independent testing at Audio Science Review using an APx555 analyzer confirms extremely low distortion/noise consistent with state-of-the-art performance for this class [1]. These figures place the D70 Pro Sabre well beyond audibility limits for linear DAC behavior.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.7}\]

The design leverages ESS’s top ES9039SPRO with parallel channel summing, XMOS XU316 USB, selectable output levels (incl. 5 V XLR), and a responsive UI. It also provides seven ESS PCM filters and on-device “Sound mode” options [2][3]. While execution is polished, most building blocks are industry-standard rather than proprietary breakthroughs, so we view the technology level as strong but not novel.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.4}\]

Current market price (US): 699 USD.
The cheapest product with equal or better function & measured transparency we can verify is the Topping E70 (ESS ES9028PRO) at 279 USD. It provides balanced XLR/RCA, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, and manufacturer-published THD+N (A-wt) <0.00006% (XLR) with SNR/Dyn. Range 132 dB [6].
CP calculation: 279 USD ÷ 699 USD = 0.40 → score 0.4.

Notes: If you prefer AKM’s “Velvet” line, the E70 Velvet is widely available around 349 USD with THD+N (A-wt) <0.00006% (XLR) and LDAC as well [7][8]. We still use E70 (279 USD) for CP because it is the lowest-priced verified option meeting the functionality & transparency criteria.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.6}\]

Official warranty is 1 year worldwide [4]. Topping provides downloadable manuals/drivers and has released firmware for this model (e.g., D70 Pro Sabre v1.08 on 2024-05-31, bug fixes for VU bar, etc.) [2][5]. Documentation and update cadence are reasonable, but the one-year term is average, so we rate reliability/support slightly above midpoint.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.9}\]

The product is engineered toward measurable transparency through parallel DAC channels, low-noise I/V stages, and thorough I/O coverage without unnecessary frills. The feature set (LDAC BT, adjustable output level, filters) solves practical integration issues while maintaining objective performance priorities.

Advice

If you want a feature-rich, measurement-transparent DAC with a premium UI and balanced outputs, the D70 Pro Sabre is excellent. If value dominates, the E70 (279 USD) achieves comparable transparency and functionality at ~40% of the price [6]. Prefer AKM? The E70 Velvet (349 USD) is also a strong, transparent alternative with LDAC and balanced I/O [7][8]. Choose the D70 Pro Sabre if you want the Aurora UI, boosted output options, and the assurance of top-tier measured headroom; otherwise, the E70 series will satisfy most transparency-focused needs at lower cost.

References

1. Audio Science Review, “Topping D70 Pro Sabre DAC Review,” https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-d70-pro-sabre-dac-review.44604/ (posted 2023-05-11), APx555 measurement overview.
2. TOPPING, “D70 Pro SABRE user manual / product page,” https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/d70-pro-sabre-dian-zi-shuo-ming-shu-2 and https://www.toppingaudio.com/product-item/d70-pro-sabre (accessed 2025-08-17).

3. Bloom Audio, “Topping D70 Pro SABRE

   Specifications,” https://bloomaudio.com/products/topping-d70-pro-sabre (accessed 2025-08-17).

4. TOPPING, “Warranty Terms,” https://www.toppingaudio.com/warranty-terms (accessed 2025-08-17).
5. TOPPING, “D70 Pro SABRE version V1.08 firmware update,” https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/d70-pro-sabre-version-v1-08-firmware-update (2024-05-31).
6. Apos Audio, “TOPPING E70 Desktop DAC,” price/specs, https://apos.audio/products/topping-e70-dac-digital-to-analog-convertor (accessed 2025-08-17).
7. TOPPING, “E70 VELVET user manual (specs),” https://dl.topping.audio/usermanual/e70v.pdf (accessed 2025-08-17).
8. Apos Audio, “TOPPING E70 VELVET AK4499EX Desktop DAC,” price/specs, https://apos.audio/products/topping-e70-velvet-desktop-dac-digital-to-analog-convertor (accessed 2025-08-17).

(2025.8.17)