I wanted a companion piece to my Fosi V3/P3 combo. I wanted to add a DAC to build a full-fledged integrated system for cheap—some standalone DAC with engineering purely built to maximize this device as a DAC. So, no preamp, no streaming, etc.
And here it is: Neohippo DAC, with the ES Saber 9038q2m, a great DAC chip inside, and for a very budget-friendly price. Huh? Will this DAC be any good?
"Pure" DAC Only
I am not that familiar with Neohippo gear, except for their amp switcher ET30, which was reviewed by many reviewers on YouTube back in the day. It’s a very interesting, unique purpose, and very cool-looking device.
But now we have this pretty, let's call it bland-looking, small box which looks like many other DACs in this range. While it does not get any points for looks, I think it is decently built with an aluminum body and metal switches. It is a really nice-to-touch body, giving a feel of quality and elegance. While it will not gain points on looks, as I previously said, I think in the utility department it will.
Build Quality and Features
Adding a screen or any other peripherals to the body would deter engineering from maximizing the sound coming out of this box. It is all sound-centered as it should be, and its small body perfectly fits to be a discrete part of your system chain. It delivers good connectivity with USB, coaxial, optical in, and line out. So the most common ways to connect have been check-marked with this device.
It will also cover your needs, handling up to 32-bit 768kHz, DSD 256, which is really ultra-high decoding support from such a small device.
So, on a grand scheme, you are covered. It is not something to blow you away, but it is certainly something that is really great to see at this price level.
ES9038Q2M
What actually interested me about this device is that it is not being covered by many reviewers (at least I think) and that it comes with almost the newest generation of ES Saber 9038. I think only recently they have released 9039. It should give great results.
The previous generation of this chip, the 9018, is one of the most commonly used chips in a lot of audiophile gear. So, I am quite used to its sound. For example, Audiolab 6000a, etc.
I liked how there is a focus on openness and clarity with that DAC, so having this DAC with the newer chip I was mightily intrigued.
Using the critically acclaimed ESS patented 32-bit HyperStream® II DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the ES9038Q2M delivers a DNR of up to 128dB and THD+N of –120dB, a performance level that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. And the distortion level is as low as 0.0008%.
Benefits of separate DAC
But we all know that DACs' strength does not lie only in their architecture but in the engineering inside the box. How well it communicates with the preamplifier and the rest of the components inside a box. How much it can preserve the naturality before being exposed to current, and how much it can remain distortion-free.
Being separate, it already has a much more advantage compared to integrated DACs. Integrated amps are engineered separately from all the other components, making the output far cleaner and the noise floor far more lifted, which is always a great thing. I always said if there is one component that you can have as a separate if you dislike separates, it has to be a DAC.
Sound Quality/For who this DAC is for?
And the sound is great, it honestly is. I did a couple of A/B tests, mostly with Wiim Pro Plus, with Topping D10s, and just for measuring it with the big boys with Denafrips Ares.
But let’s tackle first who this DAC is for, and its mightiest purpose is improving the sound of your devices. And it can do that magnificently. I think this is the greatest way for you to improve the sound of your audio system for cheap, without buying whole new components. If you have sources like CD players, music streamers up to 500€, or integrated amplifiers up to 700€, you can hear significant improvements in sound by just adding this small device. This is approximate and can vary by device. But this is a quick and easy upgrade to sound. Being so discreet and only focused on sound, it does great to do so. Unfortunately, as it is a pure DAC without a preamplifier, its purpose is a bit limited as a desktop, connecting your PC solution, but it could help a lot with connection to your active speakers.
Its purpose as an external DAC is always to make your sound structure better organized, to rise a dynamic scale to expose more details, and to make sound more present.
And it does all that great.
Best qualities of this DAC
The biggest star of the show is how it presents and cleans the midsection. It truly helps with decluttering the information and putting instruments in their place. It does that by raising the dynamic range of instruments, allowing them to separate more, and in that way, they are more rounded and palpable.
Everything becomes more clear and vivid, as it is far better organized and presented to the listener.
It helps with opening the soundstage in that way. Soundstage is more a combination of many different factors on how it will sound in a room, beginning with room properties, speakers, amp, and how well the DAC places and organizes instruments, including all of the dynamic scale from deep bass to high treble. But the soundstage was decent with this one. It is not a DAC you specifically buy to open the sound, but it does a decent job of expanding the sound more.
Oh, and don’t let me forget that it helps with removing the noise and blackening your background. While it helps with the separation of instruments, it does make them clean and clear and overall presentation more audible.
Also, making all the instruments more present and forward to you. I think the DAC injects a little bit of energy into the mix, and I think it does that by adding decibels in the treble. I think with A/B testings, I could hear how the presentation is closer to me, how it expands more, and I feel all of them more forward and a little bit more energized.
Problems and some Cons
Now, this is where this DAC also shows its true color, certain limitations. Now, this is not a limitation that appears worse than cheap DACs; it is only limitations compared to DACs and where they can improve for next generations.
And that is while the treble does a good job of making the presentation more present and forward, it also struggles with organizing, placing, and resolving the top end. In some songs, mostly where there are pianos and acoustic guitars, the treble is a bit crude.
I think it could shave more on the top end and resolve it to be more manageable. Sometimes I miss details there, which I know exist. I think it could be dynamically richer. All that could make a bit of poise with speakers that are rich in treble. It will not do much in presenting, elevating, or just upgrading the high end of the dynamic scale.
The similar thing is with the bass; it is very neutral here. Your bass is going to be good if your speakers and amp are good. But unfortunately, it will not do a good job to enhance it. Good DACs know to add even more decibels and organize the sound to have more weight, attack, or more details. Here, everything is very neutral. While I was not happy with how this DAC organized the treble, I was happy with how the treble separates more and is more present.
But the bass is just neutral, and maybe that is a good thing if you don't want the DAC to fiddle with the bass and you are satisfied already with it. For better or worse, it does not make the bass more bloated and bouncy, making it fakely big. It serves with providing enough weight, details, and scope to how much your speakers and amp provide. And maybe most importantly, it stands outside of mids enough to not create this warm veiled picture, but politely giving more room for clarity and precision.
Which, when I look at it now, is maybe a great thing really. Maybe this DAC does good with just controlling and restraining the bass.
Topping D10s
This is the one I had, and I think is a great comparison to Neohippo. Short and sweet is both are great in their price level. Quality-wise, they are a bit different but not something to feel fear of missing out if you choose one or the other. Neohippo would be my choice though, only because it just clears the space and air in midrange a little bit better. It also creates a more present and forward presentation, which with certain songs made all the difference listening-wise.
But Topping has a display which is great, I love displays, and has better, more focused, and detailed bass. But just a little bit, to be honest.
What you choose should be prioritized by looks, screen, and a bit better bass.
Using This with Wiim Pro Plus
So, I tested this against Wiim Pro Plus DAC, which is an AKM. And the benefits speak for themselves enough. I love what it did with Wiim’s sound. I love how it made everything so much clearer, mids far more focused, and... a lot of benefits and pluses I mentioned in this review shine here.
Wiim is already a great streamer, but this just added a lot of things I said were not good with it. You can watch my review where I specifically said that midrange of Wiim is its biggest flaw, but here this DAC really helps. It expands the sound a bit more, and makes the sound more separate and clean.
This is the reason I said that this DAC makes everything better, and it does, and is certainly a worthy buy to upgrade the sound of your system for cheap.
Conclusion
Conclusion: I am very happy with this DAC. It will be an important part of my B system, and it will improve the sound of my devices dramatically.
From decluttering the mids, making the background more black, creating better separation among instruments are all the highlights and sudden improvements to your system.
There is still some work in the treble and bass department but they are serviceable and should not be used as a big minus in such a cheap price range.
So, make all your devices come to life again with this small device, and just enjoy bigger cleaner pictures with the happiness that such a small device brought so many improvements.
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Pros
Affordability: The Neohippo DAC offers great value for its price, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to improve their audio system without spending much.
Sound Quality: The DAC enhances sound clarity, particularly in the midrange, decluttering and organizing instruments for a more vivid and clear presentation.
Solid Build: The DAC has a quality aluminum body with metal switches, giving it a sturdy and elegant feel.
Good Connectivity: It provides multiple connection options, including USB, coaxial, optical in, and line out, making it versatile for various setups.
High-Resolution Audio Support: Capable of handling up to 32-bit 768kHz and DSD 256, which is impressive for its size and price.
Noise Reduction: The DAC effectively reduces noise and provides a cleaner, more blackened background, improving overall sound quality.
Neutral Bass: The bass is neutral, which can be seen as a pro for those who prefer a DAC that does not artificially enhance the bass.
Openness and Clarity: The use of the ES Saber 9038q2m chip allows for a focus on openness and clarity, appealing to audiophiles who appreciate detailed sound.
Cons
Bland Design: The DAC’s appearance is described as plain and not visually appealing, which may be a drawback for those who value aesthetics in their audio equipment.
Limited Functionality: As a pure DAC without preamplifier or streaming capabilities, its utility is somewhat restricted, particularly for desktop setups.
Treble Limitations: The DAC struggles with resolving the top end of the treble, sometimes leading to a crude or less detailed sound, particularly with certain instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars.
Neutral Bass: While neutrality can be a pro, it may also be a con for users looking for a DAC that enhances or adds more weight and detail to the bass.
Lack of Display: Compared to some competitors like the Topping D10s, the absence of a display is a disadvantage for users who prefer visual feedback.
Limited Impact on Soundstage: While the DAC improves sound clarity and separation, it is not particularly strong in expanding the soundstage, which might be a letdown for those seeking a more immersive experience. But it can not be found better in this price range
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