Monolith Liquid Platinum Balanced DAC

I've got several high end DACs and this one keeps up with any AK4499 models, and the filters actually do affect the sound, unlike the ESS ones or lesser AKM chips. Slow filters will rolloff the treble enough to take the edge off the highest frequencies for bright headphones (like the DT990 600ohm or other Beyers) without having to equalize. It's a DAC for the purist who doesn't want a remote on the desktop and not fooled by the MQA scam (they're in bankruptcy now because they couldn't find a buyer). The Topping A90 is a perfect size-wise but I've tried with several other amps and XLR is always best, but the RCA sounds just as good to me. It runs in 32 bit mode only, and ASIO4All works perfect if you need that for something like an interface. I have the Topping D90 also, and you'd never be able to hear a difference with the AK44499 version. It's a five year warranty and is transferable with original proof of purchase (I read the fine print on those things and couldn't find any limitations). It's a driverless install for Windows 11, but you might need to run Windows update and click on the driver section to download something for USB depending on your existing installation. I don't like to equalize, so it's simple to just switch to a slow filter for bright headphones, and the default one for everything else. A 15 inch monitor riser makes the perfect table for a stack to save space. With the Topping D90 you get the same sound but for twice the price it's not worth it for another remote control to keep track of. Included is a photo of some of my other amplifiers, because this DAC is the size of a router or laptop. It's substantial and makes a statement, which might be a plus or not depending on desktop real estate. The Asgard 3 sounds and looks good with it also. Amazon Basics quad star balanced cables work great on these, don't break the bank since Worlds Best sound and measure the same, unless you like the look or length for aesthetics. It's not for a gameboy who wants surround sound, or thinks MQA is anything other than lossy compression. I like the simplicity of it, and it runs ice cold despite the venting, which is just for looks...