The Absolute Sound
December 2025
Tom Martin, CEO of The Absolute Sound has published an in-depth review of T3X, taking a special interest in the MQA Qrono and Leedh Processing volume control features available.
During the review Tom states:
the result is a more analog-like, more continuous sense of musical tones. The lack of grit compared to the lesser products I've heard is unexpected and very welcome. This gives a sense of refinement that you may not know you need, but once you hear it, you want it.
It's decidedly better than the much lower priced ESS DACs I've heard... Implementation matters, especially with ESS DAC chips.
to do better, you're going to have to a) spend quite a bit more and b) have a very well-developed and likely very expensive system.
Right now, I’d rate this as the lowest cost way to get 95% of more of what digital can do. It isn’t inexpensive, but I think it is a benchmark that helps everyone think about audio system building and budgeting.
I think it's the benchmark streamer DAC for anyone looking near or even well above this price range.




