Depends on your budget and whether you need just a DAC with volume control or have use for the RME's DSP features as well (parametric EQ, loudness etc.), the built-in very decent headphone amplifier, or other pro features like clock sync to SPDIF even during USB playback. I'd suggest to RTFM, you wouldn't really get around it if you got the RME anyway.Question is now...which to choose? I just can't help but feel the RME is not just another me-too with a race to who has the best specs. I feel there is craft there and who doesn't love a unit that is well supported and a myriad of tweaks to boot?
New at this, how/what/where did you get the meters? I need this, maybe more than air.My unit arrived today. FW was 2.43. Updated to 2.44.
XLR > XLR ...... driving my HE6se much better than E30 .... high gain, about 11 on vol knob compared to 3 o'clock on E30.
Even though Apos shows no "Pure DAC application" there is indeed DAC and PRE mode available. Mine is set to DAC (as seen in photo). Default filter = 2.
Really happy with the result so far. Don't hear any difference from E30 or D50s. Totally transparent, black background.
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Are You able to control the volume from pc after this update?My unit arrived today. FW was 2.43. Updated to 2.44.
sorry to inform, but it seems You might be on the wrong forum. folks here are free from superstition believes or having faith in magic, but relay purely on numbers and facts. and numbers are showings facts — such thing as „break in” nor „burning in” does not exist and if any deviation actually shows up it is probably from aging of electronics (should not appear overnight if company has any quality control). this if detected indicates of rather poor quality electronics or most likely a major failure ahead.Anyone who has already their Topping D30 Pro maybe need some time to do the "break in" so audio could sound even better ,but I wanna
know how the actual sound compares to SMSL SU-9 in flac and dsd. There arent any reviews on youtube yet of the actual sound.
Yes.Maybe some dont believe in break ins and what not, but dac models can be compared 1 to 1 and see what model is warmer, colder sound,punchier,better soundstage etc ..cause if not why spend 399+ dollars if a topping e30 from 150 does the job ?sorry to inform, but it seems You might be on the wrong forum. folks here are free from superstition believes or having faith in magic, but relay purely on numbers and facts.
Knobs, jacks, power supplies, chrome finish, knobs . . .Yes.Maybe some dont believe in break ins and what not, but dac models can be compared 1 to 1 and see what model is warmer, colder sound etc ..cause if not why spend 400+ dollars if a topping e30 from 150 does the job ?
Good question indeedcause if not why spend 399+ dollars if a topping e30 from 150 does the job ?
Yes.Maybe some dont believe in break ins and what not, but dac models can be compared 1 to 1 and see what model is warmer, colder sound,punchier etc ..cause if not why spend 399+ dollars if a topping e30 from 150 does the job ?
for me it's that d30pro is one of the best looking devices with both rca and xlr output. if e30 or upcoming „d10pro” would have had that, i'd go for it instead (no coax, no opt, no knob, just usb input, that charming display and two selectabe outputs for me please). also that SINAD makes me sleep better.Knobs, jacks, power supplies, chrome finish, knobs . . .
Did I say knobs?
I’ve had my D30pro for about a week now. Initially it sounded a bit flat, so I’ve been aging it in a bourbon barrel, and so far its got some really nice notes of vanilla and caramel with a pleasant open soundstage. I also wiped down the XLR connections with a light coating of my secret mix of Motul and Redline synthetic oil.Anyone who has already their Topping D30 Pro maybe need some time to do the "break in" so audio could sound even better ,but I wanna
know how the actual sound compares to SMSL SU-9 in flac and dsd. There arent any reviews on youtube yet of the actual sound.
for me it's that d30pro is one of the best looking devices with both rca and xlr output. if e30 or upcoming „d10pro” would have had that, i'd go for it instead (no coax, no opt, no knob, just usb input, that charming display and two selectabe outputs for me please). also that SINAD makes me sleep better.
maybe opamp makes some differences? never gave it a deeper thought.
I’ve had my D30pro for about a week now. Initially it sounded a bit flat, so I’ve been aging it in a bourbon barrel, and so far its got some really nice notes of vanilla and caramel with a pleasant open soundstage. I also wiped down the XLR connections with a light coating of my secret mix of Motul and Redline synthetic oil.
E30 is 112 Sinad I believe...for $149IIRC, the X16 is the second best measured DAC after the Okto.
But it's splitting hair. Does it matter if a DAC has a SINAD of 121, 120, or even 110?
But no XLR.E30 is 112 Sinad I believe...for $149
Me either. My reasoning for not dismissing it completely was, I'm not plugging/unplugging the USB. Ever. Plug it in and leaving it.
The Modius is a really good option for most people. It only has PCM and only up to 24/192 but that is good enough if your source is CD and Qobuz.and Modius/Magnius stack is $399