Hi all,
To start, I want to specify that my English is not good and that I use a translator to describe my problem.
I have no scientific vocation, I am simply a music lover.
I took the decision to buy a Topping DAC after reading the many praising topics on this forum. My concern is the preamp part of the DAC that generates static noise, crackles and popping in my speakers that remains linear even if I turn down or up the sound (I can provide a recording made with my smartphone), it is present in USB and optical. .
My configuration before my purchase (no problem since 4 years):
Volumio (PC) or foobar (PC) or Daphile (PC) player => NAD M51 DAC => NAD C275BEE power amp.
I bought a Topping D90LE to replace my NAD M51, and use it in preamp mode, using the same cables as my old setup. After a few minutes or hours (it's very random), the sound degrades strongly with the presence of static noise, crackles and popping in my speakers (listening essentially to DSD or PCM 192 files or more).
1st tests made (without effect on the result):
- Change of PC to use foobar and volumio
- Change of the power cable and the USB cable on the DAC.
I then reconnected my old DAC, works perfectly.
I asked for a return to my dealer for an exchange. I received a second copy of the D90LE. Same problem. I then questioned my system. I decided to test the 90LE at a friend's place:
- His configuration: Volumio raspberry (PC) => DAC in simple DAC mode => Preamp => Power amp. It worked perfectly.
I made a second test at another friend's place (who owns a Topping D10 which is a DAC without preamp mode, without any problem):
- His configuration: Volumio raspberry => DAC => Preamp => Power amp.
1st test : Dac connected in simple DAC mode. Works perfectly.
2nd test: Dac in preamp mode, the problem appeared. It seems that the more the sound approaches 0db the less the problem appears. We think that the preamp mode of the 90LE is simply not functional.
I sent back this copy, and ordered a D90SE, hoping that it does not have the same defect. Same result! I still have it at home, if you have any ideas, but I plan to send it back in a few days for a refund.
I contacted Topping support on July 6. After a few exchanges, I haven't heard back. Friday August 5th, I called Topping again and told them that the problem was also present on the D90SE.... they told me that they didn't manage to reproduce the defect, and that if I still had the possibility, I should send the DAC back and get my money back. Curious answer, which can say a lot....
Important point, my reseller succeeded in reproducing the defect....he also opened a ticket at Topping.
What surprises me is that I didn't see a topic on ASR for this defect. I guess users are running them in single DAC mode.
This is my bad experience with Topping. I would like to have the opinion of @JohnYang1997, who is very present on the forum.
I remain at your disposal for further information / clarifications.
Thank you for taking the time to read me, and incidentally for understanding me .
Fred
To start, I want to specify that my English is not good and that I use a translator to describe my problem.
I have no scientific vocation, I am simply a music lover.
I took the decision to buy a Topping DAC after reading the many praising topics on this forum. My concern is the preamp part of the DAC that generates static noise, crackles and popping in my speakers that remains linear even if I turn down or up the sound (I can provide a recording made with my smartphone), it is present in USB and optical. .
My configuration before my purchase (no problem since 4 years):
Volumio (PC) or foobar (PC) or Daphile (PC) player => NAD M51 DAC => NAD C275BEE power amp.
I bought a Topping D90LE to replace my NAD M51, and use it in preamp mode, using the same cables as my old setup. After a few minutes or hours (it's very random), the sound degrades strongly with the presence of static noise, crackles and popping in my speakers (listening essentially to DSD or PCM 192 files or more).
1st tests made (without effect on the result):
- Change of PC to use foobar and volumio
- Change of the power cable and the USB cable on the DAC.
I then reconnected my old DAC, works perfectly.
I asked for a return to my dealer for an exchange. I received a second copy of the D90LE. Same problem. I then questioned my system. I decided to test the 90LE at a friend's place:
- His configuration: Volumio raspberry (PC) => DAC in simple DAC mode => Preamp => Power amp. It worked perfectly.
I made a second test at another friend's place (who owns a Topping D10 which is a DAC without preamp mode, without any problem):
- His configuration: Volumio raspberry => DAC => Preamp => Power amp.
1st test : Dac connected in simple DAC mode. Works perfectly.
2nd test: Dac in preamp mode, the problem appeared. It seems that the more the sound approaches 0db the less the problem appears. We think that the preamp mode of the 90LE is simply not functional.
I sent back this copy, and ordered a D90SE, hoping that it does not have the same defect. Same result! I still have it at home, if you have any ideas, but I plan to send it back in a few days for a refund.
I contacted Topping support on July 6. After a few exchanges, I haven't heard back. Friday August 5th, I called Topping again and told them that the problem was also present on the D90SE.... they told me that they didn't manage to reproduce the defect, and that if I still had the possibility, I should send the DAC back and get my money back. Curious answer, which can say a lot....
Important point, my reseller succeeded in reproducing the defect....he also opened a ticket at Topping.
What surprises me is that I didn't see a topic on ASR for this defect. I guess users are running them in single DAC mode.
This is my bad experience with Topping. I would like to have the opinion of @JohnYang1997, who is very present on the forum.
I remain at your disposal for further information / clarifications.
Thank you for taking the time to read me, and incidentally for understanding me .
Fred