Topping Centaurus R2R

[unpluggged]

They are using an Altera chip so its FPGA based. This bring some interesting possibilities such as major upgrade via chip reconfiguration, although they probably wont integrate that.

The FPGA/CPLD is apparently used to switch between the DSD and the PCM converter arrays and to implement oversampling and filtering. Possibly also it performs the FFT for the spectrum analyzer display. Not sure which "interesting possibilities" we can expect here. Also I wonder how the volume control is implemented. They state 0.3 dB channel balance, which is not bad, but not exceptional.

The PEQ is implemented in the XMOS controller, and even for changing EQ settings and presets you apparently must use the app, according to the description page (no mention of presets on the unit). So instead of fiddling with ancient circuit designs, they should have spent the effort and the cost on what does really matter: features, reliability, usability, customer support.

 

[Marc v E]

I like the name: reminds me of centaur and dinosaur. Very aptly named.

 

[johny_2000]

So instead of fiddling with ancient circuit designs, they should have spent the effort and the cost on what does really matter: features, reliability, usability, customer support.

They and SMSL are simply putting their eggs in every possible basket, hoping that one of them will take off and cause a sales boom.

 

[boxerfan88]

It's quite an interesting business strategy. For us consumer, it might just work out well too.
Personally their "eggs in many baskets" landed two of their products in my possession -- the DM7 8ch DAC, and E2x2 OTG audio interface.
Truly great products!

 

[solderdude]

Consumers demand R2R (the age old 'more musical' reasons) and so manufacturers want to have a go at that market.
They can be sold for a premium.

Also the R2R conversion is easier to understand than DS.

R2R is often used in (filterless) Non Over Sampling configurations which can indeed sound different but signal fidelity is really poor with lots of >20kHz crap that should not be there.
Not all amplifiers and speakers handle that well which may be part of the experience just like the 'average' roll-off it has starting above 5kHz or so that is actually momentary sample value dependent (so not the same as a shelf filter).

A gimmick for people that want it. Not because the tech is better. Relies (just like many other audio devices) on the belief people have or the curiosity. Helped along with higher prices furthering the idea that it must be more difficult and expensive thus 'better' aided by the 'hang to the old'.

Manufacturers look for the money that can be made.

 

[raif71]

They and SMSL are simply putting their eggs in every possible basket, hoping that one of them will take off and cause a sales boom.

Could just be a game for them

 

[binaryblaze]

It says that they collaborated with Holo Audio and the THD+N figure (-106dB) as well as the board layout do seem to resemble those of the Cyan 2

Cyan 2:

Cyan 2 specs:
PCM:
THD+N 0.0005% @1K (-106dB)
DNR -127dB
Voltage Output 2.5Vrms(RCA), 5.0Vrms(XLR)

DSD 128X:
THD+N 0.0002% @1K (-114dB)
DNR -115dB
Voltage Output 1.25Vrms(RCA), 2.50Vrms(XLR)

 

[binaryblaze]

One thing I don't understand is that Topping, SMSL etc. seem to stick with the QCC5125 BT SoC for years...

 

[unpluggged]

One thing I don't understand is that Topping, SMSL etc. seem to stick with the QCC5125 BT SoC for years...

What's wrong with that? They don't put to use even a fraction of its features anyway. Other than that, these manufacturers are indeed lag behind the competition in that regard, many of them still use the CSR86xx series, and they began transitioning to the QCC5100 series only recently, not for years.

 

[binaryblaze]

What's wrong with that? They don't put to use even a fraction of its features anyway. Other than that, these manufacturers are indeed lag behind the competition in that regard, many of them still use the CSR86xx series, and they began transioning to the QCC5100 series only recently, not for years.

They certainly don’t use it for DSP. I guess it makes sense not to upgrade when SMSL doesn’t even use aptX adaptive on the QCC5125…

 

[amirm]

One thing I don't understand is that Topping, SMSL etc. seem to stick with the QCC5125 BT SoC for years...

They have gotten it FCC approved so they can reuse it in many models without paying yet again for certification.

 

[binaryblaze]

They have gotten it FCC approved so they can reuse it in many models without paying yet again for certification.

Makes sense. However in the case of Topping it seems that they have been submitting new products to be certified by the FCC lately instead of relying on certification of the BT module.

FCC grantee code 2BDXM (products certified: D90 III, D90 III Discrete, BT remote, D50 III)

 

[Bernd]

In the last 3 years, number of new DACs coming out resembles a DAC tsunami! The only interesting thing is that Topping starts to integrate PEQ which puts them into competition with RME. For the rest I can't be bothered.

 

[Sonic-Wall]

This R2R DAC looks very interesting because it also provides a 10-Band PEQ and a nice display at half the price of the HoloAudio Cyan R2R DAC

 

[Purité Audio]

Naive question the 8c channels refers to the number of resistor ladders?
8 resistor array networks , should have read the blurb!
Keith

 

[unpluggged]

The only interesting thing is that Topping starts to integrate PEQ which puts them into competition with RME.

Um, no, it does not put them into competition with RME. They can claim to be competitors when they achieve the same level of engineering, reliability, and support. PEQ is just one of many features of RME converters, and not even the most important, not to mention the Topping's sloppy implementation that does not allow you to set parameters and store EQ presets on the device.

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Cyan 2 module inside?

 

[Sokel]

If they target the traditional audiophile crowd,this design does not make sense.
The analog "taste" they imply just cannot happen without showing an analog volume control.Not in a million years.

It's almost a paradox.

 

[welwynnick]

Cyan 2 module inside?

They do look the same, don't they?

Topping and Holo:

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

They do look the same, don't they?

Topping and Holo:

View attachment 412798View attachment 412799

Yes, that's nice. I had Cyan 2 some time ago. But Topping offering with built in filter and EQ seems to be nicer option and also cheaper, so win win