Topping D50 III Balanced DAC with EQ Review

[Joachim Herbert]

Topping slowly coming for RME

Well, not really. Just look how long RME products are on the market, when (and why) there are design changes and how long products are supported. This is second to none.

 

[Joachim Herbert]

Used to work in one, in fact, worked in several. Please, be more condescending, I'd positively love that.

Balanced runs should be on XLR. At the very least they're a locking connector, which, personally, I trust a heck of a lot better than a 1/4 jack (unless it's a nice locking Neutrik at the female end.)

I understand that Topping is being budget conscious here, but come on. Even if it's balanced, being on 1/4 makes me have to get my adapters out to hook it up to other balanced gear. As @Labjr said, 1/4 connectors are prone to strain failures. It looks cheap, it feels cheap. Furthermore, it's easier to identify on sight what you need rather than wasting time sorting your TS cables from TRS, etc.

Balanced outs over 1/4 inch?

That's amateur hour.

Amateurs all over the place in the pro field.

 

[Calypso1]

You can't.
"Please note that it can’t be connected directly to a USB device like a DAC, it must be connected to a USB host like a computer."

@Rja4000 Can I connect my network streamer (e.g. Eversolo DMP-A6) via USB and connect power using the other USB-C port?

 

[oscar_dziki]

You can see that in the settings above the chart you posted.
It is -5db at 100Hz.

I see asked equalization but I (nor you) can't see its real impact on frequency response (if, and how it works!) Even if I'm going to believe that topping implemented is working as expected, let's not fool ourselves - there will be products that will mess it up, and therefore it would be good to measure the real impact that equalization has on frequency response. That's my point.

 

[Sokel]

I see asked equalization but I (nor you) can't see its real impact on frequency response (if, and how it works!) Even if I'm going to believe that topping implemented is working as expected, let's not fool ourselves - there will be products that will mess it up, and therefore it would be good to measure the real impact that equalization has on frequency response. That's my point.

If I can understand what you are saying,you can see some measurements about what you want in the other review (just before the end of the review) of D50 III here:

(Unofficial) Topping D50 III DAC review and measurements

Here is a review and measurements of the recent Topping D50 III DAC The D50 III is a small DAC. From above, it looks like a square of approx 13x13cm . I purchased it new from Audiophonics for around 230€ (pre-release discount included). This is one of the cheapest DACs with balanced and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Georgrig]

A new era is indeed upon us. FiiO just released their K19, too. An all-in-one THX-based DAC/Amp with PEQ functionality. Hope we get to see it tested here soon!

 

[HD800Fan]

Well, not really. Just look how long RME products are on the market, when (and why) there are design changes and how long products are supported. This is second to none.

And what support do you need for it?

 

[mdsimon2]

And what support do you need for it?

As the EQ functionality of this DAC now requires software to operate, long term support would consist of updating that software for newer operating systems. I have a RME interface that was released in 2004 that I can still use to this day because they provide updated software. Not all manufacturers do this and given how quickly Topping pumps out / drops products I would be very surprised if the EQ functionality of this DAC was usable in 20 years.

Michael

 

[HD800Fan]

As the EQ functionality of this DAC now requires software to operate, long term support would consist of updating that software for newer operating systems. I have a RME interface that was released in 2004 that I can still use to this day because they provide updated software. Not all manufacturers do this and given how quickly Topping pumps out / drops products I would be very surprised if the EQ functionality of this DAC was usable in 20 years.

Michael

Time will tell

 

[Joachim Herbert]

And what support do you need for it?

Drivers for the basic functions (asio), plus added functionality over the years. An ADI-2 DAC bought early on is quite a different beast today due to a permanent flow of firmware improvements. I am not talking bug fixes here, but added functionality. It is not that I need it, but its really nice to know a company cares about existing customers.

I have one of Toppings lower midrange combos (DX3pro+) as a backup system and I really like it. Great performer, pretty good build quality, so no offense.

 

[Alex_Brouwer]

This and a pair of fosi v3 monos or a pa5 ii? Can't decide

 

[staticV3]

This and a pair of fosi v3 monos or a pa5 ii? Can't decide

New Fosi Audio V3 Mono vs Topping PA5 II vs Topping PA7 (inc. 'Plus' versions)...and Aiyima A70

Someone in the new Fosi thread said a new thread would appear to compare models, so here it is. Links to Amir's reviews of the three: Fosi Audio V3 Mono Topping PA5 II Topping PA7 Aiyima A70 Prices are V3 Mono $260 (pair), PA5 II Plus $290, PA7 Plus $550, Aiyima A70 $220. Does the V3 match...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Henreid]

He could just buy a 35 year old Sony TAE-1000ESD.

...or the TA-E 2000 ESD, introduced in 1993. At 31 years old it's a relative youngster.

 

[Robbo99999]

I see asked equalization but I (nor you) can't see its real impact on frequency response (if, and how it works!) Even if I'm going to believe that topping implemented is working as expected, let's not fool ourselves - there will be products that will mess it up, and therefore it would be good to measure the real impact that equalization has on frequency response. That's my point.

It's worth checking. Could go hand in hand with the testing I proposed to Amir re checking for noise with a typical complicated set of overlapping EQ filters (eg an Oratory EQ) - that way you could also check the total EQ curve against Oratory's total EQ curve he shows in his pdf file - you'd just have to cross check a few data points along the curve to be sure it was applying correctly.

 

[Vini darko]

Good product progress.

 

[Alex_Brouwer]

New Fosi Audio V3 Mono vs Topping PA5 II vs Topping PA7 (inc. 'Plus' versions)...and Aiyima A70

Someone in the new Fosi thread said a new thread would appear to compare models, so here it is. Links to Amir's reviews of the three: Fosi Audio V3 Mono Topping PA5 II Topping PA7 Aiyima A70 Prices are V3 Mono $260 (pair), PA5 II Plus $290, PA7 Plus $550, Aiyima A70 $220. Does the V3 match...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thanks for this

 

[Henreid]

A new era is indeed upon us. FiiO just released their K19, too. An all-in-one THX-based DAC/Amp with PEQ functionality. Hope we get to see it tested here soon!

At $1299.99 for the K19 we're in rather a different price range, but it does look like a sweet device (it even includes an HDMI input, which would be ideal for listening to SACDs on a Blu-ray player). I'll put in my vote to see a test report from amirm -- whenever possible!

 

[Dave Tremblay]

That correlated noise with the low frequency EQ engaged looks like a potential issue with filter quantization, either in coefficients or internal state. It is low level with the 1kHz tone, but you might want to measure with tones that are closer to that filter if you see it in the future.

At this low level, probably not a huge issue, but that noise, if the hypothesis of cause is correct, be careful about using very low frequency filters. This problem get worse as you move lower in frequency. For example, probably don’t want to put a 20Hz high pass filter on there.

 

[natna]

Thanks @amirm !
Excellent figures!!!
Nice work Topping. And a nice price.
Great news about the PEQ!
Especially for those who use USB as the main input...

If only it had an HDMI in...

(My SMSL D-6s stays with me, though!)

 

[yahrightthere]

Amateurs all over the place in the pro field.

thank gawd I'm an amateur!!!