Topping D50 III Balanced DAC with EQ Review

[staticV3]

This is probably a dumb question that has been asked before, but the sampling rate out of usb input (both when I use my pc and iPad), is fixed and doesn’t change with source unlike optical input. Does anyone know how to fix this?

By default, your PC and iPad will resample all system audio to one uniform sample rate before sending it to your D50III.

That's why the sample rate display doesn't change.

If you want to send your tracks at their native sample rate without being resampled, then you need to use the appropriate software.

On Windows, there are a bunch of audio players which can do this.
You just need to ensure that they use the Wasapi Exclusive or ASIO API for playback.
Foobar2000 is a good example.

On Android, there are Apps like HiBy Music, FiiO Music, Neutron, or USB Audio Player Pro.

On iPadOS, similar Apps should exist as well.

 

[DantonIzzo]

By default, your PC and iPad will resample all system audio to one uniform sample rate before sending it to your D50III.

That's why the sample rate display doesn't change.

If you want to send your tracks at their native sample rate without being resampled, then you need to use the appropriate software.

On Windows, there are a bunch of audio players which can do this.
You just need to ensure that they use the Wasapi Exclusive or ASIO API for playback.
Foobar2000 is a good example.

On Android, there are Apps like HiBy Music, FiiO Music, Neutron, or USB Audio Player Pro.

On iPadOS, similar Apps should exist as well.

Thanks! I use Amazon Music app to stream. Is there a way to do that with Amazon Music? I thought the exclusive mode would do it, but it doesn’t.

 

[staticV3]

Thanks! I use Amazon Music app to stream. Is there a way to do that with Amazon Music? I thought the exclusive mode would do it, but it doesn’t.

I don't know, sorry.

 

[Hellasärö]

A question, can one make different PEQ's for the L and R channel, or are they for both/linked?

 

[Bleib]

A question, can one make different PEQ's for the L and R channel, or are they for both/linked?

Linked

 

[DantonIzzo]

I have a question about Topping Tune. When I adjust the gains at the individual fr level, I’m limited to going up and down by increments of .5. Is there a way to make it go by increments of .1?

 

[redsonic]

It seems that Topping used the same I/V circuit diagram as the ESS datasheet, but I'm curious about the many sot23-6 components here.

It doesn't look like it at all. also a lot of parts on the bottom

 

[Robert Weide]

I’m limited to going up and down by increments of .5.

Just got my D50III. Same issue, and this makes the PEQ function totally unusable to me. Such a shame for Topping.

 

[staticV3]

Just got my D50III. Same issue, and this makes the PEQ function totally unusable to me. Such a shame for Topping.

Sure, 0.1dB steps would be nice to have, but 0.5dB step size can at most result in 0.25dB of amplitude error.

In what world is a ≤0.25dB error fatal?

 

[Robert Weide]

Sure, 0.1dB steps would be nice to have, but 0.5dB step size can at most result in 0.25dB of amplitude error.

In what world is a ≤0.25dB error fatal?

I can hear the difference of 0.2dB at mid-high frequencies, so a smaller step size is crucial. Going back to equalizer APO now. It's still an upgrade since I got a better SNR compared to my retired DX1.

 

[KyleBarnhart]

I got the D50III a week ago. It's very nice to have a good measuring device with EQ. I have a few headphone profiles in and it's nice to switch headphones and sources and not worry about windows updates turning off Equalizer APO. Having 0.1 step size would be nice. I tried editing the config files directly but the software changes it back to 0.5. It would be nice in import setting from autoeq. I have the A50III too with the balanced cables. I was just able to try the 4.4mm a couple days ago. I ordered some more headphones now.

 

[DantonIzzo]

Just got my D50III. Same issue, and this makes the PEQ function totally unusable to me. Such a shame for Topping.

I just round up or down. But I do think it would be nice to be able to go by .1.

 

[DantonIzzo]

I got the D50III a week ago. It's very nice to have a good measuring device with EQ. I have a few headphone profiles in and it's nice to switch headphones and sources and not worry about windows updates turning off Equalizer APO. Having 0.1 step size would be nice. I tried editing the config files directly but the software changes it back to 0.5. It would be nice in import setting from autoeq. I have the A50III too with the balanced cables. I was just able to try the 4.4mm a couple days ago. I ordered some more headphones now.

Not that it matters much or even audible but the single ended input of the A50 actually measures better than the balanced output.

 

[overlord001]

So, I'm currently using a DX3+ pro with a Sennheiser HD 800s with APO EQ. Would I notice any improvement in sound with replacing the DX3+ with a A50 III / D50 III?

 

[DantonIzzo]

So, I'm currently using a DX3+ pro with a Sennheiser HD 800s with APO EQ. Would I notice any improvement in sound with replacing the DX3+ with a A50 III / D50 III?

I actually went from DX3 Pro+ to the A50/D50 III stack, and I think I notice a difference but likely placebo though. I got it mainly because I wanted the PEQ function. Kinda nice not having to fire up my PC. I can just hook up my iPad or iPhone and it’s ready to go. I also find that my iPad and iPhone are less noisy than my pc.

 

[trungdtmc]

It doesn't look like it at all. also a lot of parts on the bottom

look like decoupling caps

 

[Hamrin]

I've just purchased a brand new D50 III but I'm experiencing some issues.
The firmware is the latest available, version 1.30.

The Topping is connected to my Roon Nucleus (ALSA protocol) via a USB cable and to a 5V power outlet using the original Topping cable.

All issues are there with TRS and RCA, also in Pre mode.

The first issue I encounter is related to the USB connection, which seems unstable. Sometimes, merely touching either of the two cables causes an immediate disconnection of the DAC, and in some cases, it is necessary to disconnect everything and reconnect from scratch.

The second issue is an EMI/RFI interference (hiss and whistle) that can sometimes be heard from the speakers when no music is playing.
No matter if power is connected or not, it is there.

As soon as the music starts, luckily the buzzing disappears, and if I stop the music, it does not reappear.

So it seems to be a sort of "idle" bug.

The third issue is related to the trigger out when I connect the DAC to my Fosi ZA3 using a simple stupid 3.5mm cable.
By default Roon correctly recognise it as 768 PCM and shows this sample rate on the screen. When the trigger is connected the DAC weirdly switches to 96kHz for all inputs and displays this value on the screen... Also Roon Settings show 48 and 96kHz only as supported sample rates... It is like the trigger turns the UAC1 setting ON bypassing the menu.

 

[DantonIzzo]

I've just purchased a brand new D50 III but I'm experiencing some issues.
The firmware is the latest available, version 1.30.

The Topping is connected to my Roon Nucleus (ALSA protocol) via a USB cable and to a 5V power outlet using the original Topping cable.

All issues are there with TRS and RCA, also in Pre mode.

The first issue I encounter is related to the USB connection, which seems unstable. Sometimes, merely touching either of the two cables causes an immediate disconnection of the DAC, and in some cases, it is necessary to disconnect everything and reconnect from scratch.

The second issue is an EMI/RFI interference (hiss and whistle) that can sometimes be heard from the speakers when no music is playing.
No matter if power is connected or not, it is there.

As soon as the music starts, luckily the buzzing disappears, and if I stop the music, it does not reappear.

So it seems to be a sort of "idle" bug.

The third issue is related to the trigger out when I connect the DAC to my Fosi ZA3 using a simple stupid 3.5mm cable.
By default Roon correctly recognise it as 768 PCM and shows this sample rate on the screen. When the trigger is connected the DAC weirdly switches to 96kHz for all inputs and displays this value on the screen... Also Roon Settings show 48 and 96kHz only as supported sample rates... It is like the trigger turns the UAC1 setting ON bypassing the menu.

I don’t have any of these issues. You might have a defective unit. Are you still within return/exchange window?

 

[riulian83]

But I do think it would be nice to be able to go by .1.

Because of the 0.5 gain step, the PEQ function for me is only partial usable (the reason I bought this DAC was it's PEQ function). I really hope that soon with an update this will be implemented and we'll be able to use 0.1 step size

 

[Bleib]

Because of the 0.5 gain step, the PEQ function for me is only partial usable (the reason I bought this DAC was it's PEQ function). I really hope that soon with an update this will be implemented and we'll be able to use 0.1 step size

Ultimately the goal for these companies should be to release their dac or pre-amp with PEQ and and microphone which measures at the listening point.