Topping's PEQ implementation doesn't seem quite mature yet, according to some of the user experiences reported here.
The JDS Element IV may be a solid middle-ground, as would be the miniDSP Flex or 2x4 HD.
Are you looking to EQ headphones, or speakers? Need a display? Remote control?
Can I borrow your recommendation? Yesterday my OG D50 died
and took my THX789 with it. This opens up a window to upgrade two systems so I only have to research once.
A) Computer - USB - DAC/THX789 - RCA - Sub/Speakers. Equalizer APO.
B) Home Theater - SPDIF/RCA/HDMI eARC (unsure on eARC for audio) - DAC/Amp with PEQ.
For A, I really just need a quality DAC
/AMP combo that passes
the RCA to my sub. RCA or balanced to my THX789, as I believe the THX789 accepts both but is not truly balanced (so should output unbalanced on the pres?)
B is a bit more demanding. I am not sure it is even possible to get both eARC and PEQ on a DAC or combo unit. I would want to be able to change volume with a remote but that is not essential. I want to be able to change PEQ presets on the device.
This leaves me thinking-
A- just about anything - D50iii+
A50iii,
DX3 Pro+,
DX5,
Element IV, mix+match some other?
B-D50iii for B (missing eARC) or SMSL RAW-MDA1 (no PEQ) - I would give up the eARC first since I'm not sure it is needed but PEQ is what I want to add most
edit: re: your last reply, I'm not fully awake, so I got sidetracked thinking about the low gain option I lost on my 789. I understand the components and see why you think I didn't.
edit2: it seems like a miniDSP could be a good addition to A, assuming I could send channels 1/2 to sub/monitors and 3/4 to headphone amp. It might be a bit more complicated though as I already have audio interfaces and voicemeeter in the mix, so I'd have to consider whether it would be worth the headache
edit 3, the final editing: I was wrong, the 789 is working as of the next day after the incident, and I don't know why, but for better and for worse that means I need one fewer amp; I updated the post to correct. It is now sufficiently different I should probably start my own thread, as I just need a pretty much standard DAC to replace the D50.