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Topping D50 III Balanced DAC with EQ Review

Rate this DAC:

  • 1. Poor (headless panther)

    Votes: 7 1.7%
  • 2. Not terrible (postman panther)

    Votes: 13 3.2%
  • 3. Fine (happy panther)

    Votes: 55 13.6%
  • 4. Great (golfing panther)

    Votes: 328 81.4%

  • Total voters
    403
Hmm, didn't know that. The guy before said he is using a Alps RK27, which is a stereo pot. So he, like me, has this limitation and use the D50 III to have some digital volume control.
Correct. You and migo77 are using old-school amps with real volume pots. The Topping amplifier is different and I mentioned it simply as an example of what this DAC is suggested to be paired with.
 
How do us Mac users that don't have a PC use Topping Tune?
 
Powering D50 with additional USB cable didn't helped with my problem. :(
Operating a DAC with an output level of -10 dB is not the optimal way to utilize its Dynamic Range (DR) and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) characteristics.
-10 dB gain * 5Vrms = 1.58Vrms of the actual DAC output amplitude.
I know all this. I'm listening not at high volume levels so I use this 10dB headroom to adjust volume to correct recorded level of particular song while playing. I'm around -2 to -7 db usually. I've no remote volume control on my amp. I'm working on relay based digital attenuator, but SW is not ready yet.
20220822_182104.jpg
is not ready yet.
I'm guessing that 1.5Vrms is the optimal input amplitude for your DIY headphone amp (I'm not familiar with this model).
no, it can get lot more input voltage.
Are you using the D50 III's TRS (balanced) output?
yes
Topping suggested pairing the D50 III with the A50 III headphone amp, which has an input range of up to 7.8Vrms at Medium gain mode. This stack works great with the 5V output mode and 0 dB output volume of the DAC, so it utilizes the full range of DR, SNR, and THD characteristics without overloading the headphone amp and introducing unwanted distortion.
I can try to run D50 in DAC mode with digital attenuation control disabled.

I'm thinking of returning D50 and getting D90 Discrete, but first I've borrowed Topping D70s to see if it sounds different from D50 III for me.
 
Newest v1.39 firmware fixed a bug that I personally encountered in v1.37, where switching from USB to BT wouldn't have sound output unless volume is adjusted afterwards.
 
How do us Mac users that don't have a PC use Topping Tune?
I don't have the DAC yet, so can't test it myself, but I have been able to run Topping Tune via the Whisky app which is a free implementation of Codeweavers version of Wine, all of these tools allow you to run Windows programs on Mac.
The UI of Topping Tune appears, but it is highly likely that it may not detect the USB device as it is not a native app and is running via Wine.
If you have the device you can give it a try though, I think Codeweavers has a free trial too.
 
I don't have the DAC yet, so can't test it myself, but I have been able to run Topping Tune via the Whisky app which is a free implementation of Codeweavers version of Wine, all of these tools allow you to run Windows programs on Mac.
The UI of Topping Tune appears, but it is highly likely that it may not detect the USB device as it is not a native app and is running via Wine.
If you have the device you can give it a try though, I think Codeweavers has a free trial too.
If that doesn't work you should be able to use a virtual machine that can do USB passthrough, and run the free but time limited Windows image from Microsoft in the virtual machine. You can then install the Topping driver and app in that Windows VM, and pass the USB connection for the DAC to the VM. I have done this for other USB devices that need driver level Windows software using VirtualBox on linux.
 
Have you already used EQs or not?

Assuming the music source (homemade Raspberry Pi streamer?) is the same for both DACs, the main source of the harshness is harmonic and intermodulation distortion. There can be many reasons for their occurrence. For example, amplitude overload or strong impedance mismatch of the connected devices, insufficient power supply of the DAC (try powering it from an external power source of at least 5V 1A, not from the USB port of the streamer), and many others.

It would be nice to know what kind of speaker or headphone amplifier you have to understand the match.
But first try to reduce the output level of D50 III: switch to 4V output level mode, or turn the volume knob to -2 dB.
I've checked documentation and output impedance of Gustard X26Pro should be 100Ohm like on D50III, there should be not the problem.
 
Hi all! I have a few questions I hope you all can help answer, but first a few words about my use case.
  • Today I have a Topping dx3 pro + that I use with both a Windows PC and a M2 MacBook Pro, via a KVM switch built into my screen. ATM I am only using headphones, some time in the future I might (but probably not) be getting a stereo pair of speakers, but then only for desktop/pc use.
  • I have a couple of headphones, some wired, some with BT.
  • I mainly use EQ for 1 of the headphones, the DT 1990 pro. I have used the https://autoeq.app/ to find the settings for the curve I like
  • I use EqualizerAPO for Windows and eqMac for mac.
I find it kind of annoying to use EQ software, because sometimes it resets, sometimes it interferes with my Bluetooth connection when on Teams calls, sometimes it simply does not start, or quit unexpectedly. And I also like to keep my PC/Mac as little bloated as possible. So I am looking at dacs/amps that have built in EQ. But I have a few questions about the Topping d50III and my use case:
  1. Can I use my dx3 pro + as a amp only, and the D50III as a DAC with EQ?
  2. Is it much hassle to switch EQ profiles on the D50III? My use case will mostly be when using headphone X, I want to use the EQ, when using headphone Y I do not want any EQ. But at a later time, I might add another headphone which I want to use EQ with. But ATM the main use case will be 1 eq profile on headphone X and none EQ on headphone Y. I did read here that there is an possibility to set the C1 and C2 buttons on the remote for this, but can I do something simmilar on the device itself? A quick setting for turning the EQ on/off or switching EQ preset? This will be used at a desktop, so the remote will not be needed tbh.
  3. I assume I need a RCA cable to connect between dx3 pro and the D50III if it is possible at all, do I need anything else?
  4. If the dx3 pro and d50III works together, will I notice any difference in sound quality? If they do not work, will I notice anything with the A/D50III stack?
  5. Is it hard to import a config from https://autoeq.app/?
  6. Any other suggestions for new HW that can do this? The ideal use case would be, multiple headphone connections, where I can connect two headphones at a time, and each connection is preset with a specific EQ.
  7. Does this make sense? :p
 
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Can I use my dx3 pro + as a amp only, and the D50III as a DAC with EQ?
I think DX3 Pro+ only takes digital input and D50 III only provides analog output, so I guess not.
 
1. Can I use my dx3 pro + as a amp only, and the D50III as a DAC with EQ?
No, because the DX3 Pro does not have analog audio inputs.

Is it much hassle to switch EQ profiles on the D50III? My use case will mostly be when using headphone X, I want to use the EQ, when using headphone Y I do not want any EQ.
It's easy to switch between saved EQ profiles. There are two custom settings buttons on the remote that you can use to save EQ profiles and volume levels.
1736897784261.png

but can I do something simmilar on the device itself? A quick setting for turning the EQ on/off or switching EQ preset? This will be used at a desktop, so the remote will not be needed tbh.
Yes. Press the joystick to open the device menu. Scroll down to the menu line "9. PEQ setting" and "10. PEQ project", pressing left or right will turn on and off, and switch between saved (up to 5) EQ profiles respectively.

3. I assume I need a RCA cable to connect between dx3 pro and the D50III if it is possible at all, do I need anything else?
4. If the dx3 pro and d50III works together, will I notice any difference in sound quality?
Impossible. See #1.

Is it hard to import a config from https://autoeq.app/?
Direct import from AutoEQ is not possible. You will have to do this manually by rotating the frequency band sliders and saving the settings. See Topping Tune reference guide.

Any other suggestions for new HW that can do this?
The RME ADI-2 DAC FS can do all of this and much more. Plus a built-in headphone amplifier and a much more informative display.
The ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition and ADI-2/4 Pro SE can handle 2 independent headphone connections and EQ profiles, and also feature balanced headphone connections, analog inputs, and all of the above.
 
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If they do not work, will I notice anything with the A/D50III stack?
Probably not. But D50 III + A50 III is a very high-performance stack. You can find my measurements in this thread.
In this case, you will be able to save the PEQ settings in the DAC and switch them at any time without a PC/Mac.

TIP: If you decide to buy the D50 III, be sure to buy the USB 2.0 High Speed Isolator. This DAC is susceptible to USB ground loop noise. See my posts about them.
The JDS Labs Synapse USB Isolator should also work.
 
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I think DX3 Pro+ only takes digital input and D50 III only provides analog output, so I guess not.
Thanks for the input, I suspected such, but wanted to make sure, because chat gpt said otherwise, but I did not believe it 100% :p

No, because the DX3 Pro does not have analog audio inputs.


It's easy to switch between saved EQ profiles. There are two custom settings buttons on the remote that you can use to save EQ profiles and volume levels.
View attachment 421137

Yes. Press the joystick to open the device menu. Scroll down to the menu line "9. PEQ setting" and "10. PEQ project", pressing left or right will turn on and off, and switch between saved (up to 5) EQ profiles respectively.


Impossible. See #1.


Direct import from AutoEQ is not possible. You will have to do this manually by rotating the frequency band sliders and saving the settings. See Topping Tune reference guide.


The RME ADI-2 DAC FS can do all of this and much more. Plus a built-in headphone amplifier and a much more informative display.
The ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition and ADI-2/4 Pro SE can handle 2 independent headphone connections and EQ profiles, and also feature balanced headphone connections, analog inputs, and all of the above.
Probably not. But D50 III + A50 III is a very high-performance stack. You can find my measurements in this thread.
In this case, you will be able to save the PEQ settings in the DAC and switch them at any time without a PC/Mac.

TIP: If you decide to buy the D50 III, be sure to buy the USB 2.0 High Speed Isolator. This DAC is susceptible to USB ground loop noise. See my posts about them.
The JDS Labs Synapse USB Isolator should also work.
Thank you for the detailed feedback, I was hoping that instead of using the C1/C2 buttons on the remote I would be able to for example have a quick setting on the device itself, instead of having to open menu, navigate to the setting etc.

Thanks for pointing out the RME devices, however the price point is a lot higher, and if I understand correctly, the devices are quite old now, and it feels a bit strange to buy "old tech". It would be way cheaper to buy the A/DIII stack... Even if I would be missing out on the auto eq switch based on input. Maybe I will just wait a bit and see if other manufacturers will start releasing AMP/Dac combos or dacs with EQ.
 
the devices are quite old now, and it feels a bit strange to buy "old tech"
:facepalm:

Tell that to mastering studios. The RME converters are centuries ahead of the DIY kits from Guangzhou.

Maybe I will just wait a bit and see if other manufacturers will start releasing AMP/Dac combos or dacs with EQ.
Yes, just a bit.
 
:facepalm:

Tell that to mastering studios. The RME converters are centuries ahead of the DIY kits from Guangzhou.


Yes, just a bit.
Sorry if I stepped on someones toes, but I am used to the computer and phone world where tech evolves very fast. Not sure how it goes in the audio world
 
Sorry if I stepped on someones toes, but I am used to the computer and phone world where tech evolves very fast. Not sure how it goes in the audio world
That's what the manufacturers from Guangzhou and Shenzhen are trying to replicate with audio gear, by releasing short-lived, often under-engineered products and superseding them with new ones by the next 11.11 sale, but we as consumers have very little to gain from these yearly "upgrades", to put it mildly. This approach, however, has nothing to do with quality, usability, feature set, reliability and sustainability. This is more akin to a testing ground for those manufacturers, but I don't want to pay my own money to participate in QA processes.

In the pro audio segment, the priorities are different. The manufacturers who invest in IP, R&D and sustainable practices release well thought-out products that remain in production for years without becoming obsolete. The RME DSP-based ADI-2 series has been around for a decade now, and it still offers a feature set that no one has replicated yet in such a compact package. Add to that feature updates over the years and great post-sales support, and you'll see why it's a better deal in the long term. RME's studio recording interfaces released twenty or more years ago are still supported by new driver versions for modern OS's and firmware updates. That's what appeals to me. I have confidence and peace of mind when I know that my investment (a word that is mainly used as an euphemism for "expenditure" nowadays) will last long enough and will be relevant for the next decade.

But these practices can also be seen beyond the pro audio world. The little Qudelix 5K was released back in 2020 and still remains in production and receives new features. That's because the company behind it has the engineering resources (despite being a small team) and vision to make a great product not overloaded with fancy gimmicks that is focused on providing the best possible user experience for its use case, not trying to be a jack of all trades.

So I hope I managed to explain why you shouldn't necessarily chase after the latest audio gear.

That being said, my main desktop computer still has a GPU from 2016 and a CPU from 2019 (which did not use the latest microarchitecture even when it was released), but I don't feel like I am in any way restricted by their features or performance :)
 
Can we possibly Stay on Topic? Come on guys. This is your community and your forum. Let’s all try to make an effort trying to stay on topic in official Review Threads. I’m not asking you to not have that conversation about quality and service. Just do it in a separate thread. Otherwise we just choke up a review thread with unrelated posts.

Team effort here please. ;)
 
Can we possibly Stay on Topic? Come on guys. This is your community and your forum. Let’s all try to make an effort trying to stay on topic in official Review Threads. I’m not asking you to not have that conversation about quality and service. Just do it in a separate thread. Otherwise we just choke up a review thread with unrelated posts.

Team effort here please. ;)
Some mostly off topic new posts moved to a new thread . Just because the device under review is one of your potential options does not mean this is the place to get opinions on your whole shopping list . Thanks

 
@dtd I use the D50III/A50III stack and had the DT 1990 Pro until recently and was using EQ on the DAC. Topping Tune is a but clunky but it all works fine, however given that I mainly use the DAC with my PC I did later find that I preferred APO / Peace, because I could configure it to suit the various devices, such as headsets / conference devices for calls etc. It would be great is the D50III did EQ for other inputs but unfortunately it's only for USB, so the EQ feature on the D50III has become somewhat redundant. To use EQ when listening without my PC (or independently of the PC), I picked up a WiiM mini and connected to the DAC over optical and it ticks all the boxes.

So I would summarise by saying that the D50III is a great DAC and worth every penny I paid for it but I wouldn't buy it just for EQ and I doubt you'll hear any audible improvement over your DX3. If your primary or only use is PC/Mac, then I would focus on figuring out what's wrong with your software setup - do a reinstall / reconfigure etc.
 
I have been using the D50 III with a pair of Genelec 8030c. I just upgraded from Monoprice RCA —> XLR cables to Monoprice TRS —> XLR cables. I wasn’t expecting an improvement but the noise level must have improved because now both speakers will go to sleep via ISS while before the right speaker never would (perhaps a ground loop). Now I am really digging this setup. Four filter improved my in-room response a lot.
 
Monoprice TRS —> XLR cables. I wasn’t expecting an improvement but the noise level must have improved because now both speakers will go to sleep via ISS while before the right speaker never would (perhaps a ground loop).
Use a high-speed USB 2.0 isolator. The D50 III is susceptible to ground loop noise. Less so with balanced connections (below the threshold of audibility), but measurable by audio analyzers.
 
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