The design looks good. Though those ChiFi devices are released like weekly Pokemon.Come on Topping, at least change the design. I know you manufacturers all want to be like daddy Apple but it's not that easy.
The design looks good. Though those ChiFi devices are released like weekly Pokemon.Come on Topping, at least change the design. I know you manufacturers all want to be like daddy Apple but it's not that easy.
That is for audio return channel. Standard (push) audio samples are embedded in video.That's not the case. HDMI connector has dedicated pins for audio.
I have always used my 2.0 stereo setup for audio playback of the TV since I hate the sound from TV speakers. I know I could use the Toslink connection from the TV to the DAC, but this would require me and my family using an additional remote control just for controlling the volume of the TV. HDMI ARC with CEC function would be very practical in that context. Thus, right now I have the variable line-out of the TV directly connected to my integrated Marantz amp. I guess the sound quality of the TV line-out will not be as good as as with HDMI via a good DAC.Just buy a $900 AVR. Apparently nobody can hear the difference.
Seriously, HDMI is mainly for AV and multichannel audio, and this is purist stereo. Most equipment with HDMI output also has toslink or spdif. Doesn't yours?
The other problem is that when HDMI carries audio in the conventional sense (not I2S) the audio is embedded in a video signal. One of the reasons that top-tier DACs perform so well is because they DON'T have any digital video processing. The HF noise and interference always impacts audio quality.
To be fair, I'm not aware of any issues of reliability with Topping's DACs (or DACs in general, come to that), but I'd certainly hesitate to buy one of their amplifiers.yeah who would buy this over a RME is beyond me. You save a few hundred $, and you get a few more dB in SINAD, but you loose track record of reliability and support which would be critical in this price range.
The new ES9039 DACs are completely different from the old chips, they sound better than even very expensive multibits.is this DAC clinical enough to cure my tinnitus?
Well, that one highly depends on the chosen filter. Also, the upper end of a 90kHz BW test is obviously very much not in the audible realm.To be honest, the 90kBW (90 kHz BW) test was a little disappointing
Uhhhhhhhh. sure..The new ES9039 DACs are completely different from the old chips, they sound better than even very expensive multibits.
On the other hand they do give some strange advices about playing a DAC at maximum level while is set in pre-amp mode.To be fair, I'm not aware of any issues of reliability with Topping's DACs (or DACs in general, come to that), but I'd certainly hesitate to buy one of their amplifiers.
They all measure more or less the same here because this is the limit of the analyzer. Not that it matters tho, unless you intend on using it as measurement equipment. Topping's own measurements come in just shy of 128dB SINAD and the SMSL at 125,5.SOTA perf )
Dont get me wrong but the SMSL D6s reaches 123.5db Sinad with 5v (max volume) with XLR outs @ $200 )))
Makes sense )They all measure more or less the same here because this is the limit of the analyzer. Not that it matters tho, unless you intend on using it as measurement equipment. Topping's own measurements come in just shy of 128dB SINAD and the SMSL at 125,5.
At least SMSL is able to lable outputs and inputs, which is apparently still too hard for Topping, so their rear panel looks like a mess.
it is not only reliability thought (even thought Topping has been popular for a short time so nothing to write home about), but also support (firmware/software) and customer service. RME established themselves and they stand behind their products. I believe that plenty of those interfaces have been in use for 10y or more and still going strong.To be fair, I'm not aware of any issues of reliability with Topping's DACs (or DACs in general, come to that), but I'd certainly hesitate to buy one of their amplifiers.
I prefer IR remotes with discreet codes for changing inputs. It seems all the Chinese DACs have the same IR remote....If I switch from say USB to Toslink from a distance, I have to step through the inputs and wait for a response. And I have a Logitech programmable remote which needs discreet codes to function.
RME established themselves and they stand behind their products. I believe that plenty of those interfaces have been in use for 10y or more and still going strong.
Have they hit the law of diminishing returns?Makes sense )
Still, for 2.5db difference, $650 ++, it's expensive per db)))
LOL ) The race for profit but who wants to sell at a loss eh? )))Have they hit the law of diminishing returns?