Topping DM7 8-Channel DAC Review

[chelgrian]

This is one of those "it depends" answers. In absolute terms, no they will not run synced. Even using the same PC, you would need a master clock to guarantee synchronization. In practice, you might not experience the consequences of non-synchronization.

If the poster wants 16 synchronised analogue outputs then they would be better served by buying

16A | MOTU.com

The world’s first Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 audio interface connects to a Mac, PC or iOS device with low-latency, high-performance drivers to deliver 66 channels of audio I/O, superb analog performance driven by renowned ESS Sabre32™ DAC technology, 64-channel mixing, FX processing, AVB audio...

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[MaxwellsEq]

And how would a master clock guarantee synchronization with two DM7s?

Since AFAIK the DM7's only input is async USB.

Indeed. I was being overly generalist! In general, you can't synchronize two separate DACs on the same PC without a master clock. If the DAC has no clock input, you can not synchronize them at all. But, in some circumstances, the downsides of non-synchronized working may not be obvious.

 

[john61ct]

Yes, there is no hardware clocking sync possible.

Word Clock (BNC) really is the way to go.

a secondary digital port (like S/PDIF or AES/EBU) could pass a DARS sync signal, but DM7 lacks that as well.

On a Mac, its software Aggregate Device feature might be good enough, but not on windoze nor Linux afaik.

RME Digiface USB as primary, up to 32 A/D ports via ADAT is one of many better ways to go, but there are literally hundreds of options.

Cheapest is legacy secondhand Firewire stuff

As good value for PC I/O as Echo Audiofire 12 ?

Total interface noob here, please ELI5 I don't need to record or mix music in the creative sense, just looking to get multi-channel analog in and out of HTPC type hardware. Primary use case is DIY convolving, loudness contour, bass management, room correction PEQ. The Echo Audiofire 12 unit...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[john61ct]

in some circumstances, the downsides of non-synchronized working may not be obvious.

Those include

LF frequencies only

short sessions between resets

Grouping channels so skew is between non-critical zones, as opposed to crossovers within the same enclosure

Crystals simply not being that different, so drift is slower

 

[MaxwellsEq]

Those include

LF frequencies only

short sessions between resets

Grouping channels so skew is between non-critical zones, as opposed to crossovers within the same enclosure

Crystals simply not being that different, so drift is slower

Yes - mostly be lucky with the crystals and short sessions only. I have seen a set-up where the master clock connection had failed into one device, yet it stayed nearly in synch for hours. Pure luck.

 

[john61ct]

Yes - mostly be lucky

Well the fact is, lower subwoofer frequencies do allow for A LOT more skew tolerance, even for phase alignment at crossovers between drivers within the same enclosure.

So if that is the use case, it's much easier to "get lucky", or go for much longer sessions between restarts.

As for the "Grouping channels" idea, say it was L vs R. There are much worse side effects than center drifting a bit laterally, maybe something even a twist of the balance knob would fix?

Anyway in general to all, of course just getting proper clocking is really the way to go, if you put that into your selection criteria up front it doesn't even have to cost more.

Note that the PC interface itself doesn't need it, just the (ADAT) converter units with analog ports, and those can be dirt cheap especially on eBay.

TBH I don't even think DM7 is / was reasonably priced, but then it doesn't fit any use case for me, IMO an odd duck design from the get go.

 

[kifeep]

This just can't possibly be legit:
<<redacted>>
But there's a part of me that wants to set up a single-use virtual credit card number and a relay email address and see what happens...

Edit: removed link to a dubious listing for Topping DM7 on sale for $120.

 

[staticV3]

This just can't possibly be legit:
But there's a part of me that wants to set up a single-use virtual credit card number and a relay email address and see what happens...

Please don't post the link, someone else might actually lose their money.

 

[john61ct]

so edit yours !

Site claims can pay via PayPal

but checkout shows no such option

SCAM