Topping E2X2 to replace Topping E30+L30+Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen

[Symplectichien]

Hi everyone,
As I've recently got a XLR mic, I now use my Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen that was sleeping in the closet.
However, I am not pleased with having as many things on my desk. Currently my PC is connected to a Topping 30 which is connected to a Topping L30. From here I have my HD600 for the headphone part and for the preamp part I have a SMSL pa40 into 2 Focal aria 906.

My question: is the Topping E2X2 a nice way to reduce the numbers of object on my desk without losing to much performance? It seems that the RME ADI 2 PRO FS would be much better but it is currently out of my budget.

Is there any good option under 500€ (France)?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Symplectichien! Welcome to ASR.

The regular E2x2 cannot quite replace everything as it lacks a single-ended Line out for connecting to your PA40.

The E2x2 OTG on the other hand has single-ended Line out in the form of an Aux jack, which you can connect to your PA40 via a 3.5mm to 2x RCA cable.

Also note that you cannot connect a microphone straight to the RME ADI-2 PRO FS since it has neither a phantom power supply, nor a microphone preamp.

To use a microphone with the RME, you'd have to buy an external Mic pre and connect it between the mic and RME.

 

[Symplectichien]

Thank you for your reply. Why is it not possible to connect my PA40 to the E2X2 using two 6.35mm jack to RCA cable?

Also, if I go for the OTG version as you suggested, how would its performance compare to my current setup?

 

[staticV3]

Why is it not possible to connect my PA40 to the E2X2 using two 6.35mm jack to RCA cable?

It's possible, but not recommended since the 6.35mm jacks output a differential signal, and converting that to single ended for your PA40 with a 6.35mm to RCA cable comes with a penalty to THD, SNR, and DC Offset.

The Aux jack on the OTG is single ended already so that's not a problem.

Also, if I go for the OTG version as you suggested, how would its performance compare to my current setup?

I expect no noteworthy change in playback performance.

 

[Symplectichien]

It's possible, but not recommended since the 6.35mm jacks output a differential signal, and converting that to single ended for your PA40 with a 6.35mm to RCA cable comes with a penalty to THD, SNR, and DC Offset.

The Aux jack on the OTG is single ended already so that's not a problem.


I expect no noteworthy change in playback performance.

Thank you!

I am still open to any other alternative under 500€

 

[barza]

I have used a Topping e2x2 (not the OTG version) for recording the signal from a phono preamp to PC - I have used a lot of audio interfaces over time and found it very good for the money. Excellent audio quality, good headphone amp, nice control panel in software.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Hi. I've been using a E30 II for the last few years, as I've retired from studio work, and only have a basic setup for playing around with old sessions and occationally helping people out with mixes.

The Topping was a revelation for me. After 20+ years of using consumer interfaces like Focusrite, Apogee, Mbox, Maudio, audient etc, the E30 II was in a different league. The sound was richer, deeper, wider - and perhaps most importantly, easier on the ears. At soft volume, easier to hear details, and louder volumes, less tiring.

Recently, I found that I do need ADC input also. Not so much for musical performances, but I want to digitize some vinyl for example. So I first tried a Apogee Duet 2 that I had. Not a very good experience. Boring sound from the DAC, and equally dull ADC.

So, I got a Topping 2x2, thinking; If they can make the E30 II, they must have something of similar quality DAC sound in a in/out interface. Boy was I wrong. E2x2 output sounds nothing like the E30 II. Tiring, harsh, "too much dynamics" - it just doesn't gel with my passive Dynaudios. I hate it.

I have yet to test the ADC input, but as that is not as important to me as the DAC output, I have switched back to the E30 II (what a relief) and I'll be using the 2x2 as analog input - unless it really sucks, of course.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

I have yet to test the ADC input, but as that is not as important to me as the DAC output, I have switched back to the E30 II (what a relief) and I'll be using the 2x2 as analog input - unless it really sucks, of course.

I just did a first test of the ADC of the E2x2, and it's miles ahead of the Apogee Duet 2. I can post a link to the wavs if anyone is interested. Side A of Lodger. Bowie, Fripp, and Eno. Moving coil pickup.

 

[staticV3]

I just did a first test of the ADC of the E2x2, and it's miles ahead of the Apogee Duet 2. I can post a link to the wavs if anyone is interested. Side A of Lodger. Bowie, Fripp, and Eno. Moving coil pickup.

Knowing which ADC you're listening to inevitably affects your judgement, as do slight differences in level.

If you're curious, try loading both files into Pkane Deltawave, then click Match, let it do its thing and afterwards click on Play->ABX Comparator to see if there's an actual, audible difference with all other variables controlled.

If you can still tell them apart with high confidence, then the various graphs in Deltawave will give an indication as to why that may be.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

try loading both files into Pkane Deltawave, then click Match, let it do its thing and afterwards click on Play->ABX Comparator to see if there's an actual, audible difference with all other variables controlled

You do that. I trust my ears. One is Duet, the other is E2x2. Same exact analog signal path. Manually level matched. See if you can tell any difference:

Lodger Fantastic voyage - Google Drive

drive.google.com

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Here's a few more.
First pressings. Each file a whole record side.
Recorded thru the E2x2.
Unprocessed. 48kHz/24bit Wavs:

Beatles White album side 1 and 2 (1968)
B52s Whammy side 1 (1983)
Tom Waits The heart of saturday night side 1 (1974)

Diverse vinyl - Google Drive

drive.google.com

I'm really happy with the sound. Both the in of the E2x2, and the out of E30 II. Actually, I think I prefer the sound of my vinyl going into E2x2 and out through the E30 II, to the direct sound of it from my sony amp to my dynaudios. Think of it what you want.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

I got myself a new Ortofon stylus and started again, because it sounds so wonderful.

Here's a new link:

Platearkiv - Google Drive

drive.google.com

I'd love to hear what you think.

Record player: Rega Planar 1
Stylus: Ortofon MC x10, moving coil
Preamp: Sony FA30ES MC input stage, direct out to:
ADC: Topping E2x2, recording to mac, with at least 6db of headroom.

Processed with in Protools with Izotope RX DeClicker, and level maximized with Fabfilter Pro-L 2 limiter only occationally shaving off less than 1db. No other dynamic, EQ or noise reduction processing applied.

These are old 'first pressings' so they all have varying degrees of wear and clicks, but RX DeClicker does a great job.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

There was no access to the folder on google drive. It's fixed now. Sorry.

Platearkiv - Google Drive

drive.google.com

 

[solawind]

E2x2 output sounds nothing like the E30 II. Tiring, harsh, "too much dynamics" - it just doesn't gel with my passive Dynaudios. I hate it.

I own a topping e1x2 which i believe has exactly the same dac as the 2x2. Bought it for my calibration mic and tested it out of curiosity. it is indistinguishable in a proper ABX test with other sabre dacs i have on hand. Which is as expected from a >100db sinad dac. So i believe you just need to know how to perform proper tests before making such claims. Just as Static said

 

[Ben Jenssen]

I own a topping e1x2 which i believe has exactly the same dac as the 2x2. Bought it for my calibration mic and tested it out of curiosity. it is indistinguishable in a proper ABX test with other sabre dacs i have on hand. Which is as expected from a >100db sinad dac. So i believe you just need to know how to perform proper tests before making such claims. Just as Static said

All I know is that AD and DA devices sound differently. Better or worse. It's not just a matter of chips, it's components and design. You would't believe how bad they sounded 30 yrs ago. Like we say in the music business; If it sounds good, it is good.

 

[staticV3]

All I know is that AD and DA devices sound differently. Better or worse. It's not just a matter of chips, it's components and design. You would't believe how bad they sounded 30 yrs ago. Like we say in the music business; If it sounds good, it is good.

Try recording with two different ADs, then put the recordings into Pkane Deltawave.

Click "Match" and it will align their levels and timings.

Afterwards, go to Listen->ABX Comparator.

I guarantee you'll be surprised at what you'll hear.