This is a review and detailed measurements of the new Topping E30 USB DAC. It was kindly sent to me by the company for testing. Unfortunately I did not get pricing information. As soon as I get it, I will post it.
EDIT: just heard back. US cost is just $129.99!
This is a bit of a new look for Topping DAC, borrowing from DX3 Pro but with dual color display:
It looks better in person than my low-contrast image above. A touch button turns on the unit (takes it out of standby) and also lets you select inputs.
Note that it will be available in black and silver.
Here is the back:
It is a similar setup as Topping D50 with external USB power (mandatory for all inputs). For my testing, I hooked up the power input using the supplied cable from my USB display hub (next to its data port).
A remote control is provided which works identically as previous Topping products. Indeed I used the one from my Topping DX3 Pro to control it.
Internally this shows progression of Topping toward AKM DAC chips in the form of AK4493.
DAC Audio Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard:
Distortion levels are incredibly low at -120 dB and lower. The addition of noise takes SINAD down to 112 dB which is most competent for a small little DAC like this:
Dynamic range follows suit:
When I run my IMD test, I usually expect DACs to struggle to match the Topping DX3 Pro. The E30 nicely matches it in noise and then bests it in final distortion amount:
Multitone test shows low enough distortion product as to be fit for the best you can do in any high resolution audio format:
Due to low level of noise, some spurious tones are visible but they are utterly inaudible:
THD+N versus Frequency is a bit less staller:
As is typical, this test includes components well above audible band and there, there is some extra energy which causes the graph to lift up independent of frequency. We can see the reason in the filter settings available:
What chip companies call "sharp" is still soft in that instead of roll off at 22.05 kHz, it goes on to 24 kHz. That allows some energy to escape into ultrasonic frequencies as noted.
Linearity is absolutely nailed:
Conclusions
The Topping E30 targets a (small) step from state of the art in DAC performance and it delivers. It has attractive look and design element. I have a soft spot for orange LED displays so excuse me for that.
Note that there is no Bluetooth input so if you care about that, you need to look at other Topping offerings.
With my assumption that this is a mid-priced DAC, I am happy to add Topping E30 to my recommended desktop DACs.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Packed and shipped three boxes, one of which almost clocked 70 pounds! I feel like calling UPS and getting an honorary delivery man badge given how much I am shipping things back and forth. I sure hope this makes you feel guilty enough to donate a few dollars using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
EDIT: just heard back. US cost is just $129.99!
This is a bit of a new look for Topping DAC, borrowing from DX3 Pro but with dual color display:
It looks better in person than my low-contrast image above. A touch button turns on the unit (takes it out of standby) and also lets you select inputs.
Note that it will be available in black and silver.
Here is the back:
It is a similar setup as Topping D50 with external USB power (mandatory for all inputs). For my testing, I hooked up the power input using the supplied cable from my USB display hub (next to its data port).
A remote control is provided which works identically as previous Topping products. Indeed I used the one from my Topping DX3 Pro to control it.
Internally this shows progression of Topping toward AKM DAC chips in the form of AK4493.
DAC Audio Measurements
Let's start with our usual dashboard:
Distortion levels are incredibly low at -120 dB and lower. The addition of noise takes SINAD down to 112 dB which is most competent for a small little DAC like this:
Dynamic range follows suit:
When I run my IMD test, I usually expect DACs to struggle to match the Topping DX3 Pro. The E30 nicely matches it in noise and then bests it in final distortion amount:
Multitone test shows low enough distortion product as to be fit for the best you can do in any high resolution audio format:
Due to low level of noise, some spurious tones are visible but they are utterly inaudible:
THD+N versus Frequency is a bit less staller:
As is typical, this test includes components well above audible band and there, there is some extra energy which causes the graph to lift up independent of frequency. We can see the reason in the filter settings available:
What chip companies call "sharp" is still soft in that instead of roll off at 22.05 kHz, it goes on to 24 kHz. That allows some energy to escape into ultrasonic frequencies as noted.
Linearity is absolutely nailed:
Conclusions
The Topping E30 targets a (small) step from state of the art in DAC performance and it delivers. It has attractive look and design element. I have a soft spot for orange LED displays so excuse me for that.
Note that there is no Bluetooth input so if you care about that, you need to look at other Topping offerings.With my assumption that this is a mid-priced DAC, I am happy to add Topping E30 to my recommended desktop DACs.
------------
As always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. are welcome.
Packed and shipped three boxes, one of which almost clocked 70 pounds! I feel like calling UPS and getting an honorary delivery man badge given how much I am shipping things back and forth. I sure hope this makes you feel guilty enough to donate a few dollars using: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/how-to-support-audio-science-review.8150/
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