Topping E30 DAC Review

[Asylum Seeker]

I'd install UAPP on my phone to know bit perfect but should work without depending on OTG settings on phone.

Yes, UAPP goes without saying...

 

[Taddpole]

I just ordered this from Apos Audio with the Topping L30 amp combo. Very excited! Unfortunately, I'll have to use a digital optical cable instead of USB because my computer only has a headphone, line level out, and digital optical output.

You have a computer without any usb sockets?

 

[yodog]

You have a computer without any usb sockets?

Maybe it’s a Mac?

 

[Jimbob54]

Maybe it’s a Mac?

It is!

 

[vhild§]

One thought for future: It would be nice if it was possible to turn the display off. That way my wife wouldn’t notice I have new gear in the house.

 

[dpippel]

Maybe it’s a Mac?

All Macs have USB. Newer MacBooks/MacBook Pros only have USB-C/Thunderbolt 3, but adapters are cheap.

 

[Jerry Bruckheimer Fan]

You have a computer without any usb sockets?

It's a Mac. I was just ignorant and was not aware that the DAC was USB plug and play.

 

[sjeesjie]

I was actually wondering... this unit has one AK4493 right? If it performs so well with the one chip, how comes that some units like the D50s and DX3Pro have two chips? What’s the benefit of that?

 

[Asylum Seeker]

I was actually wondering... this unit has one AK4493 right? If it performs so well with the one chip, how comes that some units like the D50s and DX3Pro have two chips? What’s the benefit of that?

The benefit? The maker can charge a higher price. In return, the buyer gets bragging rights. Many see this as a fair deal, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Others simply make do with a simpler, cheaper single-chip design that is just as audibly transparent but without the bragging rights.

 

[vhild§]

I was actually wondering... this unit has one AK4493 right? If it performs so well with the one chip, how comes that some units like the D50s and DX3Pro have two chips? What’s the benefit of that?

It makes you feel good and possibly think you hear a difference. I’m actually considering purchasing a hifi usb-cable. I know it’s crazy, but hey, this is a hobby!

 

[pogballistics]

Is there a way to disable the preamp since I will be using it for stereo?

 

[Jimbob54]

Is there a way to disable the preamp since I will be using it for stereo?

Just use at full volume- or I think there is an option if you hold buttons at power on. Check manual

 

[mnemonix]

I’m actually considering purchasing a hifi usb-cable. I know it’s crazy, but hey, this is a hobby!

Please don't. It is crazy. Unless your definition of a hobby is wasting money for no discernible reason (yeah, yeah, I know) that is no excuse.

 

[mnemonix]

The benefit? The maker can charge a higher price. In return, the buyer gets bragging rights. Many see this as a fair deal, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Others simply make do with a simpler, cheaper single-chip design that is just as audibly transparent but without the bragging rights.

To be fair to the DX3 and those who have bought it, it provides a headphone amp and bluetooth connectivity so I doubt it's the extra DAC chip that is adding to the modest price increase, and I'm sure owners are buying it for that reason, not the DAC topology. Doesn't explain why Topping chose to put two in it though.

 

[Jimbob54]

It makes you feel good and possibly think you hear a difference. I’m actually considering purchasing a hifi usb-cable. I know it’s crazy, but hey, this is a hobby!

We will let you if you promise to do a double blind test between it and whatever you currently use ;-)

 

[vhild§]

Please don't. It is crazy. Unless your definition of a hobby is wasting money for no discernible reason (yeah, yeah, I know) that is no excuse.

A wise man once said: "If a hobby doesn´t have the potential of going over the top, it´s not worth having."

 

[Taddpole]

To be fair to the DX3 and those who have bought it, it provides a headphone amp and bluetooth connectivity so I doubt it's the extra DAC chip that is adding to the modest price increase, and I'm sure owners are buying it for that reason, not the DAC topology. Doesn't explain why Topping chose to put two in it though.

Could that be a reason. Separate lines for the headphone level and the line out?

 

[Alexium]

Do you guys think E30 is the best sounding DAC for under $150? Or are there other noteworthy contenders? I need just the line out, headphone amp is irrelevant, and realistically 44 kHz/16 bits is enough.

 

[Jimbob54]

Do you guys think E30 is the best sounding DAC for under $150? Or are there other noteworthy contenders? I need just the line out, headphone amp is irrelevant.

Best mix of features and audible transparency, possibly

 

[Alexium]

Best mix of features and audible transparency, possibly

Thanks! And if I didn't need any extra features besides just a transparent 44 KHz DAC with line out, are there any equally good choices for less money?