BeeKay
Major Contributor
Exactly. But dang, now I need to ditch my D70 Pro SABRE once there is a version II with PEQ.
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Topping E50 II DAC is up on the Topping Store
- Thread starter ziggurcat
- Start date
Having recently purchased the E50 II, I do want to point out something that may be easily overlooked as unique to this DAC (at least in this price range): the output voltage of the E50 II is extremely handy for gain-staging and much more effective than normal, due to the, "Low Amplitude (Low Gain)," setting being 2.6V/5.3V single-ended/balanced and, the, "High Amplitude," setting being a whopping 5.6V/11.3V single-ended/balanced. That High Amplitude setting allows for usage of lower downstream gain, which will typically yield tangible SINAD improvements. For example, with High Amplitude drive from E50 II feeding a pair of B200 monoblocs, those power amps can be left in Low Gain, which scored 120 SINAD, versus 115 SINAD in High Gain, with virtually no loss in SINAD compared to using Low Amplitude setting on the E50 II. This is particularly useful for anyone who is applying negative pre-gain due to room correction or EQ with boosting.
That High Amplitude setting would actually alleviate the need for a separate preamp between the DAC and power amps in many cases with regards to gain-staging (and you don't need to spend much more for a DAC like the RME ADI-2 FS which has similarly high output voltage options--you can buy four of these E50 II DACs for the cost of one RME!).
That High Amplitude setting would actually alleviate the need for a separate preamp between the DAC and power amps in many cases with regards to gain-staging (and you don't need to spend much more for a DAC like the RME ADI-2 FS which has similarly high output voltage options--you can buy four of these E50 II DACs for the cost of one RME!).
This is a good and very remarkable point!
This is a very interesting conclusion... Thanks!
That's true, but a lot depends on the input sensitivity of the power amplifier. The main thing is that a high input level doesn't lead to overdrive.
It's 12.5V on Low Gain for B200 monoblocs, so you still won't overdrive even with 11.3V out from E50 II on High Amplitude setting.
I purchased the E50 II. Initial impressions after getting acquainted with the Topping Home app: #1 The EQ is very responsive to changes made, but you have to either edit the value by punching in the number value, or finger slide and release the knob (after adjusting), for the value to change. So, you don't get real time frequency/gain sweeps. You have to calculate and guess until you get the right values. But once you get used to it, you can dial it in with pretty microscopic precision. If you're heavy with EQ boosts, you have to adjust the preamp so you don't digitally clip. It doesnt auto compensate for gain changes. #2 Most of the time, filters don't have much of any noticeable effect, but on the E50 II, most of them do.
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Yesterday I have ordered the E50II to replace my E50.
My main interest is to apply PEQ in digital domain (while I'm already doing PEQ but unfortunately using an ADC/DAC conversion for my DSP which only have RCA analog inputs/outputs)
I now have the E50 II set up as my studio dac. With my audio interface running into it via coax, and the E50 II connected to my computer via USB for Topping Tune control. Using Topping Tune is very smooth, but limited mainly to EQ parameter changes. You can't otherwise operate the device from Topping Tune. The advantage over the Topping Home app, is that value changes happen in real time and you can do frequency/gain sweeps. So, Its easier to dial in the EQ over the Home app. If there is one request I have right now, it would be for Topping to add a key modifier in a future update to the Tune app (like hold ctl or shift) for fine value changing with the mouse wheel. - Otherwise, everything's working great. Any EQ changes stay on the device. - Having full control of the device with Topping Home app is just the best. I love it. Apparently, the only Topping device compatible with Topping Home at this time, is the E50 II. I wish it had a crossfeed feature like DX5 II. Topping, can you please add that in a future firmware?
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I recently bought the Topping E50II. I'm really surprised by how good the sound quality is; it's incomparable to previous AKM-based DACs. The AK4497s is a truly excellent example. I also own a Gustard X26III, and I can't say the E50II is inferior.
From the graphs the performance should be excellent.
I have the old E50 and now I will upgrade with the E50II
Move on!
Bleib
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The closest in price, at least when it's on a deal and if there is no need for PEQ and high voltage output would probably be Fosi ZH3. I paid about 145 euro for mine
It's also 2v/4v output max, so more compatible with some gear
I also picked up a ZH3 (End of year deal for $151 usd, total. Couldn't pass up). Best deal for a dac/amp combo with all those features. As for the E50 II, I don't believe there is any other stand-alone DAC with mobile app controlled PEQ on the market at this form factor & price. The PEQ and remote app is definitely a highlight. Sound wise, it might as well be perfect, like the old E50 before it. In a word..."Precise".
Pretty much as good as it gets, assuming the measurements are accurate.
I think that is the major add-on feature for the price. Considering other competitors with excellent DAC performance and PEQ were at least 3 times the price of the new E50II.
In fact I have ordered one!
I got my E50 II. I noticed that the device is always listening for Bluetooth pairing, and doesn't require physical confirmation to pair. I don't think this is the best practice, and this should be fixed through firmware.
This is probably necessary for the app to work.
Bluetooth seems to always be on, but I had to manually pair and have to manually connect the App or Bluetooth on my android device to use. It doesn't auto connect. So, it hasn't been an issue for me. Are you saying that it auto-pairs with your devices when Bluetooth scans for new devices, or auto-connects when you turn on Bluetooth? - That's weird, and not happening on my end.
I
I could pair new devices and there was no need to turn on pairing mode or physical confirmation on the DAC. Therefore, any passerby can do the same and connect to the DAC. The best practice is switchable pairing mode, and maybe separate confirmation to accept new devices.
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