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WANTED: Topping Multichannel DAC (list your wants)

jtwrace

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On another forum @manisandher and I were going back and fourth discussing MCH dacs. That led me to start this thread since @JohnYang1997 is active here. Perhaps he would take some of the feedback into consideration. :)

  • 8 fully balanced channels (regular size XLR connectors)
  • Global volume control with remote
  • Individual Channel Adjustment by front screen and software or app
  • Built in streamer for Roon would be ideal
  • Ethernet Input
  • Optical Input
  • USB Input
  • Roon Ready
  • Built in LPS or ability to run an external LPS instead of the SMPS that might be built in? (@manisandher request)
  • ~ $1500 or less ;)
What do you want? Add it to the list and lets see where it goes!
 
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daftcombo

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I want a Topping device with a DAC with two outputs simultaneously (like on E50) plus an ADC to digitalize my records.

Basically, I want Topping to design a Scarlett 2i4 with reliable drivers and no channel imbalance.
 

boXem

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On another forum @manisandher and I were going back and fourth discussing MCH dacs. That led me to start this thread since @JohnYang1997 is active here. Perhaps he would take some of the feedback into consideration. :)

  • 8 fully balanced channels (regular size XLR connectors)
  • Global volume control with remote
  • Built in streamer for Roon would be ideal
  • Ethernet Input
  • Optical Input
  • USB Input
  • Roon Ready
  • Built in LPS or ability to run an external LPS instead of the SMPS that might be built in? (@manisandher request)
  • ~ $1500 or less ;)
What do you want? Add it to the list and lets see where it goes!
That's called an Okto dac8 PRO.
 

PatentLawyer

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Not to derail, but if Topping is watching this thread, would love to see what they could do with a power amp.
 

Matias

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Same functionality as a regular AV processor from Marantz but done right. :)
 

Vini darko

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So a pre-processor or a active crossover. Because I don't see much point in a 8 channel dac without one or both of those features.
Honestly I'll be suprised if topping try to enter that market space.
 
OP
jtwrace

jtwrace

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So a pre-processor or a active crossover. Because I don't see much point in a 8 channel dac without one or both of those features.
Honestly I'll be suprised if topping try to enter that market space.
8ch DAC. There are many options
 

Honken

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If a company implements every wish listed in a thread like this, the price definitely won't be less than $1500 and it probably wouldn't be "just a DAC" at that point either but rather some sort of pre/pro with streaming capabilities.

I personally wouldn't mind something like an E50 but with 4x the outputs, in other words 8x TRS, volume control and a remote. For a first product you probably shouldn't try and do everything at once. Especially things that have been proven by others to be hard to get right.
 
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jtwrace

jtwrace

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So which market do you see a strait 8 channel dac entering? Only one I can come up with is the custom instal space.
My living room's active 2 ch audio system. 2 drivers per main +4 subs = 8 Channels
 

cyruz

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I think what many are asking for will make it basically not a DAC anymore. If we consider connecting the DAC to a capable source there should be no need to implement any DSP/streamer feature.

All this stuff will increase the price and, most importantly, they will need to provide a specific support. Considering that they didn't release any device with similar features before (am I wrong?) they won't take this route. After all, less is more...

So I think that a simple balanced multichannel DAC with a remote and the right price to compete with some audio interfaces like the Motu mk5 will do it.
 
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jtwrace

jtwrace

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That's a active dsp crossover situation. So somthing like a mini dsp would be needed not a strait dac. What are you using currently?
Yes, if I want to take a step back then miniDSP is fine.

Audiolense filter through the Roon Convolver with MCH Motu.
 

Honken

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Yeah, a good MCH DAC really is the path of least compromises for stereo playback. Digital DSP is nice.

While the Motu doesn't have a remote, if you are using a PC you could probably integrate an IR receiver control volume that way. Takes a bit of tinkering though.
 
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