WTB Topping D10 balanced

[Mort]

Any color or condition as long as it works. I'm prepared to pay $100 plus shipping.

If you have one lying around...

 

[rcstevensonaz]

So very sad this amazing piece of kit was discontinued! (or at least, seems to be out of production.)

 

[Mort]

So I guess the next best thing is a Fosi ZD3?

 

[rcstevensonaz]

• So I guess the next best thing is a Fosi ZD3?

IMHO, absolutely not! But I don't know what you need — are you after USB => XLR, USB => digital, or the ability to do both?

The reason I say "absolutely not" is because I use the D10B as a basic pass-through converter: input USB => output to analog XLR and (when needed) S/PDIF. No volume control, no DSP, no remote, no other settings... just simple input to output and nothing else. More unique to my case, any knobs on the front panel are an immediate disqualifier.

For me, the only other alternative I know of is the SMSL SU-2 DAC, which comes in under your target of $100 for brand new device.

Of course, you will need to tackle the USB => digital translation so you can input into the SU-2. For example:

• Get a TOPPING D10S and route its optical output to the optical input on the SU-2
• Get any of the many USB to S/PDIF dongles to route USB to the optical input on the SU-2 (around USD $25ish).

The SU-2 is the fraternal twin of the D10B. One takes USB in, the other takes digital (AES, optical, coax). Otherwise, both are identical in doing absolutely nothing except that.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

So I guess the next best thing is a Fosi ZD3?

Also, wait to see if anyone does have a D10B that they want to move along... give it a bit of time and hope for a response. (Of course, you can't have mine )

 

[Mort]

IMHO, absolutely not! But I don't know what you need — are you after USB => XLR, USB => digital, or the ability to do both?

The reason I say "absolutely not" is because I use the D10B as a basic pass-through converter: input USB => output to analog XLR and (when needed) S/PDIF. No volume control, no DSP, no remote, no other settings... just simple input to output and nothing else. More unique to my case, any knobs on the front panel are an immediate disqualifier.

For me, the only other alternative I know of is the SMSL SU-2 DAC, which comes in under your target of $100 for brand new device.

Of course, you will need to tackle the USB => digital translation so you can input into the SU-2. For example:

• Get a TOPPING D10S and route its optical output to the optical input on the SU-2
• Get any of the many USB to S/PDIF dongles to route USB to the optical input on the SU-2 (around USD $25ish).

The SU-2 is the fraternal twin of the D10B. One takes USB in, the other takes digital (AES, optical, coax). Otherwise, both are identical in doing absolutely nothing except that.

Yes, I only want XLR but I also don't disqualify for a knob. It's not as good but I deal with it elsewhere (Minidsp).

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Yes, I only want XLR but I also don't disqualify for a knob. It's not as good but I deal with it elsewhere (Minidsp).

Each of us has our own aesthetic and system design style. For me, the aesthetic is a smooth clean bank. But also a minor human factors aspect: the only equipment with knobs are the very few where I actually use that knob — such as ADI-2 Pro (for speaker volume and routing adjustments) and my headphone amp (for headphone volume). And every other device that is not being used for control should not have a knob.

So on the one hand, the Fosi gives you more product features, future versatility, and completely meets your need. On the other, the SU-2 keeps the minimalist vibe (but does require a USB => S/PDIF conversion). Brand new, both approaches are about the same cost.

For me (but perhaps not for you), the SU-2 is the obvious answer, of course.

 

[somebodyelse]

Apart from the connectors Topping's recently reviewed DX1 II seems to do everything the D10 B did and more. The balanced out is on a single 4.4mm TRRRS connector on the rear so needs a different cable or an adapter.

 

[Mort]

Apart from the connectors Topping's recently reviewed DX1 II seems to do everything the D10 B did and more. The balanced out is on a single 4.4mm TRRRS connector on the rear so needs a different cable or an adapter.

That's a great point. I had forgotten that was just released. Has a knob but I don't care.

 

[Mort]

4.4mm TRRRS connector

This might be a pain. I'd need a single Male 4.4mm TRRRS connector to double Female XLR. It's for active monitors.

 

[somebodyelse]

This might be a pain. I'd need a single Male 4.4mm TRRRS connector to double Female XLR. It's for active monitors.

Surely XLR male for connecting to monitors? They are available off the shelf, although not all that widely. They sometimes mention iFi since they've been using TRRRS for balanced ins and outs too. I'm assuming Topping are using the usual pinout - maybe worth checking.

 

[Mike123]

That's a great point. I had forgotten that was just released. Has a knob but I don't care.

The knob can be disabled, and the DAC can be set to a mode without volume control.

This might be a pain. I'd need a single Male 4.4mm TRRRS connector to double Female XLR. It's for active monitors.

Adapters can be purchased or made. This isn't a problem for me, and that's exactly how the adapter for the XLR works.

 

[Mort]

The knob can be disabled, and the DAC can be set to a mode without volume control.


Adapters can be purchased or made. This isn't a problem for me, and that's exactly how the adapter for the XLR works.

Any recommendation? Are you US though... Edit no you are not

 

[rcstevensonaz]

Any recommendation? Are you US though... Edit no you are not

One option for custom cables in the USA is Performance Audio. Very good pricing, and you get to select all of individual components, including the connectors, wire, and (optional) techflex-type covering.

 

[Mort]

Surely XLR male for connecting to monitors? They are available off the shelf, although not all that widely. They sometimes mention iFi since they've been using TRRRS for balanced ins and outs too. I'm assuming Topping are using the usual pinout - maybe worth checking.

Yes, correct. The shielding is the opposite which throws me.

 

[rcstevensonaz]

The shielding is the opposite which throws me.

Can you explain what you mean by shielding is opposite? I would assume you would use two microphone cables (e.g., Mogami 2549) out to each speaker; and the shield / ground wire ("pin 1") from both cables would be joined together at the TRRRS plug.

 

[Sokel]

Here's the normal wiring of a TRRRS plug:

What you need to check is the XLR wiring, normally an input needs a male XLR wired like this:

Needless to say its the opposite for female ones.

 

[chips666]

TOPPING D10 BALANCED USB DAC ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 32bit 384kHz DSD256 Silver - Audiophonics

Topping proposes with its D10 Balanced a compact and above all extremely powerful symmetrical DAC. This one integrates high quality components to favor a limpid and precise restitution. It includes an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC and a XMOS USB interface.

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[rcstevensonaz]

TOPPING D10 BALANCED USB DAC ES9038Q2M XMOS XU208 32bit 384kHz DSD256 Silver - Audiophonics

Topping proposes with its D10 Balanced a compact and above all extremely powerful symmetrical DAC. This one integrates high quality components to favor a limpid and precise restitution. It includes an ESS ES9038Q2M DAC and a XMOS USB interface.

www.audiophonics.fr

Looks like a nice fine. But can you please update your link to exclude tracking details?
https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/dac-without-volume/topping-d10-balanced-usb-dac-es9038q2m-xmos-xu208-32bit-384khz-dsd256-silver-p-15510.html