DAC Topping E30 - review, specifications, features
The Chinese company Topping is one of the main players in the market for hi-fi equipment available to ordinary consumers. The price, for example, for a stationary DAC of this brand starts at $ 110. And the quality is backed up by numerous reviews and reviews.
Topping E30 - what is it
A separate DAC (digital to analog converter) is not unusual. Any connoisseur of high-quality sound can afford such a device, the purpose of which is to convert a digital signal to analog, after the arrival of competitive Chinese brands on the market. And the one who wants to join them, or just try something new.
If earlier external DACs occupied a certain niche, now they are more versatile devices due to the presence of a USB interface. This allows them to be connected both to a computer and to a smartphone or tablet. Basically, you are replacing a standard internal sound card with a DAC using its higher quality analogue. And your computer / smartphone acts as a source (often storage) of music content.
Topping E30 is considered one of the most successful models in terms of price / quality ratio. The model may well become an analogue of the well-known average Topping D50s in a more budgetary segment. The DAC introduces the company's new lineup, which also includes the Topping L30 headphone amplifier. The cost is $ 150.
DAC Topping E30: Specifications
| DAC IC | AK4493 |
| S / PDIF receiver | AK4118 / CS8416 |
| USB controller | XMOS XU208 |
| PCM support | 32bit 768kHz |
| DSD support | DSD512 (Direct) |
| Built-in preamplifier | Yes |
| Remote control support | Yes (remote included) |
Topping E30 DAC Review
Topping E30 is a neat small metal "box" measuring only 100x32x125mm (WHD) gray, black, red or blue.
On the front there is a touch button for the input selector (switching), it is also a button for switching to standby mode, when held. And also a screen showing the selected input and the current frequency of the sound signal. This can be useful for checking the correctness of the transmitted signal and your source settings.
At the back are RCA outputs ("tulips") for an amplifier, digital coaxial and optical S / PDIF inputs, USB type B input, and a power connector.
The bundle already includes a solid USB-B cable for connecting the device to a signal source. Also included is a remote control, warranty card, user manual and power cable.
DC / USB-A power supply allows you to use both a computer / laptop and external devices as a source. Starting from charging for a smartphone and PowerBank, ending with a linear power supply unit.
The filling is performed by:
- DAC IC AK4493 from Asahi Kasei. New version of premium AK4490 supporting PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD formats
- Receiver AK4118 for signal processing from S / PDIF inputs. In later versions, it was replaced by the CS8416 from Cirrus Logic. Apparently due to the lack of chips from Asahi Kasei.
- USB controller XMOS XU208.
Testing Topping E30 on different resources
Topping is renowned for posting the sound measurements of every device it makes on its website. They were made using the Audio Precision APx555 audio analyzer. Also, these data can be found in a special booklet that comes with the device.
First of all, this suggests that we can look at the real characteristics of the device. Without relying on the manufacturer's promises, and without falling for various tricks and tricks. Moreover, Topping's devices are often reviewed on such a well-known resource as ASR (audiosciencereview). Where the Audio Precision APx555 audio analyzer is used for measurements.
Based on the measurement results of both the manufacturer and the ASR website, the following conclusions can be drawn:
| Signal frequency for measurements, kHz | 1 |
| Output power, Vrms | > 2 |
| Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD + N),% | <0.0003 |
| Signal to noise ratio (SINAD), dB (according to ASR) | ~ 114 |
| Signal to noise ratio (SNR), dB (by manufacturer) | 121 |
| Dynamic range, dB | ~ 118 |
| Distortion-free range (multitone), bit | 20-22 |
| Jitter, dB | <-135 |
The jitter when connected via the S / PDIF interface is slightly higher. However, the peaks are at -120 dB, which is not critical.
Features of DAC Topping E30
The main feature of Topping E30 is the presence of digital S / PDIF inputs on standard "consumer" interfaces. COAX (RCA, coaxial) and TOSLINK (optical), which allows you to connect any device with a digital output to it. From TV and media player to old CD player from the 80s.
Another feature is the built-in preamplifier, which allows the DAC to be connected directly to the power amplifier. Although, most often, this feature is used to adjust the sound from the remote control. If there is none on the "full" amplifier, which is most often used by music lovers.
This feature has its drawbacks. Namely, the loss of the capacity of the output signal. However, this does not mean a deterioration in sound quality. For everything will depend on the specific situation and the settings of the audio system.
The AK4493 microcircuit has on board 6 sound filters for PCM and 2 for DSD to help slightly change the sound details.
Unfortunately, these functions are only available from the remote control. And this may seem somewhat inconvenient for those who have a DAC next to a computer or laptop.
Analogs DAC Topping E30
The main difference between Topping E30 and cheaper devices is the presence of S / PDIF inputs as in the "classic" DAC. For example, in the Topping D10s model, digital interfaces act as outputs. That is, this device can be used as a USB converter. For signal processing in S / PDIF for feeding to another DAC. Although, there are doubts that an ordinary user might need it. The Topping D10s is considered a USB DAC exclusively. Like many devices for a lesser price. So, if the presence of S / PDIF inputs is critical, then the E30 is an advantageous choice.
According to a sample from shenzhenaudio.com (devices priced under $ 150), the XDUOO MU-601 DAC uses the ES9018K2M mobile chip. But there are no digital inputs (only coaxial from the outputs). The FX Audio D01 DAC is already based on the more recent ES9038Q2M chip. Has on board a Bluetooth receiver with support for the LDAC codec and a built-in headphone amplifier. Here we already have a whole "combine".
But considering DACs from other manufacturers, you should pay attention to the use of other components. Plus, a different circuit technique, and, accordingly, for other indicators. Moreover, it is unlikely that a combine for the same price will produce a sound of this level, after all, it has a different application.
An interesting alternative is the Sanskrit 10th MKII from another well-known Chinese brand, SMSL. It is based on the same AK4493 chip. But it loses (according to ASR), in comparison with multitone and jitter, especially strongly in S / PDIF. Who is in charge of the S / PDIF signal processing remains a mystery. For some reason, the manufacturer did not indicate this. However, it should be noted that this device also has a remote control. There is a preamp mode and built-in audio filters. Non-standard design, not for everybody. The screen is more modest.
Conclusions on Topping E30
In conclusion, it's safe to say that its excellent sonic performance, wide format support and well-designed design make the Topping E30 one of the best stationary DACs in its price range.
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