TOPPING E30 DAC Hi-Res AK4493 32Bit/768kHz DSD512 HiFi XMOS XU208 Decoder (Black)

I got it yesterday and have been working on it for about ten hours. br>br>Background. After decades of exclusively using NOS DACs, first with CD transports and then with dedicated audio computers (matrix H, Jplay), I decided to downgrade to a bluetooth dac to reduce the number of wires in my stereo because I have a baby on the way. I originally intended to purchase the D70, but the D50s were released instead. As a result, I ended up with that. br>br>Then, having been pleased with the D50s, I became interested in the newly released D90. So, there you have it. It's the best DAC I've ever owned, and I've had a lot of them over the years. br>br>Then the D90 MQA was announced, with a release date of, I believe, March. So, after two weeks of ownership, I returned the D90 in the hopes of snagging the D90 MQA when it became available. Then came the COVID19 event, which caused the D90 MQA to be postponed until late April. In the absence of a DAC, I dug through my cable closet and discovered an Audioengine B1, which I've been using as a source for the past few weeks. br>br>The B1 is capable, but the sound is brighter than I prefer, so I had to wait a long time for the D90. br>br>Then I found out the E30 was coming out in about a week. In addition, it was discovered that it has guts that are similar to the D90 but are of lower quality. So I decided to order this to help me get out of my social isolation and self-isolation rut. br>br>The E30 arrived yesterday. I started by connecting my audio PC to my computer via USB. The sound quality was satisfactory. The sonic signature is unmistakably similar to that of D90. D90 is a lot closer to D50s and B1 than D50s and B1. D90 lacks texture and 3D graphics. ness and stability- ness that ranges from mid-to-low. At this point, I was dissatisfied with the sound. In terms of overall sound, it's slightly better than B1, but only by a small margin. In terms of sound signature, it's better than the D50s (to my ears), but the D50s had more detail and air. br>br>Today, I switched from a computer to a tablet (a Samsung S5e). I did this by connecting the AE B1 with the tablet's bluetooth. The B1 is then connected to the E30 by a piece of glass optical that I purchased from Amazon: br> When compared to USB, optical input is far superior. The difference in tone is noticeable right away. It has a smoother texture to it. The ability to listen is once again available. D90's rock-solid performance is still missing. ness, but it's a lot closer than most DACs. I'll have to think about whether I still want the D90 MQA. br>br>After all, what else am I going to do with the COVID stimulus money? edit: br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br>br My initial impressions remain unchanged after a week, with the exception that the USB input now outnumbers the optical. The D90 is still on my wish list. The E30, on the other hand, is becoming more palatable as time goes on, with a more relaxed listenability. br>br>edit2: After a few weeks of anticipation, D90 MQA will finally be released next week. Although they may be the same company, I see the preorder available on the Shenzhen site and will wait until Apos has it available. E30 is a good value for money, but it doesn't cure my upgradeitis.

Junior Sharp

| Feb 01, 2021

This little guy is hooked up to my main two-channel audio system, which is powered by a nice Yamaha A-2000. The S1200 is a built-in amplifier. I'm really happy with how well the E30's smooth, laid-back sound matches up with my similar amp. Without causing ear fatigue, the volume can be turned up high. The E30 does exactly what I want from a DAC; it does not color the sound by adding highs or lows; it simply transmits it accurately. br>br>The unit's build quality is good; the case is metal, and it has some weight to it. The remote is inexpensive but extremely useful - If you have multiple sources in your system, being able to switch inputs from USB to optical to Coax is extremely useful. The display can be dimmed, which is convenient, and I've grown to like the LED's orange color - It's better than red or, God forbid, a piercing bright blue light in my opinion. br>br>Make sure the E30 is set to DAC mode rather than preamp mode. In preamp mode, the sound suffers greatly and is dull. You're in preamp mode if you have the ability to adjust the volume. The output from your source is displayed in DAC mode. Yes, I suppose a high-end $1,600 DAC is better than an E30, but the benefits diminish dramatically as one spends more than an E30. Even for a fairly good critical listening audio system like mine, the E30 is more than adequate.

Kennedi Hunt

| Dec 18, 2021

A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) should be invisible in the signal chain, supplying only accurate sound reproduction. Sure, it's a capable DAC at a reasonable price, but I find it to be clogged with too many features: the cheap remote that is required for certain functions, the obnoxious orange LEDs from the 1980s that don't match the subtle red accents, and the glossy front panel that collects fingerprints Why not make it a black box with an L30 footprint and a source selector? I'd rather not even be aware that a DAC exists, let alone one with these features that beg to be noticed or that necessitate some sort of action. It also took up an important USB port on the computer. I traded in my L30/E30 stack for a JDS Labs Element II, which I much prefer in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and sound quality. In my opinion, this was a huge blunder. I would recommend the D30 or JDS Atom stacks.

Galilea Bradshaw

| Jan 05, 2021

Wow, I built a setup with an e30 jds labs atom and mogami gold 1m rca. It's not quite as good as my much more expensive setup, but if it's all I have, I'll make do. br>br>PS: if you're looking for a unique way to express yourself, try using the words " Before using, make sure to check the website for toppings. They had new firmware and drivers for the unit I received, so it's possible that yours will as well.

Emely Copeland

| Mar 07, 2021