Topping E30 DAC: Pre-amp Reviewed! Filters Reviewed! DAC Buyer's Guide! 'Buy' links in description

[@jvburnes]

This is an exceptional review. It's detailed and mostly gets right to the point. A little obsessive on the filters, but I understand why. You've got a new subscriber.

[@TheTexpa]

I bought this DAC after watching your review. DAC is great and all your points about it are so true and useful. Thanks!

[@llliiliiiiiililiiiliiiilllllli]

this is best review of this DAC, great point about the filters

[@jasonfranciosa]

Second this, best review of this DAC I've seen so far!

[@Darksider95]

hands down, best review of this DAC. Most dont mention the difference of sound quality in preamp mode.

[@jimashby43]

Yep

[@arthurwatts1680]

I used a Topping nx4 for years switching to Fiio when the switches broke. Unlike Fiio, a company that exploded almost from day one, Topping sold a very small range of products outside China. Great to see them getting eyeballs and keystrokes. Thanks for the review.

[@sebdhaese]

The filters in the E30 only change the high end roll off. In most songs you can hardly tell a difference between some of them. It is not like they are changing the whole FR

[@mtiken]

A very good review indeed. I recently bough one with the latest Firmware 2008 SL number series. Almost all the folks that I came across in youtube said that Filter 4 is the preferred one. I also prefer the Filter 4. My set is Topping P50 Linear Power Supply + Topping E30 + Rotel A10 Amp + Allo Digi Signature + ELAC Debut 6.2

[@spektrograf]

Nice review and well produced! Just a note to say that all audio DAC's have a reconstruction filter (aka anti-aliasing filter). In recent years, it's just become more a thing for products to allow end-users to select what kind of reconstruction filter is used. Many DAC chips are built with the reconstruction filter being selectable. Historically, DAC box makers pick one they think is best and ship the product with that preselected. Nowadays, it's popular to surface a control for the end user. There are definitely DAC's on the market where that choice isn't surfaced, but that just means the reconstruction filter type is fixed and not user selectable.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Many thanks. This is no different from an amp offering tone controls, really. And that's my problem. An amp's designer creates a core sonic envelope using a recipe of technologies and implementations while the tone controls allow the user to vary and colour the sound from that central point. Which is why I wish DACs didn't use the term 'filter' which sounds a little scary and unapproachable to some users (and I've had feedback that reflects this) and, instead, used the EQ label. Which is what user-defined filters are, in effect. That is, the EQ label would at least be more approachable and understandable to users, beginners especially. It is - generally speaking - a more understood and accepted term. I also wish there was a 'disable' (some enlightened DACs do include this) function for user-defined filters to make it plain to the user that they are running on default. For DACs then, I have a user interface issue. Manufacturers are over complicating the whole filter issue. The point is to listen to music simply and quickly and not be encouraged to wade through manuals and potentially worrying techie terms.

[@alkestos]

@@TheAudiophileMan old comment but Dac filters are not same as EQ’s so calling them such would be just factually incorrect and confusing.

[@stargator4945]

Every DAC uses a filter, but on most of them, you can not choose. The filter is required to remove the steps from a digital signal into an analog signal. Some DACs only use analog filters some are using digital ones.

[@DueM]

toppings been around for years, i have had a d20 dac from them lying around for about 5 years my fathers using it now solid little unit.

[@landosazo7506]

for most dacs without filters are very likely "voiced" or given a certain permanent sound signature ( or specific fixed filter), then it would make sense to have 6 filters on the E30 to have the flexibility to adjust certain speakers and other components that are "voiced" uniquely that can be changed according to your deafness or neurotic preferences...

[@memoryerror]

You really don't want to "turn off" a reconstruction filter on a DAC. Maybe a little reading on what reconstruction filters are would be helpful. I would encourage you to do blind tests with reconstruction filters and see if you can actually tell a difference between filters. I believe you should actually see slightly less very high frequencies (above 16kHz) with your selection vs the standard.

[@mchorst2068]

Yes, do a blind test and see if you still can tell... X Doubt

[@alkestos]

There are people who can tell the difference, but it requires specific tracks, a pristine source and audio chain on top of good headphones (or speakers, however I’ve never seen this done with speakers, but that’s just my experience, I won’t contest it if someone claims to be capable of distinguishing the filters using speakers). And a lot of practice of course. For vast majority there is no perceivable difference, although there is measurable difference.

[@ruvamsi]

To me, filters 1 - 5 change gradually from more detailed, sharp, tight bass -> warm, smoother. I like to leave the unit at the default (F-3) and adjust accordingly. Cymbals sounding harsh, use F-4 or F-5. Instrument getting lost in the mix, dial up the detail with F-1 or F-2. Honestly they sound so similar, I've only found it useful when I feel like I'm hearing something I don''t like in the playback. Even then it's only effective half the time. Now F-6 I don't understand, it just sounds...bad

[@edSuwanDiyAudiophile]

filters 1 - 6 have no significant difference. I said it was not needed. just add features but empty. whose ears are sensitive can distinguish clearly.

[@StylusDrop]

Virtually all DACs have digital filters - they are necessary

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Gordon, there’s many that do not too. Necessary? I would disagree. Useful? Perhaps. Having the ability to switch them off? That *is* necessary, in my opinion.

[@doctorrobin3040]

@@r423fplip On a good system you can fine tune using filters. Very useful

[@nox1cous654]

@@TheAudiophileMan I think he worded poorly, he is correct, but it's not relevant to these kind of filters that you can choose, like on this e30. Not all dacs have selectable filters(like this one), but all dacs have multiple filters in their architecture that are necessary to filter out the noise and artefacts in digital to analog conversion and the output stage

[@tomkershaw4384]

Wow..! "Remember the future" by Nektar . I loved this album ! great review and a nostalgic blast-from-the-past. Cheers !

[@cristiansavin4062]

Good choice to review Topping! I have the D50 DAC, a killer!

[@UDASAN1]

I was after my first DAC Schiit Modi 3+ was my first choice but supply is hard in the uk right now and Ebay are wanting Double the price from the US Even a boxed new one will come without warranty anyway after this and a few more reviews I've ordered the Topping E30 and with ElectroMod LTD it has 2 year warranty £125 + £6 delivery + £10 for a couple of new leads Toslink / Usb A to B it should be here by Wednesday It has many features i like and looks more like what a Digital Analog Converter should look like IMOP Thanks Dan

[@rvgr12]

I just came across this channel and I loved this review. Your approach to pointing out your likes and dislikes are well done

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thank you, Vita.

[@air870]

A timely viewing of this review. I have just bought one and found the setup very useful. Thanks

[@nattu198331]

Brilliant review… your voice is so soothing and i can hear it all day.. love the accent… Just brought a E30, planning to use it for my tv audio (optical) through Cambridge audio 651A (as pre amp) through Emotiva stereo power amp… My speakers are Focal 726… I am still doubting whether i should have brought the D50S… Am i ok with E30 or replace it for D50s… Thanks so much for your reviews and knowledge you share..

[@TheAudiophileMan]

That depends on your budget and the connection type your favour. See me D50 videos on the connection issues I had.

[@eggschipsbeanspeassanchez6114]

Great review. Just received an E30 today. Its great.

[@varun110291]

Thank you Paul. I will going for it once it comes here in my country which is maybe a few weeks away. Will hook it up to my Q 3050i and Rega Brio 2017 via the RCA. Let me know if you have anything to add on this :)

[@D1N02]

The right filter will probably depend on the rest of your gear as well. So not much use testing it on the retailers system

[@morrisonAV]

Really enjoyed this review, Paul.The discussion about the built-in filters left me with a couple questions. First, am I correct that there is no indicator on the front panel to let you know which filter is being used? Second, I live in an area where power outages are a common event. If the power goes off, what filter will the unit default to? The last one used or some other filter?......and how will you know which one it is? Dave

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for your question, morrisonAV. There is a filter indicator, yes. Press the filter button on the remote and the OLED will report F1, F2, F3, etc. There's no battery back up though, so you'll need to remember which filter you chose if there's an outage. Print off a tiny sticker with your chosen Filter number on it and put it under the chassis, for example.

[@j.d.4697]

At least it got many filters, it will make tweaking it for your headphones that much easier, and for USB users it's even better.

[@kkjrees]

I recently bought a Wiim mini (love to see a review from you on this) to connect to my Rega brio, just got a topping e30ii to try and improve the set up, would a 2nd hand mojo be better or should I return the lot and use a dragonfly cobalt into my iPad as I don’t mind cables ? Great channel btw ❤

[@oscar4393]

One question because you are really professional...I bought E30 2 years a go but used a little..now I bought Topping P50 in order to clean signal,etc...despite this,my CD player with audiophile cd is plaing better...why?It is maybe that E30even + P50 is probably lower level than my CD playeror what else?I d like to uy the top Topping DAC,but I don t know what will be the recult...Is P50 suitable for all Toppings?Thanks

[@AlbumSea]

Clicked for the review...Stayed staring jealously at that Remember the Future LP.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Ahh, yes. Well, thanks for noticing :) And yes, I have a few of theirs in my collection.

[@robertwilson214]

I bought this 2 days ago,yesterday it was harsh,grating I noticed the odd new detail,but I was ready to bin it....today it seems smoother,more focused,more detail is noticeable....is this 'burning in?'

[@StylusDrop]

It would be nice to see a review of the matching L30 headphone amp :)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'll make a note, Stylus Drop.

[@HowieHaigh]

I've got the Topping DX3 Pro that has twin AK4493 DAC chips and the same filter suite. I pretty quickly selected F4 too, sounded better and the most natural to my ear. I then happened to check the Audio Science Review website and a detailed analysis of the same filters identified F4 as the best from a frequency waveform point of view. I use the DX3 as an external DAC feeding my IOTAVX SA3 and also as a dedicated headphone amp (my first). I've currently got HD558 headphones and they've never sounded better but very likely will invest in the Hifiman Sundara soon.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good to know, thanks for the extra info, Howard.

[@JarrettWalksOttawa]

Are you sure? F4 is a slow filter, which is never technically best and it allows in ultrasonics. Sharp filters 1 & 3 are technically best.

[@razetw]

@@JarrettWalksOttawa graphs vs musicality don't necessarily parallel. Source and headphone/speaker choice add wild coloration to any graph and the signal chain adds even more complexity to what is the best. The best is what you use the most often and think about the least.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

A filter recommendation by a knowledgeable person who knows the unit well (and in some cases has seen the charts) is usually ok. Start with filter 4 that this reviewer advises. ...unless you truly look forward to the process of research of discovery, which can be a lot of fun in itself. (But not indispensable)

[@JetEarlewood]

I have that NEKTAR LP along with 4 others. Love that band

[@kixxoff928]

I purchased E30II lite, but after 2 days it gave me an error - something wrong with the power part. Had to return it. Now thinking of going for Schiit Modi.

[@exequieldiaznanni8932]

Excellent channel, thanks for all the reviews! Now, my question....this one or the iFi Zen Dac? Thanks!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Didn't I address this in the Zen DAC video? Or was that talked about in the Soncoz vid? Please check both of those and you'll find the info in there.

[@thaynamite]

SMSL Sanskrit 10th mk2 (what a name) or for double the price the Shiit multibit .. the smsl mk2 has even tiny bit better measurements than the E30 ...

[@SPL1NGYDUDE]

I put my filters through my head bob test and measured the amount of bobs per second.

[@doctorrobin3040]

My E30's sound much better in my system with polarity reversed selected on my pre amp. Great comments re. Filters.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks Doc!

[@Mladenac]

There was a polarity issues related to Topping E30 it was fixed with firmware update

[@TB-tv2zf]

@@Mladenac From what I understand it was only fixed for the USB input, not for opt/coax.

[@razetw]

@@TB-tv2zf correct. Some say polarization error cannot be heard unless you have 2 units to AB then side by side... But it's still should be acknowledged that it cannot be fixed with firmware entirely... Or give early adopters rebates.

[@ryanfuller5827]

Just to confirm, you did an extremely detailed review of the ever so slight nuances of DAC filters using a pair of $300 powered speakers? I've heard those speakers and I own this DAC, and I'm skeptical that they're revealing enough to hear much difference. Why not use better speakers?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Ryan - no, the powered speakers were only used to test the preamp stage. Check the reference kit in the Description Box.

[@ryanfuller5827]

Ah, I didn’t scroll to the end. Spendor A1 makes more sense as a reference. 🙂

[@fernandosierra7798]

Hi.......I would like to address a specific observation with my E30.......My Streaming Service is Tidal HiFi option, which offers lossless 44.1/16 CD quality streaming...My setup is using the usb output from my laptop to the E30 usb input and, as a second option, the digital optical output coming from a Fiio BTA 30 DAC in Receiver Mode which is receiving wireless streaming from a LG G8x cel phone using LDAC code (set @ 96/24 and 990kbps) which as I understand is the higher quality BT wireless setup for streaming as of today.....The E30 setup in Windows 10 is to 96/24. When Im streaming via USB the E30 display shows 96.0 PCM but when Im streaming via the optical output from the BTA30 and optical input in the E30, it shows 192.0 PCM.....What does this means? Are my setups upscaling the sampling rate? Is this good or bad......For me it sounds great in both setups (wired and wireless)....By the way, my filter choice in the E30 is F-2 Slow Roll Off.....

[@gppanicker]

Bought a Topping E30 DAC, no noticeable difference with Presonus Eris 3.5 speakers. Is a DAC worth it in this setup?

[@seansco1]

Brilliant review, subbed.

[@lwdp74]

Aren’t filters necessary for the function of all dac’s? If frequency’s with less than 2 samples reach the converter distortion goes nuclear. I’m guessing that despite the filters some unwanted frequencies must survive to colour the sound. I’ve heard very little difference between their filters with the source material I’ve been using. Perhaps using higher resolution music files would create more noticeable differences. I don’t recall any reviews using hi rez files. I do enjoy the sound from my Topping a lot more than what it replaces.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Think of the E30 filters as user-applied EQ settings. I question their labelling at filters, to be honest. They basically do what tone controls do on an integrated amp. Well, in general terms, at least.

[@grays5112]

Hi Paul, I've had to give up my lounge Hi-Fi and convert to Headphone listening and I'm old school, just listening to redbook CD's (over 2600 CD's) from and integrated Cyrus CDi. My current set up is Hifiman HE560 & Hifiman Sundara's, with headphone amps Burson Fun with Sparko's SS3601 opamps (very powerful and detailed, but a tiny bit brash) & a Drop THX AAA 789 amp that is just totally neutral and suits the HE560's a treat, they are fed by a Cyrus CDi, by rca's (twin output). Now as I wanted a bit more detail I've bought an Audiolab 6000CDT and paired it with a Rega DAC, and to be honest I'm disappointed, as there is hardly any discernable difference, between the 2, and I suspect it is the old design Rega, so was wondering with your experience, what would be you best recommendation of a DAC to go with the 6000CDT and my amps, something up to about £500 tops (I've listened to M-DAC and thought it a bit thin) , so any help appreciated, regards Mark in Mid Wales

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'd have a look at the DACs from both Schiit and iFi. They offer great value for the price. Check out my site too: www.theaudiophileman.com which features a range of DAC reviews, ready to browse through.

[@Mirsset]

I'm using Marantz NR1200 receiver, is this DAC better than DAC in Marantz NR1200 or hard to tell?

[@barrystamp8600]

The topping e30 seems to have major sound drop outs when hooked up to standard run of the mill CD players. I've a 90s Pioneer stable platter player I was using as a transport but when hooked digitally into the e30 there is timing/skip like interuptions every once in awhile. Same player and cable into a Wolfson Amp/Dac no playback issue. UK Amazon site have added a Topping factory notice not to use the e30 with CD Players! I am using 3 cables the e30 is on latest firmware. Flawless usb playback though.

[@yangarzon8994]

ak4493 very good sounding dac chip. that what my m11 DAP haveand also my RME ADI-2 FS. Sound is natural, balanced, dynamic, present, well separated, and i found that the image is amazing.......Filter are subtile. But do change a bit in bass, and mid. But you need a good system, or good openback headphone to ear the filter effect imo. thank you for your pickup review. Take a look at the new smsl m400,,using ak4499 ,and balanced output. regards

[@jtaylor0727]

How did you attach your cd player to the E30 ... maybe you are still going to say... great review so far... enjoy your approach

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Via a coax cable, Jerry.

[@shaun7297]

Great review, I bought the Topping E30 and the ifi zen blue because of your reviews but I have no idea which cables to use or how to connect them , which connections and cables should I use?

[@christopherganadhi920]

I bought Topping E30 and Ifi zen blue too. You can connect both of them with coaxial or optical output from zen blue to E30 input. I think E30 and ifi zen blue are a good match.

[@philmingasson]

Hi all :) Is this DAC recognized as such by AudioStation on Synology's DSM ? Thanx for the feedback :)

[@bklyncyclist]

Just bought one used and it is on the way. I'm surprised there were any for sale used as they just started shipping a few months ago. Anyway, which of the following would be best to power it? iFi iPower 5v, An Anker 13000mah phone charger, a linear supply of some unknown origin, or straight from a RPi or iMac USB port? I'll likely try them all but which would you think would work best? I'm going to compare this to a number of DACs in that price range, iFi Nano iDSD, an Audioquest DragonFly black, an Allo Boss and a Hifiberry Dac+ Pro. But what is a vinyl guy doing reviewing DACs anyway?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'd go for the iFi option.

[@funtimeswithtom4108]

I am glad I found this review because I just received my E30 in the mail (my first DAC) and was very confused to say the least but this cleared a lot up. I am running an optic cable to the unit but reading through the comments it seems that a digital coax cable is preferred so should I change to one of those? Also my display reads 44.1 PCM and I don't know what that means...

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Glad I could help, Tom. The 44.1 bit is the resolution of the file you're currently playing. That is, 44.1kHz. All CDs feature files of this resolution so you're looking at a CD-quality file there. I would go for coax, if I had the choice for both quality and stability reasons. Optical is a great option for certain digital players that don't have a coax option. I have a digital music player here, for example, that only offers optical as a connection choice.

[@ronenlazar5424]

Thanks for the review. Any chance you'd be interested in doing a review for the Topping pre90 preamp? The specs are amazing, but I need some guy with a British accent to tell me that it actually also sounds good! And why would I need an active amp if I have a volume controlled dac and a phono stage as my inputs? All the Best!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Ronen - I'll make a note. If you have a simple system and the pre-amp in your DAC is enough to run everything you have there and you enjoy the sound then sure, go for that and save some cash. A septa amp and separate DAC can often enhance sonics but, as I say, if you're happy with the music 'as is' then go for that.

[@ronenlazar5424]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks so much for answering. Indeed my dac output is "powerful" enough, and probably the same goes for my schiit phono stage. Now, should I just go with a passive pre, or would an active give me a better edge?

[@AmazonasBiotop]

Good review. There is nothing that say that we should put the USB power to our noisy computer or any thing else for that matter in the manual. Several reviewers get subjectivity better sound using wall wart. What did you use. Or it didn't have any sonic difference in your opinion? A easy use case is to use a battery that offers the lowest noise. Like a ordernary power bank that is used for mobile phones. I feel when that is done/used then we have the best opportunity to be able to hear what the electronic components and the unit have to offer. Otherwise it is just like with the filtering you said that you just stick the power USB cable whatever and start to listening. Then we need to choose what type of power AND what type of filter to use. Or maybe not.. ..if there is no sonic difference between different power types? 🤔

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for your post, I tried to use the E30 'as is' to basically review what was in the box and to retain the low cost aspect which many will be attracted to. I did do the majority of my tests with a wall-mounted USB plug, though, which improved on, say, a laptop connection. You can by a range of de-noising accessories to improve sound. Theres a couple from iFi, for example.

[@TR6Telos]

My mother always said, "watch your filters".

[@TheAudiophileMan]

And she's a very wise lady.

[@blackburnparty]

So I bought one of these ,connected the optical from the TV into the dac ,then RCA s into my amp and noticed no change. Music was both streamed from spotify from my phone and also played on a spotify app built into my android TV Am I getting the best out of it by doing this set up ??

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm not too sure what your question is here, Chris. Are you saying that you can't hear music through your TV when the E30 is connected to it via optical?

[@ziggy8757]

which is better, the topping e30 or the smsl sanskrit 10th gen mk2

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm afraid that I have yet to test the SMSL although I hear that an auxiliary power supply is an important addition to maximise performance.

[@geevee1045]

@@TheAudiophileMan According to ASR reviews, the SMSL has noise filtering and works fine with the computer's USB. It's actually the E30 that benefits from plugging into a 5v cell phone charger to maximize performance.

[@JetEarlewood]

Excuse me if I’m incorrect.. do you have MQA CD’s from Japan? The new iFi NEO can decode SPDIF. You probably are reviewing it now...

[@davide88rn]

Hi! Great review! When I plug my iPhone into the usb and streaming via tidal I can use the volume control in the iPhone, usually when using external dac I can’t do that? Is it normal? Should I put to max on iPhone? Thanks :)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Don't worry about it, if you find your iPhone volume disabled, use the DAC's own.

[@BookClubDisaster]

I have the Fioo K5. Sounds great except the high end is too smooth and boring. Especially with powered speakers. Is the E30 the same way?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I tackle the sound quality pros and cons in the video so I hope you can make a judgement from that. I haven't heard the K5.

[@henrykpycha1637]

I like filter nr 4 from the beginie. Thank you for exelent artykule.

[@rajivjoshi5714]

Problem with the Topping e30 is, it can’t connect to my iPad to listen to HD streamed music. Apparently the Apple lightning to USB adapters do not work with the e30. Or does anyone have a way to interface an iPad to the e30?

[@445488]

I had the same problem and turned my iPhone and iPad volumn up to max and it worked fine. This is the first dac I have had that the volume control had any effect

[@razvanrachita4265]

I have this dac on a decent setup but the filters switch is almost undetectable. i can t hear major diferences.

[@Fckisnotrealnatowefc_nts]

Zero difference this guy is a clown

[@doriarama]

I LOVE Sister Sledge and Chic! Try to put your hands on RME ADI-2 DAC FS :)

[@tigerbalm666]

I'm playing mp3's from my Motorola phone to 2005ish Panasonic receiver to pair of 1988ish 12" infinity 3-way speakers. With this make it sound better?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It would help, yes.

[@doctorrobin3040]

Nektar, how cool.

[@kelseypearce6078]

Hi on your website you scored the topping e30 higher than the soncoz dac even though you mention the soncoz sounded better . Did the the soncoz lose points for a bad user interface ? Is the soncoz a better sounding dac than the e30 ,thank you

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Kelsey - when I review any item it's scored based on that item on that day, compared to the competition present at that time and also at that relative price point. The Soncoz's bad points are listed right by the Rating...under 'Bad' :) Also, the sound tests are fully detailed including a head-to-head test with the E30. If you need a video version of the review, I'll sort one for tomorrow and post then.

[@kelseypearce6078]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you ,soncoz vs zen vs e30 sound comparison as they are all similar price would be amazing .

[@freesaxon6835]

Questions.... Ok I understand the principal operations of a DAC, filters, a pre amplifier, got that, also the fact it is better used as a DAC..... But thats, that's were you lost me. O.K use it only as a DAC..... But how is that achieved ???? I would have connected the RCA outs into an amplifier input... But which input ? and how is the DAC preamplifier bypassed ??? Love to know

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for your question - selection is made via the front-mounted multi-function button. Holding the button down toggles between the two and the window either reports 'Pre' or 'DAC'.

[@freesaxon6835]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks

[@Yuenix]

I am an Audio Geek Freak, my kind of content 😂 I am just glad I am not alone lol

[@cybergod77]

Wd be great if u could include comparisons in your review. Thks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I was thinking about that but this video is already around 20 minutes long. Full A-B comparisons would have doubled that or more and not everyone likes long vids. Unlike some channels, I fully utilise this Comments area. Look at my videos and you'll always see me there. It's part of the video, as far as I'm concerned. So anything I don't include in a video, just ask me in the Comments. To answer your question, I did test it with a Arcam rDAC and found the E30 compared very well, with the right Filter. Also, if you do buy, consider a mains filter from someone like iFi to enhance sound quality (i.e. iFi iDefender+ or an iFi iPurifier+, ) as a future upgrade, if you want more from the E30.

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

@@TheAudiophileMan and perhaps a better power supply?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Absolutely! This box can be an upgrade project. Thanks for the suggestion Geoff.

[@nunofernandes4501]

I have a Cambridge Dacmagic 100 whose "warm" sound I quite enjoy but alas only goes up to 192kHz and has no support for DSD which I've been listening in DoP form through Jriver. Well, you've just convinced me to order an E30 which is on it's way and I hope I'm in for a sonic treat greater than what the Dacmagic already provides through my Elex-R and Dali Oberon 5 speakers. Do you think I'll be dazzled by the improvement?

[@janmarx5760]

How can I only use the DAC and don't use the Pre-amp? I want to buy my first DAC ever, so I don't know much about it. Do you know any better DAC in this price range? Greetings from Germany :)

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Jan - there's a multifunction button on the front which allows you to switch between Pre-Amp mode and DAC mode. At this price, the E30 is hard to beat.

[@barrymiller3385]

I thought all dacs had to employ a filter of some kind. The only question being frequency and slope. Is this not correct?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Maybe I didn't express myself properly in the video. Let me put it this way. If I accessed a heavy tech KZbin video on DAC design then what you're saying would be very interesting and insightful and useful. But that's not what this video is all about. It's a consumer-targeted review aimed at an ordinary guy who just wants to listen to music through this box. And on that basis? In my job as a representative of the ordinary consumer? Well, in that position, I don't care. I just don't care. I shouldn't have to care. Yet Topping *forces* me to care. I have no choice *but* to care and that grates. It really does. As a user, a consumer, I don't want to know about a DAC chip's inner workings. I just want to know how this thing works and how to get the best from it. So filling my head with words like 'filter' is a wrong move from Topping (and many others - Burson is another company who does this). More than that, why do I have to tackle stupidly complicated filter names? If Apple saw this, they'd be laughing from now till Xmas. They'd never dream of doing that to their customers. In basic operation, the filters act like tone controls, so call them tone controls. It doesn't matter if that's not technically accurate. Yet 'tone controls' is a familiar term and that's the basic effect of jumping between each filter. The 'tone' changes. Again, it doesn't matter if they technologically not. In use, that's what they do. If I could talk directly to Topping I'd say this: Stop calling them stupidly complicated names. Call them 1, 2, 3, etc if you really have to but stop doing the passive aggressive thing by opening up the techno Pandora's Box. Do you see what I'm getting at here? Fine, the DAC chip manufacturer has sent this tech info to Topping for their information but Topping shouldn't pass it on to us. It's lazy. They should translate that into user specific operations only.

[@CraigFels]

Do any of the filter adjustments fix the sound quality when in pre-amp mode? I'm trying to find a remote controlled preamp/dac combo so I can connect the optical out from my TV to my vintage receiver.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'm afraid not, the filters are attached to the DAC only, Craig. Why not connect a basic DAC to your receiver (one with an optical - the E30 would be fine for this) and use the receiver as the pre-amp?

[@CraigFels]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the reply! Optical out from the TV to a DAC connected directly to the old Sherwood receiver would be the simplest solution. What’s missing is a remote control for volume. Inserting a preamp in between solves that issue but presents its own challenges with two sets of volumes to adjust: the overall max volume set on the Sherwood and the remotely adjustable volume of the preamp. I did find another solution: an HDMI ARC audio extractor with a built in DAC. It arrived on Saturday and works well enough for now: the TV’s HDMI ARC port is connected to this $22 device, which presents itself as a receiver, allowing the TV to control volume through HDMI CEC. The analog out is connected to the Sherwood.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@CraigFels Problem is, Craig - if you're asking a sound signal to jump over two pre-amp stages then you're also asking for sound degradation. You'd be better keeping the signal as pure and as simple as possible and buying another remote-equipped amp, hooking the DAC to it and running a cable to the TV from the DAC ad then speakers to the main amp.

[@CraigFels]

@@TheAudiophileMan I agree. Trying to use the vintage Sherwood may be more trouble than it’s worth.

[@MrBlitzpunk]

I was wondering, is it worth it buying a DAC that is capable of doing 24bit/784khz or DSD512 if my only source is spotify?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Good question - I would ignore the numbers and be ruled by the basic sound quality of the DAC instead plus other priorities such as price, etc, only looking at the numbers if you have specific reason to do so.

[@MrBlitzpunk]

@@TheAudiophileMan yeah im planning on getting it anyway because i already have the L30, so might as well. Either that or the D10s honestly

[@paulosimoes1673]

I hooked a sony dvd player via coaxial cable and what happens is this: every song i play skips every few seconds. I search the net and it seams a know problema with the E30. Any one has a solution for this? TIA

[@BookClubDisaster]

I don't even understand pre amp mode. If I'm using it with powered speakers, would I use it?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Pre-amp mode is ideal if you want to control the volume from the E30 itself. Otherwise, you plug the E30 into a separate amplifier and it controls the volume. That's a simplified explanation. Of more weight is the issue of basic sound quality. The sound quality from the E30's pre amp ain't great.

[@stefaandecroo6774]

Hi Paul, You did it again. Very useful review ... as always. Thank You.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks again!

[@stefaandecroo6774]

@@TheAudiophileMan Again, all pleasure is mine.

[@billybeck]

Literally just set mine up with a chromecast audio dongle linked optically then RCA from om DAC to vintage sony amp. Why is there no bit rate shown on the dac? Also, the filters. Is it just me or do they sound the same?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Everyone's ears are different. If you don't hear any difference then don't worry about it - just enjoy your music :)

[@alanmooney]

Hi There, I have an old (works perfectly) Yamaha CDX400 CD player . It only has L & R RCA OUTS. How can I connect a Topping E30 I want to start my CD player upgrade.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Alan - you won't be able to, I'm afraid. Not with this CD player. If you want to continue with your upgrade and you have a Topping, I'd advise considering the purchase of an Audiolab 6000CDT transport and hooking up the two via the coax port on the rear of each box.

[@alanmooney]

My main CD player is a NAD DVD/CD T550 which has a BURR BROWN PCM 1716 DAC and was made for a superior sound back in the day and still pleases me. Would an e30 improve the NAD very much, thoughts?

[@JohSno]

Hey, what are the first 4 digits of the serial number of your unit? (it means the year and month when it was manufactured).

[@TheAudiophileMan]

1911. Why do you ask? I'm intrigued.

@@TheAudiophileMan I guess it could have to do with the switched polarity bug that was solved from s/n beginning with 2004 on all inpusts and via firmware updates on the earlier one for USB input only. www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-e30-polarity-discussion.13789/

[@matttracks6305]

How does the hud work in dac mode? Mine seems to be stuck on 48 khz pcm even when i play audio from higher sample rates? Am I missing something? Isn't it mean't to change? Do I need to change something on my e30 DAC?

[@matttracks6305]

Now I've changed the sample rate in my windows control panel to 384khz for the e30. But even when i play youtube videos it displays 384khz constantly? I was under the impression it detected the sample rate and then displayed what is playing. If this is not the case, whats the point of displaying it on a screen? So confused.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The DAC should respond to the resolution it's seeing. Have you tried the basics? Power off then on. Disconnect cables for a least 60 sec then reconnect? Also try change from DAC mode to preamp mode to DAC mode again.

[@Netherspark0_0]

I'm still trying to decide between the E30 and the Schiit Modi 3..

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'd lean towards the Schiit, if you catch my drift :)

[@b97209]

On two of my amps, I could not hear much difference between the E30 and the Modi 3 on Cornwall IVs. Connected to a nice tube amp, the base was much better and the trebles nice and clear on the E30. The filtering also made a difference when correcting for a little glassiness. Definitely better than the Modi 3 which I liked. I do use the USB input and Roon. I have the E30 firmware update. I do not have the experience that The Audiophile Man has. Just my experience with my few pieces of equipment.

[@razetw]

Stick with the same line up for looks and get a nice acrylic stand for your stack :) schiit, topping, jds, all look great, you'll be happy with any choice.

[@go2mac]

I will buy.

[@tomryansinger1]

Hi, great video. I bought the e30 for my pc to hifi needs. One question, The e30 constantly displays 44.1 ( dac mode with usb) even though i have higher res flac files being played on my windows based musicbee media player. The media player is showing 96khz flacs ( which they are) I thought the display on the e30 should change depending on whatever res file is currently playing through it??? Any ideas???

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Only that the E30 is playing up or your media player USB is not talking to the E30 is a coherent manner. The E30 should reflect res changes. If it isn't then my guess is one or the other of these issues. Just a guess, though. Can you try other devices to connect to the DAC to see if that device reflects the selected resolution?

[@tomryansinger1]

@@TheAudiophileMan Hey! thanks for reply. I eventually figured it out. There is a setting in Musicbee called 'crossfades' which fades each song in to the next . I didn't know that this setting changes all files to 44.1. When I unchecked this , the e30 started showing all the sample rates of my music! My head is wrecked!

[@anthony2010707]

Topping was tapping at your door👍

[@Lobo243]

us that bluetooth??

[@allthisuselessbeauty-kr7]

I'm concerned about reports of reverse polarity on this unit's output. Is that the case?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I didn't come across any tech issues during the review, I have to say.

[@allthisuselessbeauty-kr7]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the reply. Apparently it was an aknowledged issue which Topping initially fixed only on the USB input. Coaxial and optical still inverted. Cheers

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Gotcha and thanks for the update.

[@Percival1919]

Pls anyone... Is this better than the Cambridge Audio Dac magic 100?

[@17cream]

Would this improve on my Denon dns-720ae streamer?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Indeed.

[@CoryBellDushoneBell]

Can I connect both my steamer and CD transport to this DAC at the same time?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Not sure what streamer you have there but that will most likely connect to your amp. The transport will connect to the coax port on the E30 and the E30 will then also connect to your amp.

[@CoryBellDushoneBell]

I have a Node2i.

[@nicksundby]

Wow other so called reviewers don't even mention the filter choices

[@Fckisnotrealnatowefc_nts]

Because there is no audible difference between them...

[@heythere6983]

I’m in the process of trying different DACs while I can still return them, lol. Have you tried the dragon fly red dac? I wonder how this compares? I have a ifi hip dac and like the sound but am thinking of getting some DACs and combining with the zen can amplifier and seeing how much the sound can improve overall

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I have yet to try the Red but I hear good things about it, sure. There are connectivity and feature differences of course.

[@razetw]

I freaking love my HipDAC except for the poor battery life. Seems like a schiit stack vs topping E??stack vs jds atom vs smsl.... Is all good. Just down to looks or connectivity.... And I still can't decide. Keep the reviews coming!

[@Killerspieler]

great, now I am sitting here, thinking: "will I hear big differences between the filters?" damn, gonna have to buy it eventually :D it's nagging...

[@kelseypearce6078]

Topping e3o or ifi zen as a desktop dac .. which sounds best ? I am upgrading from a musical fidelity v90 dac . Just subbed

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for the sub, Kelsey. Hmm, I’ve reviewed the Zen Blue from iFi on this channel but not the Zen DAC. Is the latter the one you mean? I could sort a review if that would help and compare it to the E30 while I’m about it. What do you reckon?

[@kelseypearce6078]

@@TheAudiophileMan thanks yes that would be amazing . Its the non bluetooth zen i am interested in . Nobody has directly compared the e30 with the zen . I am especially interested to see how much performance a budget dac gets you in 2020 compared to a mf v90 dac from 2014 or a chord mojo . I found the mojo was great with headphones but not so good as a desktop dac with my set up . In fact the mojo was too revealing of badly mastered music which made a lot of my favourite indie bands sound bad so i reverted to the v90 .

[@TheAudiophileMan]

OK, I'll see what I can do.

[@thaynamite]

SMSL Sanskrit 10th mk2 (what a name) , or for double the price the Shiit multibit .. the smsl mk2 has even tiny bit better measurements than the E30 ...

[@razetw]

Ifi zen supports MQA... Most products that do will almost always carry a higher price tag. Zen uses a burr brown chip vs akm on the topping for a slight difference in character. Year(s) ago mqa unfolding was limited to certain hardware. Changes to tidal software and its proliferation in hardware like TVs soundbars home theater equipment etc has lead to software unfolding beginning to spread, not just limited hardware only unfolding. My galaxy s20 does hardware mqa in the tidal app. My 4 year old laptop does it in the windows app. My ifi HipDAC does it natively. You used to be forced to pay a premium to get mqa by buying mqa specific hardware. Now that hard barrier to mqa entry has been slowly degrading but the price premium has still remained. Zeos and his followers believe mqa is nothing but a money making pyramid scheme rather than a true pursuit of hi fidelity. Others disagree. It's up to you to decide how much mqa matters if at all.

[@fernandosierra7798]

Excellent review........Any suggestion regarding the Ac power .......meaning the external power source.......What type of power supply you used? Do a line power supply may improve the overall performance of the E30?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

HI Fernando - I used a USB plug for the review but, if you wish to enhance the sonics, I'd look at cleaning/purifying the mains signal with appropriate accessories. iFi sells a couple that would do the job. I can dig out some details if you need them.

[@fernandosierra7798]

@@TheAudiophileMan thank you......I would appreciate more info on the power supply alternatives......something just for the E30......budget....not too fancy

[@TheAudiophileMan]

How much is that budget, Fernando? :)

[@fernandosierra7798]

@@TheAudiophileMan well.......the E30 cost me $130.00 .....at this point and considering is just for the unit alone.....I would probably expect to find something around $50-$75 if possible......I'm not that savvy on how a line power supply may improve or maximize a DAC performance. .....

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Either this: www.amazon.co.uk/Audioquest-AA02-Jitterbug-Disorder-Suppressor/dp/B00YTA78FW#ace-g1653177716 or the iFi iSilencer or iDefender. All of these accessories will help you to lower high frequency noise when using the E30.

[@frankverschoof8083]

Give the P50 power supply a chance, wel worth the the money

[@D1N02]

The iFi iPower Low Noise DC Power Supply is a more economical choice

[@ethancollins7734]

Thanks for the great review. A couple of questions: 1) Could you compare E30 with Dx3 Pro? The latter has 2xAK4493 ADCs. 2) In E30, can you turn off the display?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Ethan - I can't give you a firm opinion re the DX3 Pro because I have yet to give it a thorough review but, on casual listening outside of my own listening room, I'd look at a Zen DAC from iFi if headphone listening is important. Screen off? Not that I can see but there is a brightness option.

[@ethancollins7734]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks. The display screen off is very important - especially for night listening. If that's missing, that's big let down, for me.

[@ngtflyer]

@@ethancollins7734 I own an E30 and use it day and night. The display is a nice pleasant orange color, no bright blue LEDs anywhere to be found. There are three brightness settings. The lowest is about what a normal alarm clock has on its low display setting. It doesn't bother me at night. You can always lean the remote across the front blocking the display if that helps. There is not a way to turn the display off without turning the unit off.

[@karlskooter3493]

i don't know if this is a dumb question LOL...how do you operate E30 as a DAC only mode?

[@SahinurUK]

Whilst the E30 is in standby mode, hold down the SEL touchscreen button until the screen either shows Dac or Pre.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Karl - thanks for your contribution but there is no such thing as a dumb question. Never be nervous of asking questions in this channel. You'll never be ridiculed here. To answer your query, it might be of help to download the manual which you can do here: www.tpdz.net/newsinfo/379406.html Once on your screen, in amongst the Chinese writing, top right-ish, there's a bold heading called Output Mode. This paragraph tells you how to flip from DAC to Pre-Amp mode.

[@jtaylor0727]

I think filter 3 is the default

[@filipbabok9023]

Has anyone tried this with active speakers (Edifier)?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I do hope to review a new pair of powered Edifier speakers in the future so maybe I can look at the combo then.

[@filipbabok9023]

@@TheAudiophileMan thnx a lot

[@shuckylad]

Spat my porridge out at Rim shots. sorry i'm a little immature.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I knew it! I just knew it! I was waiting...and you didn't disappoint me Stuart :)