Just found the review of the recently released Topping DM7 8-channel DAC on audiosciencereview.com:
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dm7-8-channel-dac-review.35661/
The performance level is very high. Output levels up to 5Vrms would pair nicely with PFFB class-D amps that need that kind of input level. Currently available for sale at $599.
This should be able to work under Linux and be used as a multichannel DSP crossover sink. I have not seen a confirmed report of this, and the recommended kernel version, but I am very optimistic about it. The only downside is a lack of input of any kind, however, you could use CamillDSP and another interface that is dedicated to analog or SPDIF input, or just use sources that are accessed via the computer (files, web streaming, etc.).
This is on my radar along with the MOTU Ultralite mk5 (priced similarly at $595), which was also reviewed at audiosciencereview.com but has been plagued with delays due to the AKM factory fire. Hopefully available this fall using ESS chips instead. The MOTU unit has 10 balanced output as well as analog and digital inputs, Overall the Ultralite mk5 is lower in performance, however, the difference is really down in the weeds IMO. Pick your "poison". 😀
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dm7-8-channel-dac-review.35661/
The performance level is very high. Output levels up to 5Vrms would pair nicely with PFFB class-D amps that need that kind of input level. Currently available for sale at $599.
This should be able to work under Linux and be used as a multichannel DSP crossover sink. I have not seen a confirmed report of this, and the recommended kernel version, but I am very optimistic about it. The only downside is a lack of input of any kind, however, you could use CamillDSP and another interface that is dedicated to analog or SPDIF input, or just use sources that are accessed via the computer (files, web streaming, etc.).
This is on my radar along with the MOTU Ultralite mk5 (priced similarly at $595), which was also reviewed at audiosciencereview.com but has been plagued with delays due to the AKM factory fire. Hopefully available this fall using ESS chips instead. The MOTU unit has 10 balanced output as well as analog and digital inputs, Overall the Ultralite mk5 is lower in performance, however, the difference is really down in the weeds IMO. Pick your "poison". 😀
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I prefer to use a fanless Intel based "mini PC" type platform. I have sort of moved on from R-Pi for the most part.
Yes, really. As an example this TPA3255 amp:
https://www.jlelectronicsph.com/product/sylph-d200-tpa3255-pffb-stereo-ready-to-run-amplifier-module
Has in its specifications:
This is not un-typical. The post filter feedback reduces the gain, sometimes down to on the order of 12-15dB overall. So you need a lot of input voltage to make the amp reach full output.
That's right. Its a balanced DAC. 5V > 4V so it can drive the amp at least to rated power, with a bit of headroom. 🙂
Topping DM7 only has balanced outputs. Topping balanced out in other DACs is a minimal parts design and doesn't do well single ended. If DM7 has the same compromised output stage Okto will still be laughing.
That was my first question when i saw the title.
One (cheap) box for a 4-way active system with DSP XO.
dave
How can someone write a piece of analysis software like that - and not put its name on any of the panels it puts up? Now I have to go through a whole ask and hope for a response cycle to find out what it is, instead of just looking it up myself .
Nope. Dont bother. The analysis and problem was with an earlier Topping balanced DAC. Its just a potential warning for early buyers who have RCA only amps and dont have a multi channel preamp with balance in to unbalanced out. Its possible the topology has been improved with this new model. Wait and see.
Audio Precision - not a DIY affordable product.
Thats not useful - its the known balanced in performance. The link was with the OP. The query is about single ended output. Many of us have single ended amps. Anyway this is likely to be not a problem with this new DAC. Topping should have moved on and SNR on RCA output will likely be shown to be OK before too long. It needs to be if going direct from DAC to power amp and using digital volume control.
Look people, stop yer whining about "no RCAs" and "the unbalanced performance will be bad!". This is a balanced DAC, and as such it has incredible performance. It is what it is. If you don't want or can't use a DAC with balanced outputs then don't buy it. ¯\(ツ)/¯
I have the Topping D10 balanced and can confirm that the analog output looks pretty much like the schematics shown in the AD1955 datasheet.
Sure this is a minimalistic design, but in my opinion it can also be used single ended by just disregarding the inverting output. You may have ground loops then if you are unlucky.
The FFT plot you are showing looks terrible and I have never experienced anything like that with my Topping D10 balanced in single ended application. Probably the adaptor shorts the inverting output to ground forcing the op-amp into current limit or dissipation limit or some other issue. Topping advises to not use any adaptors, but get a DAC with single ended output instead. I guess this is just why.
The primitive balanced output gives you the option to do a proper low noise conversion to single ended on your own. The way Topping does it likely is like shown in the AD1955 datasheet and I‘m sure we all agree that this is not a high end solution.
The unbalanced adaptor/cable usual work around might turn out to be just fine for single ended needs. The DAC has such a spectacular SNR balanced what would it matter if it dropped a bit. As most of us dont have eight balanced power channels, going unbalanced will be really useful, if measurements confirm its OK.
When did I whine about the lack of RCA? RCA is the pineapple pizza of audio.
My comment was directed to people complaining about potential non performance of RCA outs.
But I won't buy it, like any other product from Topping, because they still have to do their homework on everyday usability.
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