Hi, is anyone using the Topping E30 II Lite dac on Mac? I have a Mac book pro i7 with OSX 10.13.6 High Sierra and I would like to purchase the Topping E30 II Lite to connect the Mac to my hifi system. Do you know if there is a need to install drives or does the Topping E30 II Lite work without it? Thank you
Yes, I know that the Mac usually doesn't ask for drivers, having an old operating system I wouldn't want to have incompatibilities with the DAC. The MacBook is not upgradable for various reasons.
I doubt very much you will have issues.
What MacBook, what OS? My 2012 macMini has not had any issues.
dave
What MacBook, what OS? My 2012 macMini has not had any issues.
dave
It supports the USB Audio 2 standard so should work fine without drivers on basically any OS including Mac.
I just bought the E-30 II for 50$. Did not come with any supply but had the USB dongle and remote.
Plugged in the USB - nothing ..... Used both a 1A linear 5V and phone charger adaptor.
I WAS SO MAD !!
Error "INL err" or "PN err" and even a D-3 error. The 5V linear would load down to 4.5V when measured.
I was about to try to return it (seller don't accept returns) , I then wondered why ?
Last chance I pulled out the "big boys " My 3A 5V breadboard PS and searched and found a true 2A phone SMPS.
It actually worked !
Here is the lowdown -
-Can't power through the USB input.
-The 5V input needs to be OVER 1A. Unit draws up to 1.2A+ then drops under <1A. If the fancy uPC controlled internal regulator
sees any voltage drop with a underpowered external supply - error messages appear.
I ended up using a Samsung rock solid 2A (phone) SMPS - works perfect now , assumes all bitrates and is dead silent/pure.
Don't use any "adaptive charging" wall supplies , any overvoltage will flash yet another error code ! The Topping 1A rating is sort of BS
unless it is a conservatively (underrated) supply.
I'm going to build a 3-5A LT1083CP linear reg. I don't like SMPS's on my "ANALOG side".
You gotta play around to decipher all the settings , Topping's manual sucks (mostly chinese) and all these issues I had were
hard to find on the web - I had to google many times.
I suppose having the smart internal regulator is good to protect the device and keep full fidelity - but what a PITA !
OS
Plugged in the USB - nothing ..... Used both a 1A linear 5V and phone charger adaptor.
I WAS SO MAD !!
Error "INL err" or "PN err" and even a D-3 error. The 5V linear would load down to 4.5V when measured.
I was about to try to return it (seller don't accept returns) , I then wondered why ?
Last chance I pulled out the "big boys " My 3A 5V breadboard PS and searched and found a true 2A phone SMPS.
It actually worked !
Here is the lowdown -
-Can't power through the USB input.
-The 5V input needs to be OVER 1A. Unit draws up to 1.2A+ then drops under <1A. If the fancy uPC controlled internal regulator
sees any voltage drop with a underpowered external supply - error messages appear.
I ended up using a Samsung rock solid 2A (phone) SMPS - works perfect now , assumes all bitrates and is dead silent/pure.
Don't use any "adaptive charging" wall supplies , any overvoltage will flash yet another error code ! The Topping 1A rating is sort of BS
unless it is a conservatively (underrated) supply.
I'm going to build a 3-5A LT1083CP linear reg. I don't like SMPS's on my "ANALOG side".
You gotta play around to decipher all the settings , Topping's manual sucks (mostly chinese) and all these issues I had were
hard to find on the web - I had to google many times.
I suppose having the smart internal regulator is good to protect the device and keep full fidelity - but what a PITA !
OS
Nope , needs the driver (win 10 LTSB) from topping to run all functions or to check/flash the firmware.
Also has a full ASIO separate driver package .
Topping has 3 packages - ASIO /driver/firmware. Stupid Chinese manual is PDF in the driver folder.
Without the driver , just lower bitrates and a device driver warning. With the driver , all functions and dumb little control panel.
PS - topping says it has native Android support. Stupid , since this DAC is NOT mobile in any way !
OS
I picked up this meanwell USB adapter for mine. No problems with it whatsoever.
$50 is a steal.
I found my setting and left it alone, because, yes, it's not user friendly
I'm surprised the meanwell did it , even with it's 105-135% overload rating. I had cheap 1A units still triggering random
power error massages.
As I said , I ordered a 5A LT1083cp linear regulator kit powered by a 50VA antek 20V trafo. I HATE SMPS.
Pre-built Linear regulators for your DAC are a (audiophile) scam market , just 15VA + cheap LM317 in a box for 50-80$.
I'm going to integrate the 5V supply + 12V+/- and my preamp/headphone amp into one case.
BTW - the Topping dac is SOOOOO clear (fidelity wise) , I figured out all its hidden configurations. Run it as a DAC/preamp , etc-etc. "8-8" means it saved
whatever into its flash.
OS
Attachments
My SMSL SU-1 disappears (like USB unplugged) when I switch to coax/optical. Does the Topping do this too?