TOPPING Centaurus: A New Benchmark in R2R DACs

Dec 9, 2024 at 9:21 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 275
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The TOPPING Centaurus is a groundbreaking high-performance R2R desktop DAC, developed through a collaboration between TOPPING and HOLO AUDIO. It integrates cutting-edge technology and precision engineering to offer exceptional audio performance. Follow us to learn more about Centaurus.
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Centaurus employs a state-of-the-art 8-channel R2R resistor array design, the front section of the device consists of four circuits dedicated to DSD decoding, while the rear section houses four circuits for PCM signal processing. This dual-channel design ensures high-precision reproduction of every audio detail.

Centaurus excels in the accuracy and clarity of audio reproduction, distinguishing itself among other R2R DACs in the market. It achieves an impressive Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) of just 0.0005%, ensuring pristine sound quality with minimal distortion. The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) reaches 130dB at 1kHz, and the Dynamic Range (DNR) is also 130dB at 1kHz, offering outstanding detail retrieval and depth in the soundstage.
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Additionally, it offers three distinct operating modes to suit various audio preferences: NOS (Non-OverSampling) mode, OS (OverSampling) mode, Best mode. These modes allow users to customize their listening experience according to their specific needs and preferences.

Centaurus features a brand-new Aurora UI interface, designed for intuitive control and navigation. It is equipped with a 2.0-inch full-color touchscreen, offering users an interactive and visually appealing way to adjust settings and control playback.

Centaurus includes a 10-band Precision Equalizer (PEQ), allows users to fine-tune the sound to match their unique preferences or the characteristics of their audio equipment, creating a truly customized listening experience.
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Powered by the Qualcomm QCC5125 chipset, the Centaurus supports Bluetooth 5.1. It is compatible with various high-quality audio transmission protocols such as LDAC and aptX, ensuring high-resolution Bluetooth audio with minimal latency. It also provides a wide range of input and output interfaces, including USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES, I2S, and Bluetooth 5.1 for input, RCA and Balanced XLR outputs for optimal signal transmission.
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This new DAC from TOPPING and HOLO AUDIO is poised to become a must-have for any serious audio professional. Last but not least, any questions, comments, suggestions are welcome.
 
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Dec 10, 2024 at 11:09 AM Post #3 of 275
Quite excited about this! Hopefully will be able to get a unit for review.
I loved the cyan 2, so if this is really similar but with built in OS, and PEQ at a lower price that's going to be killer
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 11:15 AM Post #5 of 275
Wait for the implementation.

EQ masses up phase, hence lowers separation and spatial information. They should focus on improving sound quality, not on "correcting" it.
EQ doesn't mess up phase.
EQ is usually done in a minimum phase fashion, meaning the phase is altered correlating to how the FR is altered, but in the exact same way that the phase response of a headphone is non-linear due to the FR being non-linear.

If you corrected the frequency response of a headphone using minimum phase EQ, you also correct the phase response
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 11:23 AM Post #6 of 275
This with the A70 Pro looks like a good stack. Considering it for my desktop setup. Would've liked to see USB-C input though.
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 11:39 AM Post #7 of 275
Did not have a collab DAC with Holo on my Topping Bingo card. Despite this being more functional I really prefer the clean aesthetic of the Cyan 2.....BUT if this can match performance and provide some nice functionality like PEQ and volume control...that'd be tempting for sure. Will have to keep an eye on it.
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 12:41 PM Post #10 of 275
EQ doesn't mess up phase.
EQ is usually done in a minimum phase fashion, meaning the phase is altered correlating to how the FR is altered, but in the exact same way that the phase response of a headphone is non-linear due to the FR being non-linear.

If you corrected the frequency response of a headphone using minimum phase EQ, you also correct the phase response
Some says otherwise, but of course you are the expert.

Anyways, I always hear when only activating EQ without even touching it. And there are others (a lot) who hear it the same way.

I would be happy if it wasn't the case 🙂
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 12:51 PM Post #11 of 275
Anyways, I always hear when only activating EQ without even touching it. And there are others (a lot) who hear it the same way.
What EQ tool are you using?

If an EQ tool is altering data without anything being set in terms of actual modifications something is wrong.
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 2:32 PM Post #14 of 275
@shenzhenaudio - Could you add some details about what HALO contributed to this project? Your product page, while nicely detailed, does not mention HALO once.
Holo manufactures the actual R2R dac itself. It's the same module as in the Cyan 2
 
Dec 10, 2024 at 2:41 PM Post #15 of 275
That's one hell of an interesting entry level DAC.

Holo R2R Board with built in PEQ for 800$, not bad at all
 

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