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don't understand the need for volume control in a DAC...🤔

Dear Randy😃 This E30 II is the dac I was looking for, no volume nor pre-amp functions needed, I just wanted to change my Musical Fidelity V-Dac (first one) to access to dsd files. That was a nice dac at the time quite detailled but most of all, it stills works! So, I'm actually testing this little Top'E30II and already really pleased to hear so many details on a beautiful sound stage. At this time, I even have to level down a bit the volume on the amplifier, and yes I still have an other volume control on the pc, so what's the use having one more on the dac? The S is for the couple of chips🤡, you're not wrong about sibilance...but only for some times. I'm not a burn-in guy but I noticed that, past 3 or 4 hours of listenning and some adjustments, I couldn't hear it anymore😃 Thanks again for your work on your channel👍, sibilanceless garanted!

The Topping E30 was around $130 new previously, not $100. I’ve purchased two. Edit: I don’t think you reviewed this properly. If you don’t have these DACs in DAC only mode (meaning, no volume control), you’re not getting the full sound quality. Will this make a major difference? Possibly, depending on how much the sound is attenuated. I don’t quite understand why you’d use the volume control option here with a headphone amplifier that has its own volume knob. It’s really intended for use in a situation where the DAC is acting as a preamplifier. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me.

E30 was priced at 129usd with single DAC chip now E30II has dual mono two DAC chips and cost is just 20usd more despite inflation and 2 yrs go by....

“I didn’t compare it with the original E30 cause I don’t have one around, but from memory- there is no sonic improvement.” Might be the least credible thing I have ever heard an audio reviewer say, lol.

I own the OG E30 which I bought cheap used 2 years ago. A-B-ed it to various more expensive DACs and NEVER heard one iota of difference. It's fine, just like all other DACs I heard.

I'm still using my Topping TP30 Mk 2. It still is reliable and sounds fantastic.

Absolute nonsense

I've had this all weekend. I would recommend looking at the filters . F4 to me takes away the sibilant'ness and adds air to the top end. The system I'm using has the Sony SScs5's.

I recently added a Schiit Modi 3E DAC to my PC sound (optical > 3E > Sony STR-DH190 receiver > Emotiva B1+ speakers). It sounds great. The 3E is powered by USB from the PC, so it turns off when the PC does. Still waiting for a KZfaq review of the 3E (has an ESS ES9018 chip instead of AKM AK4490 in the Modi 3+).

Nice honest review. Schiit def wins these matchups. I’ve got a couple Modi 3 with the AKM 4490. I though it was the best $100 spent. I’ve moved on to the J2 with Ess 9938 for $250 and the Ares II. Both are truly excellent. To me, if you’re in the US and can spend $250, any iteration of the Geshelli J2 is worth having over the cheaper dacs.

I have the Topping E30 II and what you describe that its sibilant and harsh its true but after i changed the USB cable to something else it sounds warm, analogish and sounstage gets wider. Whoever has it try it and you will be surprised.

I just bought the WiiM mini streamer and love it so far but it definitely needs a better DAC and I’m looking at the Topping E30II, is this the best option for around $200 cad or is there some others I should be looking at?

Another Topping Dac?? Has a month gone by already 😀

Im getting off this carousel...Last year I had my phone and a bluetooth speaker and I was perfectly happy. Now I have 3 Integrated amps, 3 sets of speakers, 2 DACs including a PontusII, 2 sets of headphones including some Focal Clears, a NODE streamer, and some other odds and ends...its ridiculous.

Great honest review, we appreciate the honesty which helps in getting the best sound and value we can. Personally I wouldn't buy anything without some physical main controls on anything. I've lost remotes and had remotes give out way before the main item has given out. I've been waiting for a AKM dac to listen to since I've only has Sabre and it appears I'm going to be waiting longer. Hopefully Geshelli Labs will have it figured out so I can try one.

I've been thinking about the Geshelli Labs J2 myself, but they offer 3 different chips. The AK4493 being one of them. Looking forward to your review of the Geshelli with the AK chip.

I continue to posit that if you are getting noise from the power supply, then there is a problem with the power supply or the power path in the device, which usually leads back to the design engineer / bean counters. In this day and age, a quiet supply should be a no brainer for any competent engineer.

I have one of the old ones and I actually really like it. I use it in DAC only mode with no volume control and use my Aiyima A07 integrated amp to take care of the volume. I'm pretty sensitive to sibilance and I don't perceive any in my setup, but I concede that Randy may have better ears than I do, so if he hears sibilance, I'm not contesting it.

Good info! I can't wait for your review of the Geshelli Labs J2. I've followed your previous recommendations for it but have held off buying one not understanding the difference in the 3 chip offerings. Maybe you can touch on that in your review?? Thanks! ~Frank

I'm very happy with my made in the USA Schiit Modi - thanks. Battery power for audio - hmmm ? Oh that's right I have an electric forklift with a 1700 pound 36 volt battery in it. That should be enough power. 😁

is there a device where you can plug a usb key into a device and play hi-res files and pass the signal to my amplifier?

Randy, I know I’m late to this party. I’m interested in getting my first DAC. I’m 71 and a Veteran too. Thanks for your service. Anyway an answer would be greatly appreciated. It’s definitely budget gear, but all I should really spend on fixed income, tight budget. How would you compare the Topping E30II to the SML SU-1? Anyone in comments please chime in if you’ve experienced both. Thanks. 👍🏼😎🎶

Maybe you can review JDS Labs Atom DAC Plus, the default firmware sounds neutral, and there is an experimental firmware that has a tube-like-sound. It is $109, from a U.S. Company.

I think I have the old version and it really sounds nice. Not sure how to tell the difference between the 2 models :(

What would be a warm sounding forgiving dac for the bluesound node 130? Play many old rock and symfhonic metal. Cambridge cxn v2 overall Sound better but too bright for me

Not sure I understand complaining about the lack of a volume control knob when one of your go-to recommendations for a DAC is the Geshelli J2, which is more expensive and also does not have a knob, nor does it have a display or a remote that this E30 II at least has. You also seem to like the Schiit Multi-bit offerings, which again, do not have a knob or display. This doesn't bother me that much because I don't typically buy DACs to use as preamps. But I guess when you don't like the way something sounds, you are more likely to complain about other aspects of the device.

Hi Randy, i have a FX Audio Dac x6 MK 11, that is quite a good one, cost $ 199 NZ. Same chip as the Topping E90. Only thing is, its made in China.

Jesus wtf is it with reviewers getting bent up over volume knobs on dacs, screw that i'd rather the quality be utilised on the actual dac circuitry.

the Modi is $129... still an increase from when I bought mine 4 years ago for $100, but better than $150. No volume knob, not sure why you would need it if your amp has volume control. Nice smooth Schitty sound.

Best Wired Audio Streaming Signal Chain? Coax Cable in from street, A/D converter (modem), Ethernet cable out, Streamer, USB B 2.0 cable out, D/A converter (DAC), balanced XLR cable out. Best chain. Correct?

Great review, Randy. Appreciate the honesty, which leads me to this question: How about a review of the Cambridge DacMagic 100? It's in a similar price range, and sounds great! I use one in my desktop system, and one in my two-channel system. For some reason I have not seen a review of this anywhere............

Can I ask you for a suggestion for the best dac/amp or stack comb under 350 usd. Which ones sound the best (one or more suggestions)? Thanks in advance.

What is the difference between $150 DAC and a $3500 DAC? I don't get it.

Better to pair this with Aiyima A07 or just get the T9? Powering SS-CS5 FWIW

I don't think it's coffee in that cup...

the E30 had only one chip, this one is double... I think it's justified to be more expensive

Thanks for this video, now I'm still wondering what to buy for my dads audio. This Topping E30 II vs Hifiberry DAC2 HD on a Raspberry pi? Or AIYIMA ? Which sounds better?

Had the original E30 for a long time and my PC sounded more resolving than my 400€ ONKYO cd transport, but harsh. Then switched to the E50: much better. It.s a set and forget device, like a DAC should be.

5V battery sustem often works with noisy Voltage elevator system.. from 3.7V elements

Thanks, Randy

Best RCA Muppet VOice ever

Randy you mention SMSL DA-6 that’s an amp. I think you meant to say the SMSL DU-6 and yes it is better option with volume, BT and build-in power supply.

I went with the SMSL Sanskrit Mk II 1,5 year ago. It's Ok I guess but now eying the Aune X8 XVIII with Sparkos Opamp or SMSL M500 MK II (or III if that gets good reviews).

About re doing dac tier list you could do it as an annual thing, call it dac-tober or whatever :) All tec related lists will change over time and assigning months or any time structure may free up thinking time. I suggest the seasons first woodpecker sound on a clear sky day should be the marking of sub woofer list re-visit

Hey Randy, have you ever changed polarity with AC plugs when you have the option? Have you ever noticed one way sounding better than the other? Could some of your reviews be marred because of which way you plugged in the device? I think some of us really need to alter the AC plug when we have the option and see if we notice a difference...I know I have many times.

Got the DX1? Other than the power itself which seems quite low for a desktop aio, seems amazing in all senses. l7audio already got measurements and they seem amazing! Will take probably two or so months until it comes here, do you have one already to or plan to review?

From an audio perspective, batteries suck. Battery drain is why. You get an arc or performance with a battery whereas you get a tight range with a stable ac supply. Think about what happens to the signal as the battery drains.

Go for this or E50?

SMSL DA-6 is an analogue amplifier, does not have a DAC in it, I'm not sure why you're talking about it at 11:10

What DAC would you recommend for someone who’s never experienced an outboard DAC before, and is using the inbuilt DAC in a 13yr old Yamaha receiver ? I just got an Onkyo 6 disc CD player and using the inbuilt DAC through toslink in my receiver. Still sounds pretty harsh and I want to be able to enjoy my CD’s again. Also wouldn’t mind something with Bluetooth, and has decent range of multiple inputs. Cheers Randy, keep rockin’ on with Rocktapus! 😎

I'm using my Anker 26000 battery with my Loxjie D10. Mostly just because it was less than one thing to plug in. I haven't actually used it plugged to mains. I've got about 8 to 10 hours so far and the indicator hasn't moved yet.

Hehe. "Who doesn't like free gifts every month... that you pay for" hehehe

Randy, What options are out there for someone like me that you would actually recommend near this price point? I just want to add remote & TV functionality to my vintage Yamaha. I'm currently using a Chinese no named DAC. Purely because its cheap, has a remote & aesthetically unassuming (which is important to me). It's a 2 channel system paired with a set of Monitor Audio Bronze 100's. I'm in no rush & can wait for a deal as even with the Chinese DAC I'm still loving my set up, plus I've never had a decent DAC on there so you could say I dont know what I'm possibly missing if anything at all. Thk u sir.

I run my mini pc and dac off a battery pack. Definitely sounds better to me .

The E30 II costs more because it now has two of the newer AKM DACs inside. The original E30 only had one DAC. Since this video was made Topping came out with the E30 II lite which has one of the newer AKM DAC and is back to $99.

Thanks!

I do like my Burr-Brown-based ifi Zen DAC v2, which includes a headphone amp (with a balanced option) for not much more money. It's limited by only having USB input, though -- and some people will consider it tainted by the original sin of MQA. Fundamentally, I like the sound that comes out of it both going into my Onkyo AVR's analog input or from the headphone jack. (Oh, and it retains the nice, organic-sounding bass boost button from the original, which doesn't use DSP. I leave it on for headphones and off when I'm feeding speakers and want to manage bass elsewhere.)

IFi Zen dac v2? Currently $190 and I haven't heard it -- just tossing it in the mix. I'm very happy with their Zen Blue v2.

so in theory, if I had this hooked up to a amp and that had a volume knob can I control this with that

Just bought this to replace a iFi Zen Dac 2 which keeps randomly disappearing from Windows 11 OS on a regular basis. iFi says its Windows fault...?

On your advice, I bought the cheap Prozor DAC, and I really like it…it sounds really good between my blue ray player and my Receiver, but for one thing: for some reason, only when I play factory Beatles CDs…part of one channel drops out! Noticed it on Rubber Soul and Sgt. Peppers. Any idea why?

Actually, it is beyond ridiculous how much everything has gone up and it is still getting worse! It is mathematically impossible, but here we are. If you are making less than 75k per year now (as I am sure most of us are extremely below that), prepare to starve, because you can't afford basic groceries and that is just for single people! I mean $2 for a head of lettuce, $10 for 14 ounces of generic mayo? Really?, yeah really! The whole thing is upside down when it cost more to cook at home, which is supposed to save money not cost more! Now, focusing just on the audio side of things. I can't afford to replace a single component on my HiFi system which is all still currently manufactured! I'll put it this way, had I waited and not gotten my electronic pieces three years ago and my speakers about 7 years ago, I would have nothing! Every piece in my system has gone up $400 just in the last year or so! If I knew how, I could literally turn around and sell every piece I have for what I paid for it! That is not supposed to happen. HiFi gear is supposed to lose at least 40% of its value the minute you power it up. It is at the point that even the stuff Randy presents (and damn fine job of it too) is becoming a bridge too far because folks have to decide between groceries, medicine or that DAC or amp or whatever. It used to be that one could (if patient enough) save up for said piece while still being able to eat, but now it is all upside down. The obvious reason is greed, which doesn't start at the retail level, but at the factory and parts level. It is a chain. Some retailers don't really want to mark stuff up 50% or what have you, but they also have no choice. It is beyond a crying shame what is happening. The cause is obvious, it is called raw greed across the board, not just audio. On top of that, if one is fortunate enough to be able to save up to afford for example: even a $90 DAC for $150 the higher the price the lower the quality and less functionality no matter where it is made. It is all about less for more. Recently, the best upgrade I ever did for my system was getting one of those DC motor quiet fans. Improved the sound dramatically! Of course, I'll be paying for it for a few months and it was only about $50.

Have you reviewed any Cambridge DAC? Specifically the Cambridge DAC 100.. thx.

so for how long did you let the DAC breakin for?

OK, as you know ASR has tested the Topping DACS and they outperform the competition. I happen to like the button on the front which also doubles as a volume control, so it is a preamp with volume on the unit and the remote. I do own the Schiit Modius and the Topping E30 (version I). I can't basically tell the difference sonically, the music has a bigger presence with the Modius but the Topping E30 appears to be more resolved, both tested with speakers and monoblock amps. So for other recommendations in this price range there is the Schiit Modius,(it is an ESS DAC), the Dacs that JDS labs out of St. Louis makes plus Gesheli, that is 3 companies that are US based. I only wish that one of them would put together a DAC with sampling rate display, balanced outputs and remote control. The only one that I know about is the Topping DX3 Pro.

what kind of power supply did You were using?

Attaway to call ‘‘em as you sees ‘em, Randy.

The E30 and E30 Mk 2 do not sound sibilant at all. Therefore there must be something wrong with your other audio equipment making the DACS sound sibilant. All other reviewers have never found these DACS sounding sibilant. I have an E30 here and it doesn't sound sibilant at all. However, I do design and build my own mosfet high end power amplifiers so I do know what I am talking about.

Well, the price went down eventually. I just bought this for AU $169 (US $109.50).

Strange, why do audio critics use only criticism? but no sound test It will help the organization to make a better purchasing decision than listening to words. Please explain as I can't decide at all. It only had to listen to the audio experiment.

How does it compare to Schiit Modi 3?

Hi Randy .What about buying the new IFI zen air dac at 99 euros?

do I need an amp if i'm only using this for my IEMs?

Its called gouging.

Randy always tells it how it is top reviews

Should I buy l30 ii or l50? For my e50 and aeon x closed.

A 5v "battery" has a switch mode power supply in there much like a 5v usb wall charger. The "battery" has a "boost converter" from nominally 3.7v to 5v. The "wall charger" has a "buck converter" down to 5v.

Do you think the current tier list is out of date? What's missing from it?

Im trying to setup my pc with bookshelfs. I see in many of ur videos u like sonys alot. But i remember u saying not great on a desk? Is there something in that price range u do recommend for pc speakers. My amps havent decided on which im gonna use but, both have 2.1 so i can later add a sub. My amps are suppose to be 50 watts rms per channel. 100 to sub channel.

Seems like a Bludento B2 would be a better bang for the Buck.? Your thought Randy

older good cheap dac ? why no love for the khadas tone 1? other than the fact that it's a naked board, it's a great implementation of the ESS ES9038Q2M and deserves some serious appreciation for under $80us been rockin' this beauty for 3 years now, and it's a keeper - go get one and hear what i mean

Yay, I made a good decision for a change, this as a stack was for sale as was the SMSL SU6 DAC + SH6 stack. I got the SMSL one cheaper on sale and apparently sounds better.

Hi,....Sir which is best between E30 I vs E30II ?

Does the original E30 sound better?

smsl su-8s on ess occasionally goes around 160-180 on drop. Would be interesting how it compares to e30 mk2 which is 150.

Howdy, I’m very new to the HiFi world and am a little confused as to which pieces of equipment I’ll need to power a pair of Unifi Reference speakers. I plan on using the speakers for my turntable (RT81) and eventual home entertainment system. Would I need an amp or preamp? Can anybody recommend some to me if I have a budget of $400? Any and all help would be greatly appreciated

For a while there I felt bad about buying a Node . I mean it’s digital, how much better could it be than a cheap. I mean it’s digital, a few chips in a box right? Now I don’t feel so bad.

Hey Randy any chance you have any affiliate links for crutchfield?

Subscribed! But, Please would You show us ocasional Actual connection between the, say PC or imac to the rest of components You are talking about. That would not take much of Your time But will suredly help to somewhat *denser* but normal volks that just want to connect their Mac or PC to the speakers of their choice. Can You do that sometimes? That would be the help so many are actualy searching for on chanel like Yours.

this over the SMSL SU1???

Skip on that and buy yourself ifi zen dac v2 and if you need more power power add ifi zen can and you are set for a long time.

I think the AKM Geshelli is winning this punchup with a KO, even at twice the price.

No physical controls besides the remote would be an absolute deal breaker for me.

The original E30 came on the market for around 130 Euros here in Europe and the E30 II is now available for around 149 Euros. So not quite true what you are claiming. Also in the E30 II there are 2 AKM DAC chips instead of 1 and improvements are made to the power supply. The slightly higher price seems therefore not unreasonable at all. Your whole approach seems somewhat overly negatively biased.

So are telling me that my vanilla e30 is better (less harsh) than this mark 2? In that case it's a wonderful news for me, since I have paid the old one 109€. Edit: I have always been in love with akm for its warmer sound compared to the bright ess Sabre... So this 4493s variant must be a failure... I also can't distinguish the difference on pcm recordings, between the e30 (4493) and the built-in 4490 in the Marantz pm6007 (the ampli built-in dac can decode only pcm). For home theater usage I rely on the 4452vn to in the OPPO 203. Could be that coz my system is an entry level in hifi realm, then much more forgiving? Main setup is: OPPO 203, Marantz 6007 and B&W 606 s2 annyversary ed). Plus I own sennheiser 599 (I got them on Amazon prime days for 94€).

The Schiit Modi series is also missing a knob.

Maybe it's the implementation of the chip, but sabre dac's seem to fair better .

I don’t understand why topping doesn’t put volume control on the front of their DACs. Like you, I think it is a huge oversight.