- Compact footprint with good connectivity, LDAC and aptX
- Automatic S/PDIF and ADAT detection and mode switching
- $199 / €199 (around £175 / AU$400)
“Topping launches a new DAC” isn’t really news: it makes tons of them, from the ultra-affordable D10s to the G5 portable DAC/headphone amp to the premium D90 III Sabre. But the new E50 II is interesting because it’s an impressive high-resolution audio DAC that packs a lot of features into its user-friendly footprint.
It’s also cheap: $199 / €199 (around £175 / AU$400). This means it’s inferior to many of the best headphone DACs and is priced similarly to the rather good iFi ZEN DAC 3, although the two devices have key differences: the iFi is also a headphone amp, but lacks the Bluetooth capabilities of the Topping.
Topping E50 II: key features
The Topping E50 II is built around AKM’s AK4497S DAC and, via USB, it is capable of linear PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD up to DSD512 (DoP DSD up to DSD256).
Despite its compact size, it offers plenty of connectivity here with USB-C, coaxial and optical S/PDIF. The RCA and balanced jacks take care of the outputs.
The digital interface is based on the XMOS XU316 and the digital inputs support both S/PDIF and ADAT (the latter on the optical input). The E50 II automatically detects whether the input supports S/PDIF or ADAT and switches modes without you having to lift a finger.
Wireless support is also good, thanks to a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth module with LDAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD in addition to the obligatory SBC and AAC codecs. However, there is no aptX Lossless.
The Topping E50 II is now available in a choice of three finishes: black, silver and white. The front panel is available in the color of your choice as long as it is black.
The best headphone DACs for every budget
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