TOPPING Centaurus DAC – collaboration with HOLO Audio
TOPPING has introduced the new Centaurus digital-to-analog converter, which uses R2R architecture and is implemented in a fully balanced architecture, which includes eight resistor board (developed jointly with HOLO Audio).
The key aspect of this solution is the processing of both DSD and PCM streams. Vector Step Resistance Network technology is specially used for decoding DSD, while the traditional R2R scheme is used for processing PCM. The process is controlled by a CPLD chip, which guarantees accurate decoding of musical material.
The TOPPING Centaurus DAC offers three signal processing modes: NOS (no oversampling), OS (with oversampling to reduce noise) and Best (automatic selection of the optimal mode). To customize the sound character, the DAC offers a 10-band parametric equalizer, allowing you to adjust the gain levels and bandwidth for each frequency.
The TOPPING Centaurus external DAC is equipped with both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog outputs with switchable voltage levels (XLR 4 V / 5 V, RCA 2 V / 2.5 V), providing flexibility for connecting to various amplifiers. When working via USB-B, the TOPPING Centaurus DAC supports PCM streams with parameters up to 32/768 and DSD512.
To reduce jitter, a synchronization system optimized for CPLD is used, which improves the purity of the sound. The new DAC boasts an extremely low level of total harmonic distortion, which is less than 0.0005%, and a dynamic range of 130 dB. The TOPPING Centaurus External DAC is now available for purchase with a suggested retail price of $999.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
DACs — TOPPING Centaurus DAC
Model name
Centaurus DAC
Conversion type
R2R
Engine
Vector Step Resistance Network + R2R
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32/768 and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
20
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
40000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
2.1 - 2.6
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
126
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.0005
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link
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