Topping D50 III DAC (Edition 2024) Review
(2x ES9039Q2M, XMOS XU316, Bluetooth 5.1 LDAC, 32bit Up To 768kHz, Up To DSD512)
| Model | 2x ES9039Q2M |
| PCM | 32Bit/768kHz |
| DSD | DSD512 |
| MQA | NO |
| USB Bridge | XMOS XU316 |
| Recommended | YES! YES! and YES! The best DAC at this price range, ideally associated with our MusicLounge Linux audiophile server edition 2024 with a simple Raspberry PI 4 or PI 5, breathtaking audio results, reliable with RCA and TRS OUT using USB IN, rich features, up to 32Bit/768kHZ PCM, native DSD up to 512, clean and quiet during PCM<>DSD change, thanks to the Topping firmware implementation and the XMOS XU316, Hardware mixer to control the volume from MPD, Bluetooth 5.1 Hugh-Res Audio, 12V trigger out meaning the DAC wake up other device if needed, no MQA (Who cares! 😉 ), basic and limited remote control as usual at Topping, VERY VERY tiny screen so do not expect to change settings from your couch :), also include a Parametric EQ driven by a Windows software Topping Tune which needs some work to be stable, the DAC needs to be connected to a computer to setup the EQ and store the preset onto the DAC, not so good… IMPORTANT: update the DAC firmware to version 1.21 or greater. |
| Ratings | |
| Reviewed |  |
Topping D50 III DAC has been updated to deliver even better performance than its predecessors (D50 series). Featuring 2x ES9039Q2M DAC with an USB hardware based on XMOS XU316, enabling it to support high-resolution streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512.
Double ES9039Q2M DAC and XMOS XU316 USB interface
The D50 III features one ES9039Q2M digital-to-analog converter chip per channel for balanced signal processing. These two DAC chips, combined with the USB hardware based on XMOS XU316, enable Topping’s D50 III to support high-resolution streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512. The USB XMOS XU316 interface is accompanied by a Thesycon driver for plug-and-play operation and a high level of compatibility (including Linux Kernel). The I/V conversion stage has also been enhanced to maximize the performance of the ES9039Q3M DAC chips. Compared with the D50 S, the D50 III’s chipset achieves better SNR, dynamic range and distortion.
Bluetooth 5.1 (High-Res Audio)
A QCC5125 Bluetooth receiver chip enables the D50 III DAC to support the high-resolution codecs SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptative, aptX HD and LDAC. As a result, you can enjoy high-quality wireless transmission at up to 24bit 96kHz, a higher resolution than the CD standard.
Pre-amplifier mode and high output power
The D50 III’s output level is adjustable. It features a 4Vrms level on its balanced output and 2Vrms on its RCA output, which can be increased to 5Vrms on its 6.35mm TRS output and 2.5Vrms on its RCA output. In addition, a pre-amplifier mode lets you use the D50 III DAC with active speakers or a desktop amplifier.
USB Port Data IN And Power
The Topping D50 III has two USB-c ports. A data/power port and a dedicated power port. It is recommended to use the additional power port with external power-supply to get the best and stable audio result.
Bluetooth remote control
A Bluetooth-enabled remote control is supplied with the D50 III. This allows the device to be controlled remotely for greater ease of use.
12V Trigger OUT
There’s also a 12V trigger on a 3.5mm jack, enabling you to switch an eternal devices on or off.
10-band Parametric Equalizer
Topping has developed a 10-band equalizer Topping Tune offering the possibility of adjusting the audio curve. The software supports the export of preset to the DAC to use the EQ offline.
The PEQ function supports only PCM and up to 32bit 192kHz and is only available via the USB IN.
Front View
Back Panel View
From Left To Right
| R Out | Balanced TRS Output 6.35mm Jack |
| L Out | Balanced TRS Output 6.35mm Jack |
| R | RCA Output |
| L | RCA Output |
| COAX | SPDIF Coaxial Input |
| OPT | Toslink Optical Input |
| BT | Bluetooth Antenna |
| TRG | 12V Trigger Out |
| USB IN | USB-c Input |
| POWER | USB-c Power |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Product type | DAC |
| DAC chips | 2x ES9039Q2M |
| USB interface | XMOS XU316 |
| Bluetooth chip | QCC5125 (Bluetooth 5.1 HD Audio) |
| Inputs | 1x USB-C 1x SPDIF Coaxial 1x Optical Toslink Bluetooth |
| Outputs | 1x RCA stereo output 1x TRS balanced 6.35mm jack output |
| Supported sample rates | Up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD Native up to DSD512 |
| Supported Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX adaptative, aptX HD, LDAC |
| Parametric EQ adjustment | Using Windows Topping Tune software |
| 12V trigger | Trigger OUT Only |
| Remote control | 2.4gHz Bluetooth |
| RCA LINE OUTPUT MEASUREMENTS | |
|---|---|
| THD+N @ 1kHz (A-Wt) | < 0.00008% |
| THD @ 20Hz-20kHz (90kBW) | < 0.0004% |
| SNR (@ Max. output 1kHz, A wt) | 127dB @ 1kHz |
| Dynamic Range | 127dB @ 1kHz |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB) 20Hz-40kHz (±0.3dB) |
| Output Level | 2.0Vrms @0dBFS (4V mode) 2.5Vrms @0dBFS (5V mode) |
| Noise Level (A-wt) | < 1.1uVrms |
| Channel Crosstalk | -136dB @ 1kHz |
| Channel Balance | 0.3dB |
| Output Impedance | 50Ω |
| 6.35MM JACK BALANCED LINE OUTPUT MEASUREMENTS | |
|---|---|
| THD+N @ 1kHz (A-Wt) | < 0.00006% |
| THD @ 20Hz-20kHz (90kBW) | < 0.0002% |
| SNR (@ Max. output 1kHz, A wt) | 132dB @ 1kHz |
| Dynamic Range | 132dB @ 1kHz |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz (±0.1dB) 20Hz-40kHz (±0.3dB) |
| Output Level | 4.0Vrms @0dBFS (4V mode) 5.0Vrms @0dBFS (5V mode) |
| Noise Level (A-wt) | < 1.3uVrms |
| Channel Crosstalk | -147dB @ 1kHz |
| Channel Balance | 0.3dB |
| Output Impedance | 100Ω |
