TOPPING CENTAURUS Balanced R2R DAC Black

Topping has collaborated with Holo Audio to design its new Centaurus balanced R2R DAC. This new high-performance device is based on the use of an ALTERA MAX II CPLD and no less than 8 R2R resistor networks in a balanced configuration. It features three operating modes to adapt to each source: NOS, OS and BEST. Added to this is Bluetooth 5.1 functionality for extremely reliable and stable wireless transmission, thanks to the Qualcomm QCC5125 chip and support for high-resolution codecs: aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD and LDAC (24bit 96kHz). Key features also include a new 10-band equalization algorithm for a wide range of sound reproduction possibilities.

The Centaurus benefits from a complete connectivity interface with balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs (variable and fixed), as well as numerous digital inputs: USB-B, Toslink optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, I2S via HDMI. The user experience is further enhanced by the Aurora UI interface, as well as an attractive 2” color display on the front panel and a remote control.

Topping x Holo Audio Centaurus: high-performance R2R DAC

Centaurus is based on the use of no less than 8 R2R resistor networks in a totally balanced configuration. Four resistor networks are dedicated to DSD decoding, while the 4 networks on the other side of the PCB are entirely dedicated to PCM decoding. All this is controlled by an ALTERA MAX II CPLD for optimum results. This CPLD also improves clock signal processing, reducing jitter to as low as -150dB. The I/V circuit developed by Topping enables the R2R DAC stage to be used to its full potential, while maintaining low distortion and noise levels. Ultra high-performance, it supports sampling rates up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD512.

Topping x Holo Audio Centaurus: OS/NOS/BEST modes

Topping Centaurus offers 3 operating modes: Oversampling mode, non-oversampling mode and Best mode, the last one allowing the DAC to automatically select the best oversampling rate according to the source and the DAC's performance, in order to preserve the quality of the final sound rendering.

OS MODE: This mode applies oversampling to the digital signal to minimize quantization errors, reduce noise and obtain better SNR/DNR for superior audio performance. Several oversampling rates are available and selectable to suit different source types and user preferences.

NOS MODE: This mode bypasses oversampling to decode the original source signal for the most authentic reproduction.

Topping x Holo Audio Centaurus: 10 bands of parametric equalization

Topping has developed a new algorithm and software that allows you to customize up to 10 frequency bands independently. These new tools enable fine-tuning of the frequencies, gain and bandwidth of each curve. In addition, the software supports the import of target curves, and the saving of different profiles for rapid tuning.