Interesting, I have both the d90 iii discrete and Centaurus. I find the Centaurus smoother with more body to instruments and vocals. Yes less resolving than discrete but tonaly richer. The discrete is more open soundstage, better micro detail, Very neutral presentation. From a technical standpoint the discrete is the better and more balanced dac but for long listening relaxation, not critically listening for every micro detail but instead enjoying the warmth and decay of a vocalist or natural percussion of instruments the Centaurus is the better pick. It's a toss up depending on the genre and type of listening I do. The gear I used to make these comparisons are Polk r200ae, b&w dm60163, staccato streamer and 3e a7 monoblocks.
Not trying to be disrespectful, but those speakers can't really perform to a level that reveal much of the differences. Good all round performers in the lower end of the price range. The Polk r200AE also has a tendency to sound harsh on poor recordings. Something that means I'd avoid any topping DAC all together as they tend to be on the brighter analytical side of things. Anyways enjoy your music the way you like it, but from your description you should look for a different dac like chord or similar smoother style with your speakers.
@@wegardfjeld3789I take that on board, I omitted that both these speakers are heavily upgraded with high end caps, resistors internal wiring and binding posts. I haven't found that the case with the r200aes at all but obviously room placement setup synergy etc could yield different results to different ears. Enjoy!
@@nc3419In my room the way I have my system set up the discrete felt wider. Depth very much similar but obviously the way your system is set up, speaker toe, room size, speaker width etc will likely have an impact.
Thank you so much for the review. I was planning to take centaurus, but now I've changed my mind. thanks to your video, I'm focusing more on iii discrete. There is no way to listen, so such reviews are often crucial when choosing a device. Happy New Year! Have a good sound in the new year!
Thanks for changing up the music sample I needed that! Easy enough to hear the screaming top end! These dacs are really hard to beat at 1000 bucks that's for sure!
@Tharbamar : This review comes as a nice ‘ present ‘ for year’s end. Thank you very much for sharing the very honest findings and a very precise description language of this latest Topping DAC. I really enjoy your reviews, they give good emphasis on the sound, and they help building my own understanding of current top-of-the-line products. As such, they also are of great aid for making decision on building further on my HiFi system. Have a great time.
The PEQ is a major feature of this product. Solves issues with the room, the recording and the speakers. A high quality EQ like the Schiit Loki Max costs $1600 by itself. The Centaurus is compatible with Mac.
I was all set to buy a Centaurus, but now I'm leaning back towards the D90 III discrete. It would be nice if you did a D90 III Discrete and the Centaurus side by side comparison..
Haven’t watched your video lately, hope you’re going fine. Here’s wishing you a great New Year ahead! My experience with Topping began and ended with the D90SE and A90 headphone amp. Totally didn’t like the D90SE sound at all hence never looked into another Topping. The A90 head amp was fine but both were sold within months.
By this time next year there will be another 67 new dacs to confuse you even more. The differences will be that minute it won't matter so just get one and be happy with it. The grass isn't greener on the other side.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596Yes sir. These Dacs dont have any improvements to them relative to the market, they are just flooding them out. I would advise you to buy something that was made with good ears instead of mass production.
wow...that is a surprise musical selection you played...hard to compare with other DACs you reviewed in the past using the female vocal track, but sounds good, though
I was so tempted, but in the end needed the D90 III Discrete to match my A90 Discrete, and I already have the Enyo 15th. The Iris 12th and an XLR switcher are the cherries on top. I am good, FOMO is contained.
FOMO for me is still alive and kicking unfortunately. But I have question for you, I have the Topping A90 and D90SE, in your opinion are both discrete stacks way better than the older versions that I have? Also I have the Burson Soloist 3xGT and I’m looking for a DAC, what are your thoughts on the Denafrips Pontus 15th?
Hello in the sound sample i prefer the os x2. To me the piano sound more rich and organic. I like the sound of this one and it's easy discernable from other delta sigma modèle. We feel the r2r magicality even on TH-cam.
Interesting to compare with the zen dac vidéo. The zen is even more engaging and analog sounding. Like raw sound. From your vidéos i like Burr Brown best for musical enjoyment.
Thanks for the review, in fact it was 99% as expected and I have this feeling with almost every dac that was launched recently (last 2 years). There seems to be a lack of care and finesse to make them really shine, the race has become the most deciding factor. Not one review or dac has convinced me to pull the trigger. If this race continues we end up with a mass of ´pretty good but..´ dacs🤷♂️
Muy interesante este video. Si tienes unas kef ls50 meta que son cristalinas y un amplificador de calidez, entre el d90 lll discrete y el centaurus para música clásica que eligirias? Thanks
I am probably gonna have to get this and sell my current 90 series dac, but why oh why did they choose a different form factor… it wont fit stylistically with my other 90-series stuff
The Topping Centaurus has no WiFi connectivity, only wired LAN connection. My question is can I use the Bluetooth function on the Centaurus to play my Spotify music over Bluetooth even though no LAN wire is connected?
Centaurus has no internet connection, even if a DAC come with WiFi/LAN Bluetooth is totally different function and chip set so you are totally fine with Spotify via Bluetooth.
@@jd2plus2 Topping Pre 90 made from a 20 year old Texas Instruments chip and a OPA1612 opamp costing $2 and $3 each. While all the pundits gushed about it - with its flat, boxed in sound and rolled off bass. The components don't L;e it was massively overrated.
superb, the latest novelty I am very surprised by the technical measurements out of the norm for this kind of successful technology. Bravo Topping you should experiment with the DA2002 (Lavry) for accuracy
Very interesting. However for the same price, the Marantz Stereo 70 might be a better buy. At least for what I need it for. Which is a bedroom system. By the way your production is excellent. I'm watching and listening on my home theater system. Crystal clear sound and picture. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for the review. Finally there is an option to experience R2R without spending a lot of money. But like you said, at this price point there are better performing sigma delta DACs so not sure what is the value of this DAC other than for people who caught the R2R bug.
@@Tharbamar Everybody claims that they pass blind tests until they actually have to make a video and SHOW everyone that they can. Then they go quiet and no video ever gets made. Talk is cheap I can't wait for the video, I won't hold my breath waiting though.
@ right talk is cheap because I’ve won in real world if you like bring your bet, you see you’re under estimating someone expertise not everyone is the same, if you are not able to hear don’t mean others can’t, talk is cheap what’s your bet?
Video Timeline: 0:00 Review, 15:20 OS Mode, 16:52 NOS Mode, 18:24 Best Mode, 19:56 Sound Sample.
Topping Centaurus R2R DAC: amzn.to/4iT4YeB
Interesting, I have both the d90 iii discrete and Centaurus. I find the Centaurus smoother with more body to instruments and vocals. Yes less resolving than discrete but tonaly richer. The discrete is more open soundstage, better micro detail, Very neutral presentation. From a technical standpoint the discrete is the better and more balanced dac but for long listening relaxation, not critically listening for every micro detail but instead enjoying the warmth and decay of a vocalist or natural percussion of instruments the Centaurus is the better pick. It's a toss up depending on the genre and type of listening I do. The gear I used to make these comparisons are Polk r200ae, b&w dm60163, staccato streamer and 3e a7 monoblocks.
It will always depend on what gear you pair it with.
Any notable differences in stage depth, width, height?
Not trying to be disrespectful, but those speakers can't really perform to a level that reveal much of the differences. Good all round performers in the lower end of the price range. The Polk r200AE also has a tendency to sound harsh on poor recordings. Something that means I'd avoid any topping DAC all together as they tend to be on the brighter analytical side of things.
Anyways enjoy your music the way you like it, but from your description you should look for a different dac like chord or similar smoother style with your speakers.
@@wegardfjeld3789I take that on board, I omitted that both these speakers are heavily upgraded with high end caps, resistors internal wiring and binding posts. I haven't found that the case with the r200aes at all but obviously room placement setup synergy etc could yield different results to different ears. Enjoy!
@@nc3419In my room the way I have my system set up the discrete felt wider. Depth very much similar but obviously the way your system is set up, speaker toe, room size, speaker width etc will likely have an impact.
Thank you so much for the review. I was planning to take centaurus, but now I've changed my mind. thanks to your video, I'm focusing more on iii discrete. There is no way to listen, so such reviews are often crucial when choosing a device.
Happy New Year! Have a good sound in the new year!
Merry Christmas and a superb 2025, Tharbamar! Thanks very much for your honest reviews! 🎉😊
Thank you, happy new year!
I love your descriptions to help assist with your listening observations to us. Thank you for the review.
Thanks for the feedback!
Awesome! I was waiting for this review! Thank you very much!
I two was waiting for this review.
My pleasure!
Thanks for changing up the music sample I needed that! Easy enough to hear the screaming top end! These dacs are really hard to beat at 1000 bucks that's for sure!
@Tharbamar : This review comes as a nice ‘ present ‘ for year’s end. Thank you very much for sharing the very honest findings and a very precise description language of this latest Topping DAC.
I really enjoy your reviews, they give good emphasis on the sound, and they help building my own understanding of current top-of-the-line products. As such, they also are of great aid for making decision on building further on my HiFi system.
Have a great time.
I appreciate you enjoying the reviews, I hope it helps you build a great system!
You've intoxicated us with this song you keep playing, you can't find anything else out there!
Problem is COPYRIGHT ©️ I can only use the music with permission.
The PEQ is a major feature of this product. Solves issues with the room, the recording and the speakers. A high quality EQ like the Schiit Loki Max costs $1600 by itself. The Centaurus is compatible with Mac.
Good to know Mac compatible, When I had it only had windows application.
Great review.Nos for me sounds most natural👌
Thanks for sharing!
I was all set to buy a Centaurus, but now I'm leaning back towards the D90 III discrete.
It would be nice if you did a D90 III Discrete and the Centaurus side by side comparison..
I will do that in the near future but as of right now I'm a bit behind the schedule, thanks
@ Coolio, thanks. Look forward to it whenever it happens. 👍🏻
Haven’t watched your video lately, hope you’re going fine. Here’s wishing you a great New Year ahead! My experience with Topping began and ended with the D90SE and A90 headphone amp. Totally didn’t like the D90SE sound at all hence never looked into another Topping. The A90 head amp was fine but both were sold within months.
Happy New Year!
Topping stuff always seems bright to me.
Please make a review of the R2R DAC Hifiman Serenade 🙏😊
It is a great suggestion.
Hifiman Serenade is a great dac 👍
Поддерживаю просьбу👏
Сравните эти два R2R DAC:
HiFiman Serenada vs Topping Centaurus...
I think i will wait 1 more year to buy new dac this market is growing so fast.. but who will be able to find that one in this ocean of good dacs
By this time next year there will be another 67 new dacs to confuse you even more.
The differences will be that minute it won't matter so just get one and be happy with it.
The grass isn't greener on the other side.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596Yes sir. These Dacs dont have any improvements to them relative to the market, they are just flooding them out. I would advise you to buy something that was made with good ears instead of mass production.
@@crazyprayingmantis5596 I agree totally
wow...that is a surprise musical selection you played...hard to compare with other DACs you reviewed in the past using the female vocal track, but sounds good, though
I’m still experimenting with different music selections for my reviews, thanks for the feedback.
How can you do this review without comparing to the cyan 2?
I was so tempted, but in the end needed the D90 III Discrete to match my A90 Discrete, and I already have the Enyo 15th. The Iris 12th and an XLR switcher are the cherries on top. I am good, FOMO is contained.
It sounds like you have a great system already!
FOMO for me is still alive and kicking unfortunately.
But I have question for you, I have the Topping A90 and D90SE, in your opinion are both discrete stacks way better than the older versions that I have?
Also I have the Burson Soloist 3xGT and I’m looking for a DAC, what are your thoughts on the Denafrips Pontus 15th?
@@Nebo600 Yes, noticeably.
Hello in the sound sample i prefer the os x2. To me the piano sound more rich and organic. I like the sound of this one and it's easy discernable from other delta sigma modèle. We feel the r2r magicality even on TH-cam.
Thanks for sharing!
Interesting to compare with the zen dac vidéo. The zen is even more engaging and analog sounding. Like raw sound. From your vidéos i like Burr Brown best for musical enjoyment.
Thanks for the review, in fact it was 99% as expected and I have this feeling with almost every dac that was launched recently (last 2 years). There seems to be a lack of care and finesse to make them really shine, the race has become the most deciding factor. Not one review or dac has convinced me to pull the trigger. If this race continues we end up with a mass of ´pretty good but..´ dacs🤷♂️
You don't want the next best DAC of the week? 😂
@@toddt5562 More like the hour... Who can keep up?
Denafrips Pontus 15th seems to be a genuinely good performance for price, it outperforms the Holo May KTE.
It’s funny I’ve tried all sorts of commercial DACs yet my thrown together Frankenstein dac by Abbas in his Ukraine shed shop sounds the best to me.
Golden times for the reviewers, soon they must hire a doorman to receive parcels 😅
Can you make review of Antelope antelopeaudio, they use in mastering. They have also audiophile DAC . 👋👋👋👋👋👋👋 you can try AMÁRI is a reference-grade
Muy interesante este video. Si tienes unas kef ls50 meta que son cristalinas y un amplificador de calidez, entre el d90 lll discrete y el centaurus para música clásica que eligirias? Thanks
D90 III Discrete will be my choice. Thanks
It seems that there is no contest between this and pontus 15th. It's time to save up a bit more 😁
This one measures better. So I wouldn't save up. But taste is individual
I am probably gonna have to get this and sell my current 90 series dac, but why oh why did they choose a different form factor… it wont fit stylistically with my other 90-series stuff
Interesting but every thing put together do you think they sound better than a vinyal record or even an audio cd. Hp you share your opinion.
Are you comparing with smsl d400ex ?
No plan to make comparison video with D400EX, thanks
have you tried the cat 100 or 120 ohms to the DAC. digital signal
Cyan 2 is the price perf r2r to beat though it is 200$ more.
The Topping Centaurus has no WiFi connectivity, only wired LAN connection. My question is can I use the Bluetooth function on the Centaurus to play my Spotify music over Bluetooth even though no LAN wire is connected?
Centaurus has no internet connection, even if a DAC come with WiFi/LAN Bluetooth is totally different function and chip set so you are totally fine with Spotify via Bluetooth.
Centaurus, or Gustard X26 III?
I think my rating will tell you more accurately, thanks
th-cam.com/video/Y581_fYIzH8/w-d-xo.html
different price tags
Gustard all the way - Topping is so overrated as a brand.
@@fx-studiosays no one
@@jd2plus2 Topping Pre 90 made from a 20 year old Texas Instruments chip and a OPA1612 opamp costing $2 and $3 each. While all the pundits gushed about it - with its flat, boxed in sound and rolled off bass.
The components don't L;e it was massively overrated.
Topping house sound is still to bright even with a R2R dac for me. Measurements doesnt tell everything 😊
superb, the latest novelty
I am very surprised by the technical measurements out of the norm for this kind of successful technology. Bravo Topping
you should experiment with the DA2002 (Lavry) for accuracy
Thanks for suggestion.
15:56 17:28 19:00
Very interesting. However for the same price, the Marantz Stereo 70 might be a better buy. At least for what I need it for. Which is a bedroom system. By the way your production is excellent. I'm watching and listening on my home theater system. Crystal clear sound and picture. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks for the review. Finally there is an option to experience R2R without spending a lot of money. But like you said, at this price point there are better performing sigma delta DACs so not sure what is the value of this DAC other than for people who caught the R2R bug.
Sir, what delta sigma DAC?? & how they different then R2R DAC ? 🙏
Yes, but if you like the sound of R2R and appreciate the music it brings this will be a good choice.
I noticed that TOPPING DACs down sample 192khz mp3s to 48khz. Does this DAC do the same
Which DAC and How do you know please elaborate.
@Tharbamar D90 & D70, I bought them from Amazon and returned them
@Tharbamar I play 192khz mp3s or flac through a6 Eversolo to Arcam AVR 10 both display bitrate and other info
@ which Topping model do you use?
FYI most DAC don’t down sample especially Topping because there is no benefit to it.
Because 192 kHz mp3 simply doesn't exist. Maybe you mistaken kBits with kHz
Error retrieving comment.
Another week
Another new DAC
Blindfold yourself
Get someone to switch out all the DAC's
I bet my entire system you can't pick which is which.
I would love to bet with you just for fun.
@Tharbamar
I think you'd lose. 😉
@ You see that is the thing, I’ve never lost one even cables but it’s always fun to do blind tests.
@@Tharbamar
Everybody claims that they pass blind tests until they actually have to make a video and SHOW everyone that they can.
Then they go quiet and no video ever gets made.
Talk is cheap
I can't wait for the video, I won't hold my breath waiting though.
@ right talk is cheap because I’ve won in real world if you like bring your bet, you see you’re under estimating someone expertise not everyone is the same, if you are not able to hear don’t mean others can’t, talk is cheap what’s your bet?
I think the initial price of 799$ suits it better 🫢