Topping Centaurus review and Cyan 2 comparison

Topping Centaurus R2R DAC review.
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00:00 About Centaurus
02:21 Sound
07:53 vs Holo Audio Cyan 2
12:45 vs Topping D90 III Discrete
17:48 Goat DAC

Test setup
Streamer:
DACs:
Preamps:
Amps:
Speakers:

Head-Fi test setup:

#hifi #audiophile #dac #stereo

[m-zurowski]

OMG, the affiliate part was pure gold 😅

I'm so glad you did this review.
I really enjoy the way you talk about sound, it's a lot like I perceive it.

[doifeellucky]

“We did the three way…….. comparison.”

It was very satisfying……. your insight, as always..

[jmbuchela]

Wow, you never disappoint. Yes, I was waiting for a review that included these three DACS. Thanks for your hard work because I know how tedious it is to compare these kind of devices, listening over and over the material selected to find out sonic differences, if any. Every time I have done that, I've ended up exhausted. Great job

[Berkanann]

What a plot twist at the end! Well done, man! :) Also a relief to know that Holo has not lost their mind giving the Cyan board to Topping.

[onionknight]

I have been waiting for you to review this. Thank you.

[RobWhittlestone]

Hahaha great ending to an excellent highly detailed review as always! Thank you Srboljub! All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[sloboat]

Always enjoy your review. One day, I may upgrade from my Tradutto, but right now, it's on fire. Over three years running.

[thefourthcolor]

Dude, your honesty was majestic. Mad props 🙏

[cygnuss]

Great review! You have reviewed many DACs. Which one is your favorite one so far, regardless of price?

[jaciuro]

Great review, thanks. I picked up the Emotiva XDA-3 Reference DAC for now. Hey Lol. Love the video end humor! Be well! 👍🏼

[seano]

The lack of input switching manually on the Cyan is such a deal killer for me. Maybe they will fix that in their next version, hopefully listening to the feedback. Seems like maybe the Ares 15th would be a better choice over the Topping?

Anyway, great video as always! I appreciate your time, knowledge and humor!

[RyanChoo]

What a way to conclude and end! 😂 I sold the Cyan 2 for the Centaurus and fully agree on the points you have mentioned. 1 other thing to note for HQPlayer users: upsampled PCM has drop outs and I2S left & right channels are reversed. There is no menu within to change the pin layout. I reached out to Topping and eventually have to return the Centaurus as they cannot resolve the issue. However, listening on DSD is simply divine!

[mariorock]

Good review as always!
Currently, at Topping, the DX9 is their best product imo. I find it surprising for the price. It is an excellent match with my Dan Clark E3.

[DN]

Denafrips Ares 15th is only 200 more. A better choice?

[petergyuros]

It's great to listen for the things you describe with in the song recommendations!

[jaciuro]

Would you do a review of the Emotiva XDA-3? Compare it to similar prices as you usually do!
I did purchase the E70 Velvet based off your review but needed more connectivity. Thanks for the reviews!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[scrutor]

Whew! Dodged a bullet there. My Cyan 2 wins again.

[Joeydarkroom]

I think topping must do a more high end 1bit dac with linear power supply. That would be an interesting alternative to cyan 2 or Gustard r26. Topping must dig into that 1bit area

[vagomaniac]

As always a great description of how the product sounds. It seems that almost all ladder dacs have this particular characteristic presenting the music as if it’s more close to the microphone. I don’t particularly like it because although it’s very engaging instruments sound bigger and thus oftenon top one another.
I went for the cyan 2 after your review. It is what you said, but unfortunately sometimes it shouts really loud in the mid-high region, especially with vocals and trumpet. The neighbors have started to complain although the volume is not high. So Im selling it so early, and I really liked it

[theodoroschronis]

Thank you very much for your excellent reviews! For an entry-level R2R Dac under 1000€, between Musician Draco (750€), Denafrips Enyo 15th (960€), Topping Centaurus (960€), Ladder Czerny (790€), which one would you recommend? or which brand should I turn to from your experience?