Topping Centaurus Balanced R2R DAC

Topping × HOLO Audio Centaurus R2R DAC

The Centaurus is the first high-performance DAC jointly developed by Topping and HOLO Audio. It features an advanced 8-channel R2R resistor ladder architecture, with four dedicated circuits for DSD decoding and four for PCM signal processing. This dual-path configuration ensures precise and natural sound reproduction, delivering exceptional musical transparency. The Centaurus achieves an ultra-low THD+N of 0.0005%, a signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB at 1 kHz, and a dynamic range of 130 dB at 1 kHz, placing it among the finest R2R DACs available.

It offers three selectable sampling modes—NOS, OS, and Best—to suit different listening preferences. A 2-inch full-color touchscreen running the upgraded Aurora UI system provides easy control and customization of the 10-band parametric equalizer (PEQ).

The DAC is powered by the Qualcomm QCC5120 chip, which enables Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity with support for high-resolution codecs such as LDAC and aptX HD. Connectivity options are extensive, including USB, optical Toslink, coaxial SPDIF, AES/EBU, IIS (via HDMI), and Bluetooth 5.1 inputs, along with RCA and balanced XLR analog outputs.

The Centaurus is designed to pair perfectly with the Topping A70 Pro headphone amplifier, matching it in both aesthetics and performance. Available in black and silver finishes, it comes with a USB-B cable, AC power cord, Bluetooth antenna, and RC-15A remote control. The unit weighs 1.13 kilograms.

Specifications

Product type: R2R DAC

Resistor networks: 8

Architecture: Fully balanced

USB interface: XMOS XU316

Bluetooth chip: Qualcomm QCC5125

Inputs

1 × USB-C

1 × IIS via HDMI

1 × Optical Toslink

1 × Coaxial SPDIF

1 × AES/EBU

Bluetooth 5.1

Outputs

1 × RCA (single-ended)

1 × XLR (balanced)

Other connectors

1 × Trigger in

1 × Trigger out

Supported sample rates

USB, IIS HDMI: PCM 32-bit 768 kHz, DSD512

Optical Toslink, SPDIF coaxial, AES/EBU: PCM 24-bit 192 kHz

Supported Bluetooth codecs

AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC (24-bit 96 kHz)

Operating modes

OS / NOS / Best

Output modes

Fixed or variable

USB compatibility

Windows 10 / 11

macOS

Linux

iOS / Android

Parametric EQ

10 bands

RCA Output Parameters (USB Input 96 kHz)

THD+N (A-WT): < 0.00005% @ 1 kHz

THD+N (No-WT 90 kBW): < 0.00005% @ 20 Hz – 20 kHz

SNR (A-WT): 126 dB @ 1 kHz

Dynamic range (A-WT): 126 dB @ 1 kHz

Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.6 dB); 20 Hz – 40 kHz (±2.2 dB)

Output level: 2.1 Vrms @ 0 dBFS (Mode 4V); 2.6 Vrms @ 0 dBFS (Mode 5V)

Noise (A-WT): < 1.2 µVrms

Crosstalk: -121 dB @ 1 kHz

Channel balance: 0.3 dB

Output impedance: 50 ohm

XLR Output Parameters (USB Input 96 kHz)

THD+N (A-WT): < 0.00005% @ 1 kHz

THD+N (No-WT 90 kBW): < 0.00005% @ 20 Hz – 20 kHz

SNR (A-WT): 130 dB @ 1 kHz

Dynamic range (A-WT): 130 dB @ 1 kHz

Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.6 dB); 20 Hz – 40 kHz (±2.2 dB)

Output level: 4.2 Vrms @ 0 dBFS (Mode 4V); 5.2 Vrms @ 0 dBFS (Mode 5V)

Noise (A-WT): < 1.4 µVrms

Crosstalk: -130 dB @ 1 kHz

Channel separation: 0.3 dB

Output impedance: 100 ohm

General

Power supply: 110–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

Dimensions: 220 × 160 × 45 mm

Package contents:

1 × Centaurus R2R DAC

1 × Remote control

1 × Bluetooth antenna

1 × USB-A to USB-B cable

1 × Power cable