Topping D50 III & A50 III Review

In this article, we review the Topping D50 III & A50 III desktop DAC and AMP stack. D50 III retails for $229 USD and A50 III retails for $199 USD.

Disclaimer: Topping sent us the Topping D50 III & A50 III DAC/AMP stack for this review. As always, this article reflects my unbiased experience with the products. We thank Marie from Topping HQ for sending us the units.

This review consists of 3 pages. Topping D50 III will be reviewed on page 1, the Topping A50 III will be reviewed on page 2, and the joint performance of the two will be evaluated on page 3.

Topping Audio

Topping Electronics & Technology was established in 2008 in Guangzhou, China. The company has built a solid reputation worldwide by designing DACs and amplifiers that offer excellent price-performance ratios. With a dedicated R&D team of skilled engineers and audiophiles, Topping also invests heavily in advanced audio test equipment such as the Audio Precision APx555B, recognized as the field’s gold standard.

Having used numerous Topping products over the years, my experience with them dates back to 2013 with the TP30 and NX1. Both made a positive impression on me and since then, I have tested over 30 of their products without any significant issues. Topping’s track record over the years is solid in my experience, and they’ve always been a company that strives to do more as technology evolves. They work exclusively with AKM and ESS and also develop their own in-house module designs. Moreover, Topping has been refining their NFCA amplifier module for over five years, trying to TOP themselves and their rivals with each unit developed.

Recently, Topping updated their website, which now features a more polished and user-friendly interface than its predecessor. It is now a great resource for staying updated on their latest products. Today, I’ll be reviewing their Topping D50 III DAC, priced at $229, and the Topping A50 III AMP, priced at $199.

If you want to check out more Topping gear, you can find all related reviews here. Plus, keep an eye out for our upcoming reviews of the D90 III Discrete and A70 Pro on Headfonia!

Topping D50 III Balanced Desktop DAC with PEQ & LDAC

Topping D50 III’s dedicated web page can be accessed through this link.

The Topping D50 III is priced at $229, and for what it offers, I’m genuinely impressed. It’s rare to see a DAC at this price point packing features like LDAC, dual DAC balanced architecture, rich I/O, and a properly implemented parametric equalizer. In a market where budget products often feel stripped down, the D50 III shatters those expectations. I’ve reviewed countless DACs over the years, but seeing these features packed into a $229 device feels like a leap forward, and Topping continues to surprise me.

I’m particularly excited about the D50 III because, in my experience, Topping consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the price-to-performance realm. The ES9039Q2M DAC chips caught my attention, especially considering I had a fantastic time with devices that implemented the ES9038Q2M last year. Its scalability was excellent, so I already have high hopes. Topping developed a new I/V conversion circuit that occupies less space on the PCB while offering superior performance (less noise, lower distortion, etc.) Audio performance is highly dependent on power supply/regulation, so this is nice to see in a budget-priced DAC.

I’ve been waiting for a well-implemented PEQ in this price range, and Topping has delivered here. The PEQ is an important one of its features and a long-awaited one within the fanbase. It marks the start of a new era in the DAC sphere. I’ll dedicate a paragraph to review it, so stay tuned. The D50 III is offered in two colors: black and silver. Both colors come with anodized metallic paint on top of an aluminum chassis CNC’d from a single aluminum block. Topping has used the premium-tier USB controller, the XMOS XU316. It supports 32-bit 768kHz & DSD512 decoding capabilities, which is more than enough for the 95 percent of audiophiles out there.

The D50 III uses a dual USB-C solution and can be powered and operated with one USB-C if you are port-conscious. We’ll also talk more about this later. The D50 III comes with PREAMP and DAC modes and has a joystick-like button to help you navigate. On top of that, you get a remote to control the device from afar. Surprisingly, the D50 III has the Qualcomm’s premium-tier QCC5125 Bluetooth chipset. It supports the current hi-res wireless standard, the LDAC.

In 2024, seeing all these premium features packed into a device like this at such an affordable price really makes me feel that this is the right time to embrace a desktop DAC, whether you’re just getting started or looking for a solid upgrade.

Here are the highlights:

• Dual ESS ES9039Q2M DACs
• XMOS XU316 USB Controller
• Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC & AptX HD
• Remote Control Support
• Combo USB-C + Dedicated PSU USB-C
• USB / Optical / COAX / RCA / TRS BAL
• TRS 4V or 5V & RCA 2V or 2.5V
• Preamp & DAC Modes
• Monochrome OLED Display with Joystick Nav.
• XU316 USB Controller 32bit-768kHz PCM & DSD512 Support
• 12V Trigger (3.5mm)
• 10-band “Topping Tune” Parametric EQ (PEQ) Support (USB only)
• The latest DAC drivers and firmware can be found here.

Packaging & Accessories

Topping has once again refined its packaging, opting for a clean, black-and-white design. The white sleeve on top of the typical black Topping box showcases a stylish product photo, and I have to admit, I really appreciate this minimalist approach. Unlike other manufacturers who flood the sleeve with specs and logos, Topping keeps it simple. Only the model name and a couple of hi-res certification stickers are on the sleeve, nothing extra. Personally, this simplicity speaks to me in a world full of distractions.

When you remove the sleeve, you find the familiar black Topping box, which also has a few new touches. Gone is the textured surface of the past, replaced by a glossy cardboard finish and a simple, embossed Topping logo on the center. As I opened it, I was greeted by a user manual for the remote, the DAC itself protected by foam, and a QR code leading to the user’s manual. The accessories include a remote control, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C to C cable, Bluetooth antenna extension, and information cards. The accessories are neatly organized in a separate compartment next to the foam protecting the DAC.

Design & Build Quality

The D50 III shares its form factor with the D50s from 2019, which I liked for its compact, desk-friendly size. Even though it is compact, the D50 III weighs almost half a kilo; the weight adds to its solid feel, and it’s clear that Topping’s statement about it being CNC’d from a single block of aluminum is no joke. The monochrome OLED display is placed in the center of the front panel, and the joystick controller on the right greatly helps the user navigate the settings. You can push the joystick like a button but also move it in a four-way direction.

The D50 III integrates seamlessly into desktop setups, too; if you plan to use it with active monitors wired or wirelessly, the remote controller is a big plus. Build-wise, Topping has upheld its high standards. The aluminum finish feels premium, the anodized paint is flawless, and the port openings on the back are precise. My only critique would be the power button’s tactile feedback. It’s not as clicky as I’d prefer. Aside from that, the D50 III is a solidly built, well-designed DAC.

The back of the device features a rich I/O panel for its price range, including TRS, RCA, coaxial, optical, Bluetooth antenna, dual USB-C inputs, and 12V trigger I/O options. It’s great to see this level of versatility, especially in a budget DAC. The hi-res badges on the top are a nice touch, too.

PEQ

The Topping D50 III comes equipped with the Topping Tune feature, allowing you to configure DSP via a software interface on Windows. This 10-band parametric EQ is algorithm-based and works over USB (up to 32-bit/192kHz), offering fine-tuning over the frequency response. I found it straightforward to set up and easy to use. Just install the software, which also installs the DAC driver, and run it. It’ll automatically detect the DAC, and all will be ready in a mere 3 minutes. It’s similar to AutoEQ if you’re familiar with it.

According to Topping, their new PEQ algorithm supports the import of target and original curves, allowing users to share or use a shared EQ profile online. The ability to save and switch between multiple profiles is a fantastic addition for audiophiles who use multiple earphones and headphones. I’ve been waiting for this feature for quite some time now, and finally, we have it. It’s a game-changer.

Features

The D50 III’s menu system is simple and can easily be controlled through the joystick on the front panel. It includes options to switch between inputs (USB, Bluetooth, Coaxial, Optical), change digital filters, and adjust preamp and DAC modes. The remote control makes operating the D50 III more convenient, especially when used in desktop setups or with active monitors. It allows you to power the unit on or off, adjust volume, switch between inputs, and toggle between filters without having to reach for the DAC itself. This makes it easier to manage your system, especially if you prefer to adjust settings from your listening position.

Topping D50 III provides six digital filter options, allowing users to customize their listening experience. These filters can be toggled within the DAC’s menu, and each offers a slightly different approach to handling digital signals, influencing the way music is presented. Filter 3 (Fast Roll-off Minimum Phase Filter) is the filter on which I wrote my impressions. These filters let you tailor the DAC’s sound output to your preference, whether you’re looking for analytical precision or a warmer, more relaxed presentation. The difference is subtle, but Filter 3 offers the best transparency, transient response, and overall clarity to my ears.

The D50 III’s 12V trigger input/output allows you to link it with other equipment that supports the same feature in your setup. The A50 III we will be reviewing on the next page also has this feature. This means when you power on the DAC, any other connected device with a trigger will also turn on, making it easy to manage an entire audio setup without manually powering each.

One of the D50 III’s standout features is the dual USB-C inputs. The first USB-C port handles both power and data when connected to a PC or other digital source. However, for those who prefer a cleaner power source to minimize noise, the second USB-C input is a dedicated power port. This ensures the DAC is powered separately from the signal, enhancing the sound, especially if you have a noisy computer with a subpar motherboard. Even some higher-end mobos have subpar USBs, so it is nice to have a separate power input option.

DAC Performance

Testing Equipment: Focal Alpha 80 Active Monitors, System-wide Audioquest Cables. The D50 III firmware V1.37 & Filter 3

If I had to choose one word to describe the D50 III’s sound signature, it would be transparent. The DAC delivers a remarkably clean and balanced sound without any noticeable coloration, with excellent end-to-end extension. Hooking it up via RCA to the Geshelli Archel 3 Pro amplifier, which is another piece of equipment known for its neutral and clean sound, reinforced my first impression. The D50 III’s ability to reflect the equipment you pair it with is excellent, especially in this price bracket.

One gripe is the lack of full-size XLR outputs. While this may be a limitation for some users, it’s understandable, given how small the form factor of the D50 III is. Do note that you need to buy a TRS-to-TRS cable to pair it with the A50 III amp via balanced. Though I initially missed having XLR outputs for my monitors, the compact design and balanced TRS outputs offer a practical compromise, allowing it to maintain a small footprint while still supporting balanced connections.

When I paired the D50 III directly with my Focal Alpha 80 studio monitors, I switched the DAC to preamp mode to control the volume from the DAC directly using the remote controller. The sound remained incredibly clean and dynamic, with excellent transient response. The D50 III excels at handling fast, congestion-prone tracks and effortlessly separates instruments, maintaining clarity to the best of my monitors’ ability. I did not feel like it was bottlenecking 1k€ monitors at all. It was actually the other way around.

The agility of the D50 III really stood out during my listening sessions, making it feel like it has excellent control over the frequency spectrum, especially in complex genres. Whether I was listening to fast-paced heavy metal tracks or instrumental pieces, the D50 III impressed me. The D50 III punches well above its weight.

I have a D90 III Discrete sitting next to it, which is undoubtedly a more refined and resolving DAC; the D50 III still holds its ground. While the D90 has clear advantages in terms of depth, tonal realism, and overall resolution, the D50 III gives you around 80% of the D90’s performance at a fraction of the cost (around 20% of the D90’s price). This is hard to ignore, especially for the budget audiophile.

The review continues on Page Two, the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: Topping D50 III Desktop DAC, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality, PEQ, Features, DAC Performance

Page 2: Topping A50 III Desktop Amp, Packaging & Accessories, Design & Build Quality, AMP Performance & Power

Page 3: Topping D50 III & A50 III DAC & AMP Stack Performance, Comparison, Last Words