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Topping E30 or IQaudio DAC Pro

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Topping E30 or IQaudio DAC Pro
Maticurbelo Offline
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#1
03-19-2025, 12:07 PM (This post was last modified: 03-19-2025, 12:54 PM by Maticurbelo.)
I've been running Moode on my Raspberry Pi 4b for a while now, using the USB output to my Topping E30 DAC. I'm very happy with the results, but I'm curious to know if adding a Hat IQaudio DAC Pro and removing the Topping from the chain will improve the audio quality. Has anyone on the forum listened to these configurations and noticed any advantages, or is it imperceptible?
My Audio configuration

Source: Raspberry Pi 4 b, running Moode Audio, mainly from TIDAL or online radio stations in FLAC format
DAC: Topping E30
Amplifier: Yamaha R-N 303
Speakers: Dali Oberon 1
Subwoofer: POLK PSW111
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ils1974 Offline
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#2
03-20-2025, 07:21 PM (This post was last modified: 03-20-2025, 07:22 PM by ils1974.)
According these measurements, I would recommend to stay where you are. The Topping is excellent in its range. See https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum...iew.12119/
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the_bertrum Online
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#3
03-21-2025, 07:56 AM
I concur, the only possible improvement you'd get from using a HAT would be that you can put it all in one box.
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Robert
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Maticurbelo Offline
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#4
03-21-2025, 12:37 PM
Great, thank you both for your opinions.  Damn audiophilia that has us wanting to hear better and more details in music every day!!
My Audio configuration

Source: Raspberry Pi 4 b, running Moode Audio, mainly from TIDAL or online radio stations in FLAC format
DAC: Topping E30
Amplifier: Yamaha R-N 303
Speakers: Dali Oberon 1
Subwoofer: POLK PSW111
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Reply
the_bertrum Online
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#5
03-21-2025, 05:10 PM
Of course buying a new DAC will scratch the itch, even if it there is no "audible" reason for it Big Grin
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Robert
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TheOldPresbyope Offline
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#6
03-21-2025, 06:37 PM (This post was last modified: 03-21-2025, 06:44 PM by TheOldPresbyope.)
(03-21-2025, 05:10 PM)the_bertrum Wrote: Of course buying a new DAC will scratch the itch, even if it there is no "audible" reason for it Big Grin
Well, yeah, but what if you buy the wrong one? Oy, vey.
I'm so glad I'm finally insensitive to the itch
Now I just enjoy the music, and RPi + moOde + almost any DAC that get decent measures in Amir's (see Audio Science Review site) has let me do that with minimal expense 
Regards,
Kent
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