TOPPING Centaurus Fully Balanced 8-Channel R2R DAC

TOPPING Centaurus Fully Balanced R2R Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC)

The TOPPING Centaurus brings R2R architecture – a design beloved by audiophiles for its natural, analog-like sound – into a fully balanced, 8-channel reference DAC. Developed in partnership with HOLO Audio, it pairs eight precision resistor networks with a CPLD-coordinated signal path, delivering a warmer, more musical signature that excels at subtlety, depth, and texture. With three sampling modes, a 10-band high-precision PEQ, Aurora UI, Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, and IIS input, the Centaurus is a versatile, high-performance DAC for serious listening setups.

Fully Balanced 8-Channel R2R Architecture

The Centaurus is built around a fully balanced 8-channel R2R DAC architecture created in partnership with HOLO Audio. Eight resistor networks process audio with exceptional precision and dynamic range: the front side is optimized for DSD decoding using the Vector Step Resistance Network, while the reverse side handles PCM decoding with a traditional R2R setup. A CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) coordinates the entire process for jaw-dropping decoding accuracy.

Three Sampling Modes: NOS, OS, or Best

Choose from three sampling modes to suit your preference: OS Mode applies oversampling to reduce noise and enhance clarity; NOS Mode bypasses oversampling for a purist presentation; and Best Mode automatically selects the optimal settings for your content.

CPLD-Optimized Clocking with Ultra-Low Jitter

CPLD-optimized clock signals ensure minimal jitter, with performance measured at an impressive -150dB. The result is a cleaner signal path and crystal-clear sound reproduction across your entire music library.

Realistic Reproduction Performance

With THD+N below 0.0005% and a dynamic range up to 130dB, the Centaurus reproduces music in vivid detail, preserving the natural timbre and harmonic richness that R2R designs are famous for.

Aurora UI: Functional and Beautiful

The 2-inch full-color screen with Aurora UI offers intuitive controls and customizable backgrounds, from FFT visualizations to playback information, making navigation effortless while looking great on your desktop.

10-Band High-Precision PEQ

Fine-tune your sound with a 10-band parametric equalizer that lets you adjust frequency, gain, and bandwidth with precision, or import custom curves for your favorite profiles. Multiple user profiles keep your preferred settings at your fingertips. (PEQ supports PCM 192kHz/32bit signals and excludes IIS inputs.)

Wireless Hi-Res Audio: Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC

Powered by the QCC5125 chip, Bluetooth 5.1 support is compatible with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, and SBC, delivering high-quality wireless audio for convenient, cable-free listening.

Plug & Play with Broad OS Support

The Centaurus works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Its XMOS XU316 chipset with Thesycon drivers delivers stable USB performance for PCM up to 768kHz/32bit and native DSD512. For Windows ASIO applications, install the Thesycon driver – everything else is plug and play.

Flexible Output Control

Choose RCA single-ended or XLR balanced outputs, and switch between XLR 4V/RCA 2V for standard listening or XLR 5V/RCA 2.5V for even better performance. This flexibility lets you match the Centaurus to the rest of your system.

IIS Input for High-Spec Versatility

The IIS input interface supports PCM 768kHz/32bit and DSD512 native, compatible with most digital systems. Multiple IIS modes ensure a seamless connection for advanced setups.

Direct Connection to Active Speakers

Use the Centaurus’ preamp mode to adjust output volume and connect directly to active speakers or amplifiers, eliminating the need for a separate preamp and simplifying your system without sacrificing control.

Specifications

• DAC Architecture: Fully balanced 8-channel R2R with Vector Step Resistance Network (DSD) and traditional R2R (PCM); CPLD-coordinated
• THD+N @1kHz (A-wt): <0.0005% (RCA & XLR)
• THD @20-20kHz (90kBW): <0.0005% (RCA & XLR)
• SNR @1kHz (A-wt): 130dB (XLR) / 126dB (RCA)
• Dynamic Range @1kHz (A-wt): 130dB (XLR) / 126dB (RCA)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+0.6dB); 20Hz-40kHz (+2.2dB)
• Output Level (4V Mode): 4.2Vrms @0dBFS (XLR) / 2.1Vrms @0dBFS (RCA)
• Output Level (5V Mode): 5.2Vrms @0dBFS (XLR) / 2.6Vrms @0dBFS (RCA)
• Noise (A-wt): <1.4µVrms (XLR) / <1.2µVrms (RCA)
• Channel Crosstalk: -130dB @1kHz (XLR) / -121dB @1kHz (RCA)
• Channel Balance: 0.3dB
• Output Impedance: 100Ω (XLR) / 50Ω (RCA)
• USB Input: XMOS XU316; PCM up to 768kHz/32bit; native DSD512
• IIS Input: PCM 768kHz/32bit; DSD512 native; multiple IIS modes
• Bluetooth: QCC5125; Bluetooth 5.1; LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
• PEQ: 10-band high-precision; supports PCM 192kHz/32bit (excludes IIS inputs)
• Display: 2-inch full-color Aurora UI with FFT/playback-info modes and customizable backgrounds
• Outputs: XLR balanced + RCA single-ended (switchable 4V/5V modes)
• Preamp Mode: Direct volume control for active speakers/amplifiers
• 12V Trigger: Input + output
• Sampling Modes: NOS / OS / Best

What's Included

• TOPPING Centaurus DAC
• Remote control
• USB cable
• AC power cable
• Bluetooth antenna
• Product information card