The Topping Centaurus R2R DAC aims to provide a compelling alternative to the highly-regarded Hollow Canan 2, boasting a similar R2R module alongside a wealth of features. This review delves into a comprehensive evaluation of the Centaurus, comparing its performance and sonic characteristics directly with the Canan 2. We explore its build quality, connectivity options, and the impact of its unique dual DAC architecture, including a Cirrus Logic chip dedicated solely to the visualizer. Key areas of focus include its measured performance under various operating modes and subjective listening experiences, ultimately assessing whether the Centaurus successfully challenges the Canan 2's dominance.Our analysis reveals a nuanced picture. While the Centaurus shines in its "best OS" mode, delivering a sound signature remarkably close to the Canan 2—warm, detailed, and with an expansive soundstage—its performance suffers significantly when operating in NOS mode, particularly with 44.1kHz content. This instability, coupled with inconsistencies at higher oversampling rates, raises serious questions about the Centaurus' overall reliability and ultimately impacts its overall recommendation. This review will detail these findings and help you decide whether the Centaurus is a worthy contender, or if the Canan 2 remains the superior choice.
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Build and Design
The Topping Centaurus boasts a sleek, matte black or silver aluminum chassis, feeling premium to the touch. The front display is sharp and clear, providing intuitive menu navigation. It doubles as a VU meter or an FFT visualizer, adding a nice visual element. Connectivity is comprehensive, including USB, I2S, SPDIF, Bluetooth, and balanced/single-ended outputs, plus 12V trigger in/out.
The included EQ functionality, configurable via the Topping Tune app, allows for customized sound profiles. These can be conveniently selected directly on the device, offering flexibility for different listening situations. The overall build quality is excellent and feels sturdy.
Internal Components and Design Discrepancy
Inside, the Centaurus houses a substantial switching power supply, filtering, and regulation components. An XMOS chip handles USB and Bluetooth reception. Notably, it incorporates the same R2R module as Hollow's Canan 2 DAC.
Surprisingly, a Cirrus Logic delta-sigma DAC chip is also present. Topping clarified that this chip doesn't contribute to analog output; it's solely dedicated to powering the FFT visualizer. This explanation, while unusual, seems logical.
Performance and Measurement Comparisons
Measurements with both the Centaurus and the Canan 2, using the identical R2R module for fair comparison, reveal minor differences. The Centaurus, in best OS mode at 4V output, achieves slightly below -110dB THD+N, while the Canan 2 at 5V reaches -111dB. This is excellent performance for an R2R DAC.
However, disabling best OS mode on the Centaurus exposes significant flaws. With 44.1kHz content in NOS mode, it displays channel phase issues and erratic jitter performance, resulting in a notable drop in performance. The Canan 2 shows no such problems.
Sound Quality and Listening Experience
When operating in best OS mode, the Centaurus sounds very similar to the Canan 2—slightly warmer and more detailed than most Topping DACs, but still neutral overall. The soundstage is excellent, offering excellent tactile positioning of instruments.
The timbre of instruments and vocals is remarkably realistic and convincing, surpassing other Topping DACs in this reviewer's experience. Even with close similarities between the two DACs, the Canan 2 has slightly better separation and background detail for busy tracks.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Topping Centaurus promised to be a more affordable alternative to the Hollow Canan 2 with added features. However, its significant performance issues in NOS mode with 44.1kHz content, and instability at higher oversampling rates, renders it a flawed product.
While sounding excellent in best OS mode and similar to the Canan 2, the lack of reliable NOS functionality and the significant performance degradations make it a difficult recommendation. For a similar sound with consistent reliability, the Canan 2 is a better choice, despite the higher price.