Kirk100 Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 (edited) Hi all Rather than make another regretful purchase I thought I'd seek the wisdom of the internet. Use case: I want to use my NVIDIA Shield as a music streamer. The NVIDIA is able to detect USB audio and select the source automatically. I also use the NVIDIA to export audio via HDMI to a soundbar. Issue: I had a Topping DAC however it powers down to standby not completely off. If the DAC is in standby the NVIDIA still sees it as an audio source and will not revert to HDMI audio automatically. Requirements: DAC with a hard power switch, not standby. USB in. On the budget to moderate scale. Alternatively the ability to be powered with the 5v usb in the back of the amplifier (Yamaha sa-701) the topping made a god awful hum on the usb source using it. Thanks in advance!!! Edited June 2, 2022 by Kirk100
DavidH71 Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 I have the same setup , Nvidia Shield with a Topping E50 DAC. I just go into audio on the Shield and select either the DAC as output or the HDMI as output depending on whether i want to use the DAC or my AV amp , as it so happens my Denon X3700 DAC sounds better than the Topping (which suprised me) so I don't use the Topping anymore , I found the Topping E50 too smooth , maybe if you have a really bright setup it would suit but i didn't like it. 1
andyr Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 1 hour ago, Kirk100 said: Issue: I had a Topping DAC however it powers down to standby not completely off. If the DAC is in standby the NVIDIA still sees it as an audio source and will not revert to HDMI audio automatically. Requirements: DAC with a hard power switch, not standby. USB in. If your Topping DAC doesn't have a hard on/off switch (my 3x E30s - like your Topping - don't), why not have it powered by an 'X'v linear PS which does have a hard on/off switch? 2
Kirk100 Posted June 2, 2022 Author Posted June 2, 2022 Thanks @DavidH71 If it was just me I would be happy with that solution, but it would be a harder sell to the other household members. Hard enough having more than one remote! TBH I struggled to hear the difference between the Topping and the Yamaha DAC. I did tell the difference between the Shield using USB audio and the Chromecast solution I am currently using. My current solution is to run a current model Chromecast through a HDMI audio splitter and use optical to my amp. Adding the Topping DAC to that signal path made little to no difference. Seems a little wasteful to have the shield that offers better audio sitting next to my amp but no way to easily connect it!
Kirk100 Posted June 2, 2022 Author Posted June 2, 2022 3 minutes ago, andyr said: If your Topping DAC doesn't have a hard on/off switch (my 3x E30s - like your Topping - don't), why not have it powered by an 'X'v linear PS which does have a hard on/off switch? Mainly because that adds further $$$ to the set up, I did have a look but got a bit overwhelmed with what would work, quality etc
andyr Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 43 minutes ago, Kirk100 said: Mainly because that adds further $$$ to the set up, I did have a look but got a bit overwhelmed with what would work, quality etc If the $$$ for a LPS are too much for you ... you could use a Meanwell SMPS ('wall wart') and use the ppt switch to switch it "hard off". That would cost you about $35. 1
eLicky Posted June 2, 2022 Posted June 2, 2022 (edited) You could buy this Arlec wireless power switch. use a 5V phone charger to power any USB DAC you want. Arlec Remote Controlled Power Outlet - Bunnings Australia Edited June 2, 2022 by eLicky 2
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