Topping E30 II (Volume Control)

[harzoglups]

Hello everyone,

I'd like to know if Topping E30 II DAC is fully supported by Moodeaudio and especially if I will be able to use the hardware volume control without too much diry hack.

Thanks in adance for your answers!

[harzoglups]

I found this on volumio website:

Name: Topping E30 II
Receiver: XMOS XU208
DAC: Dual AK4493S
Async: YES
Working with Volumio: YES
Tested Versions and Platforms:

   x86 => V3.396
   rPi4-8GB => V3.416
   Odroid N2+ => V3.417

Hardware Mixer on Volumio: YES
Software Mixer on Volumio: YES
HW Mixer string: N/A
Comments: Works out of the box. Powered via a Lin. PSU (not included)
USB IN: 44,1 kHz-768 kHz/16 bit-32 bit
COAX/OPT IN: 44,1 kHz- 1 92 kHz/16 bit-24 bit
DSD (Native):
USB IN: DSD64-DSD512
DSD(DoP):
USB IN: DSD64-DSD256
Pre amp: Yes

Product Link: Topping E30 II 14
Buying Link: Topping E30 II 25
Review Link: Audiosciencereview 24

Does this line Hardware Mixer on Volumio: YES means it exposes an alsa mixer for HW volume control?

[harzoglups]

I've ordered the DAC, I'll keep you posted when I receive and set it up.

By the way, interesting article about HW vs SW volume control:
https://www.hifiberry.com/blog/techtalk-...bad-thing/

In the end it seems I should be fine whatever the method used :-)

[Tim Curtis]

If the device supports Hardware volume "Hardware" will appear as one of the choices for Volume type in Audio Config.

What you get with some Software volume algorithms for example MPD, Shairport-sync, Librespot (Spotify Connect) and CamillaDSP volume, is dithering for 16-bit samples. AFAIK ALSA softvol does not support dithering. Without dithering, noise may be audible in some scenarios.

Many Hardware volume algorithms are very basic and do not do any dithering for 16-bit samples. IIRC this would be the case for the family of PCM5xxx DAC's. Others like the algorithm in ESS chips perform dither.

CamillaDSP volume offers a comprehensive list of dither types for enthusiasts.

       

[harzoglups]

Thanks for your answer.
I had a quick look at AK4493S datasheet but found no info about dithering :-(
If I understood correctly, I'd be better off using sw volume control to benefit from this feature, am I right?

[TheOldPresbyope]

Thanks for your answer.
I had a quick look at AK4493S datasheet but found no info about dithering :-(
If I understood correctly, I'd be better off using sw volume control to benefit from this feature, am I right?

It's your ears. Why not try both volume control methods and see if any of this matters?

Regards,
Kent

[harzoglups]

Sure that's how it's gonna end up.
But from the moment I have the hardware, I'm just curious about how to get the best from it.
Even if I'm convinced I won't be able to really hear the difference :-)

[Tim Curtis]

If it calms the mind then go for it :-)

[harzoglups]

Quick feedback: I've received the DAC and installed Moode on a Raspberry 2.

The E30 II exposes an alsa mixer for the volume, you can then select "Hardware" Volume Type in Moode.
When changing the volume from Moode interface, I can see the volume changing in alsamixer and the music volume change as well.

However, volume on the DAC display does not change at all. So I'm not sure to understand what this alsa mixer does in the end.

I also tried "Software" volume type and of course was not able to hear any difference.

Anyway, I'm happy with my setup and mind is calmed ;-)

Thanks again for your answers.

[Tim Curtis]

Maybe the display only responds to the IR remote?
The user manual might have some info.