Topping D10s Mini USB DAC User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Topping D10s Mini USB Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The D10s is designed to enhance your audio experience by providing high-fidelity sound reproduction from your computer or other digital sources.

2. Product Overview

The Topping D10s is a compact USB DAC featuring advanced audio components for superior sound quality. It supports high-resolution audio formats and offers versatile connectivity options.

Key Features:

• High-Resolution Audio Support: Compatible with PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD256 (both DoP and Native).
• Advanced DAC Chip: Utilizes the ESS ES9038Q2M chip for precise digital-to-analog conversion, achieving a low THD+N of 0.0002%@1kHz.
• XMOS XU208 USB Interface: Features an XMOS XU208 USB interface with customized drivers for enhanced compatibility and performance with high-resolution audio files.
• Automatic Power On/Off: Synchronizes power status with your connected PC, turning on and off automatically.
• Replaceable OP-Amp: Includes an OP-amp socket, allowing users to change the operational amplifier for different sound characteristics. Note that changing the OP-amp may alter the D10s's electrical parameters.
• Versatile Outputs: Provides Line Out (RCA), Coaxial, and Optical S/PDIF outputs for connection to various audio systems.

Front and Rear Panels:

Figure 2.1: Front panel displaying the sampling rate and audio format, and rear panel showing USB input, Line Out (RCA), and S/PDIF (Coaxial/Optical) outputs.

Dimensions:

Figure 2.2: Top, front, and side views of the Topping D10s with dimensions: 10.3cm (width) x 14.6cm (depth) x 3.7cm (height).

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in the package:

• Topping D10s Unit (x1)
• USB Cable (x1)
• User Manual (x1)
• Warranty Card (x1)

Figure 3.1: Contents of the Topping D10s package, including the DAC unit, USB cable, user manual, and warranty card.

4. Setup Guide

The Topping D10s offers flexible connection options to integrate into your audio system.

Connecting to a Computer:

The D10s is designed for simple plug-and-play operation with most modern Windows and macOS systems. For optimal performance, especially with DSD native playback, specific drivers may be required.

1. Connect the D10s to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The D10s draws power directly from the USB port.
2. For Windows: The D10s may function with generic drivers. For full functionality and high-resolution audio support (e.g., DSD native), it is recommended to install the customized Thesycon driver. Refer to the Thesycon installation package and setup tutorial for detailed instructions.
3. For macOS: The D10s is generally plug-and-play. For advanced playback and bit-perfect output, consider using dedicated audio players like Audirvana Plus, which can output the original bit rate of music files directly to the D10s.
4. After connecting, select the Topping D10s as your audio output device in your computer's sound settings. Adjust the sampling rate as desired.

Figure 4.1: Illustration of connecting the D10s to a computer and configuring audio settings in Windows and macOS.

Connecting to an Audio System:

• To Active Speakers: Connect the D10s's Line Out (RCA) to the analog inputs of your active speakers. This provides a direct, high-quality audio signal.
• To an Amplifier/Headphone Amplifier: Connect the D10s's Line Out (RCA) to an available analog input on your amplifier or headphone amplifier. The D10s acts as the digital source, providing a clean signal to your amplification stage.
• As a USB Interface to another DAC: If you have another DAC with Coaxial or Optical inputs, you can use the D10s as a high-quality USB-to-S/PDIF converter. Connect the D10s's Coaxial or Optical output to the corresponding input on your other DAC.

5. Operating Instructions

Automatic Power On/Off:

The D10s is designed to power on and off synchronously with your connected computer. When your PC is turned on, the D10s will power on. When your PC is shut down, the D10s will power off, even if the USB port continues to supply power.

Figure 5.1: The D10s automatically powers on and off with the connected PC.

Audio Format and Sampling Rate Indicator:

The front panel display of the D10s accurately indicates the current audio format (PCM or DSD) and the sampling rate of the playing music. The orange LED display is designed to be clear and non-dazzling, even in low light conditions.

Figure 5.2: The D10s display showing examples of indicated audio formats and sampling rates (e.g., DSD256, PCM 384kHz).

6. Maintenance and Care

• Keep the device in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.
• Clean the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Avoid blocking the ventilation openings to ensure proper heat dissipation.
• Do not attempt to disassemble the unit beyond replacing the OP-amp if you are not a qualified technician, as this may void the warranty and cause damage.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Topping D10s, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound Output:
  • Ensure the D10s is properly connected to your computer via USB and is receiving power.
  • Verify that the D10s is selected as the default audio output device in your computer's sound settings.
  • Check all audio cable connections (RCA, Coaxial, Optical) to your amplifier or speakers.
  • Confirm that your amplifier or active speakers are powered on and set to the correct input.
• Distorted or Intermittent Sound:
  • Ensure the correct drivers are installed for Windows systems, especially for high-resolution playback.
  • Check the sampling rate settings on your computer to match the audio file's specifications or a supported rate by the D10s.
  • Try a different USB port or USB cable.
  • If you have replaced the OP-amp, ensure it is correctly seated and compatible. Incorrect OP-amps can affect performance.
• DSD Playback Issues:
  • Ensure your playback software supports DSD native or DoP (DSD over PCM) and is configured correctly.
  • For Windows, the customized Thesycon driver is crucial for DSD native support.
  • If you require a DSD configuration guide, please contact the seller HIFI COLLEGE for assistance.
• D10s Not Powering On:
  • Ensure the USB cable is securely connected to both the D10s and a powered USB port on your computer.
  • Verify that your computer is powered on. The D10s powers on synchronously with the PC.

8. Technical Specifications

The following table details the technical specifications of the Topping D10s:

Figure 8.1: Detailed technical specifications for the Topping D10s.

9. Warranty and Support

The Topping D10s comes with a warranty period of more than one year, covering repair and shipping costs for quality-related issues. For any questions or assistance, including DSD configuration guides, please contact the seller, HIFI COLLEGE. Support is available 24/7 to address your inquiries.

For further information or to register your product, please refer to the warranty card included in your package or visit the official Topping website.