Short answer: the Topping D900 if measured performance matters most, the Topping Centaurus if price matters most. The Topping D900 ranks #2 of 30 DACs, rated 4.9/5, at $1,799. The Topping Centaurus ranks #19, rated 4.7/5, at $869, $930 cheaper.
What the Topping D900 does well: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. The tradeoff: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price.
The case for the Topping Centaurus: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. The catch: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price.
Buy the Topping D900 when measured performance outweighs the price for you, and the Topping Centaurus when the price outweighs measured performance instead.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping D900 | Topping Centaurus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.00 | $869.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 30 in DACs | #19 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) | RCA, XLR |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Digital (buttons) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping D900:
- Topping D900 vs SMSL SU-10
- Topping D900 vs Topping D90 III Sabre
- Topping D900 vs SMSL M400
- Topping D900 vs SMSL VMV D2R
- Topping D900 vs Chord Qutest
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Topping D900: $1,799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It has a huge input set, including USB, two optical, two coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, plus a volume knob, 10 band parametric EQ and an XLR preamp output for powered speakers.
Cons: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price. Outputs are XLR only with no RCA, and at 2,520 g it is a large unit.
Full Topping D900 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping Centaurus: $869.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 113 dB, clean for nearly all listening and very good for an R2R design. It has a 10 band parametric EQ built in and accepts USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, with RCA and balanced XLR outputs.
Cons: Its 113 dB SINAD trails most DACs in its group, and the SMSL SU-2 matches its rating and measured cleaner at 123 dB for a small fraction of the price. The Topping D70 Pro SABRE rates higher for less. Volume is set with buttons rather than a knob.
Full Topping Centaurus review and specifications →
| Released | Dec 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete 8-channel R2R |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 113 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (buttons) |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs (1,130 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons