Trains

TOPPING E70 VELVET DAC — High-Res Desktop Decoder and Preamp

4.4 11 reviews 2 min read

TOPPING E70 VELVET DAC — High-Res Desktop Decoder and Preamp

Product description

The E70 VELVET is built around AKM’s flagship AK4499EX DAC chip and an XMOS XU316 USB interface, providing native DSD up to DSD512 and PCM decoding up to 768kHz/32-bit over USB. Measured performance is extremely quiet and precise: noise floor figures are in the microvolt range and A-weighted THD+N is well below 0.0001%, delivering a very low-distortion listening experience.

For wireless streaming the unit includes a QCC5125 Bluetooth module and is certified for LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless. Bluetooth 5.1 on board supports LDAC plus AAC, SBC, aptX family codecs (aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive), letting you stream high-resolution material from compatible phones and players.

Outputs are provided as a pair of balanced XLRs and unbalanced RCA connectors. The E70 VELVET offers selectable output configurations (XLR only, RCA only, or both) and can be used in a fixed-level DAC mode or in a variable DAC + preamplifier mode when you need volume control and source switching for downstream amplification.

Digital inputs include USB, coaxial and optical. The coaxial and optical inputs accept up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and can carry DSD when sourced appropriately, while the USB path handles the highest sample rates and DSD formats. An auto on/off input-detection feature switches the unit to the active input automatically, and a 12V trigger allows synchronous powering with other components.

The package includes a dedicated remote control and the usual documentation; a compact desktop footprint and front-panel display make it straightforward to operate from a listening position. Detailed input specifications: USB IN (native DSD 44.1–768kHz, 16–32bit; DSD over DoP DSD64–DSD512), COAX/OPT IN (44.1–192kHz, 16–24bit). Bluetooth codecs supported include AAC, SBC, aptX variants and LDAC.

Pros

  • AK4499EX chip with ultra-low distortion and noise
  • LDAC-capable Bluetooth 5.1 plus wide codec support
  • Balanced XLR and RCA outputs with DAC+preamp mode

Cons

  • Coax/optical inputs limited to 24/192 compared with USB
  • Some users report difficulty obtaining responsive manufacturer support
  • No integrated headphone amplifier on this model

VerdictThe E70 Velvet delivers extremely low noise and distortion with modern connectivity: native DSD512 and PCM up to 768kHz over USB, comprehensive Bluetooth codec support (LDAC via QCC5125), and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs plus a DAC+preamp mode. It’s a versatile desktop component for listeners who want detail and flexible routing, though some users note support and setup can be tr

Reviews

  1. massimiliano 5/5

    Excellent DAC

    High-quality build and sound — a great choice for anyone assembling a hi‑fi listening system.

  2. M. Walling 5/5

    Excellent streamer integration

    I paired this DAC with a vintage stereo and streaming lossless tracks from my phone and laptop — the sound is clean and lifelike. Every input worked flawlessly and functionality is impressive.

  3. Thermik-FF 5/5

    Outstanding, very impressed

    Affordable high-end performance. With my streamer the E70 Velvet brought a silky, analog-like presentation: tighter, weightier bass and a more natural tonal balance than my previous Sabre-based setup. Treble is less crystalline but feels more honest; guitars have more body and presence.

  4. Archie Sterling 5/5

    Very satisfied

    CDs through coax sound excellent. I stream satellite service via Bluetooth and feed the TV over optical. Provides exactly the connectivity I needed.

  5. らすこーりにこふ 5/5

    Very smooth sound

    Running Wiim Ultra → E70 → PA7 over XLR made the presentation much smoother and clearer. The unit’s 12V trigger is handy for powering the chain from a streamer app.

  6. Sea_nettle 5/5

    Solid Topping performance

    A reliable unit that delivers the features I wanted: AK4499EX conversion and flexible input/output switching. Fulfills my requirements well.

  7. Barbs 2/5

    Sounded worse for me

    Compared to the DAC in my streamer, this one felt less detailed up top and muddied the midbass and mids. My experience was that it didn’t outperform my existing unit.

  8. Mary & Lou 1/5

    Support is essentially non-existent

    Product may be fine, but getting help was impossible. Phone numbers listed by the maker and distributor didn’t connect and email requests went unanswered. The retailer eventually approved a return exception for me.

  9. Ken Prieboy 5/5

    Great sound for the price

    Easy to use and includes a handy remote. The imaging and realism punch above its class — a very pleasant listening experience.

  10. 白鳥の騎士 5/5

    Punches above its price

    One of the most affordable DACs using AK4499EX. It lacks premium cosmetics, but sonically it surpasses expectations. Compared to models with a weak headphone stage, this focuses on pure DAC performance.

  11. RGP 5/5

    Clear upgrade

    As a mid-range DAC it noticeably improves streamed music and CDs with greater dynamics, clarity and musical involvement.

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