Topping - Centaurus (Ex-Demo Unit)

Fully Balanced R2R Desktop DAC

Sale price₹ 49,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 99,999
Sold out
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Why Topping is Special

🇨🇳

Designed in China

🎖️ Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles

Audiophiles can be really picky 😤, and if the audiophile community says something sounds good, you can bet it's exceptional! I believe that earning audiophile reverence is like getting a standing ovation from music critics - it doesn't happen unless you've truly achieved something special. This audio gear has earned widespread acclaim from audiophiles worldwide, a community renowned for exacting standards and unwavering commitment to high-fidelity reproduction.


These discerning enthusiasts particularly value its extraordinary precision in sound reproduction and remarkable capability to create thoroughly immersive listening experiences. The audiophile community's endorsement carries significant weight because of their extensive experience with high-end equipment 🏆.


When you see "🙌🏻 Revered by Audiophiles" products, expect audiophile-grade excellence that satisfies even the most demanding listeners and consistently exceeds the highest standards.

🌟 Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

Why we love this DAC/Amp

💎 Premium Economy

Sensible spending meets sophisticated quality in perfect harmony 💫.


I tend to describe premium economy products as finding that sweet spot where exceptional value meets refined performance. Think of it like business class comfort at economy prices - you're getting significantly more than what you paid for. These headphones deliver a refined listening experience that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an intelligent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both value and excellence.


This thoughtfully curated selection demonstrates our commitment to bringing you outstanding sound quality and robust construction without requiring a significant financial investment. Each product has been meticulously evaluated to ensure it delivers performance characteristics typically associated with higher price brackets.


When you see "💎 Premium Economy" products, expect refined audio experiences that bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end offerings, delivering impressive clarity and features at accessible price points.


🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

🏠 For Audiophiles at Home

I’ve always loved the ritual of coming home, settling into my favourite chair, and firing up a dedicated setup. Gear labelled For Audiophiles at Home is made for those moments — when you can really sit back and appreciate music in its purest form 🛋️. These products tend to be more powerful, larger, and often require wall power — perfect for a stationary rig.


Here’s the trade-off: these setups often involve external DACs, amps, or full-size headphones, which means more space, more power, but also more immersive listening. They shine when used in quiet environments, where detail, depth, and dynamics can truly be appreciated.


When you see '🏠 For Audiophiles at Home' products, expect: exceptional fidelity, stronger output, and the kind of soundstage that makes you never want to leave your listening chair.

✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth

I tend to describe Bluetooth audio as wireless freedom with fewer strings attached — literally. When you see Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth, it means you can pair your headphones or IEMs with phones, laptops, or even TVs — all without reaching for a cable 🎶. It’s convenient, clutter-free, and great for everyday listening.


What’s happening behind the scenes is your gear is using Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, LDAC, or aptX to compress and transmit your music wirelessly. Better codecs mean higher quality and lower latency. Of course, there’s a trade-off — Bluetooth won’t match the quality of wired gear, but today’s advancements have made the gap much smaller than before.


When you see '✂️ Use Wirelessly with Bluetooth' products, expect: tangle-free convenience and solid sound quality — great for commuting, workouts, or casual listening.


🔗 Connect With Cable

In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.


When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.

Why it Sounds Amazing

⚙️ DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

🔬 Decodes Upto

When I see "Decodes up to" listed in product specs, I think of it like a music translator that speaks more languages than you’ll ever need. It tells you how far a DAC or audio device can go in handling hi-res formats—think PCM, DSD, or MQA—and at what resolution. 🧠🎶


Technically, this refers to the maximum bit depth and sample rate a DAC can process—like 32-bit/768kHz PCM or DSD512. The higher these numbers, the more detailed and lifelike the audio can potentially sound. But remember, real-world improvements depend on the recording quality and your headphones, not just specs alone.

Headphone Zone Certified Demo Headphones

Our careful selection of demo headphones gives you the experience of pre-burned in headphones - at drop dead prices. We do this sale every year to clear up our existing demos and to make way for new units instead. These demo headphones have been used at our Experience Studio in Mumbai. The pictures above depict the condition of the product and also indicate the accessories available with the headphone. For any specific questions about the condition please get in touch with us! While the product itself is fully tested by our Headphone Gurus and the outer packaging may have suffered some damage.

Get The Best Deal

You may or may not get the original packaging or some accessories may be missing & because of the fact that they've been extensively used as a demo at the Experience Studio, we give a good discount compared to a new gear.

Unchanged Policies

Received a defective Demo unit? Return it under our 7 Day Replacement Guarantee Policy.
P.S. If you do not like your gear, unfortunately we will not be able to accept the return.

Pre-Burned In

Demo headphones save you the time of burning in new headphones. Typically, brand new headphones take up to weeks to fully break in and sound as good as they should. With demo headphones, you get to enjoy the best sound out of the box.

Unbiased Customer Service

We have the same Headphone Zone customer support experience for Demo Units or any products.

Consider It Vintage

Vintage products have a certain charm that cannot be put into words. Think of old, discontinued demo headphones as vintage. They have a story; they have, how-to-say, character.

Professionally Inspected

A thorough inspection means you receive a 100% working headphone with no sound output issues.

Headphone-Zone-Topping-Centaurus-Demo-Unit

Accessories to Get you Started

1. Remote Control
2. USB Cable
3. AC Cable
4. Bluetooth Antenna
5. Product Information Card

Topping Presents An All-New Hi-Res Certified Fully Balanced R2R DAC - The Centaurus

Topping introduces the Centaurus, an all-new fully balanced R2R DAC for exceptional music reproduction. It features a cutting-edge balanced 8-channel R2R DAC architecture in collaboration with HOLO Audio for high-quality sound. It features advanced components, customizable oversampling modes, a high-performance circuit design, PEQ adjustment for personalized tuning, and versatile connectivity options for enhanced device performance. Topping Centaurus is high-resolution certified by the Japan Audio Society and offers unparalleled audio performance to elevate your listening experience.

Features A Fully Balanced R2R DAC Engineered In Collaboration With Holo Audio

Topping collaborates with HOLO Audio to embed an all-new balanced 8-channel R2R DAC at the heart of the Centaurus. It features 8 resistor array networks spread across the circuit board on both sides to form a fully balanced configuration. On the front side, it features 4 resistor arrays for DSD decoding, termed “Vector Step Resistance Network”. On the back side, the other 4 arrays handle the PCM decoding utilising the R2R structure. This configuration is powered by a CPLD to ensure high-fidelity and detailed audio output.

Hi-Fi Audio Circuit Design Featuring Superior Components For Clean Audio

Topping Centaurus embeds a high-quality circuit design with an I/V conversion module to minimise distortion and provide clean audio output. It occupies less space and enhances the performance of the DAC chip. This configuration offers clean and high-quality audio reproduction. It uses CPLD to process the clock signal and optimise the digital signal for ultra-low jitter.   

Switch Between NOS, OS & Best Mode For Customised Music Listening

When the Topping Centaurus is set to OS mode, the digital signals are oversampled to minimise errors, reduce noise and effectively reduce SNR and DNR. Within the OS mode, you can select the different sampling rates to get your audio performance customised. The NOS mode bypasses the oversampling mode and decodes audio at the original sample rate to retain the actual characteristics of the audio signals for an original playback. The Best mode automatically selects the optimal oversampling rate based on the source sample rate and DAC internal processing capacities for enhanced performance and high-quality sound.     

Fine Tune Your Music-Listening Experience With 10 Parametric EQ Adjustment

Topping Centaurus offers a newly developed PEQ adjustment with 10 customisable frequency bands. This software allows you to tune the sound, gain and bandwidth of each PEQ band. It also supports the import of raw curves, and target curves and enables curve compensation using target curves. It features multiple profiles for easy switching. 

Features A Fully Balanced R2R DAC Engineered In Collaboration With Holo Audio

Topping collaborates with HOLO Audio to embed an all-new balanced 8-channel R2R DAC at the heart of the Centaurus. It features 8 resistor array networks spread across the circuit board on both sides to form a fully balanced configuration. On the front side, it features 4 resistor arrays for DSD decoding, termed “Vector Step Resistance Network”. On the back side, the other 4 arrays handle the PCM decoding utilising the R2R structure. This configuration is powered by a CPLD to ensure high-fidelity and detailed audio output.

Hi-Fi Audio Circuit Design Featuring Superior Components For Clean Audio

Topping Centaurus embeds a high-quality circuit design with an I/V conversion module to minimise distortion and provide clean audio output. It occupies less space and enhances the performance of the DAC chip. This configuration offers clean and high-quality audio reproduction. It uses CPLD to process the clock signal and optimise the digital signal for ultra-low jitter.   

Switch Between NOS, OS & Best Mode For Customised Music Listening

When the Topping Centaurus is set to OS mode, the digital signals are oversampled to minimise errors, reduce noise and effectively reduce SNR and DNR. Within the OS mode, you can select the different sampling rates to get your audio performance customised. The NOS mode bypasses the oversampling mode and decodes audio at the original sample rate to retain the actual characteristics of the audio signals for an original playback. The Best mode automatically selects the optimal oversampling rate based on the source sample rate and DAC internal processing capacities for enhanced performance and high-quality sound.     

Fine Tune Your Music-Listening Experience With 10 Parametric EQ Adjustment

Topping Centaurus offers a newly developed PEQ adjustment with 10 customisable frequency bands. This software allows you to tune the sound, gain and bandwidth of each PEQ band. It also supports the import of raw curves, and target curves and enables curve compensation using target curves. It features multiple profiles for easy switching. 

Connect Via Bluetooth Or Simply Plug And Play With Various Devices

Topping Centaurus is equipped with a QCC5125 chip with Bluetooth 5.1 decoding up to 96kHz/24bit and fully supports LDAC/aptX-Adaptive/aptX/aptX/aptX HD/AAC/SBC and other codecs for a high-resolution audio performance through wireless connectivity. It is compatible with various OS such as Windows 10,11, MAC, Linux and iOS/Android. It features USB hardware with third-gen XMOS XU316 and Thesycon driver supporting PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 for a detailed audio output.

Note: Only for the ASIO Windows application, you need to install the Thesycon driver and set it up. Other systems don't require the Driver setup.

Offers Preamp Functionality To Connect With Active Speakers With 12V Trigger

Topping Centaurus has a “preamp mode”, allowing you to adjust the output volume and connect directly to a pure amplifier or active speaker. It features 12V trigger input and output that gets triggered by other devices when switched on or off. It also comes with a remote to adjust the volume conveniently. 

Choose From Multiple Output Connections For Versatile Connectivity

Topping Centaurus allows you to switch on the output channels you want to use or output both channels simultaneously. You can conveniently connect two different systems or output two audio signals. It features more universal 4V and RCA 2V outputs, when these outputs are selected, more devices are adapted. It features XLR 5V and RCA 2.5V outputs, when these outputs are selected, the performance is elevated to an extreme level. It houses right and left channel balanced XLR, left and right channel single-ended RCA output, coaxial and optical SPDIF input, Bluetooth, USB and AES input, and 12V trigger IN/OUT. It also equips an IIS, a customised digital audio transmission interface supporting up to PCM768kHz/32bit & DSD512native. 

Note: The DAC IIS has to match the IIS interface definition of the digital interface.

Meticulously Designed With New UI Design & Customisable Control Button

Topping Centaurus is meticulously designed with a 2.0-inch Aurora UI full-colour screen that conveniently displays the playback details. It houses 3 touch buttons to access various features like choosing from 9 background colours, FFT, VU or playback information display can be switched according to your requirements. A power button is embedded to customise functions and can switch directly between Chinese and English on the first startup.

Pair The Centaurus With A70 Pro Headphone Amplifier For A Complete Stack

TOPPING Centaurus paired with A70 Pro can drive almost any headphones and deliver an exceptional performance experience. The A70 Pro complements the Centaurus to meet the needs of a wide range of headphones and active speakers. The duo can be synchronized via the 12V Trigger interface for automatic or manual power control. This seamless integration ensures both devices work in perfect harmony to provide a more convenient experience.

Connect Via Bluetooth Or Simply Plug And Play With Various Devices

Topping Centaurus is equipped with a QCC5125 chip with Bluetooth 5.1 decoding up to 96kHz/24bit and fully supports LDAC/aptX-Adaptive/aptX/aptX/aptX HD/AAC/SBC and other codecs for a high-resolution audio performance through wireless connectivity. It is compatible with various OS such as Windows 10,11, MAC, Linux and iOS/Android. It features USB hardware with third-gen XMOS XU316 and Thesycon driver supporting PCM768kHz/32bit and DSD512 for a detailed audio output.

Note: Only for the ASIO Windows application, you need to install the Thesycon driver and set it up. Other systems don't require the Driver setup.

Offers Preamp Functionality To Connect With Active Speakers With 12V Trigger

Topping Centaurus has a “preamp mode”, allowing you to adjust the output volume and connect directly to a pure amplifier or active speaker. It features 12V trigger input and output that gets triggered by other devices when switched on or off. It also comes with a remote to adjust the volume conveniently. 

Choose From Multiple Output Connections For Versatile Connectivity

Topping Centaurus allows you to switch on the output channels you want to use or output both channels simultaneously. You can conveniently connect two different systems or output two audio signals. It features more universal 4V and RCA 2V outputs, when these outputs are selected, more devices are adapted. It features XLR 5V and RCA 2.5V outputs, when these outputs are selected, the performance is elevated to an extreme level. It houses right and left channel balanced XLR, left and right channel single-ended RCA output, coaxial and optical SPDIF input, Bluetooth, USB and AES input, and 12V trigger IN/OUT. It also equips an IIS, a customised digital audio transmission interface supporting up to PCM768kHz/32bit & DSD512native. 

Note: The DAC IIS has to match the IIS interface definition of the digital interface.

Meticulously Designed With New UI Design & Customisable Control Button

Topping Centaurus is meticulously designed with a 2.0-inch Aurora UI full-colour screen that conveniently displays the playback details. It houses 3 touch buttons to access various features like choosing from 9 background colours, FFT, VU or playback information display can be switched according to your requirements. A power button is embedded to customise functions and can switch directly between Chinese and English on the first startup.

Pair The Centaurus With A70 Pro Headphone Amplifier For A Complete Stack

TOPPING Centaurus paired with A70 Pro can drive almost any headphones and deliver an exceptional performance experience. The A70 Pro complements the Centaurus to meet the needs of a wide range of headphones and active speakers. The duo can be synchronized via the 12V Trigger interface for automatic or manual power control. This seamless integration ensures both devices work in perfect harmony to provide a more convenient experience.

Display Screen

Topping Centaurus features a 2.0-inch Aurora UI full-colour screen that conveniently displays the playback details.

Power Button

Topping Centaurus embeds a power button to switch on or off the device and access various features.


All You Need To Know About The Topping Centaurus (Ex-Demo Unit)

Box Contents
1. Topping Centaurus (Demo Unit)
2. Remote Control
3. USB Cable
4. AC Cable
5. Bluetooth Antenna
6. Product Information Card
Warranty
3 Months
DAC Chip
R2R DAC Resistor
Input
Coaxial SPDIF Input
Optical SPDIF Input
Bluetooth Input
IIS Input
ASE Input
Output
RCA
XLR
THD+N @A-wt
RCA : <0.0005% @1kHz
XLR : <0.0005% @1kHZ


3 Months Warranty

Don't sweat it, this Topping - Centaurus (Ex-Demo Unit) comes with a 3 Months warranty from TOPPING that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about TOPPING's warranty in India.

The Audiophile's Choice For Precision and Accuracy

TOPPING, founded in 2008 and headquartered in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to creating immersive Hi-Fi experiences with superior performance. Emphasizing research and development (R&D), TOPPING invests in a dedicated department of senior engineers and audiophiles, employing professional audio instruments like the premium audio testers APx555 and APx555B from Audio Precision. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure exceptional parameters and performance, followed by meticulous adjustments for optimal sound quality.

Renowned worldwide, TOPPING's lineup includes products like the A90, D90, A70, and D70 with their DACs and amps being favourites among audiophiles globally. Committed to pushing the boundaries of quality, TOPPING remains true to its mission of delivering unparalleled Hi-Fi experiences.

Explore Collection
I think the Centaurus is the answer to Topping’s high-end conundrum – more heart, soul, and character without paying the price of overall fidelity.
The Topping Centaurus is the company's best desktop DAC I have heard to date. The R2R chipset delivers a sonically clean and natural output with a focused soundstage. It also offers lots of sonic flexibility via features like PEQ.

Other Details


Generic Name Digital Audio Converter
Importer Details Importers Name: Ferrari Video
Address: 63/18, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Chennai - 600020
Contact No: 044-24420733
Net Quantity 1
Manufacturer Details Name: Tok Shun Co., Limited
Address: 1318-19, 13/F, Hollywood Plaza, 610 Nathan Road, HK.
Package Contents Topping Centaurus (Demo Unit)
Remote Control
USB Cable
AC Cable
Bluetooth Antenna
Product Information Card


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