The Auto standby & wake-up function can be implemented in two ways: signal trigger and 12V trigger.
Note: Some devices support both signal trigger and 12V trigger. In such cases, you need to choose the desired setting under “On/Off Trigger” in the menu.
Signal Trigger
1. Applicable models:
This function is typically available on DACs.
2. How it works:
The device detects changes in the input signal. When the signal changes from absent to present, the device powers on automatically. When the signal changes from present to absent, the device enters standby automatically.
3. Common misunderstanding:
• Some users assume that when music is playing there is a signal, and when playback is paused there is no signal, so the device should enter standby after pausing. In fact, this is not always the case. It depends mainly on the connected source device. For example, a computer may continue sending a valid signal to the DAC even when playback is paused. In that case, the DAC will not detect any signal change and therefore will not enter standby automatically. Only when the computer is shut down or enters sleep mode will signal transmission stop. So, when a DAC is used with a computer, the main purpose of signal trigger is to synchronize the power and standby states of the two devices.
• By contrast, most professional audio players transmit a signal during playback and stop transmitting when paused. In this case, the DAC can power on automatically during playback and enter standby automatically when playback is paused.
4. Video demonstration:
5. If signal trigger is not working properly:
1. First, check the user manual and make sure “On/Off Trigger” is set to Signal, or that “Auto Standby” is enabled (the exact menu name may vary depending on the device).
2. Try unplugging the input cable connected to the Topping device, then wait for one minute. If the device enters standby automatically, and reconnecting the input cable wakes it up again, this indicates that the function is working properly.
3. Some source devices may continue outputting a valid signal even while in standby, so the Topping device will not detect any “signal change,” and power on/off triggering will not occur. On most Topping devices, a valid signal is indicated by the sample rate shown on the screen (depending on the model). You can try powering off the upstream device completely. If the Topping device then enters standby normally, it means the signal detection function is working correctly.
12V Trigger
Auto power-on and standby can also be achieved through the 12V trigger function. By linking multiple devices via 12V trigger, they can power on and enter standby together, eliminating the need to operate each device individually.
1. Applicable models:
As a feature introduced on many newer products in recent years, 12V trigger is now commonly available on most newer devices, including DACs, amplifiers, and others. Some devices are equipped with both 12V Trigger In and 12V Trigger Out ports, while others may have only one of the two. Please refer to the actual specifications of your device.
2. How it works:
The device detects changes in the 12V trigger signal. When the voltage changes from 0V to 12V, the device powers on automatically. When it changes from 12V to 0V, the device enters standby automatically.
3. Note:
If you want Device A to control the power and standby state of Device B, connect Device A’s Trigger OUT to Device B’s Trigger IN.
4. Video demonstration:
Combining signal trigger and 12V trigger
Our DACs usually support signal trigger. You can set the DAC to Signal Trigger mode and connect it to a computer. Then, for the devices connected downstream from the DAC, you can link them via 12V trigger. This allows all connected devices to power on simultaneously when the computer is turned on, and enter standby together when the computer is shut down or put to sleep. This makes the entire system much more convenient to use, without the need to operate each device separately.
Video demonstration:
