Review and Measurements of Topping DX3Pro DAC and Headphone Amp

[Timbo2]

Can you post a photo of back panel?

Thanks for the review, looks like it is versatile and good value.

 

[pii75]

About linearity test, I read in another thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/on-dac-linearity-measurement.3754/
that the test is done applying a band filter to remove the noise.
Looking at the result of linearity test for DX3Pro it seems that the filter has not be applied.

 

[mi-fu]

@amirm, thanks for another great review!

One quick question: Does the plastic remote come with DX3 pro also work with DX7s?

Also, are you planning to do subjective listening tests on it to see if there is any difference from the music representation of ESS chips?

thanks again!!

I have a feeling that this thread is going to be another very high-traffic thread!

 

[Thomas savage]

So it has better IMD but shine somewhat away from 16bits linearity. No free lunch for us it seems. Perhaps it will be fixed with the DX5 should they decide to make one (given how excellent the RME was). Nevertheless really surprised that they offer a remote out of the box for the DX3Pro while the bigger sibling doesn't, probably a production delay issues.
Don't want to keep you busy, but perhaps a filter test would be great. Another test that would be nice to see is the APTX-HD bluetooth with the LG G7. Both support the codec, and this will be a good setup to see how close the bluetooth codec performance fares with wired connection (though I imagine this won't be easy).

I’d like like to see how the APTX-HD Bluetooth gets on too.

 

[mikehoopes]

For me, the obvious comparison is Modi 3/Magni 3. THD+n @ 300 Ohms, 123 mW: DX3 = 0.001%, M3 = ~0.03%.
For reference, Innerfidelity measured the Sennheiser HD 650 THD+n @ 90 dB (0.13 mW)/1 KHz >>0.1%.

1. At 123 mW, is the amp distortion an audible concern for these two combinations? [edit]: That's a ridiculously high output for the HD 650.
2. Do they audibly differentiate at that reasonable levels?
3. Does the DX3 have a preamp output?

If the answers to #2 and #3 are yes, then there may be a D10/Magni 3 combo available on eBay very soon.

 

[andreasmaaan]

For me, the obvious comparison is Modi 3/Magni 3. THD+n @ 300 Ohms, 123 mW: DX3 = 0.001%, M3 = ~0.03%.
For reference, Innerfidelity measured the Sennheiser HD 650 THD+n @ 90 dB (0.13 mW)/1 KHz >0.1%.

1. At 123 mW, is the amp distortion an audible concern for these two combinations?
2. Do they audibly differentiate at that level?
3. Does the DX3 have a preamp output?

If the answers to #2 and #3 are yes, then there may be a D10/Magni 3 combo available on eBay very soon.

I'm a bit cautious when interpreting Innerfidelity's 90dB THD+N measurements. Often, THD+N measures higher at 90dB than at 100dB, which indicates that the electronics - not the headphones - are likely to be a significant source of the distortion.

Anyway, in answer to your questions, I think it's extremely unlikely that either DAC will produce audible distortion, i.e. I doubt there's any audible difference between them.

The Magni 3 I'm not so sure about. 0.03% may be audible depending on the nature of the distortion. If audible, though, it's very unlikely to be objectionable.

0.03% is 70dB below the signal. So although probably audible under some circumstances, it's unlikely to be audible under normal listening conditions.

The DX3 Pro does have preamp (RCA) output, yeh.

 

[scibry]

Could you test with Apple as well, AAC format? Especial with an ALAC file.


So excited for this unit.... Hope it ships soon!

 

[amirm]

Would it be possible please to perform your old J test on this DAC to give us a reference point for the new test?

Sure, here is the old (blue) versus new (red):

The main difference is that the embedded 250 Hz was dithered before (blue). As such, it did not excite the digital circuits as much.

 

[amirm]

For another reference, he is my Audio Precision's DAC being measured by AP itself:

It is "a bit" cleaner.

 

[amirm]

@amirm you be measuring a production unit once they are available? This could be a hand picked review unit for all we know.

If someone buys one to send me, sure.

 

[amirm]

I forget who asked for jitter on other inputs. Here is USB (red) versus S/PDIF (blue):

Looks to be worse than USB although at -115 dB for the spurs, not much of an audible concern.

 

[amirm]

And here is Toslink versus USB:

Seems to be worse than S/PDIF.

So USB is your best bet.

 

[amirm]

Can you post a photo of back panel?

Here you go:

Notice the full regulatory certification of FCC and CE -- something that is usually absent from many desktop products.

 

[amirm]

One quick question: Does the plastic remote come with DX3 pro also work with DX7s?

Yes it does!

 

[mi-fu]

Yes it does!

Then I have one more reason to buy it!!!

 

[amirm]

I’d like like to see how the APTX-HD Bluetooth gets on too.

The documentation for DX3Pro states that it supports: AAC/SBC/APTX/APTXLL/APTXHD

However, I am unable to select anything other than SBC or Aptx on my Samsung S8+. All other selections are ignored. Wonder if that is an issue with Samsung or DX3Pro.

Anywhere, here are the dashboards for each:

Aptx:

SBC:

So pretty massive hits on a signal that should be very easy to compress.

 

[scibry]

Yes, I forgot to mention that this also has Bluetooth input. Will see if I can test it a bit.

Now I am going to sleep!

I thought I already asked this,but does it have any support for Apple's AAC format? And you test that with an ALAC

 

[Nietsnut]

Hi, thank you so much for testing the DX3Pro.

I am really looking forward to this dac as it has an volume adjustable preamp. As far as I know there is no other dac/amp combo with remote in this small size that can be paired with a separate (t-)amp. I am using the Topping MX3 right now but it doesn't have a pre out, only a sub out. The DX3Pro seems perfect for use with the Topping PA3 and the latter offers more a lot more power then the MX3 does.

 

[amirm]

I thought I already asked this,but does it have any support for Apple's AAC format?

AAC does not belong to Apple. Apple has simply chosen to use it for its lossy format but AAC is an international standard and patents are owned by other companies.

As to your question, I did try but my Samsung phone refuses to select AAC as a format. Will have to test with my other bluetooth devices to see if this is a limitation in my phone or DX3Pro.

 

[amirm]

Hi, thank you so much for testing the DX3Pro.

I am really looking forward to this dac as it has an volume adjustable preamp. As far as I know there is no other dac/amp combo with remote in this small size that can be paired with a separate (t-)amp. I am using the Topping MX3 right now but it doesn't have a pre out, only a sub out. The DX3Pro seems perfect for use with the Topping PA3 and the latter offers more a lot more power then the MX3 does.

My pleasure and welcome aboard. Yes, Topping has really nailed the functionality and required performance/packaging here. So much so that I am itching to use it for everyday DAC once testing is finished.