Topping DX1 mini desktop DAC & AMP

[Matias]

Announced by Topping:
"DX1 is about to release tomorrow, it's of the mini DAC & AMP desktop, which is a budget audio gear. Have an eye on that!"

Let's see how it measures.

Edit: measurements below.

Measurements of Topping DX1 USB DAC/HPAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 国内卷厂拓品（Topping）的低端产品线其实一直不是很完整的，解码从599元的D10s开始，搭配上他家的L30-2已经总价过了千元。即使是最便宜的一体机PA3s也已经达到了四位数的价格，在数百元价位中一直没有相应的产品，直到这款 Topping DX1 出现

www.l7audiolab.com

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

This could be an entry-level game changer

 

[Matias]

Probably the DAC and amp parts measure very well, as it is now expected from Topping. Let's see the potentiometer imbalance though.

 

[staticV3]

Elegant would be an ADC behind the knob with volume being handled by the DAC

Edit:
I hope it'll be priced at or below $100 to compete with/make obsolete the Fiio E10K-TC, Fiio New K3, and ifi Zen Air DAC.

 

[Ashimaru]

From my local store

 

[Ashimaru]

It's cost around $99 in my local store

 

[Matias]

Good to see AKM back.

Elegant would be an ADC behind the knob with volume being handled by the DAC

With a stereo ADC chip they can use one channel to read the volume pot, and the other channel for mic input: more functionality for calls and gamers.

 

[sweetchaos]

Price is US$100 at Apos Audio

TOPPING DX1 DAC/Amp

It’s time to shake things up The TOPPING DX1 is a DAC/Amp that’s here to shake up the entry-level market. Featuring an all-new AKM DAC chip, dual gain settings, and two outputs, it’s the perfect way to jumpstart your audiophile journey and hear your IEMs and full-size headphones like never...

apos.audio

Sinad seems to be 117db.

I still don't see it on Topping website, but all photos that Topping usually releases is on Apos site.

 

[Veri]

@WolfX-700 measurements are out!! Seems like crazy value!

Measurements of Topping DX1 USB DAC/HPAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 国内卷厂拓品（Topping）的低端产品线其实一直不是很完整的，解码从599元的D10s开始，搭配上他家的L30-2已经总价过了千元。即使是最便宜的一体机PA3s也已经达到了四位数的价格，在数百元价位中一直没有相应的产品，直到这款 Topping DX1 出现

www.l7audiolab.com

 

[tom_tom]

arround 99€ in Europe. Looks like a great solution for desk.

 

[Adi777]

"Chi-fi has one problem in general - artificially sounding through an amazing amount of feedback - because how else do they pull out such a SINAD? NF kills the naturalness of the sound."

Could any of you relate to this?
Is it BS?

 

[Peluvius]

Why would you use this instead of the 3.5mm output jack of your PC/laptop ?

 

[tifune]

Why would you use this instead of the 3.5mm output jack of your PC/laptop ?

https://cdn.l7audiolab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1663622326-THDN-Ratio-vs-Measured-Level.jpg

 

[Peluvius]

https://cdn.l7audiolab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1663622326-THDN-Ratio-vs-Measured-Level.jpg

I do not know how to properly interpret that data. I use a recent model Macbook pro, does that correlate to any of the profile data in those graphs? Which one is the Topping amp?

Is the difference audible and relevant in the context of this data?

 

[MCH]

Why would you use this instead of the 3.5mm output jack of your PC/laptop ?

Not answering your question but giving a use case:
I use a raspberry pi zero currently (no headphone output) connected to a a dongle dac as my streamer/headphone rig. I don't need more power or phisical vol knob currently so i am a happy camper, but if i would, something like this for 100eur would be perfect.

 

[Peluvius]

Not answering your question but giving a use case:
I use a raspberry pi zero currently (no headphone output) connected to a a dongle dac as my streamer/headphone rig. I don't need more power or phisical vol knob currently so i am a happy camper, but if i would, something like this for 100eur would be perfect.

I am a long time enthusiast however never with headphones, IEMs etc... I am learning and enjoying the new avenue. The TinHifi 3 IEMs I have at the moment go louder than I can listen on my Macbook and on my PC and I am wondering if it is just loudness that is impacted? Why would it sound better?

 

[tifune]

I do not know how to properly interpret that data. I use a recent model Macbook pro, does that correlate to any of the profile data in those graphs? Which one is the Topping amp?

Is the difference audible and relevant in the context of this data?

View attachment 232101

Sorry, I see now. The graph I posted is power output. If you have larger headphones, especially planars, you would use the DX1 (or beyond depending on features you're after). For most IEMs, as long as your MacBook can output 1V, low impedance, ideally 100mW but a little lower is OK, there's little reason to buy anything else. I'd personally probably get a balanced dongle simply because they're so cheap these days, but honestly any difference is likely inaudible.

 

[Peluvius]

Sorry, I see now. The graph I posted is power output. If you have larger headphones, especially planars, you would use the DX1 (or beyond depending on features you're after). For most IEMs, as long as your MacBook can output 1V, low impedance, ideally 100mW but a little lower is OK, there's little reason to buy anything else. I'd personally probably get a balanced dongle simply because they're so cheap these days, but honestly any difference is likely inaudible.

OK, thanks. I see the unit has a USB input, presumably for connection to a PC or laptop. I am guessing this comes down to whether the onboard DAC (of whatever source device you are using) is good enough.

 

[Matias]

Awesome measurements as expected, especially for the price. But still wondering about channel imbalance of the pot. Let's wait for Amir's review.

 

[Adi777]

Why no one answered my question?
What's this feedback about?