Saying that a product is subpar and should be avoided is not an opinion, it's a claim.
And saying that a product is good and should be bought is what? Publicity?
I've never heard of the headphone outputs on laptops having tailored frequency responses? I get that some of the bloatware probably "treats" you with some EQ'ing, but that should be easy to disable. I could be wrong though. Is it something that's been measured?
The problem with the headphone amps in laptops is the quality of the components, and in general even the good quality ones, that the majority of people like excessive bass, so manufacturers give them what they want. I can tell you that my mac headphone output, even not sounding that bad, as excessive bass.
Amir has done the controlled objective testing for this device and recommended it. Essentially, the tests prove that the device is distortion free, it does its DAC job well, and does not (cannot?) add any color to the sound. I don't own this, but I have Topping NX4 (based on ASR review), which is pretty good.
Sir, each of us have a right to our opinion. But if you strongly recommend that people don't buy this product, and you are fairly sure that your product is not broken, then readers will naturally be skeptical [like I am] about your recommendation, since: (1) It is contrary to Amir's tested recommendations (not just based on listening), (2) Your opinion is based on your hearing (alone), and (3) You don't cite what test/measurements can indicate that 'coloration is added to the sound of a product' [Frankly, I am not sure if it's even possible for a DAC to do it - It just converts digital format to analog, right?].
BTW, I don't know why you feel that members who respond to your posts feel they are special. I don't think I am 'special' at all (the more I learn, the more I realize I don't know).
About amirm measurements and quoting his first post:
EDIT 3: To deal with some of the reliability issues, Topping has revised the unit with a different output IC and an inline resistor. How much these impact measurements, I don't know. This version is called "V2" although I am not sure it is indicated such in online sites.
So, the measurements where done with the "V1" of this dac and are outdated.
The problem that I have on my unit should not affect the sound quality, but I will review my post if my unit would be replaced and the new one is better.
Another thing, I didn't say that my unit was not faulty as you can see in this post.
I just reported what I heard in comparison with other dac's/headphone amps that I know that sound good.
To put things in perspective, to me, sounds good means as neutral as possible, just like we can get with speakers from ATC, Neumann, Focal, Genelec, headphones like sennheiser hd 600, some beyerdynamic, Hifimann he4xx, for example.
Speakers, amplifiers, dac to name a few, can have the frequency response that the manufacturer pleases. That's why
audiophiles exchange their audio components so that they can obtain their goal soundwise. (To be clear, this is not what I advocate as for me all components should have as flat frequency response as possible).
In summary, not knowing if my unit was faulty or not, what I have to say is that, in my opinion, the dx3 pro "V2" dac sounds good but the headphone amplifier does not.
Take care.