I have a silly but very frustrating issue with my current desk setup. Swapping/upgrading the DAC should solve it.
The current setup is this:
- Topping Dx3 pro: Used purely as a DAC. I don't like the 3.5mm HP socket. It doesn't switch between HP-amp and pre-amp automatically when plugging in the headphones.
- Topping A50s: Used as a pre-amp/HP-amp: The thing is great apart from its size and weight. The volume knob is too small and it move around when you touch it.
- Aiyima A07 amp : Volume set at 95%. I don't touch it.
I'm quite pleased with the audio quality for what I've spent. Certainly the electronics are no reason for concern in this regards (well, maybe the A07 but still...)
The issues is that the BT connection to the DX3 pro is acting annoyingly. Connecting to the device is no problem at all. It's very stable and the audio quality is nice (LDAC) for BT. The thing is that every time I switch OFF the DX3 pro it automatically connects to my phone. Even if I haven't used the BT connection on the device. So every time I have switched the DX3 pro on and I switch it off after use it automatically connects via BT to my phone.
This means I have to think about that every time I have used the thing. Go in the BT settings of the phone and disconnect the DX3 pro. I hope I don't need to explain how annoying the effect is when I forget to do that.
So, out goes the DX3 pro.
Now what do I replace it with? A DAC? A DAC with more convenient HP-amp and sell the A50s?
I listen to audio (music/podcasts/video calls) mainly via my speakers. So the HP amp doesn't get much use lately. But I do own some nice HPs, so the HP amp is not THAT unimportant.
What I want from my setup:
DAC functionality,features,performance
- USB connection
- BT connection (LDAC, Aptx HD)
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Better SINAD than DX3pro (or at least the same)
- basic remote
HP/pre-amp functionality,features,performance
- preferably RCA and balanced outputs, but I will also consider only RCA
- 1/4" HP connector (optionally 4.4mm and/or XLR)
- >1W @ 32Ohm (preferably very stable to low impedance)
- > 100mW @ 300Ohm
- automatic switching between HP and pre-amp when HP is plugged in or out.
Would be nice but no dealbraker
- trigger output
- HDMI ARC
I'm certain I'm forgetting things but I'll remember them later (or you lot will remind me)
What would you guys advise me to do. Overhaul the whole system (the electronics) so all the so all annoyances are also solved? Or just replace the DAC to get rid of the stupid BT behavior of the DX3pro?
I was looking at the SMSL DO100 Pro as a replacement for the Topping DX3pro. That would mean I would keep the A50s for now and upgrade to a balanced HP/Pre-amp later (and upgrade the speaker amp too).
*I live in Europe. Keep in mind that Asian import can get very expensive with import fees and taxes included.
The current setup is this:
- Topping Dx3 pro: Used purely as a DAC. I don't like the 3.5mm HP socket. It doesn't switch between HP-amp and pre-amp automatically when plugging in the headphones.
- Topping A50s: Used as a pre-amp/HP-amp: The thing is great apart from its size and weight. The volume knob is too small and it move around when you touch it.
- Aiyima A07 amp : Volume set at 95%. I don't touch it.
I'm quite pleased with the audio quality for what I've spent. Certainly the electronics are no reason for concern in this regards (well, maybe the A07 but still...)
The issues is that the BT connection to the DX3 pro is acting annoyingly. Connecting to the device is no problem at all. It's very stable and the audio quality is nice (LDAC) for BT. The thing is that every time I switch OFF the DX3 pro it automatically connects to my phone. Even if I haven't used the BT connection on the device. So every time I have switched the DX3 pro on and I switch it off after use it automatically connects via BT to my phone.
This means I have to think about that every time I have used the thing. Go in the BT settings of the phone and disconnect the DX3 pro. I hope I don't need to explain how annoying the effect is when I forget to do that.
So, out goes the DX3 pro.
Now what do I replace it with? A DAC? A DAC with more convenient HP-amp and sell the A50s?
I listen to audio (music/podcasts/video calls) mainly via my speakers. So the HP amp doesn't get much use lately. But I do own some nice HPs, so the HP amp is not THAT unimportant.
What I want from my setup:
DAC functionality,features,performance
- USB connection
- BT connection (LDAC, Aptx HD)
- Optical and coaxial inputs
- Better SINAD than DX3pro (or at least the same)
- basic remote
HP/pre-amp functionality,features,performance
- preferably RCA and balanced outputs, but I will also consider only RCA
- 1/4" HP connector (optionally 4.4mm and/or XLR)
- >1W @ 32Ohm (preferably very stable to low impedance)
- > 100mW @ 300Ohm
- automatic switching between HP and pre-amp when HP is plugged in or out.
Would be nice but no dealbraker
- trigger output
- HDMI ARC
I'm certain I'm forgetting things but I'll remember them later (or you lot will remind me
)What would you guys advise me to do. Overhaul the whole system (the electronics) so all the so all annoyances are also solved? Or just replace the DAC to get rid of the stupid BT behavior of the DX3pro?
I was looking at the SMSL DO100 Pro as a replacement for the Topping DX3pro. That would mean I would keep the A50s for now and upgrade to a balanced HP/Pre-amp later (and upgrade the speaker amp too).
*I live in Europe. Keep in mind that Asian import can get very expensive with import fees and taxes included.
