Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

[olieb]

Either they aren't identifying the root cause properly, or haven't identified the correct fix for the root cause, or else it's a hardware problem that no amount of firmware updates will fix. Whichever it is, it's not a good look and the multiple failed fixes also means they aren't testing properly. Given the amount of issues faced during the DX5 II launch, the DX1 II launch seems to confirm Topping's culture is to use customers for alpha testing and they have not learnt from the past. It's a business strategy that mystifies.

I agree with most of what you are writing. However, my own wording would be much harsher, considering the same thing happened before with DX5 II.
When I read that a bug was confirmed that the option „Meyer cross feed“would lead to a factory reset when the device is power cycled (!! ), it was clear to me, that I will never get a DX5 II.
The (firmware) code must be some crazy jungle of spaghetti and other nonsense.
They do not seem to take this seriously at all. The people writing the firmware are obviously completely overwhelmed.

Mac peculiarities

Please do not bring something like this in, there is NO evidence at all, that operating systems, dac or xmas chip vendors or anyone else has something to do with this mess.
I wonder whether @TOPPING or @TOPPING-Service are monitoring this disaster.

 

[Demmers]

Not really. A few of us (myself included) are experiencing crackling after a period of time. In my case, i've had it after turning the device back on from Standby, while others have had it while in use (read the last couple of pages here). I'm leaving it on Standby this evening then will turn it on in the morning as a test. This is all while using 2.54 (15.54.22.54).

Tested fine this morning. No crackling after turning back on from Standby.... weird lol. Maybe because I had already switched inputs?
I'm personally still glad I got it, but I absolutely understand others sentiments towards Topping when it comes to released products. I'm also curious over the fact that we had four firmware updates in quick succession (2.54 came out in less than 24 hours!), but then nothing since.

 

[Bleib]

Yes, it's quite clear that Topping ships out units before properly testing them. I wrote an email to them to put some pressure on them to fix it. I suppose if Amir and NTTY has the unit now it might not even be possible to properly testing them without the bug kicking in.

Downgraded to 2.46. Will test for a couple of hours today. 2.54 had 3 bugs in 2 hours yesterday

Edit: That was fast. Bug happened instantly as I booted up Cyberpunk 2077. 2.46 is not a solution for me.

 

[Demmers]

Yes, it's quite clear that Topping ships out units before properly testing them. I wrote an email to them to put some pressure on them to fix it. I suppose if Amir and NTTY has the unit now it might not even be possible to properly testing them without the bug kicking in.

Downgraded to 2.46. Will test for a couple of hours today. 2.54 had 3 bugs in 2 hours yesterday

Edit: That was fast. Bug happened instantly as I booted up Cyberpunk 2077. 2.46 is not a solution for me.

I wonder if it's sample rate related, although I don't have issues when this changes in Qobuz.

 

[Bleib]

I wonder if it's sample rate related, although I don't have issues when this changes in Qobuz.

I think it does, which is why selecting optical and going back to USB resets it. From a computer different kHz is played quite often. Music can be 44.1Khz and games are usually 48khz, I think it's the switching between different ones that causes trouble and I pointed this out in my email to Topping.

Also, it does seem that it if is idle for a while it doesn't help

 

[Matias]

Just wanted to share that my experience was smooth so far. Impressive unboxing for the price, was working straight out of the box USB into Win11 stuck at 24/44. Today the Topping website is very unstable and buggy but I managed to download the user manual pdf (no setup changes needed), the driver (unlocked hi-res) and the Tune app (EQ'ed my Red). Everything running great here!

 

[Demmers]

Just wanted to share that my experience was smooth so far. Impressive unboxing for the price, was working straight out of the box USB into Win11 stuck at 24/44. Today the Topping website is very unstable and buggy but I managed to download the user manual pdf (no setup changes needed), the driver (unlocked hi-res) and the Tune app (EQ'ed my Red). Everything running great here!

Out of interest, have you updated the firmware (I see you installed the driver)?

 

[Matias]

Yes, forgot to mention this too, using 2.54 and no issues so far.

 

[zonk]

Is it possible to use the optical digital input and output interface for a kind of looping-in and eq the digital data stream?

 

[Matias]

Is it possible to use the optical digital input and output interface for a kind of looping-in and eq the digital data stream?

Yes, I think so, not only for PEQ but also enable-disable volume control with the knob. Makes for a very versatile DDC.

 

[pier25]

Zero audio glitches for me with 2.46 on macOS.

 

[huzidada]

I want to thank all the brave early adopters taking time to report their issues in this forum. This really helps out others like me.



IIRC, there have been 4 firmware updates released so far:

https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-46-firmware-update
https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-50-firmware-update
https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-53-firmware-update
https://www.toppingaudio.com/download/dx1-ii-version-v2-54-firmware-update

Crackling/noise reported in this thread started from v2.50 IIRC and have continued, despite both 2.53 and 2.54 listing noise fixes in the change log. However, even the v2.46 change log states "Fixed: After automatic screen-off, noise could occasionally be output." So by my reading, Topping has had 3 goes at fixing crackling/noise and hasn't been able to do so, albeit v2.46 appears to be reported as the most reliable. Either they aren't identifying the root cause properly, or haven't identified the correct fix for the root cause, or else it's a hardware problem that no amount of firmware updates will fix. Whichever it is, it's not a good look and the multiple failed fixes also means they aren't testing properly. Given the amount of issues faced during the DX5 II launch, the DX1 II launch seems to confirm Topping's culture is to use customers for alpha testing and they have not learnt from the past. It's a business strategy that mystifies. Apparently sales and returns are not affected by this approach?

There was also the below observation that v2.53 states "Optimized: Crackling on analog output when switching sample rates on Mac computers". Similar to the above, this has me wondering whether it's not actually fixable but that could either be due to the DX1 II hardware or Mac peculiarities. If the latter, it's more understandable.

Makes sense, I havent tested mine much to do that, but now Im wondering if I should return it while I have it in the return period, especially considering Im in the bushes in Africa

 

[vdem]

Zero audio glitches for me with 2.46 on macOS.

Same for me for 2.46 and 2.54 on MacOS

 

[sphenicstands]

When I read that a bug was confirmed that the option „Meyer cross feed“would lead to a factory reset when the device is power cycled (!! ), it was clear to me, that I will never get a DX5 II.
The (firmware) code must be some crazy jungle of spaghetti and other nonsense.
They do not seem to take this seriously at all. The people writing the firmware are obviously completely overwhelmed.

I cannot imagine how hand written code could possibly link the two. Vibe coding? That would explain much.

Please do not bring something like this in, there is NO evidence at all, that operating systems, dac or xmas chip vendors or anyone else has something to do with this mess.
I wonder whether @TOPPING or @TOPPING-Service are monitoring this disaster.

I was extrapolating based on the change log specifically using the words "optimized" and "mac" for that change instead of "fixed" used for the other crackling/noise related changes, seemingly indicating the change may have been for an unrelated crackling issue but I understand your point. It's unhelpful to go too far with the speculation. The change log is rather paltry and it's hard to tell what's actually going on. Topping needs to take responsibility for this issue.

 

[Bleib]

OK. So the next problem.

Optical out from Fosi Merak CD-player does not work to DX1 II. It's just a pulsating noise. Tried 3 different optical cables, all are the same. Sending digital out from Fosi to Wiim Amp Ultra works perfectly.
Also works perfectly to DX5 II

At this point DX1 II is among my worst purchases

 

[Matias]

OK. So the next problem.

Optical out from Fosi Merak CD-player does not work to DX1 II. It's just a pulsating noise. Tried 3 different optical cables, all are the same. Sending digital out from Fosi to Wiim Amp Ultra works perfectly.

Next step was to go to friend to borrow a SMSL PL20 CD-player, works fine.

Have you tried under the settings to change OPT from default d-1 to d-2 as "this setting improves compatibility with different optical signal sources"?

 

[Bleib]

Have you tried under the settings to change OPT from default d-1 to d-2 as "this setting improves compatibility with different optical signal sources"?

Yes, sorry forgot to mention. No difference. As this is a more common problem with TVs I should perhaps try with my LG OLED as well..

Anyway, I've sent another email to Topping, even thinking about returning my unit..

 

[Matias]

Yes, sorry forgot to mention. No difference. As this is a more common problem with TVs I should perhaps try with my LG OLED as well..

Anyway, I've sent another email to Topping, even thinking about returning my unit..

Maybe you can be a beta tester of firmwares that improve the connection? If you have patience to flash and test firmwares for them.

 

[Bleib]

Maybe you can be a beta tester of firmwares that improve the connection? If you have patience to flash and test firmwares for them.

In a way I already am, but it's not enough that I report back. People use them in different situations, I don't for instance own anything from Apple

 

[terminus12]

Hi everyone,
I'm quite curious about the internal amplifier stage of the DX1 II. Looking at the promotional renders of the PCB, there appear to be 4 smaller op-amps and 2 larger 8-pin packages (likely SOP-8 with thermal pads).
This layout, combined with the official specs, raises an interesting engineering question. The Line Out and high-impedance (300 ohm) measurements show typical Topping excellence (THD+N < 0.0001). However, under a heavy 32 ohm load on the balanced output, the wideband (20Hz - 20kHz, 45kBW) THD spec rises significantly to 0.005% (-86dB).
This behavior—delivering high output power (up to 1W) but showing a noticeable performance degradation under low-impedance loads—strongly resembles the "fingerprint" of high-current, brute-force op-amps like the SG Micro SGM8262-2, which we see everywhere in recent FiiO and Shanling dongles.
Has anyone braved opening up their DX1 II yet to confirm the exact chip markings? If it is indeed using the SGM8262-2 or a similar high-current buffer, do you think Topping is running them in an NFCA/composite loop alongside those 4 smaller op-amps to achieve that low noise floor (<0.9 uVrms on low gain)?
Would love to hear your technical insights or see some gut shots if anyone has them!
Thanks!