Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[xxie]

DX1 II had three problems that I published in videos and sent to Topping. The latest firmware version one only solved the problem with CD playback. The remaining problems with loud clicking on the RCA output were not solved. In addition, there is another similar problem where the sound clicks randomly appear during playback at a frequency of 48kHz (optical input, RCA output). DX1 II is therefore only usable as a USB DAC together with headphones. As a preamplifier through the optical input and RCA output it has problems - loud clicking sound and hum. I am attaching the links to the videos again.

I had similar issue of hearing pop sound every 5-10s if feed from 48khz source. My setup is bit strange, I used Fosi Merak cd player toslink feed into hifiberry DSP DAC+ and toslink to DX1 II. Athough Merak CD player is 44.1khz, HifiBerry DSP DAC+ resampled it to 48khz. I tried the optical D1 and D2 setting, there is no difference and I always hear pop sound.

 

[Ziroz]

Thank you, as always, for the review Amir. Since Topping are launching a multi-input, stereo DSP with such an inexpensive product, there is hope that in the future this feature will be adopted across their product range.

I'm particularly excited about the possibility of an 8-channel DAC (like the E8x8 Pre audio interface), being updated with DSP. For example, an 8-channel DSP DAC with a TOSLINK stereo input, could receive input from any other Topping product which has a TOSLINK stereo output. Then the 8-channel DAC could be used for room correction with more than two subwoofers.

That functionality couldn't be achieved with multiple DX1 II, due to the inevitable clock drift between DACs - which is not acceptable wherever room correction relies on predictable phase shifts (see Multi-Sub Optimiser software). I could finally ditch my Raspberry Pi.

Topping DM7 8-Channel DAC Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Topping DM7 8-channel balanced USB DAC. It was sent to me by the company and costs US $599. The DM7 is simplicity in itself as you can tell from its rear terminals: USB input is the only one provided which is just fine with me. And seems...

www.audiosciencereview.com

They made one a few years ago before they started implementing dsp in their dacs, could probably make a version 2 with updated software and chasis. But then again it didn't sell super well the last time they made one, I am actually one of the few that bought a DM7 and the last time I asked them about a follow up device they said there is no plan for a new one yet.

 

[NTTY]

@amirm I ran again the THD+N vs Freq. sweep with 4 different filters. Reason is that I see you reported -106dB all the way through, while I get that only at 20kHz, indicating a bit of distortion increasing with frequency. I thought it could be due to the filter in use, since we include noise and distortion up to 90kHz. But no, I got the same results with 4 very different filters:

The plot is at -106dBr, as you measured, flat in your case, but going a little below that in mine.

Anyways, in both cases, this is staggering performances.

 

[amirm]

@amirm I ran again the THD+N vs Freq. sweep with 4 different filters. Reason is that I see you reported -106dB all the way through, while I get that only at 20kHz, indicating a bit of distortion increasing with frequency. I thought it could be due to the filter in use, since we include noise and distortion up to 90kHz. But no, I got the same results with 4 very different filters:

Yeh, i was surprised how flat it was but that is the result I got.

 

[amirm]

The plot is at -106dBr, as you measured, flat in your case, but going a little below that in mine.

Is it possible your ADC is adding that extra distortion? Have you tested anything else that was better?

 

[JamesYeomans]

Absolutely. Though as an FYI I took my Neutrik adapters out of the chain, as with my 2m cables the adapters made no difference and looked ugly. Have been using regularly for 3+ years now, without the adapters, and with no issues whatsoever.

In case this is useful to anyone else, I've tried this successfully with both Genelec 8341As, and 8340As being fed by coax SPIDF from these four, via 2 meter SPDIF to AES 110ohm cable, with and without Neutrik adapter. All consistently worked great, without any issues:

Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch by Beni_Skate on Tindie

Automatic Optical/RCA SPDIF Audio Switch with Optical/RCA SPDIF Output and additional high quality Audio DAC

www.tindie.com

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PO100-Converter-Decoding-Portable-Streamer/dp/B09W5NN5WM

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nobsound-Converter-Digital-Interface-TOSLINK-Black/dp/B072BWTCL9

Halide Design - Bridge USB to S/PDIF converter

www.halidedesign.com

 

[NTTY]

Is it possible your ADC is adding that extra distortion? Have you tested anything else that was better?

Good point. I only have the Topping D50 III at hand for a quick test.

So, I tried with the same with the Topping D50 III and here you go:

EDIT: And pulled out the SMSL DO400 you sent me Amir Same story:

You were right, the ADC obviously adds a little distortion at low and high frequencies when I make it run close to 0dBFS. Setting the scaler one level down (-6dB) relaxes low and high frequencies, but hides the real performance at other frequencies.

In the case of the DX1 II, I realized I ran the test at -1.5dBFS from the generator AND with volume down by -1.5dB on the Topping, silly me. So the ADC was at ease, meaning my previous results stand I tried to extract more performances from the DX1 II, but no, this is it.

 

[Janox]

I had similar issue of hearing pop sound every 5-10s if feed from 48khz source. My setup is bit strange, I used Fosi Merak cd player toslink feed into hifiberry DSP DAC+ and toslink to DX1 II. Athough Merak CD player is 44.1khz, HifiBerry DSP DAC+ resampled it to 48khz. I tried the optical D1 and D2 setting, there is no difference and I always hear pop sound.

Do you have the latest firmware 2.69? This has fixed the issue with optical input sound dropping out when playing CDs. The loud popping sound on the RCA output when changing functions and switching sampling rates is not resolved. Occasionally, there is an unexpected click even during playback 48kHz, but it only happens once every half hour.

 

[giraffe]

Do you have the latest firmware 2.69? This has fixed the issue with optical input sound dropping out when playing CDs. The loud popping sound on the RCA output when changing functions and switching sampling rates is not resolved. Occasionally, there is an unexpected click even during playback 48kHz, but it only happens once every half hour.

After updating the firmware and drivers, I also encountered random clicks and noise during playback.
If you're using Windows, try changing the sample rate in the audio device settings from 48 kHz to 96 kHz (or any other), and then back to 48 kHz. This seems to have helped in my case (or maybe not—time will tell)
upd: nvm, there are still occasional clicking and loud noises.

 

[Peib]

thanks for sharing

 

[Haruko]

really ? right in front of my D50 III + A50 III stack ?

 

[Janox]

After updating the firmware and drivers, I also encountered random clicks and noise during playback.
If you're using Windows, try changing the sample rate in the audio device settings from 48 kHz to 96 kHz (or any other), and then back to 48 kHz. This seems to have helped in my case (or maybe not—time will tell).

I haven't tried USB, there is an occasional clicking sound on the optical input from the TV at 48kHz.

 

[techgod92]

@amirm

Dude, you are an absolute legend. I bought one just as soon as it was released.
I was struggling to extract the maximum transparency from a "high-end" headphone amplifier.
This Topping showed it whose boss. Live performances were challenging for the other headphone amplifier.
This one, even with no EQ, was a daydream! The music floats all around me when I listen to headphones... just like speakers!

 

[Pierun]

really ? right in front of my D50 III + A50 III stack ?

no need to panic. The product is in its alpha state from what I've seen + your stack is great enough already

 

[techgod92]

no need to panic. The product is in its alpha state from what I've seen + your stack is great enough already

I second this. +1

 

[Mike123]

The product is in its alpha state from what I've seen + your stack is great enough already

What did you seen? Do you still have this DAC? After you ditched the DX5-II, you weren't planning on using topping anymore. Why are you torturing yourself like that? I've had this DAC for five days. And although I don't use it with Windows or Mac, but exclusively with RPI5 and TV, I have an extremely favorable impression of it. So I wouldn't call the DX1-II an alpha version. Just because it doesn't work perfectly with every hardware and software on the planet doesn't make it completely unusable.

 

[Dreamic]

Go to 1:30 particularly, brace your ears.
From @snadge in another thread, not the only person or video of this.
Reviews are missing this because they don't spend enough time with the device using it normally and at 48kHz.
This is a disaster currently, there needs to be a firmware this week.

 

[Pierun]

What did you seen?

Mainly the threads on here (from Amir and NTTY), where there were reported issues with firmware (crackling, distortion), optical input, or balanced line out. Also a friend of mine had a DX1 II, and his first unit was basically clicking/ticking way too frequently, like an LMG. The replacement unit on the other hand was also clicking, but that was more of an odd design choice (just like protruded 4.4mm connector with DX5 II), rather than a flaw. Nonetheless he returned both units, and got himself a stack.

Do you still have this DAC? After you ditched the DX5-II, you weren't planning on using topping anymore.

I'm still on the DX5 II [unfortunately ig?], because SZA sent me a replacement unit, and also because the Loxjie D40 Pro also had some issues (it'd randomly stop detecting my PC to the point, where I had to physically turn it off and on via a power switch)

I've had this DAC for five days. And although I don't use it with Windows or Mac, but exclusively with RPI5 and TV, I have an extremely favorable impression of it. So I wouldn't call the DX1-II an alpha version. Just because it doesn't work perfectly with every hardware and software on the planet doesn't make it completely unusable.

1. Good for you! Hope it'll suit you for a long while, since on paper the DX1 II is indeed complete for its price.
2. I've meant that the product is currently in an alpha state due to the reported bugs. It might take a while in order to render it completely issue-free for a majority of owners, just like it happened with DX5 II.

 

[techgod92]

Go to 1:30 particularly, brace your ears.
From @snadge in another thread, not the only person or video of this.
Reviews are missing this because they don't spend enough time with the device using it normally and at 48kHz.
This is a disaster currently, there needs to be a firmware this week.

I watched the video. I have no problems with the Topping DX1 II.
I don't know how it got like this for you, but it seems the unit I have and the unit Amir tested don't have this problem.
All the best to you and happy listening.

 

[Dreamic]

I watched the video. I have no problems with the Topping DX1 II.
I don't know how it got like this for you, but it seems the unit I have and the unit Amir tested don't have this problem.
All the best to you and happy listening.

There are like 4 other people I've seen report this so far, you guys simply have not used it for long enough at 48kHz in Windows, reverting firmware stops it so it's not faulty hardware units if that's what you would have to be suggesting basically otherwise which would be even worse, cheers
Will be nice when they fix this real firmware issue.