Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[338h10]

The Schiit Vestri also has a balanced output at similar price point so the DX1 isn't the only one.
Less features and inputs though, and the touch controls are annoying, although it also lacks the DX1's odd quirks.

I think it's the built in PEQ at this price point that makes the DX1 ii special, personally.

Vestri is a dongle - there are many dongles with balanced outputs, among which Vestri is neither special nor of good value. But DX1 II has much more current output for the headphone outputs, while, importantly, has balanced preamp outputs in the back, which are lacking in most other offerings in the similar price range.

 

[Garfunkiest]

Eventually, the trend will move towards measurement-first engineering over status symbols. Give it a few years, I think.

Don't hold your breath. It's happening, but not nearly that quickly. Nwavguy proved affordable but excellent DACs and headamps could audibly compete with the industry's best 15 years ago, and while his work certainly changed the industry for the better (Schiit and Fiio being decent examples) ridiculous overpriced luxury brands that have objectively terrible performance (Chord, iFi, Audioengine, etc) still exist.

There's reason for optimism, with the existence of this group under the guidance from @amirm and other experts who aren't just chasing quick payoffs, the spread of objectively good audio equipment is increasing, but this is happening on a timeline of decades, not years.

Back on topic, I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the issues people are having with the DX 1 II are power supply related, and Topping's recent release of their own USB C power injector cable reaffirms that suspicion. It might be useful for the people having problems to try out a power injector/Y cable themselves (not necessarily Topping's).

 

[338h10]

Don't hold your breath. It's happening, but not nearly that quickly. Nwavguy proved affordable but excellent DACs and headamps could audibly compete with the industry's best 15 years ago, and while his work certainly changed the industry for the better (Schiit and Fiio being decent examples) ridiculous overpriced luxury brands that have objectively terrible performance (Chord, iFi, Audioengine, etc) still exist.

There's reason for optimism, with the existence of this group under the guidance from @amirm and other experts who aren't just chasing quick payoffs, the spread of objectively good audio equipment is increasing, but this is happening on a timeline of decades, not years.

Back on topic, I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the issues people are having with the DX 1 II are power supply related, and Topping's recent release of their own USB C power injector cable reaffirms that suspicion. It might be useful for the people having problems to try out a power injector/Y cable themselves (not necessarily Topping's).

I agree. Given DX 1 II's signicant current output capability, I am surprised that it is only powered by USB. Not all computers' USB outputs are up to spec -- in fact, only one of my five laptops can reliably output 0.9A/1.5A at 5V long-term, and these are business laptops from established brands. For my USB-powered DACs, I always use a splitter that gets power separately from my linear-regulated 5V supply (separate story why I designed it to be linear regulated --it's not for audio purposes).

 

[Garfunkiest]

I agree. Given DX 1 II's signicant current output capability, I am surprised that it is only powered by USB. Not all computers' USB outputs are up to spec -- in fact, only one of my five laptops can reliably output 0.9A/1.5A at 5V long-term, and these are business laptops from established brands. For my USB-powered DACs, I always use a splitter that gets power separately from my linear-regulated 5V supply (separate story why I designed it to be linear regulated --it's not for audio purposes).

I wonder how many of these problems would be happening if it had a dedicated USB C power input.

 

[solderdude]

It is not likely to be a 'lack of power problem'.
Certainly not when it is only used as a DAC.

It simply is a product that was launched too soon and not fully tested while hoping some firmware fixes would be all that is needed.
The power injector is needed for when used with low impedance headphones at max. power from 'wimpy' USB sources.

 

[Garfunkiest]

It is not likely to be a 'lack of power problem'.
Certainly not when it is only used as a DAC.

These measurements are at odds with that statement (remember anything over 2.5W exceeds USB spec)

Power consumption when operating on a balanced line output:
2.31 watts with no signal.
2.57 watts with 8*2 PEQ room correction, output level -5 dB.
2.67 watts with a full 0 dB signal (5.16 V) across 2 channels.

 

[Bleib]

These measurements are at odds with that statement (remember anything over 2.5W exceeds USB spec)

C provides more

A standard USB 3.0 Type-C port provides from 7.5W to 15W of power.

 

[Garfunkiest]

C provides more

A standard USB 3.0 Type-C port provides from 7.5W to 15W of power.

I'm aware. Are Topping? Their inclusion of a standard USB 2.0 A to C cable and no mention anywhere in the manual about the issues it would cause if said cable is connected to a standard spec USB 2.0 port would indicate otherwise (I'm being facetious, but it's genuinely impressive how terrible Topping's PR team is).

 

[solderdude]

These measurements are at odds with that statement (remember anything over 2.5W exceeds USB spec)

For USB-A 2.0 sure... not for USB-C which is what the input on the DX1-II actually is.
For those circumstance the power injector makes sense and maybe why they are offering it now.

One would have to find out what people who experience issues are actually using it with (USB-A or USB-C sources)
Maybe people experiencing these issues can list what gear they are using it with.

The TOSLINK issues, when used with a 5V USB power supply certainly won't be power supply related.
I also see no reason to suspect power issues when a device shows no issues with 44.1 multiples but does with 48kHz issues,

 

[Bleib]

I'm aware. Are Topping? Their inclusion of a standard USB 2.0 A to C cable and no mention anywhere in the manual about the issues it would cause if said cable is connected to a standard spec USB 2.0 port would indicate otherwise (I'm being facetious, but it's genuinely impressive how terrible Topping's PR team is).

Well, at least they had this

Obviously would have been better with a slightly higher price and including this with the DAC

 

[Ismapics]

Hello, sorry for the neofyte question. Can it be used as a preamp for both Balanced and Single Ended?

 

[Bleib]

Hello, sorry for the neofyte question. Can it be used as a preamp for both Balanced and Single Ended?

Yes. Have to choose it in the settings, pre-amp should be default on, but better check before connecting anything

 

[Garfunkiest]

For USB-A 2.0 sure... not for USB-C which is what the input on the DX1-II actually is.

It includes a USB 2.0 A to C cable. I know it's intended for use with USB A 3.0 ports, but do all of Topping's customers know? I don't remember them mentioning it anywhere.

Well, at least they had this

View attachment 542770

Lol perfect example. A device designed for desktop use that's having compatibility issues with desktops, and all we get is a throwaway line about it maybe not working with tablets or whatever. I'm just surprised they haven't replaced that warning with an ad for their power injector yet.

I agree that the primary culprit for the issues being experienced by most are caused by immature firmware, but writing off power delivery and potential hardware issues is unwise.

 

[mackat]

Just got mine. I noticed that when plugging my 600 ohm DT 880's into the 3.5mm, there is some electrical noise, especially if you don't plug it in quickly enough.

Anyone else notice this?

 

[Soundproof]

Just got mine. I noticed that when plugging my 600 ohm DT 880's into the 3.5mm, there is some electrical noise, especially if you don't plug it in quickly enough.

Anyone else notice this?

Couldn't track it down, the Topping advise seems to be standby or disconnect before connection....

 

[AndreaT]

Wouldn’t be fabulous to compare the Topping DX1 II with this bloated and expensive DAC?

C10 Statement DAC | CH Precision—Engineering Music

The CH Precision C10 Statement DAC redefines digital audio with deterministic R-2R conversion, PEtER spline filtering, and time-domain accuracy for uncompromised musical realism.

www.ch-precision.com

 

[dark132]

I agree. Given DX 1 II's signicant current output capability, I am surprised that it is only powered by USB. Not all computers' USB outputs are up to spec -- in fact, only one of my five laptops can reliably output 0.9A/1.5A at 5V long-term, and these are business laptops from established brands. For my USB-powered DACs, I always use a splitter that gets power separately from my linear-regulated 5V supply (separate story why I designed it to be linear regulated --it's not for audio purposes).

For any DAC that can be powered via USB, I use a lithium battery

 

[Soundproof]

Just remembered I think @NTTY had a similar issue initially and discovered it was OS master volume being set to mute when connecting the Topping, which doesn't happen with other DACs but I don't know if @NTTY was using a Mac ...

Also maybe worth checking, is the UAC switch on the back of the DX1 II set to UAC 1 or 2? AFAIK, no one's mentioned testing UAC 1 yet.

Found the remnant little debris buggers in MacOS, (my name is HAL) and by the looks of it, SoundSource actually removed itself completely including ARK. Fairly certain the os is clean as far as audio goes, but we don't know for sure, do we!

Anyway, as I understand it, "everything" in the MacOS settings indicates all good. Audio/Midi reports Topping Internal Clock as source, and quiet it is. In the webosphere there's tons of reports about external dacs and various trouble with MacOS Tahoe 26.X.X, and I am leaning towards having been exposed to that. Which dacs are exposed to what and which are back in business seems a bit random to me. Not sure what if anything Topping can do as I have no reason to believe they are particularly exposed or the contrary.

 

[Janox]

Hello, sorry for the neofyte question. Can it be used as a preamp for both Balanced and Single Ended?

The DX1 II is usable as a preamplifier if you don't mind the loud pops and hum that the DX1 II sends to the power amplifier via the RCA output when switching functions and turning the DX1 II off.

 

[solderdude]

It includes a USB 2.0 A to C cable. I know it's intended for use with USB A 3.0 ports, but do all of Topping's customers know? I don't remember them mentioning it anywhere.


Lol perfect example. A device designed for desktop use that's having compatibility issues with desktops, and all we get is a throwaway line about it maybe not working with tablets or whatever. I'm just surprised they haven't replaced that warning with an ad for their power injector yet.

I agree that the primary culprit for the issues being experienced by most are caused by immature firmware, but writing off power delivery and potential hardware issues is unwise.

A USB 3.0 or higher output port should be able to deliver .9A (4.5W) but for USB 1 and 2 the output will be too low.
The 4.5W may be just enough to power low impedance headphones at max. power.

Agreed that Topping should be clear about the compatibility.
It is not mentioned anywhere.

DX1-II should (can) only be used with USB 3.0 or higher (A type) or USB-C assuming the devices conform to the standard.
Or ... using a power injection cable.