Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[Mike123]

It is not mentioned anywhere.

That's not entirely true. The instructions clearly state that the power supply should be 5V 1A.

 

[solderdude]

Yes, but nothing about USB 3.0 minimum or USB-C.
This is about requirements a separate wall-wart when using it with optical input.
The supplied USB-A to USB-C cable is mostly for that but assume it is fully wired and can also carry data and not just power.

They should have been more specific about the limitations for usage.
Instead the marketing suggests it can be used with almost anything, the UAC1 and UAC2 switch also suggests this.

The whole launch seems rushed to me and not thoroughly tested (it will likely meet EMC/RFI demands and is likely to be tested for that).
I can even understand why for this price with its functionality, display, remote control and connectivity.
Too bad you can't bypass the tube buffer.

 

[Mike123]

I don't know the English translation of the saying: "It's better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick." But I'm tired of arguing about this topic. It's not perfect, although it's very close. Yes, the documentation is incomplete and doesn't mention that you can't dry cats in the microwave. Yes, Topping is not without its flaws. Especially when compared not to Chinese companies, but to the best Western ones. So be it. I can say one thing: this is the best DAC I've ever owned. That's all .

 

[Soundproof]

I don't know the English translation of the saying: "It's better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick." But I'm tired of arguing about this topic. It's not perfect, although it's very close. Yes, the documentation is incomplete and doesn't mention that you can't dry cats in the microwave. Yes, Topping is not without its flaws. Especially when compared not to Chinese companies, but to the best Western ones. So be it. I can say one thing: this is the best DAC I've ever owned. That's all .

Duh...
...why would anyone dry cats in microwves? They are way more happy with a good tumbledryer. I have measured mine to be perfect.

 

[Garfunkiest]

The whole launch seems rushed to me and not thoroughly tested (it will likely meet EMC/RFI demands and is likely to be tested for that).
I can even understand why for this price with its functionality, display, remote control and connectivity.

I agree, and releasing prematurely seems like an unforced error. It's not like they were trying to make the holiday season, they basically released during the most dead shopping time of the year. Maybe they did it intentionally because they knew they didn't have the ability to test it adequately before release so they wanted the summer buyers (thanks again for sticking your necks out for the rest of us) to beta test it so it hopefully could be stable by the time the holidays roll around.

An irresponsible strategy, imo. I hope I'm wrong.

 

[davmol]

I had the same issue with the Qudelix 5k a few years back (sudden noise at max volume when using as a USB DAC). I reported on their forum at the time (with others) but sadly it was ignored and the relevant posts were deleted from the forum. So, as with the DX5-II (which I own), when I see Topping working hard to resolve reported problems with the DX1-II, to me that's good thing. I do think that a lot of user frustration could easily be avoided via better communication from Topping (such as explaining usb power requirements).

As for the 5k, it's a device I still use and enjoy today, but only via a Bluetooth connection. Maybe the USB issue is fixed now, or maybe the issue was also to do with dirty / unsuitable USB power supply, but either way I'm simply not willing to risk my ears again!

 

[Dreamic]

Today I will try 24/96kHz.

So what happened?
Matias also never replied if he has the issue at 48kHz but just not 96kHz, if he's using USB input or not, etc.
I don't know if UAC 2.0 would be relevant, but UAC 1.0 should not have to be used on PC even if it was somehow free of the issue.
I'm not sure why you chose 24bit instead of 32 or if it would matter.

Anyways hopefully there's a firmware fix this week or I don't know what Topping is doing.

 

[TNT]

I had heard there is problem with its Toslink input not tolerating deviation from perfect clock.

xxx" m UI" = milli UI?

//

 

[staticV3]

xxx" m UI" = milli UI?

//

The DX1 II lost lock at 242m UI = 0.242 UI.

 

[SlowLife]

Day 6
FW: V2.69 (V15.69.22.69)
Driver: V6.16.0
4.4Bal LO -> Pioneer DJ VM-50
4.4Bal PO -> EB2S Pro / FT1 Pro / Para / R70x / Misiom Libra
USB @ 32/192kHz
More than 10 hours each day.
Working normally, no distortion issues.

Today I will try 24/96kHz.

View attachment 542618

USB @ 24/96kHz
Working normally, no distortion issues.

Today I will try 32/48kHz.

 

[snadge]

Slightly adjacent question, but still involving the DX1 II as the source.

I’ve been very happy with the DX1 II through headphones, via line out to Edirol MA-10A speakers, and even into a set of Creative Pebbles. It sounds clean and excellent in those setups.

However, when I feed the DX1 II RCA output into my dad’s restored Cambridge P50 amp, using either AUX or RADIO input, it sounds noticeably flatter/less engaging than the same material played on vinyl through the P50’s Phono 1 input. I tried a handful of records/tracks and did rough volume matching. I understand this is not a perfect comparison because vinyl and digital releases may use different masters.

Subjectively, the vinyl path sounds fuller, brighter, richer, and more pleasing, while the DX1 II into the line input sounds comparatively flat/lifeless on the same amp/speakers.

I’m not claiming vinyl is "more accurate" or that the DX1 II is doing anything wrong. I’m trying to understand what variables could explain this and how I could test them. Possible suspects:

• different vinyl vs digital mastering
• cartridge loading / capacitance into the P50 phono input
• non-flat RIAA response or colouration in the vintage P50 phono stage
• the P50 line inputs behaving differently from the phono input
• the Yamaha NS-150 speakers simply benefiting from the tonal colour of the vinyl/phono path

What would be the most sensible way to investigate this scientifically? Would a phono test record plus recording the P50 output into an audio interface be the right approach? Are there particular measurements I should try, such as frequency sweep/pink noise/channel balance from the phono path, then trying to recreate the response with EQ on the DAC path?

I realise this is subjective territory, but I’m trying to turn it into something measurable rather than just saying "vinyl sounds warmer."

If it matters the speakers are these: Yamaha NS-150 and it also has an active subwoofer which I think is the YST-SW150.

 

[solderdude]

What would be the most sensible way to investigate this scientifically?

This is simple.

Record the output from the vinyl with a half decent ADC and play that recorded file back via the DX1-II (be sure to volume match).
If that sounds very similar it is one or more of your suspects and is moot which ones they are as the sound difference is explained, just not the ingredients.

 

[GM Custom Sauces]

I have just completed a 2-hour test on V15.69.22.69 with 32 bit 96 kHz audio, USB input and headphone output. No issues have occurred yet.

Standby mode also seems to function properly on this firmware, which is good.

The issue with the 48 kHz sample rate is unfortunate. It's already been a month since the latest firmware update, and there's still no news. So I guess I'll just have to live with it for now.

 

[Mike123]

Possible suspects:

You've forgotten the prime suspects: your ears and the DSP in your head, controlled by a highly complex and unstable natural intelligence.

Most devices can no longer measure this DAC with sufficient accuracy. Trying to analyze this DAC with your ears is doomed to similar introspection. Well, listen to solderdude. You should compare strictly the same recording from the same cartridge/phono preamplifier and at the same volume. And yes. In most cases, the DAC will sound "dry and lifeless" . Because that's its job. Not to add anything to the signal.

 

[SlowLife]

USB @ 24/96kHz
Working normally, no distortion issues.

Today I will try 32/48kHz.
View attachment 543039View attachment 543040

USB @ 32/48kHz
Audio distortion detected.
Switch back to 32/192kHz.

 

[Mike123]

A quote from a neighboring thread about a completely different and much better DAC

This is just a part of what i experience with this unit. Hardware is okay i guess, but software is beta as hell.

 

[Dreamic]

USB @ 32/48kHz
Audio distortion detected.
Switch back to 32/192kHz.

Thanks for confirming, so 96kHz is fine for you and @GM Custom Sauces but you both have issues at 48kHz, Bleib (and maybe others I'm forgetting) had the same issue at 96kHz too somehow, wonder what's going on. Still seems like 100% of people who check 48kHz with required conditions reproduce the issue unless I missed something. Hoping for a firmware fix this week, if not I guess we are looking at 3+ weeks or more waiting.

I would've wondered if your 24bit made a difference somehow for 96kHz but GM tested it 32bit and was fine for them also.

 

[Bleib]

Thanks for confirming, so 96kHz is fine for you and @GM Custom Sauces but you both have issues at 48kHz, Bleib had the same issue at 96kHz too somehow, wonder what's going on. Still seems like 100% of people who check 48kHz with required conditions reproduce the issue unless I missed something. Hoping for a firmware fix this week, if not I guess we are looking at 3+ weeks or more waiting.

I can try 24/96kHz again tomorrow
Currently (the last two days when I have time) using 24/176.4 without problems..

 

[ajs6000]

Just for information folks:

I have tried various tracks up to 352.8khz PCM and all play without issue. I'm using a Xiaomi Poco F7 ultra mobile (Android 16) with USB audio player pro app. None of my Android tablets produce the 1A output required, but I'm happy with using a mobile phone.

I have used both the SE and Balanced headphones outputs. I am only using this unit as a USB DAC/ headphone amp.

 

[ɢǟɨƈɦʊ]

So this things is flawless if i just want to use it with my headphones?

The issues are only for RCA and other inputs? what else am i missing friends?

Also, it says you can use a microphone with it, how if i am also using a headphone?