Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[Mutex]

I've been experimenting with EQ in Windows to tame my sub. I opted for CamillaDSP instead of EqualizerAPO because its installation is less intrusive.

Maybe give EqualizerAPO a try and see if it also produces the same delay.

For dedicated PEQ, the PEQ in the DX1 II works great.

 

[Mike123]

but it made me wonder whether dedicated hardware PEQ would be a better/simpler option

A hardware PEQ is an op-amp filter with resistors and capacitors. The PEQ in the DX1-II is the same software PEQ as the EqualizerAPO or the Camilla DSP. Its main difference is a significantly weaker processor than the one in a PC or even the RPI. Therefore, I wouldn't hold out much hope that the PEQ in a DAC will be any better than one on a powerful processor. At least it wouldn't be any worse. Some measurements I've taken show a higher low-frequency noise level in the PEQ DAC than in the Camilla DSP. This isn't critical and isn't audible. But nevertheless, it's there.

 

[Mutex]

Some measurements I've taken show a higher low-frequency noise level in the PEQ DAC than in the Camilla DSP. This isn't critical and isn't audible. But nevertheless, it's there.

I read here that using the PEQ (DSP) shouldn't have much or any impact. Were you able to measure a difference?

 

[tb2025]

V15.86.22.86. When routing optical out to the D50 III, the left and right channels are completely swapped.

EDIT: Enabling the PEQ causes the channels to reverse again.

 

[giraffe]

Spoiler: images

Now in Topping Home if you select a cloud PEQ profile it will be applied. All three PEQ indicators light up on the device screen in preview mode. This is convenient because you no longer need to copy the cloud profile to the device to hear result.

Also, when switching profiles there are no more clicks and pops.

 

[Mike123]

I read here that using the PEQ (DSP) shouldn't have much or any impact. Were you able to measure a difference?

Of course. The respected NTTY measured the subject in sufficient detail. But no one can measure everything . This post includes measurements of the PEQ. But they contain several very gentle filters that apparently don't have a strong effect. These filters are more like headphone or speaker correction. But they don't resemble room correction. My room is very clear and resonant. Therefore, my actual room correction files have filters with a Q of up to 14 and an amplitude below -12. Since the DX1-II has a maximum filter attenuation of -12, I have to use two filters at one frequency to achieve the desired effect. Therefore, the effect of my filters is more noticeable. Disclaimer: All these differences are, of course, inaudible. The DX1-II is an excellent equalizer for its positioning. But it's a bit tough to compete with a PC on equal terms. First, 1 kHz. The names, I think, are clear. Flat response, PEQ CDSP PEQ DX1-II. Note that the distortion is measured above 1 kHz, so they're practically identical. But how different is the appearance?


Next, Sweep. First, look at how closely the curves for the CDSP and DX1-II match. Bravo, Topping.


But low-frequency distortion is visible here too. Although the Camilla DSP isn't perfect, and the low-frequency distortion is higher than that of a flat signal.

 

[sphenicstands]

A hardware PEQ is an op-amp filter with resistors and capacitors. The PEQ in the DX1-II is the same software PEQ as the EqualizerAPO or the Camilla DSP. Its main difference is a significantly weaker processor than the one in a PC or even the RPI. Therefore, I wouldn't hold out much hope that the PEQ in a DAC will be any better than one on a powerful processor. At least it wouldn't be any worse. Some measurements I've taken show a higher low-frequency noise level in the PEQ DAC than in the Camilla DSP. This isn't critical and isn't audible. But nevertheless, it's there.

It's not so much the power of the processor but rather isolating the priority of the process from the rest of the PC CPU load. For example, Camilla DSP is fine for videos, no lip sync impact but for a CPU heavy game, the demand from the game seems to impact the latency of Camilla DSP, as the latter has to compete for CPU resources with the game. I haven't yet tried increasing the priority of the Camilla DSP process. So as long as the DX1-II PEQ introduces no latency that would impact lip syncing of a video, it should work for gaming. I inquire about it, though, since music PEQ is heavily covered on ASR but I'm not sure multimedia and gaming are, which is where any latency would matter and furthermore the DX1-II is marketed as gaming friendly.

 

[Mutex]

View attachment 545460

This looks like a low-shelf boost applied at 200hz.

 

[john61ct]

I suggest it's somewhat presumptuous to assert what they should or should not test

It's all in the tone.

A respectful request no matter how edge-case or difficult can never hurt

it may just tickle @amirm 's fancy and get added to the test suite for that device type.

However a bald assertion that the desired data point "should" be included indeed comes off as entitled and arrogant

 

[Mike123]

This looks like a low-shelf boost applied at 200hz.

The frequency response of both equalizers is practically identical. It reminds me more of the filter's IMD.

 

[JeffGB]

V15.86.22.86. When routing optical out to the D50 III, the left and right channels are completely swapped.

Interesting. I'm on the same firmware and have the optical out connected to my SMSL SU-1 for EQ and it's working fine. I checked the channels and it is correct for this combo.

 

[Demmers]

Same for me

Edit: It works now, see below

Can confirm. I "think", since the latest home.topping update, my DX1 II is now perfect

 

[Bleib]

Interesting. I'm on the same firmware and have the optical out connected to my SMSL SU-1 for EQ and it's working fine. I checked the channels and it is correct for this combo.

OK, I'll check this too.

DX1 II alone and optical out sent to MX3s. No EQ on. Latest firmware.

Yes, optical out is wrong. No problem with RCA, it's correct, cables checked.

Test clip:

Or just use windows audio test button

 

[JeffGB]

Wow, this really is messed up. I just double checked my results. I connected my dx1 ii and tested the channels. They were correct. I tried outputing via the optical output to an smsl su-1 dac and tested. It was fine. Then I changed the su-1 to an smsl ps200 pro and tested again. Again it was correct. I wonder how many people got these dacs with the channel issue?

On a different issue, I have not had any clicks or pops when using the USB input with a USB C to USB C cable to my pc but the optical input had terrible clicks and pops when the sampling rate changed or a song started/changed. Since I tested with another dac, I no longer have the issue with either input. I'm not sure what happened. I didn't change the firmware from the latest but I guess I'll just enjoy it. Perhaps Windows 11 updated again?

 

[Mike123]

Today I started analyzing the behavior of my equalizers and I'm absolutely amazed by modern technology . I used REW to create equalizers based on specified filters, which I entered into the DX1-II and displayed on the screen in green. These are calculated synthetic curves. I ran a sweep tone with this equalizer through the DAC with PEQ, recorded it to the ADC, entered it into REW, and displayed it next to it in blue. These are the real curves. A perfect match, right?


But then I did the same with the CamillaDSP. And here I was absolutely amazed. Under the green synthetic graphs are the real red graphs after processing the CamillaDSP, DAC, op amp, cables, op amp, ADC, recording, REW processing, and displaying them on the screen. They're simply invisible, modern equipment outputs and records the signal with such astonishing precision. And this isn't a steady 1 kHz for 10 seconds. This is a constantly changing sweep tone. Amazing.


And one more screenshot to finally see the red graph from the CDSP. The difference is 0.003 dB. Incredible. Sorry for the excitement . But I really didn't expect such accuracy.

 

[LesterHiggins]

Tried it, but it didn't work. Getting clicks when changing source and even songs with the same bitrate.

Same. Wanted to like it, but just between the first two tracks on an album I played with it, I got a loud snap/pop and said "nope, not worth it." I also felt the volume adjustment seemed off, like it lost signal strength as it changed between increments. And then I know this is petty, I like small sized components, but it's just too small.

 

[Pausi]

Same. Wanted to like it, but just between the first two tracks on an album I played with it, I got a loud snap/pop and said "nope, not worth it." I also felt the volume adjustment seemed off, like it lost signal strength as it changed between increments. And then I know this is petty, I like small sized components, but it's just too small.

Beware. Stating these potential hardware flaws might indicate bad QC at Topping and that I’m not a lone psychopath. Now you will also be called delusional and hear that the DX1-II is performing excellent by someone else, therefore there is nothing wrong with this device or Toppings design and production. I just got another one in house and it has the same issues. Just terrible. But then of course it could be that Topping has pinpointed me as a dislikable character in their CRM-system so they’ll always send me a faulty device.
(Please if you are under 40 years old, this is called sarcasm and has nothing to do with conspiracy theories. It’s an old thing.)

 

[Mutex]

Is there already a teardown of the DX1 II somehwere?

 

[Demmers]

Is there already a teardown of the DX1 II somehwere?

This is all that i'm aware of:

Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

What was the outcome from factory resetting and monitoring? I'm still using firmware 2.46 because the reports of crackling after time seem to continue all the way through 2.54. I use the device as a USB DAC with a balanced headphone cable on the front and RCA cable for speakers from the back...

www.audiosciencereview.com

And my shot of it with the back panel removed:

Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

I connected the DAC to my main audiosetup. On the positive side, my Samsung TV works perfectly via Toslink in any optical input mode. The downside is that the RPI5 doesn't power the DAC by default. I had to Google it and disable the default 600mA USB limitation. After that, the DAC started...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Bleib]

OK, I'll check this too.

DX1 II alone and optical out sent to MX3s. No EQ on. Latest firmware.

Yes, optical out is wrong. No problem with RCA, it's correct, cables checked.

Test clip:

Or just use windows audio test button

To add to the data. I now have 2 DX1 II units. Both have channels mixed with optical out. Pre-amp mode
I have a grey and white one, so can't mix 'em up either