Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[sansenri]

so, have all the issues that were reported in this thread

Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

PEQ, 4.4Bal / 3.5 with mic, UAC 1.0/2.0, 32Ω1000mw, PRICE is estimated below 600CNY in China (about 87USD now)

www.audiosciencereview.com

been solved?

 

[Bleib]

so, have all the issues that were reported in this thread

Some info about Topping's incoming DX1 II

PEQ, 4.4Bal / 3.5 with mic, UAC 1.0/2.0, 32Ω1000mw, PRICE is estimated below 600CNY in China (about 87USD now)

www.audiosciencereview.com

been solved?

No, it's been quiet with firmwares for some time now

 

[NTTY]

Will Topping fix the optical input error? I would like to play my 44.1kHz CDs from a CD player, not from my computer.

I had no issues with the SMSL PL200T, but it has a super precise clock, which my testing says it’s all you need. Not easy to find a CD player with such a stable clock though, or one that has a clock input that you could sync with a GPS Disciplined Oscillator.
I plan to review both of them as such, but what I measured was nothing else but excellence.

 

[eddantes]

Tempted.
Chromecast_Audio ---toslink---> DX1 ll ---4.4_to_XLR--->B100(x2) = PEC enabled chain with near-perfect SINAD (albeit lowish power - 50w)

 

[Janox]

I had no issues with the SMSL PL200T, but it has a super precise clock, which my testing says it’s all you need. Not easy to find a CD player with such a stable clock though, or one that has a clock input that you could sync with a GPS Disciplined Oscillator.
I plan to review both of them as such, but what I measured was nothing else but excellence.

I have several CD and DVD players, I don't need another player. I need to fix firmware errors on DX1 II. I want a functional product for my money.

 

[NTTY]

I have several CD and DVD players, I don't need another player. I need to fix firmware errors on DX1 II. I want a functional product for my money.

Maybe one of them will work fine, but obviously not all indeed.

 

[sansenri]

No, it's been quiet with firmwares for some time now

There seems to be a discrepancy between the final high score in the review and the actual functionality of the product.
I guess the issues are erratic but shouldn't they be considered?

 

[Multicore]

Switching to balanced (rear) output completely solved this issue -- reason I so highly recommend getting balanced DACs:

That's a funny thing for a line out, isn't it? Did you have a Y cable like this already?

Isn't there space on the back for a pair of 1/4" TRS?

 

[Demmers]

No, it's been quiet with firmwares for some time now

I hate to guess whether that's a good thing or a bad thing

 

[Kevinfc]

Nuts how many dollars I’ve spent for vastly inferior products to this, which costs a hundred bucks.

 

[Power Pop 23]

That's a funny thing for a line out, isn't it? Did you have a Y cable like this already?

View attachment 540706

Isn't there space on the back for a pair of 1/4" TRS?

It would appear so and make for a match with the Topping Mini 300 amp - in matching colors.

At the low list price for a DX1 II, I wonder if the use of dual 1/4" TRS outputs could not be achieved at their cost target.

It leaves an opportunity for other manufacturers.

 

[AndreaT]

Amazon USA shows cables for under $30 to connect the 4.4MM jack to dual XLR or dual TRS inputs

Amazon.com: artcavs 4.4mm to Dual XLR 3pin Male Balanced Audio Headphone Adapter Cable 1m/3.3feet 6N Pure Copper 24K Gold Plated Connectors : Electronics

Buy artcavs 4.4mm to Dual XLR 3pin Male Balanced Audio Headphone Adapter Cable 1m/3.3feet 6N Pure Copper 24K Gold Plated Connectors: Adapters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/6-35mm-Balanced-Plated-Adapter-gotor/dp/B09NNG9WQP/

Ordered, thanks!

 

[Soundproof]

That's a funny thing for a line out, isn't it? Did you have a Y cable like this already?

View attachment 540706

Isn't there space on the back for a pair of 1/4" TRS?

Don't believe it is. It's 4.4 mm balanced. You'll be able to get one or just about any combo from hartaudiocables.com, and from others I'm sure, or DIY for that matter.

CST-TC-3: Custom 4.4mm to XLR Balanced Cable

This is a custom version of our TC-3 cable. This cable has a 4.4mm connector on one end and splits out to dual XLR Connectors. These types of cables are seeing more use these days as more and more devices come with 4.4mm input and outputs. XLRs are Neutrik and as always, we use oxygen free...

hartaudiocables.com

Having said that, if not bestowed with such cable already, and not having purchased the DX1 II, there might be worthwhile to purchase a different Dac/Amp adding the 60 Usd to the pricetag of the DX1 II, and avoid the workaround. If such device exist within the price bracket. (Haven't checked as it's not a part of my usage scenarios.)

 

[Power Pop 23]

Nuts how many dollars I’ve spent for vastly inferior products to this, which costs a hundred bucks.

I take solace that almost all of the devices measured at ASR do not require the cost of memory used in smartphones, tablets, and computers.

 

[Soundproof]

This Topping DX1 II DAC tested as SINAD 121, balanced output, 10 band parametric equalization with web interface and costs US $113.
If these specs are confirmed, it would truly be an innovation.
However, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Let's wait and see if the Topping DX1 II is not a golden sample, carefully made to bait and switch from Amir's review. But if it enters production as tested, then it's a whole other story - a very good one.

Apparently, Topping are hard at work building their reputation for great specs and actual measurements. People loosing all confidence due to cheating would cost them tons of money, thus the risk makes no sense whatsoever. People will reveal that in no time.

 

[thewas]

To get PEQ in a DAC at this price is excellent, thanks for the confirmation testing.

View attachment 540562


JSmith

I know it is nitpicking on a high level but wish the PEQ would be stereo as in the WiiM products so it can be used also from room correction or individual headphones/hearing adaptation.

 

[Matias]

I know it is nitpicking on a high level but wish the PEQ would be stereo as in the WiiM products so it can be used also from room correction or individual headphones/hearing adaptation.

There is the option of PEQ L+R or L/R individually, I just checked my Topping Tune app here.

 

[thewas]

There is the option of PEQ L+R or L/R individually, I just checked my Topping Tune app here.

Thank you, that is great news, how many filters per channel are then available?

 

[Demmers]

@amirm I'm assuming that filter measurement is filter 3?

 

[capslock]

Topping says the DSP works with both USB and TOSLINK inputs. So, unless I'm mistaken, this is the first such low-cost high-quality DAC whose DSP works with more than just the USB input. With independent left and right channels, you have everything you need to perform room correction. For $113, this is truly incredible value.

If you have two subwoofers, then perhaps you could chain two DX1 II via the TOSLINK output of the first? Can the TOSLINK output be set to a pass through? Or can it only output the signal after it has been processed by the DSP? Even if they can't be chained in that way, there are very cheap TOSLINK splitters.

Wow, even the DX5 II at almost triple the price had this for USB input only.