Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[Jappie]

Yup.

Firmware 23.07 on MacOS ensures that Topping Tune doesn't recognize DX1 II.

That is not my experience.
Mac Mini M4 Pro, MacOS 26.6.2, Topping Tune 1.16, Topping DX1 II firmware 16.07.23.07
MacOS recognition is even better than with older firmware. Functioning fine.

For Windows:
Topping DX1 II - Drivers and Software
Topping Tune is no longer listed.
And it does not function anymore on Windows 10.

 

[Soundproof]

That is not my experience.
Mac Mini M4 Pro, MacOS 26.6.2, Topping Tune 1.16, Topping DX1 II firmware 16.07.23.07
MacOS recognition is even better than with older firmware. Functioning fine.

For Windows:
Topping DX1 II - Drivers and Software
Topping Tune is no longer listed.
And it does not function anymore on Windows 10.

Interesting.

I did actually test this (M4), Tune didn't recognize mine. Won't be having another go at it, have dumped Topping Tune and won't be reinstalling.

As DX1 II has been removed from the list of supported Dac/Amps in Tune, I see no point anyway, firmware risk in particular.

 

[Jappie]

Interesting.

I did actually test this (M4), Tune didn't recognize mine. Won't be having another go at it, have dumped Topping Tune and won't be reinstalling.

As DX1 II has been removed from the list of supported Dac/Amps in Tune, I see no point anyway, firmware risk in particular.

I understand. Its such a pity that a nice list of device-options causes so much problems. Immature hardware and software...
I am lucky, I guess. For 5 days in a row DX1 II functions without any issue.
No more firmware updates unless proven good and useful.

I read about iQualize. Very interesting! A real system-level functioning PEQ for MacOS.

 

[Soundproof]

I understand. Its such a pity that a nice list of device-options causes so much problems. Immature hardware and software...
I am lucky, I guess. For 5 days in a row DX1 II functions without any issue.
No more firmware updates unless proven good and useful.

I read about iQualize. Very interesting! A real system-level functioning PEQ for MacOS.

The caveat with iQualize is of course not being able to drop the profiles to the Dac, and it is Mac only which breaches my thoughts about using cross platform software wherever possible (I am not using iWork or any downloaded software from Apple). As I only plan to use the dac with mac, it's not a problem for now.

I do find iQualize to be a great solution for MacOS and really like it. In particular the no need to interfer with kernel permits. The choice of file format (json) for saving own profiles isn't ideal for shifting it to PEQ and so on I believe.

I always jiggle a few projects around, will need another plus potentially replacing the desktop DX1 II for one with XLR pre outputs, and having to connect a device not needing it with the vendor/internet beyond firmware updates is something I seek to avoid. Profiles can be fetched from a number of sources by simple downloads or download within an app. Don't need to provide Topping/Brands with access to the Dac for that. All they need for firmware is device (and possibly hardware version) plus firmware version installed, and that can be checked manually and downloaded by user by users.

I will shop around for different options than Topping due to "Home", but many brands seem to prefer access to the Dac.

 

[lordhumungous]

Whatfi , a rag of a review site, said this dac lacks dynamics. Of course they offer no measurements.

 

[VientoB]

Whatfi , a rag of a review site, said this dac lacks dynamics. Of course they offer no measurements.

They are absolute garbage.

 

[PoorAudioGuy]

Whatfi , a rag of a review site, said this dac lacks dynamics. Of course they offer no measurements.

They said WiiM Amp Pro lacked enough rhythmic precision and texture but they liked the sound of WiiM Amp Ulta. Amir measured them pretty much the same except the power difference.

 

[VientoB]

They said WiiM Amp Pro lacked enough rhythmic precision and texture but they liked the sound of WiiM Amp Ulta. Amir measured them pretty much the same except the power difference.

That's why subjective listening is so bad. I cannot read or watch any subjective reviews these days.

 

[Demmers]

As an owner of the DX1 II, I thought interesting to share this with everyone who use the Home site for EQ’ing. I’ve only just come across this while on vacation, so haven’t used it myself yet, but looks real handy to make EQ’ing more accurate. It’s an online EQ tool that automatically creates the curves based on what you actually hear. Then just plug the numbers into the Topping Home site. Link to site below video.

EQ by ear · DMS

 

[vanderson]

Hey! I have Mojo 2 and Moondrop Variations IEMs. I want a simple desktop solution for gaming with IEMs without moving my Mojo around. Can I ask owners opinion on IEMs + gaming performance of this unit? Thanks.

P.S. And I see some firmware issues reports, are those relevant to PC Win 11 → gaming → USB-C → 3.5mm IEMs?

 

[Nay16]

As an owner of the DX1 II, I thought interesting to share this with everyone who use the Home site for EQ’ing. I’ve only just come across this while on vacation, so haven’t used it myself yet, but looks real handy to make EQ’ing more accurate. It’s an online EQ tool that automatically creates the curves based on what you actually hear. Then just plug the numbers into the Topping Home site. Link to site below video.

EQ by ear · DMS

This is a VERY underrated tool, we hear frequencies differently, and we can learn about how our hearing works and fix our own personal peaks.

 

[NHL99]

https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/dacs/topping-dx1-ii

'This is a DAC that leans towards poise and precision, yet be warned that this can come at the expense of full-blooded thrills. That analytical leaning becomes starkly apparent when we play a DSD64 version of Michael Jackson’s mega-hit Billie Jean. We all know how this one goes – it should sound snappy, propulsive and relentlessly effervescent – but the Topping struggles to express the tune’s vivacious energy as enthusiastically as Jackson originally intended.'

 

[VientoB]

https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/dacs/topping-dx1-ii

'This is a DAC that leans towards poise and precision, yet be warned that this can come at the expense of full-blooded thrills. That analytical leaning becomes starkly apparent when we play a DSD64 version of Michael Jackson’s mega-hit Billie Jean. We all know how this one goes – it should sound snappy, propulsive and relentlessly effervescent – but the Topping struggles to express the tune’s vivacious energy as enthusiastically as Jackson originally intended.'

Embarrassing

 

[DazST]

Hi all, I've been following this thread off and on but have to admit to losing track of the current state of play regarding the various bugs and patches.
I'm strongly considering getting one of these to use as a semi-portable hp amp, paired with a WiiM mini via spdif. I would only be using it for headphone use (not as dac/pre amp) and would most likely use the WiiM for eq. Given this use case, I'd really appreciate if anyone could confirm for me if I'd likely encounter any of the current known bugs/performance issues?
Thanks in advance.

 

[DazST]

Embarrassing

"it doesn’t offer enough over a laptop to justify the outlay...Sound lacks punch and drama". Yikes.

 

[VientoB]

"it doesn’t offer enough over a laptop to justify the outlay...Sound lacks punch and drama". Yikes.

They clearly don't want Topping to take customers from their advertisers. That's the only serious explanation.

 

[Janox]

Hi all, I've been following this thread off and on but have to admit to losing track of the current state of play regarding the various bugs and patches.
I'm strongly considering getting one of these to use as a semi-portable hp amp, paired with a WiiM mini via spdif. I would only be using it for headphone use (not as dac/pre amp) and would most likely use the WiiM for eq. Given this use case, I'd really appreciate if anyone could confirm for me if I'd likely encounter any of the current known bugs/performance issues?
Thanks in advance.

Even after numerous firmware updates, I still experience occasional dropouts on both the analog and optical outputs—specifically when using the optical input. It is not a reliable device. At least, not my unit.

 

[PoorAudioGuy]

I wish Topping would release a dumber version of this DAC first before adding all the fancy DSP features that seem to be half baked.

 

[staticV3]

I wish Topping would release a dumber version of this DAC first before adding all the fancy DSP features that seem to be half baked.

Enter the Topping DX1:

DX1 - - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

 

[VientoB]

Enter the Topping DX1:

DX1 - - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

Never tested on ASR

Topping DX1 mini desktop DAC & AMP

Announced by Topping: "DX1 is about to release tomorrow, it's of the mini DAC & AMP desktop, which is a budget audio gear. Have an eye on that!" Let's see how it measures. :) Edit: measurements below. https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-dx1/

www.audiosciencereview.com