Topping DX1 II DAC & HP Amp Review

[Matias]

It's quite amazing what this little fella can do with individual 10 band PEQ, volume + remote, and high SINAD balanced output. It's almost unfair to other DACs!

 

[donpablo]

I see where this is all going...

 

[Janox]

CD playback is fixed. There is still a problem with the output "pop" sound on the RCA output when turning off the DX1 II, changing functions, changing the sampling frequency, and turning off the audio source (CD or DVD player).

 

[xxie]

Tested too and no glitches as well (tested with the Teac VRDS 25x).

This is an overlay of the analog output of the Topping vs the original digital WAV file directly analyzed by the computer:

View attachment 540876

The two traces nearly overlay perfectly, as if I was comparing twice the digital file. Actually I get the same type of differences between two runs from the WAV file.

If you wanted analog conversion perfection from a CD Transport, here you go. It'll be my pleasure to add a full review from a CD Player (tomorrow).

By the way, I now get 1ppm clock precision from my Teac via the Topping, as I had from the SMSL PL200T clocked by the GPS DO.

On my testing I see 44.1khz from CD player now is working now (where previously not working before FW update), but the 48khz input now has some small glitch or pop sound every 4-5s. Other DAC (Fosi ZH3) can handle both 44.1khz and 48khz.

 

[amirm]

The values are very close to those of the manufacturer, but to the unbalanced 3.5 mm headphone output.
@amirm , can you confirm this?

All the testing was done with 4.4mm pentacon balanced out. I also checked unbalanced for a bit and noticed that its output voltage was half as much instead of a quarter.

I suspect the power is limited by my USB port. I will have to instrument it to see if that is the case. Even though I am using USB-C, it may have defaulted to lower power.

 

[Pierun]

I see where this is all going...

View attachment 540906

SINADpilled and THDmaxxed

 

[JDS]

I have the DX1-II connected to the RPI5. The DAC didn't start by default. After specifying in the config file to increase the USB current, the DAC started working. This command is only for the RPI5. I don't know if it's possible to control the USB current on the RPI4. But I assume it is.

Thanks. I wonder if connecting a powered USB hub between the RP4 and the Topping would work...

 

[LtMandella]

dern these great reviews and low prices! now I have to buy another dac!

 

[Pierun]

dern these great reviews and low prices! now I have to buy another dac!

may it not click like an AK47

 

[LtMandella]

Thanks. I wonder if connecting a powered USB hub between the RP4 and the Topping would work...

or how about those usb "y" cables? They have a second usb plug on one end to support adding second power source to the cable.

 

[Fabsen]

wouldn't 4.4mm balanced to dual 3.5/6.3 work aswell? Or does it have to be XLR?

 

[Janox]

Occasionally there is an unpleasant loud clicking sound in the speakers during listening (optical input, RCA output). The DX1 II is still an unfinished, unpredictable device.

 

[huzidada]

View attachment 540558

View attachment 540559

Fantastic review. Would this be enough for a pair of DT 900 Pro X and HD490 Pro? And would it be a replacement for my Topping DX3 Pro Plus?

 

[Bleib]

Occasionally there is an unpleasant loud clicking sound in the speakers during listening (optical input, RCA output). The DX1 II is still an unfinished, unpredictable device.

Make sure they know it: [email protected]

 

[Mike123]

There is still a problem with the output "pop" sound on the RCA output when turning off the DX1 II, changing functions, changing the sampling frequency, and turning off the audio source (CD or DVD player).

The balanced output has nothing of the sort. Inputs switch quietly, and there's a slight, but quiet, sound when switching the equalizer. Turning the device on and off also doesn't produce any loud noise. The balanced/unbalanced cable is easy to assembly.

 

[solderdude]

I also checked unbalanced for a bit and noticed that its output voltage was half as much instead of a quarter

TRS should indeed be half as much voltage (so 1/4 power).
Still weird that the output voltage is exactly half that of what the specs state and NTTY measured (no load).
The measurement in 300ohm does not draw much power from USB.
Worth checking what's going on here.

 

[solderdude]

Need to run some regression tests though

Can you check for DC out on RCA jacks when the 'switching causes clicks' occur ?
DC may 'cancel' on balanced but be present on RCA. Probably in the mV region if it is there.
That would be hard to fix with FW.

 

[Janox]

DX1 II had three problems that I published in videos and sent to Topping. The latest firmware version one only solved the problem with CD playback. The remaining problems with loud clicking on the RCA output were not solved. In addition, there is another similar problem where the sound clicks randomly appear during playback at a frequency of 48kHz (optical input, RCA output). DX1 II is therefore only usable as a USB DAC together with headphones. As a preamplifier through the optical input and RCA output it has problems - loud clicking sound and hum. I am attaching the links to the videos again.

 

[NTTY]

Can you check for DC out on RCA jacks when the 'switching causes clicks' occur ?
DC may 'cancel' on balanced but be present on RCA. Probably in the mV region if it is there.
That would be hard to fix with FW.

Hi, indeed, I did not see (heard) this issue before, but I measured up to 12mV from RCA outputs when switching from one SR to another.
The issue exists on all outputs but is the highest from rear RCA.

 

[giraffe]

After updating to version 15.69.22.69, loud noises occasionally appear. These can be fixed by changing the input signal. Im using USB, 48kHz samlping rate.
This may not be related to a specific firmware version, I think I've seen similar user complaints before.

Upd: I've actually only encountered this issue twice—once yesterday and once today. It's hard to draw any conclusions, but I'll keep monitoring.