Topping DX1 mini desktop DAC & AMP

[elole]

I bought a DX1 for my bedside bargain IEM setup. Raspberry Pi 4 running Volumio (with FusionDSP for EQ, crossfeed, loudness), USB connection to DX1, then headphones (Truthear X Crinacle Zero, Moondrop Aria, K371 etc.). Amazing setup for $150 (Pi4 & DX1).

The DX1 has plenty of power, but I don’t listen at high volume. Sounds perfectly clear to me, with only a tiny channel imbalance at the very bottom of the volume range (completely normal for a good analogue pot).

View attachment 236528

Do you think the channel imbalance at the bottom of volume range might be an issue for sensitive iems?

 

[staticV3]

@elole shouldn't be an issue in low gain. If it is, simply reduce the digital volume a bit and increase the analog volume.

 

[Sharpi31]

Do you think the channel imbalance at the bottom of volume range might be an issue for sensitive iems?

No. The channel imbalance only covers the first 1-2% of rotation. At low gain with sensitive IEMs you would still be using much more of the volume control.

Edit: I’m very picky about unbalanced volume controls - I used to use stepped attenuators in all amps/preamps. The DX1 imbalance is just at the very start of the rotation, as you’d get with any potentiometer. I can’t hear any imbalance after both pot tracks are engaged. Not something to worry about - just a little reminder that the pot works in the analogue domain.

 

[Alexium]

@WolfX-700 measurements are out!! Seems like crazy value!

Measurements of Topping DX1 USB DAC/HPAmp - L7Audiolab

台式设备 国内卷厂拓品（Topping）的低端产品线其实一直不是很完整的，解码从599元的D10s开始，搭配上他家的L30-2已经总价过了千元。即使是最便宜的一体机PA3s也已经达到了四位数的价格，在数百元价位中一直没有相应的产品，直到这款 Topping DX1 出现

www.l7audiolab.com

Amazing, measures better in some regards than DX3+ Pro. (50 mv signal SNR), and when it's worse, it's way down in the -120 to -140 dB range so doesn't matter.
What's DX1's max power into low resistance load (32 Ohm, or better yet - 10 Ohm)?

 

[staticV3]

What's DX1's max power into low resistance load (32 Ohm, or better yet - 10 Ohm)?

Source

 

[Alexium]

Thank you very much! I've read the L7 review and missed this graph, apologies. This is enough for almost all lower impedance headphones, but could be lacking for 300-600 Ohm ones, am I right? I have poor intuition for headphone power levels and requirements (unlike speakers).

 

[staticV3]

This is enough for almost all lower impedance headphones, but could be lacking for 300-600 Ohm ones, am I right?

It's enough for the HD600/650/800 and R70x, but probably not for the DT 880 Edition 600Ω.

 

[nummer]

i ordered this dac a few days back. as of now it should bee less than a week before it arrives. let's see how it goes :3

 

[wanghao]

I am thinking of buying .
Can I output sound from both RCA and headphones at the same time?
Or will one of them be muted?

 

[xavx]

@wanghao From what I've read on reseller websites, the sound outputs on both RCA and headphones all the time, no mute function.

Am also potentially interested in the DX1 but wondering if I would hear a difference compared to the Sonata HD Pro.
Does the DX1 have the typical AKM sound signature I've read about ?
Already have ESS and Cirus DACs sounding slightly different but might like to try AKM if it has another coloration.

 

[Alexium]

If the measurements are correct - and I have no reason to doubt them - it has no signature or coloration, just as any other state of the art DAC.

 

[Alexium]

Okay guys, I really tried to resist, but I couldn't. The 11.11 discounts on Aliexpress are really good this year, I don't remember such generosity ever before. Grabbed the DX1 for $69 and even considered DX3+ or SMSL C200 for 150 an 160 respectively. If anyone was waiting for a good deal - this might be your moment!

I have also re-studied the measurements on that L7 website, and found no justification for paying x2 for the beefier models (DX3 or C200). The DX1 seems to be too damn good even before you factor in its competitive pricing. I just hope those measurements are legit

 

[shivver]

Okay guys, I really tried to resist, but I couldn't. The 11.11 discounts on Aliexpress are really good this year, I don't remember such generosity ever before. Grabbed the DX1 for $69 and even considered DX3+ or SMSL C200 for 150 an 160 respectively. If anyone was waiting for a good deal - this might be your moment!

View attachment 240654

I have also re-studied the measurements on that L7 website, and found no justification for paying x2 for the beefier models (DX3 or C200). The DX1 seems to be too damn good even before you factor in its competitive pricing. I just hope those measurements are legit

How did you get that price? The maximum I can get is 95$.
Thanks

 

[Alexium]

How did you get that price? The maximum I can get is 95$.
Thanks

That's odd, the base price is $87, but you immediately get $10 off due to the "$5 off every $30 spent" discount. If you add another $3 worth of goods to the order (sso that the total is over 90), you'll get $5 more off. Plus $3.83 discount with coins for me. I'll PM you a link to the exact listing I bought.

 

[mnotik]

just received it couple of hours ago, testing all my headphones and iems, so far enough power for my taste through all of them, no lack of bass or any sign of weakness, I am listening from 11 to 2 range in high gain.

loving the small size and convenience with the single USB cable.

 

[shivver]

Ok with all the coupons, discounts etc, I've got it for 80$ Thanks a lot! If I won't be happy then I will get DX3 Pro+. I currently own CA Dacmagic 100 and Topping L30 but it makes too many cables on my desk.

 

[cybernaut667]

That's odd, the base price is $87, but you immediately get $10 off due to the "$5 off every $30 spent" discount. If you add another $3 worth of goods to the order (sso that the total is over 90), you'll get $5 more off. Plus $3.83 discount with coins for me. I'll PM you a link to the exact listing I bought.

Why can't you just post it here, is there a rule against it

 

[shivver]

Why can't you just post it here, is there a rule against it

All the offers on Aliexpress are the same, there is no price difference. I've got it from shenzenaudio.

 

[ArturoKiwi]

In Italy the DX1 is at 99€ and I'm very tempted.
What I don't understand is the difference with the E30 II, a part that this one has 2 AK4493S
I just "saw" how stupid was my question... sorry

 

[Matias]

In Italy the DX1 is at 99€ and I'm very tempted.
What I don't understand is the difference with the E30 II, a part that this one has 2 AK4493S
I just "saw" how stupid was my question... sorry

E30 II has a little better specs in noise, distortion and crosstalk. But they are very close, the DX1 is 33% cheaper and has a decent headphone amp for IEMs, so the better value.