Topping DX3 Pro+ NO SOUND "Solved"

[Hummingbee]

I purchased the Topping DX3 Pro+ a couple of days ago to use with my JBL 305 speakers and HD600 headphones. On the first day, I had a great experience with it connected to my PC. I made sure to install the correct Topping audio driver, and everything worked well for hours.

Two days later, I powered on my PC and noticed there was no sound whatsoever. The audio driver software indicated that the device was connected and working, and Windows showed no issues and even displayed audio being played. I did the first thing I could think of and Googled the issue, finding a forum post suggesting disconnecting the power for a few minutes due to "protection mode" (though I couldn't find any information on this online). This didn't work, so I tried a factory reset, but still no sound.

I was about to start the return process with Amazon when I thought of trying a firmware update. I downloaded the correct firmware and started the process, but after one minute, I got an error with the upgrade: "TUSBAUDIO_GetDfuStatus: Function failed with error code 0xEE000003."

I restarted my PC and attempted the update again but received the same error. After some more Googling, I found information unrelated to Topping regarding USB ports. I moved the Topping device from a USB 3.0 port to a USB 2.0 port and attempted the firmware update again. This time, it completed successfully, and the audio started working again. I'm not sure if it was due to the USB port change or the firmware update.

I made this post to provide information in the hope that anyone searching for the same error code can see it and first try changing USB ports.

 

[Hummingbee]

I'm returning the Topping device because the issue has returned. This time, it occurred regardless of which USB port I used. I tried a factory reset, left it unplugged for half an hour, and used different inputs, but nothing resolved the problem.

I'm now unsure whether I should get another Topping or explore a different, potentially higher-quality option, although I was initially very happy with the device.

 

[AnalogSteph]

Seems like the flash ROM / serial EEPROM in your unit may be a dud that's prone to losing its contents. That sort of thing happens in consumer-grade hardware, it might not be the most premium-quality part (these things are pretty generic and not every manufacturer is equally good) and you were unlucky enough to end up with one that was good enough to pass QC but fails out in the field. It's not an entirely unheard of issue, e.g. a number of Gigabyte boards from about a decade ago seem to be quite commonly afflicted by BIOS chips that start corrupting data after several years and even straight up dying in the most extreme cases.

Did I mention that the XMOS chips are known to occasionally fail as well?

Ultimately it's probably more down to luck of the draw than anything else. It stands to reason that a pricier option may have a more generous parts budget but it's hardly guaranteed. There have been numerous cases of equipment that's a frequent guest in repair workshops years after it was made due to anything from poor soldering and construction SNAFUs to common part failures, not all of which are actually the manufacturer's fault.

Manufacturing issues are not at all uncommon. I could name several affecting big-name computer SSD manufacturers just in the last couple of years, for example (e.g. almost the entire Samsung lineup in 2021, several months' shipments of WD SA510 SATA SSDs in 2022, both of which are in dire need of firmware updates to keep them from bricking themselves, the Phison S11 bricking bug, or most recently external Sandisk USB SSDs like the Extreme Portable / Extreme Pro Portable series).

 

[Hummingbee]

Seems like the flash ROM / serial EEPROM in your unit may be a dud that's prone to losing its contents. That sort of thing happens in consumer-grade hardware, it might not be the most premium-quality part (these things are pretty generic and not every manufacturer is equally good) and you were unlucky enough to end up with one that was good enough to pass QC but fails out in the field. It's not an entirely unheard of issue, e.g. a number of Gigabyte boards from about a decade ago seem to be quite commonly afflicted by BIOS chips that start corrupting data after several years and even straight up dying in the most extreme cases.

Did I mention that the XMOS chips are known to occasionally fail as well?

Ultimately it's probably more down to luck of the draw than anything else. It stands to reason that a pricier option may have a more generous parts budget but it's hardly guaranteed. There have been numerous cases of equipment that's a frequent guest in repair workshops years after it was made due to anything from poor soldering and construction SNAFUs to common part failures, not all of which are actually the manufacturer's fault.

Manufacturing issues are not at all uncommon. I could name several affecting big-name computer SSD manufacturers just in the last couple of years, for example (e.g. almost the entire Samsung lineup in 2021, several months' shipments of WD SA510 SATA SSDs in 2022, both of which are in dire need of firmware updates to keep them from bricking themselves, the Phison S11 bricking bug, or most recently external Sandisk USB SSDs like the Extreme Portable / Extreme Pro Portable series).

I really appreciate your comprehensive reply.

I’m also familiar with "WD SA510 SATA SSDs" and "SanDisk SSDs" as I’ve dealt with them in my profession.

I ordered another Topping device but received a used open-box item instead, so I decided to part ways with the seller and look for alternatives.

I’m willing to increase my budget if it means getting something of better quality.

I’ve been looking at the K7, K11, and Schiit Audio devices. I live in Canada, so purchasing a Schiit setup would cost up to $500, while the FiiO products are relatively cheaper because they’re available locally.

I’ll do some more research and browse the forum for more alternatives. Thanks again for your reply.