Topping DX3 Pro+ Review (DAC & Headphone Amp)

[jonwb]

Hey DX3 Pro+ owners... upon startup, does the unit hold your previous settings automatically? Say if it's set to "Coax, Hi Gain, DAC+HP and their previous volume levels" and I power the unit off via a power strip... will those settings appear again when I turn it back on?

 

[GotchARABBIT]

Greetings fellow audio folks

I am having an issue with the topping DX3 pro+ I've just purchased and was hoping maybe someone here with more experience might be able to help.

I have purchased the Topping to be able to drive my Beyerdynamic DT1770pro (first generation 250ohm) on a second work desk. On my primary desk I am running a schiit stack (modi2 and magni2).

Now, what surprised me a lot, is the sound is actually quite different and I have to admit, I prefer the sound of the schiit stack by a lot.
I am no Audiophile, and I am only listening to spotify on a windows machine (no fancy high-res or ASIO stuff). For me its hard to describe the differences, since I am no Headphone-guy, but I would say the Topping sounds WAY sharper and more zingy and klicky, so things like Horns, high hats or female voices start to hurt my ears at way lower listening levels, which overall I would describe as way more "annoying" somehow.
Something else I have noticed, I can only describe as the Music being more "claustrophobic"...like as if everything is happening in a way smaller room. The third topic is the sound of the bass is very different: Where, for example Kick-drums seems to have more initial impact on the Topping but less overall volume and seem to lack in the very low ends. It feels like a lack of "authority" somehow

Overall I have to say, I am a bit puzzled by my listening test, as I expected both to sound pretty much the same. I am a firm believer in measurements so I am wondering what could be going on here? Listening to some of my favorite test tracks, somehow this "goosebumps-effect" where you just think to yourself "Damn, this sounds sooooo great" is completely gone on the Topping.

-As the topping seems to measure pretty perfect, could it be that the schiit stack is actually "sounded" in a way, that I just happen to prefer on the DT1770?

- Is it possible that the roughly 2x output power of the Magni2 make a difference in the tonality / bass response?

-Could the Topping be "underpowered" for a 250ohm DT1770 ?

-Could there be a windows (11) issue, making the two DACs sound differently? (I've deactivated the "enhance sound" on both and played with the sampling rates)

Thanks guys...I would hate to send the Topping back, especially as the Schiit stuff is almost not available or crazy expensive in europe currently

Hello Again. Since I am "sceptical" myself when it comes to audible differences between the Topping and the Schiit stack, I decided to do some redneck style measurements myself, to see if there are any significant measurable differences, I would be able to find. Just used REW and my Umic1 (with cal file) directly into the left can of my Beyerdynamic TD 1770 PRO and just carefully switched the plug between the two devices.

What can I say? As expected SPL and phase looks pretty much the same on both units.

At least I can assume now there is no "hidden" EQ fumbling with the signal in the Windows audio path.

Still I am wondering If the differences, that I seem to hear so clearly, are either hallucinations or might there be other effects when listening to music, that wouldn't show up in these "artificial" measuring sweep scenarios?

 

[staticV3]

or might there be other effects when listening to music, that wouldn't show up in these "artificial" measuring sweep scenarios?

If you're curious, simply play the same track through both stacks and record the output via your UMIK + Audacity.

Load the two recordings into Deltawave and it'll plot the difference in phase, frequency response, etc.

There's even a built-in ABX comparator so you can test your hearing in a controlled manner, free of biases.

 

[unibomber]

Which is a better choice? This unit or a smsl d12?

 

[staticV3]

Which is a better choice? This unit or a smsl d12?

D12 is USB-powered and has way less output power as a result.

Amir's D12 measurements are below, so you can directly compare to the measurements here:

SMSL D12 DAC & Headphone Amp Review

This is a review, listening test and detailed measurements of the SMSL D12 stereo USB DAC with Bluetooth support. It was sent to me by the company and is selling for US $126. The D12 deviates from typical SMSL DAC by using a 7 segment display. It is white and get hyper bright (there are many...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Haze]

My DX3 Pro+ has weirdly low volume output. Even on easy to drive cans I having to be in the -30s on low gain to get to a comfortable listening level. Even my most sensitive IEMs never go lower than the -40s? Is this normal? My European apple dongle is putting out more volume than Pro+ on low gain.

 

[staticV3]

My DX3 Pro+ has weirdly low volume output. Even on easy to drive cans I having to be in the -30s on low gain to get to a comfortable listening level. Even my most sensitive IEMs never go lower than the -40s? Is this normal? My European apple dongle is putting out more volume than Pro+ on low gain.

You can use a basic $10 multimeter to measure your DAC's output voltage and to ensure that it is in good working order.


For this purpose, use the 60Hz test tone attached below.

On line Calculator by Reference Audio Analyzer

reference-audio-analyzer.pro

 

[Kaktus_Kontrafaktus]

I've noticed a weird behaviour with my unit recently.
It keeps waking from sleep, set to Bluetooth for no reason and stays on. The "BT" indicator is solid, as if a device was connected but this happens with my phone's bluetooth off and no other Bluetooth device has ever been paired with the unit.

I rarely use Bluetooth myself but I like having the option (having Bluetooth on or off doesn't seem to change the stand-by power draw).
Current firmware (v1.28) is installed.

- Has anyone else seen this behaviour?
- Does anyone know a secure source for older firmware versions? (so I can test if this also happens e.g. on v1.27)

 

[Earwax]

I've noticed a weird behaviour with my unit recently.
It keeps waking from sleep, set to Bluetooth for no reason and stays on. The "BT" indicator is solid, as if a device was connected but this happens with my phone's bluetooth off and no other Bluetooth device has ever been paired with the unit.

I rarely use Bluetooth myself but I like having the option (having Bluetooth on or off doesn't seem to change the stand-by power draw).
Current firmware (v1.28) is installed.

- Has anyone else seen this behaviour?
- Does anyone know a secure source for older firmware versions? (so I can test if this also happens e.g. on v1.27)

This is no fix but, if you unscrew and remove the BT antenna the signal shouldn't be able to get through so no chance of someone hacking or listening in.
Anyway give it a try see if it stops and report back..

 

[Earwax]

I just bought the DX3 Pro +from Amazon easy return if needed due to it being under the Prime..

I bought this to compare against the Fosi audio DS1 DAC since doing the external power supply Addition I'm curious how the 2 will compete against each other in the ring no holds bared, bare knuckle sparing....

That said I do not have the gear or knowledge for a proper technical comparison but if I can hear a noticeable difference I will update here and those with the gear if interested can prove the actual findings with facts.

 

[Brandonfire2]

Is a 3.5mm single headphone output, or 4.4mm balanced. If it is the 3.5, will you miss out on the potential of your cans compared to a balanced connection?

 

[oleg87]

Is a 3.5mm single headphone output, or 4.4mm balanced. If it is the 3.5, will you miss out on the potential of your cans compared to a balanced connection?

No (assuming the DX3 has sufficient power for your listening volumes with a given set of a headphones). Though from an ergonomics/usability standpoint, I'm not a fan of having only a 3.5mm connector on a desktop amp.

 

[Brandonfire2]

No. Though from an ergonomics/usability standpoint, I'm not a fan of having only a 3.5mm connector on a desktop amp.

Understood, thank you. Currently using the crinacle zero 2 with the fosi ds2, which i believe is capable of doing a decent job of pushing some cans as well. My concern, is I'm looking at getting the hifiman he400se, and have heard they need some power to push them well. For what it's worth pretty sure they ship the he400se with a 3.5 cord

 

[Kisenix]

Hi, so I have been using Topping DX3 Pro+, and I have had nothing but sound inconsistencies. If you still have your unit, it would be great if you could do the experiments below as well and see if there is a problem with your unit (or this is specific to certain region/batch/operating systems, etc). I contacted Solderdude/Frans, and he suggested I discuss with others since he doesn't have it anymore.

First of all, in short, I ordered my Topping DX3 Pro+ in early 2024. It arrived and had nothing but sibilance via headphones (DT 900X Pro). All esses sound sharp like a dagger, and it had no bass (or attenuated). Even EQ did not fix this issue. I made sure to update all Firmware and Driver, but that did nothing either. Long story short, I decided to play around with the settings a bit and noticed that depending on the number of settings is on or off, the sound output changed. The more features were turned on (without changing PCM filter, but includes screen brightness, bluetooth, whether back amp is enabled, etc), the more trebly and stabby the sound became, and the less bass there was. This was very noticeable because I listened to EDM and played games, where there is a lot of content in low and higher frequencies. Thinking it was power issue, I sent it back for replacement.

One month later, the replacement arrived, in late 2024. The sibilance is gone, but the differing sound presentation depending on the number of features is turned on remains. Disabling most will result in a bassier sound with poor soundstage, while enabling most will make the sound brighter (less bass), more trebly and upfront, and somewhat harsh and tinny, but expands the soundstage. The easiest way to listen for this difference is by setting your brightness to L-0, O-2, m-d mode, BT off, then switching to L-3, O-3, m-P mode, and BT on. Note that the m-d/P thingy shouldn't affect the headphone out because it's only for the back amps. But, you can also try keeping it on m-d mode and only cranking up brightness/bluetooth, you will still hear the changes. Turn up the volume (of course).

I have A/B-ed this more than 30 times at this point, and the differences are always there. It's definitely not my mind fooling me as I regularly compose music and can tell if something is missing/not right (edited this for more context*). I complained to them again, and they refused to provide support. Note that I had to "fight" with them before they would send that first replacement. Since this is my first audio package purchase (previously I have only rented/borrowed from my music producer friends), I am totally disappointed not only with the quality but also the customer service. Was this device just made to artifically score well on tests?

For extra information, my device uses EU plug. I use the default F3. Problem persists on V1.28 Firmware and downgrading to V1.24 doesn't help (in fact, the screen just became total black even if the device is on; only after I "upgrade" back to V1.28 do the numbers show up again). I can't find any link to V1.23 Firmware or anything older, but I read someone said when they updated from V1.23 to V1.25, they had power and "attenuation" issues causing sound quality loss. So, I would like to give it a try if possible. Unfortunately, it is no longer available on their site. If anyone has V1.23 or anything older, please share all of them here. I tried some older Windows drivers, and nope, that didn't work, either.

That being said, I encourage you to test for the issues above with your unit and, if possible, mention your Firmware Version and Driver Version too. Thanks.

Best regards,
Kisenix

 

[oleg87]

I've dabbled in the music production world myself

If you have an audio interface laying around, it might be useful to record the output and see what's going on.

 

[Kisenix]

If you have an audio interface laying around, it might be useful to record the output and see what's going on.

I do have, but I am not sure how to record the output. What's the easiest way to do that? We don't really do that stuff here unfortunately.

 

[DaveFred]

Is the plug on a cable or a wallwart? If on a cable it may be easier to cut it off and fit a US one.

This is what it came with.

Any idea what the connector is called so I can order a proper NA wall wart for it?

Thank you,


David.

Edit, Nevermind, just found the manual online and ordered the correct wall wort.