Topping DX5 II

[teleblaze]

Is this Dac/Amp still recommended despite the bugs?

I'm on the hunt for a Dac/Am and there are quite a few bargains at the moment. I'm actually looking at the DX5 II, K13 R2R or the T71. I love the T71's fucntionality and PEQ. even thought about buying the RME adi-2 dac fs, but it may be a waste of money for my current usage. I will be mainly pairing it with the HD800.

 

[Jcrow]

Is this Dac/Amp still recommended despite the bugs?

I'm on the hunt for a Dac/Am and there are quite a few bargains at the moment. I'm actually looking at the DX5 II, K13 R2R or the T71. I love the T71's fucntionality and PEQ. even thought about buying the RME adi-2 dac fs, but it may be a waste of money for my current usage. I will be mainly pairing it with the HD800.

If you can buy from a local seller, it's a good buy. Hard to say how widespread the issues are, I've had mine for about a month now and haven't had any problems. For the price, there's nothing that has the same functionality or measured performance. That being said, if you've got the money and have a very low tolerance for risk maybe you should buy the RME if you need PEQ.

 

[teleblaze]

If you can buy from a local seller, it's a good buy. Hard to say how widespread the issues are, I've had mine for about a month now and haven't had any problems. For the price, there's nothing that has the same functionality or measured performance. That being said, if you've got the money and have a very low tolerance for risk maybe you should buy the RME if you need PEQ.

Thanks.
I don't have a local seller unfortunately. I don't have the nerves dealing with repairs and returns to be honest. I don't want to spend unncessary amount of money. I'm just getting back to this hobby so i'm just trying to understand what's the best option right now. I do find PEQ appealing..

Edit: I did find a local seller, but he chanrges 30% more than what I can find online.

 

[Spiral_Architect]

Lots of updates that fix or improve something but still new bugs every time. I have a "stable" config with V1.72 and TT a couple of versions behind the latest. I set it to preference for my three headphones and never run it. And when I do it does what I ask even if slowly and sketchily (requires restarts at random etc).

Gain to 0.1dB is tempting but I am not sure it is worth to take the risk. Better wait even more for all bugs to be solved.

Rounding to 0.5dB implies at most a 0.3dB deviation from a target (e.g. if target is 3.7 and you really want to round it to 4.0). A 0.3dB deviation is probably well within margin of error of the measurements from which the suggested target comes, or the effects of sample variation in both headphones and our heads.

I have played with Oratory1990 settings and used equalizerAPO in real time to adjust the gain of some bands to preference and honestly struggled to hear differences at the 0.5dB level, let alone 0.2-0.3dB.

 

[Nicosea]

Thanks.
I don't have a local seller unfortunately. I don't have the nerves dealing with repairs and returns to be honest. I don't want to spend unncessary amount of money. I'm just getting back to this hobby so i'm just trying to understand what's the best option right now. I do find PEQ appealing..

Edit: I did find a local seller, but he chanrges 30% more than what I can find online.

If you need serious and reliable PEQ, and even more, like crossfeed, you can buy a raspberry Pi and install camillaDSP:

GitHub - mdsimon2/RPi-CamillaDSP: Guidance on implementing CamillaDSP on a Raspberry Pi

Guidance on implementing CamillaDSP on a Raspberry Pi - mdsimon2/RPi-CamillaDSP

github.com

You can apply plenty of filters, save many configurations.
It is an extra device to have, but raspberry pi can be left always on, it consumes very little, less than 1W per hour, most likely your TV in standby consumes more. All settings are accessible and can be changed by a web GUI (so you can do that even from your mobile phone).

 

[teleblaze]

If you need serious and reliable PEQ, and even more, like crossfeed, you can buy a raspberry Pi and install camillaDSP:

GitHub - mdsimon2/RPi-CamillaDSP: Guidance on implementing CamillaDSP on a Raspberry Pi

Guidance on implementing CamillaDSP on a Raspberry Pi - mdsimon2/RPi-CamillaDSP

github.com

You can apply plenty of filters, save many configurations.
It is an extra device to have, but raspberry pi can be left always on, it consumes very little, less than 1W per hour, most likely your TV in standby consumes more. All settings are accessible and can be changed by a web GUI (so you can do that even from your mobile phone).

I can use it with every device? Even the ps5?

This looks really nice.

 

[Nicosea]

I can use it with every device? Even the ps5?

This looks really nice.

You can use this device with any usb source but you will need a USB splitter like this:

USB-C Data/Power Splitter

This adaptor allows the Raspberry Pi 4 to be used with an official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply (or 5V DC barrel jack) whilst allowing access to USB OTG data over a separate USB-C connection. The barrel jack accepts 5.5 mm plugs (2.1/2.5 pin) supplying 5V.

thepihut.com

So the raspberry pi4 or pi5 can receive audio input by usb and also power (the usb c port for power is the only usb port which can acts like host).
I do not think it will work with PS5 although, because PS5 accepts DACs only when connection is set to USB 1.0 protocol. Some DACs allow you to choose between USB 1.0 or 2.0

As an alternative, you can also give optical input to the raspberry thanks to this:
https://hifimediy.com/product/s2-digi/ (it has both in and out optical)
https://hifimediy.com/product/hifime-ur23-spdif-optical-to-usb-converter/ (this is cheaper, only optical in and usb out, but it is enough)
I have the first one and it works great. Capturing optical audio directly from the TV will allow you to enjoy not only movies, but also PS5 games with a PEQ.

Anyway, it will cost you some money, more than 100 euro in total, considering all the above and the raspberry.

As last alternative… a good one… and basically same money, you can buy the FiiO KA17: https://www.fiio.com/ka17
It sounds great to my hears (but no measurements available yet here) and it works with the PS5.
Plus:
- it has PEQ and the software works very well.
- the 3.5mm headphone jack also supports SPDIF output, letting you connect to external high-end DACs. So you can do a crazy thing: connect the dongle to the PS5 and this one by optical cable to the DX5 II, and the dongle will apply PEQ on the SPDIF, so to the DX5 II.

 

[Tano]

Is this Dac/Amp still recommended despite the bugs?

I'm on the hunt for a Dac/Am and there are quite a few bargains at the moment. I'm actually looking at the DX5 II, K13 R2R or the T71. I love the T71's fucntionality and PEQ. even thought about buying the RME adi-2 dac fs, but it may be a waste of money for my current usage. I will be mainly pairing it with the HD800.

I owned the DX5 II and had to sent it back because it was unusable due to random resets of the settings.

I've been using the T71 for almost 2 years and had 0 problems with it. The software and PEQ is miles better than Topping's.
I use it on a daily basis and it has plenty of power to drive the HD800s. So Id rather get the T71 and be at peace.

 

[Timbo2]

My experience with Topping Tune 1.09 and the 1.76 firmware has not been pleasant. The +12dB bug absolutely is not just in Topping Tune. It uploaded the incorrect PEQ profiles to my device and caused easily audible clipping.

I wasted 1.5 hours and reverted back to 1.08 and firmware 1.72. By far my worst experience with the device to date.

 

[Nicosea]

My experience with Topping Tune 1.09 and the 1.76 firmware has not been pleasant. The +12dB bug absolutely is not just in Topping Tune. It uploaded the incorrect PEQ profiles to my device and caused easily audible clipping.

I wasted 1.5 hours and reverted back to 1.08 and firmware 1.72. By far my worst experience with the device to date.

And again we are beta testers...

 

[SorenTyson]

For my fellow Linux users: I didn't manage to make topping tune configure the DAC using wine. I Setup a VM with win11 and that worked.

During all my years using Linux, I only needed Windows for Dirac and now topping tune

 

[magor34]

You can use this device with any usb source but you will need a USB splitter like this:

USB-C Data/Power Splitter

This adaptor allows the Raspberry Pi 4 to be used with an official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply (or 5V DC barrel jack) whilst allowing access to USB OTG data over a separate USB-C connection. The barrel jack accepts 5.5 mm plugs (2.1/2.5 pin) supplying 5V.

thepihut.com

So the raspberry pi4 or pi5 can receive audio input by usb and also power (the usb c port for power is the only usb port which can acts like host).
I do not think it will work with PS5 although, because PS5 accepts DACs only when connection is set to USB 1.0 protocol. Some DACs allow you to choose between USB 1.0 or 2.0

As an alternative, you can also give optical input to the raspberry thanks to this:
https://hifimediy.com/product/s2-digi/ (it has both in and out optical)
https://hifimediy.com/product/hifime-ur23-spdif-optical-to-usb-converter/ (this is cheaper, only optical in and usb out, but it is enough)
I have the first one and it works great. Capturing optical audio directly from the TV will allow you to enjoy not only movies, but also PS5 games with a PEQ.

Anyway, it will cost you some money, more than 100 euro in total, considering all the above and the raspberry.

As last alternative… a good one… and basically same money, you can buy the FiiO KA17: https://www.fiio.com/ka17
It sounds great to my hears (but no measurements available yet here) and it works with the PS5.
Plus:
- it has PEQ and the software works very well.
- the 3.5mm headphone jack also supports SPDIF output, letting you connect to external high-end DACs. So you can do a crazy thing: connect the dongle to the PS5 and this one by optical cable to the DX5 II, and the dongle will apply PEQ on the SPDIF, so to the DX5 II.

The DX5 II does allow you to change the USB Audio Class to 1.0 from the standard 2.0. So there shouldn't be any issue connecting it to a PS5.

 

[Lombrigas]

Hi everyone, I have a DO100 PRO SMSL, I discovered @JIW topic which allowed me to adjust the SMSL filter and there is really an evolution of the sound quality in FL4 position for those who followed this topic of label problems. On the other hand, the SMSL suffers from "POP" when no sound reaches it. So JIW pointed me to this Topping DX5 II which uses the same DAC. I still have 24 hours to return the SMSL and take the Topping. I wonder because if I take the Topping I will not bother like many here to adjust the PEQ, the Filter yes it is simple but that's all. Do you think it is a good idea to return it and switch to the Topping? I do not use headphones and the DAC is connected by Coax on a Wiim Pro Plus and by XLR on a Nuprime Sta9 on BW. Thank you very much to those who will have the time to answer me.

 

[Berwhale]

Hi everyone, I have a DO100 PRO SMSL, I discovered @JIW topic which allowed me to adjust the SMSL filter and there is really an evolution of the sound quality in FL4 position for those who followed this topic of label problems. On the other hand, the SMSL suffers from "POP" when no sound reaches it. So JIW pointed me to this Topping DX5 II which uses the same DAC. I still have 24 hours to return the SMSL and take the Topping. I wonder because if I take the Topping I will not bother like many here to adjust the PEQ, the Filter yes it is simple but that's all. Do you think it is a good idea to return it and switch to the Topping? I do not use headphones and the DAC is connected by Coax on a Wiim Pro Plus and by XLR on a Nuprime Sta9 on BW. Thank you very much to those who will have the time to answer me.

The DAC in the Wiim Pro Plus is already well into the excellent category. All the science and objective evidence says you are not going to be able to hear a difference between the internal DAC and any other DAC in the excellent category when tested under proper conditions. Send the DO100 back and spend the money on something else.

 

[Nicosea]

The DX5 II does allow you to change the USB Audio Class to 1.0 from the standard 2.0. So there shouldn't be any issue connecting it to a PS5.

Yes true, but the PEQ is not working ideally yet in the DX5 II, different bugs still open, depending on firmware version and Tune Topping version.

 

[jmdesignz2]

I'm shocked... I thought you were joking... but it's true .. T T saves 0.5 dB steps... what a joke... I honestly predict that in a few months EBAY will be full of DX5 II for $199, I still can't believe it

Really? In another thread several people are adamant that 96dB dynamic range is audibly the same as 144dB

In n this thread people are postulating a DAC is junk due to .4 dB step difference which I’d definitely say is inaudible lol

 

[Lombrigas]

Le DAC du Wiim Pro Plus est déjà bien dans la catégorie des excellents. Toutes les preuves scientifiques et objectives indiquent que vous ne pourrez pas entendre de différence entre le DAC interne et tout autre DAC de la catégorie excellente lorsqu'il sera testé dans des conditions appropriées. Renvoyez le DO100 et dépensez l’argent pour autre chose.

Thank you for your understanding, however there is indeed a difference the Wiim Pro DAC is less detailed and the channel separation is much better with the SMSL. But that does not answer my question which is: Is it that with simple parameters just the filter without PEQ the Topping achieves the same result ?

 

[dimon0869]

If that's your reaction whenever anyone tries to help you and others by explaining their own experience - then clearly you are. Good luck on your own.

How were you trying to help me personally by relaying obvious things expressed in the device's user manual? And that's exactly what I was trying to do before sending the device in for repair. I detailed in my post the verdicts reached by two service centers, but you recommend a firmware update, and then you even make a scene with insults! Are you a reasonable person? Think about it for a moment.

 

[JIW]

Hi everyone, I have a DO100 PRO SMSL, I discovered @JIW topic which allowed me to adjust the SMSL filter and there is really an evolution of the sound quality in FL4 position for those who followed this topic of label problems. On the other hand, the SMSL suffers from "POP" when no sound reaches it. So JIW pointed me to this Topping DX5 II which uses the same DAC. I still have 24 hours to return the SMSL and take the Topping. I wonder because if I take the Topping I will not bother like many here to adjust the PEQ, the Filter yes it is simple but that's all. Do you think it is a good idea to return it and switch to the Topping? I do not use headphones and the DAC is connected by Coax on a Wiim Pro Plus and by XLR on a Nuprime Sta9 on BW. Thank you very much to those who will have the time to answer me.

I would go with the Topping. I have contacted Topping about several issues and they have been responsive and fixed things fairly quickly. The PEQ is not something I use so I cannot comment on it since I do not read all the posts about it.

As to whether this will be an improvement over the Wiim requires at least a level matched test. Since the Wiim has an output level of just below 2 V RMS, i.e. 6 dBV, and both the DO100Pro and DX5 II have an output level of around 2.5 V RMS, i.e. 8 dBV, for the RCA and around 5 V RMS, i.e. 14 dBV, for the XLR, approximate level matching requires, that the output of the DO100Pro and DX5 II to be attenuated by 2 dB. On the DO100Pro, this is at 95 volume.

 

[JOCoin]

How were you trying to help me personally by relaying obvious things expressed in the device's user manual? And that's exactly what I was trying to do before sending the device in for repair. I detailed in my post the verdicts reached by two service centers, but you recommend a firmware update, and then you even make a scene with insults! Are you a reasonable person? Think about it for a moment.

He didn't even tag you in his post. It sounded like he was relaying a personal experience in the hope that it'd be helpful to someone in the same situation. I hope that you are able to find a solution, but you are completely overreacting.