Topping DX5 II

[kannan]

Is there a way to reduce the output voltage in DAC mode. This feature of 4 or 5 volt option is there on the Topping D50 iii but cannot see it on the DX5

 

[Sturker]

Mine started with the left channel low freq distortion today. Only a week old. Going back tomorrow. Is Fiio the better choice for a headphone amp to drive somewhat harder to drive headphones?
Also, distortion is across both single ended and balanced jacks and also across three pairs of headphones while using two different sources to DX5 ii on different inputs as well.

 

[ziggurcat]

Is there a way to reduce the output voltage in DAC mode. This feature of 4 or 5 volt option is there on the Topping D50 iii but cannot see it on the DX5

There is no option to choose 4v or 5v mode on the DX5 II.

 

[kannan]

There is no option to choose 4v or 5v mode on the DX5 II.

Mailed Topping. Let me see if they can do it with a firmware upgrade

 

[Bleib]

Mailed Topping. Let me see if they can do it with a firmware upgrade

I did once, they only asked why it was needed basically. I didn't reply again because they still don't seem to understand how to properly do their products
It's odd, they understood it for D50 III but basically already forgot it to their next product

 

[kannan]

I did once, they only asked why it was needed basically. I didn't reply again because they still don't seem to understand how to properly do their products
It's odd, they understood it for D50 III but basically already forgot it to their next product

It is ridiculous. One can put in preamp mode and attenuate to a lower output, but switching from pure DAC mode to preamp mode when you have another preamp in the chain or active speakers like me (with preamp not defeatable) is a very poor way to implement and will introduce some noise in the chain.

 

[kannan]

The D50 iii sounds much more sublime than thr dx5 when D50 is set to 4 volts output. The reason for getting the dx5 was so that I can have a single box solution for both stereo and headphones. Now looks like I have to shunt out the dx5 and get the Topping A50 iii

 

[staticV3]

The D50 iii sounds much more sublime than thr dx5 when D50 is set to 4 volts output.

Right up until you listen level-matched and blind, then the two sound indistinguishable

 

[Bleib]

Right up until you listen level-matched and blind, then the two sound indistinguishable

Yes, they should be very, very, very identical if both are level-matched and don't have the worst filters used

 

[kannan]

Right up until you listen level-matched and blind, then the two sound indistinguishable

I can put it in preamp mode gain match and listen. As you said it could be indistinguishable.
But it is not an ideal way to do it.
But will defenitely give it a try.

Thanks

That said it should not be a big deal for Topping to implent the option via a firmware.

 

[Bleib]

That said it should not be a big deal for Topping to implent the option via a firmware.

Exactly. And even shut down the LCD panel fully in standby. The backlight is killed but the LCD part can be seen with a very close by flashlight

 

[jareinertson]

sources.

I'll be bringing it along when I try a couple of open back headphones later this

Don't think MQA costs extra for the consumer these days
FIR is also built in into the chip, it doesn't add addition costs other than implementing them in the firmware, quite easy work

RAW MDA1 is without PEQ and already has a similar price, same DAC..so there's not really much to save here

'SMSL RAW-MDA 1 DAC & Headphone Amp Review'

Aug 19, 2024

This is a review and detailed measurements of the SMSL RAW-MDA 1 stereo DAC and headphone amplifier. It was sent to me by SMSL and it is a collaboration with Shenzehenaudio (available elsewhere as well) and is on sale for $246.

The first thing I noticed was the much more polished display. It is also quite responsive to rotary control. If you click it in, you get the standard SMSL menu system that is functional and easy to use, albeit not as pretty. Back panel shows addition of more inputs:

We nicely have internal power supply and balanced outputs -- two...

• amirm
• Replies: 846
• Forum: Combination Audio DAC and Headphone Amplifiers

• 

MDA1 might be more suitable for those who need more digital inputs. But overall I think DX5 II is the better option

However my MDA1 has operated without any issue or firmware requirements since new.

 

[Bleib]

However my MDA1 has operated without any issue or firmware requirements since new.

Well yes, I haven't needed for DX5 II either, I've experienced no bugs personally. SMSL tends to not to release much of any firmwares at all, let alone document what the firmwares fix.
I'd still say DX5 II, now with crossfeed it adds even more value

Edit: I had the DC issue being overaggressive when it was implemented. Now set on high it has functioned for a long period of time
My main complaint about Topping products have been fixed, the remote is responsive. I'd still want direct buttons for BT, RCA, Balanced and headphones though

 

[ziggurcat]

The D50 iii sounds much more sublime than thr dx5 when D50 is set to 4 volts output. The reason for getting the dx5 was so that I can have a single box solution for both stereo and headphones. Now looks like I have to shunt out the dx5 and get the Topping A50 iii

I'm definitely not arguing against adding it as an option (I agree with you, in fact), but I've never quite understood what specific scenario where you'd use 4v vs. 5v output, and what the benefits of using 4v would be over 5v, and how would you know to use 4v over 5v?

I'm also curious about the polarity setting on the DX5 II. In what scenario would you reverse the polarity?

 

[kannan]

In 4 volt fixed mode, SE (RCA) output will be the industry standard of 2 volts and in 5 volt about 2.5 to 2.6 volts which can overdrive the preamp stage.
I am not saying that it can happen in all the chains, but 2 volt is the best bet as companies adhere to this input standard while designing single ended preamp.

 

[jareinertson]

Ok it makes sense. Thank you both of you.
Why is channel balance typically common with speakers? Is it because of the different acoustics from left to right in a room?
Having speakers at home seems to be significantly more challenging to set up than headphones. I believe placement is crucial, as acoustic considerations also play a role.

Correct! Room acoustics and speaker room interactions are significant factors for loudspeakers. Most(?) listeners do not have acoustically perfect rooms… so a little help from PEQ is great.

 

[kannan]

Correct! Room acoustics and speaker room interactions are significant factors for loudspeakers. Most(?) listeners do not have acoustically perfect rooms… so a little help from PEQ is great.

PEQ has to be applied judiciously as it can also alter the phase of the signal. I think in DX5, you can apply individually to each channel, meaning there is greater control.

 

[jareinertson]

PEQ has to be applied judiciously as it can also alter the phase of the signal. I think in DX5, you can apply individually to each channel, meaning there is greater control.

Indeed, judiciously applied. I use a WiiM Pro+ to provide room correction and it works great to address my primary room challenges.

 

[tccalvin]

PEQ has to be applied judiciously as it can also alter the phase of the signal. I think in DX5, you can apply individually to each channel, meaning there is greater control.

Minimum Phase EQ is phase shift:

The reasoning behind using EQ to correct frequency response is that once the signal has hit your speakers/room or headphones it's going to get massive phase shift anyway, so you might as well use it to your advantage.

 

[Tassadar]

Hello folks, I'm thinking if buy a new dx5 II! Are the problems I'm reading just software related are both hardware related and it's better to wait a while before buying?