Topping DX5 II

[Hoeksel]

When I selected my head phone for this DAC, the planar Dan Clark Audio Noire X and Audeze LCD-2 Closed sounded horrible (high gain). The DX5 II had no control whatsoever. The RME ADI-2-DAC was fine running both. Not sure if it is related, I am a n00b for head phones, but my limited experience tells me the DX5 II does not work with planar (only on paper).

 

[cjmanar]

When my unit burned I would experience this only on balanced HPA output and only higher volume, starting at -26db or so on high gain, which only planars would take without destroying my ears. At lower volume there was no distortion.

I second this. Though mine's acting up on comfortable listening levels. But on lower volume, there's none.

 

[rafaunivega]

When I selected my head phone for this DAC, the planar Dan Clark Audio Noire X and Audeze LCD-2 Closed sounded horrible (high gain). The DX5 II had no control whatsoever. The RME ADI-2-DAC was fine running both. Not sure if it is related, I am a n00b for head phones, but my limited experience tells me the DX5 II does not work with planar (only on paper).

Dan Clark Audio Noire X it's rated at 13ohm flat impedance, needs high current on low gain.
Audeze LCD-2 Closed it's rated at 70ohm, try low gain to see if you can achieve the desired listening volume.

 

[Captain Thunderpants]

Dan Clark Audio Noire X it's rated at 13ohm flat impedance, needs high current on low gain
Audeze LCD-2 Closed it's rated at 70ohm, try low gain to see if you can achieve the desired listening volume.

Does low gain provide more current for low impedance load?

 

[Hoeksel]

Unable to re-try, was during the listening session. Bought a non-Planar and happy with the combo. For my next purchase I really need to update my physics knowledge and understand the physics of head phones. But this if for > 5 years (my use time for electronics).

 

[Timbo2]

When I selected my head phone for this DAC, the planar Dan Clark Audio Noire X and Audeze LCD-2 Closed sounded horrible (high gain). The DX5 II had no control whatsoever. The RME ADI-2-DAC was fine running both. Not sure if it is related, I am a n00b for head phones, but my limited experience tells me the DX5 II does not work with planar (only on paper).

Counterpoint - it's worked fine for six month with my Dan Clark AEON RT headphones. Through multiple, multiple firmware revisions.

I don't hot-plug with music playing, but I don't shut it off when plugging or un-plugging either. That issue that phono style plugs briefly short while being inserted and removed is pretty well understood. I'd be surprised if Topping didn't consider that in the design of the device, but I have nothing to support that hypothesis.

 

[Captain Thunderpants]

I'd be surprised if Topping didn't consider that in the design of the device, but I have nothing to support that hypothesis.

Never had any issue on any device with 4.4, but this one didn't survive. I guess they did the math (probably wrong) and thought what excluding the protection will lower the cost enough to cover the loss. Or simply blame the "user error" and reject the warranty.

 

[knevgen]

Did anyone experienced issues with XLR output?
2m XLR to 2x3.5 is the balanced cable with fastest delivery i found so far.
I do not plan to populate multiple outputs and switch headphones on the fly.

 

[ziggurcat]

Did anyone experienced issues with XLR output?
2m XLR to 2x3.5 is the balanced cable with fastest delivery i found so far.
I do not plan to populate multiple outputs and switch headphones on the fly.

AFAIK, there are no known reported issues with the 4-pin XLR headphone output.

 

[Timbo2]

Did anyone experienced issues with XLR output?
2m XLR to 2x3.5 is the balanced cable with fastest delivery i found so far.
I do not plan to populate multiple outputs and switch headphones on the fly.

XLR and 4.4mm are connected electrically. No difference which you use.

If you are concerned about about the 4.4mm shorting when inserting or removing it would be preferred. All the data I've found on the XLR is that it is rated for roughly 4X less connection/disconnection cycles. In actual use who knows?

If it's easier / cheaper to go with XLR that's what I do.

 

[knevgen]

If it's easier / cheaper to go with XLR that's what I do.

Exactly.
I would not need to reconnect the headphones in foreseeable future.
I suppose, for 8 ohm Moondrop Para it is preferable to select low gain?

 

[Ahmonge]

Does low gain provide more current for low impedance load?

No

 

[Timbo2]

Exactly.
I would not need to reconnect the headphones in foreseeable future.
I suppose, for 8 ohm Moondrop Para it is preferable to select low gain?

Start with low gain and see. It's arguably less distortion. If it doesn't play loudly enough use high gain.

 

[Captain Thunderpants]

No

My thoughts exactly. Then I don't understand the point.

 

[dtaylo1066]

The glitches mentioned concern me. Otherwise, this is a stellar looking offering for the price.

Run a low price WiiM into this and you have all you need.

 

[alexspl]

It's been a month since I've received my unit and have been driving a pair of Audeze LCD-X using it, via the 4pin XLR output.
I've managed to read through the last tens of pages and all I have to say is that I hope nothing breaks if I keep (only) them plugged in and listen to everything ranging from metal to hiphop, at slightly below concert level volumes.

my limited experience tells me the DX5 II does not work with planar (only on paper).

Well I can debunk that theory and say that it does work well with planars. Even with a good 8-9db peak in the lower bass region (with according negative pre-amp).
So it's definitely not an all-planar problem for the DX5 II.

I'm connecting it directly via USB to a macbook and using Tidal.

There is however the issue with slightly audible cracklings when adjusting the volume (when you're already on a high volume) through a quiet segment of a song.
Doesn't seem that it's something fixable via software update tho.

 

[Mutex]

Contacted with Topping and they confirmed a malfunction in some initial batches that can cause this scenario

Did they disclose the cutoff batch number range, up to which this could be an issue?

 

[knevgen]

Mine unit came with 1.87 firmware (or something like that)
I updated it to the latest 2.07
I have a question regarding Topping Tune app.
It says PEQ only works with 192 khz sampling rate max.
Is this only from software? Say, if i upload the PEQ into the unit itself - can i then just use whatever sampling rate?
Is there any benifit at all compared to using equalizer APO from windows and set EQ from there?
Thank you.

 

[Berwhale]

It says PEQ only works with 192 khz sampling rate max.
Is this only from software? Say, if i upload the PEQ into the unit itself - can i then just use whatever sampling rate?

My understanding is that the 192khz is a limitation of the DSP, i.e. it applies to whatever source you are using and wherever the PEQ settings are stored.

Is there any benifit at all compared to using equalizer APO from windows and set EQ from there?

You can set the DX5 II to switch PEQ automatically using the PEQ memory feature. My PEQ memory is set to track the output selection, so it applies the correct PEQ for my headphones and my monitors when I switch between them (using the volume button).

I had to get quite creative to build a similar capability with my EX5 and eAPO... https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...te-or-any-other-ir-remote.36869/#post-1297243

 

[ziggurcat]

Mine unit came with 1.87 firmware (or something like that)
I updated it to the latest 2.07
I have a question regarding Topping Tune app.
It says PEQ only works with 192 khz sampling rate max.
Is this only from software? Say, if i upload the PEQ into the unit itself - can i then just use whatever sampling rate?
Is there any benifit at all compared to using equalizer APO from windows and set EQ from there?
Thank you.

Just to add a bit to what @Berwhale said -- the new cross feed feature is also limited to 48kHz, so if you decide to use cross feed as well, the DSP being limited to 192kHz is moot.