Topping DX5 II

[Skolsj]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently using a Topping DX5 II as my DAC/amp paired with Edifier MR4 active speakers. The DX5 II provides both RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced) line outputs, and since it uses dual ES9039Q2M DAC chips, I was wondering whether the balanced output might offer any advantage because each channel could potentially be handled separately by each DAC chip.

Another thing I'm experimenting with is the line-out mode. The DX5 II allows switching between DAC mode (fixed output) and Preamp mode (variable output). I noticed that the perceived dynamics of the speakers seem to depend quite a bit on how the volume is distributed between the DAC and the speakers themselves. When the speaker volume is set too low, the sound sometimes feels less lively, as if the dynamics are not fully coming through.

This made me wonder if there is some kind of general guideline or best practice for gain staging in this type of setup.

For example, would it be better to:

• use Preamp mode on the DAC,
• set the speaker volume somewhere around 12–2 o’clock,
• and then control listening volume mainly from the DAC?

In other words, I'm trying to find the optimal balance between the analog signal level coming from the DAC and the minimum gain level where the speaker amplifier starts performing optimally.

Is there a commonly recommended approach for this, especially when pairing a desktop DAC like the DX5 II with active speakers such as the MR4?

 

[mlmnt]

Problem after update 2.07. Display - Auto.
When the music is paused, the display turns on and does not turn off after the music is played. Before the first pause, it turned off after 30 seconds.

 

[DEALUX]

Does anyone know if the Topping store ships from the EU or China for orders made in the EU?

 

[somebodyelse]

I'm currently using a Topping DX5 II as my DAC/amp paired with Edifier MR4 active speakers. The DX5 II provides both RCA (single-ended) and XLR (balanced) line outputs, and since it uses dual ES9039Q2M DAC chips, I was wondering whether the balanced output might offer any advantage because each channel could potentially be handled separately by each DAC chip.

For domestic use the real advantage of balanced interconnects is to avoid ground related noise issues (assuming neither end has a 'Pin 1 Problem' which sadly isn't a given). There isn't usually enough interference in a domestic situation for that aspect to be an issue. For distortion levels the implementation usually outweighs the theoretical differences, so you would have to measure to know which was better. In short unless you hear hum, buzz or 'USB noises' stop worrying and listen to the music.

Another thing I'm experimenting with is the line-out mode. The DX5 II allows switching between DAC mode (fixed output) and Preamp mode (variable output). I noticed that the perceived dynamics of the speakers seem to depend quite a bit on how the volume is distributed between the DAC and the speakers themselves. When the speaker volume is set too low, the sound sometimes feels less lively, as if the dynamics are not fully coming through.

This is most likely a combination of sighted tests and not accurately matching the output levels. The thing most likely to genuinely change is the level of hiss. With most actives that's lower when the source level is relatively high and the sensitivity at the speaker turned down, but it does depend on the implementation and I don't know if it applies to the MR4s.

 

[Bleib]

Does anyone know if the Topping store ships from the EU or China for orders made in the EU?

Well, mine came from China. But no additional toll, import fees etc
But I might be among the luckier ones

 

[Ahmonge]

Is there a commonly recommended approach for this, especially when pairing a desktop DAC like the DX5 II with active speakers such as the MR4?

If the audio chain has several volume controls available and the last one is analogue, I set the digital ones to 100% and control the volume in the analogue domain.

For example: Qobuz on iPad (digital volume) > Topping D30 Pro (DAC, digital volume) > Topping A30 Pro (HP amplifier, analogue volume). I set all the digital volume controls to 100% and control the volume on the A20 Pro.

I have no complaints about the result.

 

[Esp3n89]

Any luck with this? Would be a fantastic feature to be able to use før and rca preamp outputs as crossover for speakers and subwoofer

It says this:

"All outputs can be independently configured with PEQ, allowing for precise adjustments for both headphones and speakers." so I will tr

 

[staticV3]

Any luck with this? Would be a fantastic feature to be able to use før and rca preamp outputs as crossover for speakers and subwoofer

The DX5II only has two channels of DA conversion.

It can only output two distinct signals simultaneously.

L + R + LFE is not possible.

 

[jmdesignz2]

The DX5II only has two channels of DA conversion.

It can only output two distinct signals simultaneously.

L + R + LFE is not possible.

The A70 PRO can and does output to ALL Line Outs, two sets of XLR, two sets of RCA

I use one of the RCA outs to send a signal to the THX15" Monolith Sub. The set of XLR send signal to the MonoBlock Buckeye NCX500s

 

[staticV3]

The A70 PRO can and does output to ALL Line Outs, two sets of XLR, two sets of RCA

As does the DX5II.

But RCA and XLR always carry the same signal, and that's the point.

@Esp3n89 would like to high-pass the XLR output and low-pass the RCA output using Topping Tune, and that's just not possible due to there being only two DA channels.

 

[Bleib]

New firmware

DX5 II version V2.10 firmware update - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

V2.10 (February 27, 2026)

*Fixed: After clicking Feedback Configuration with the right button on the remote control, only the Home button responded while the up/down keys and knob did not work.
*Fixed: After standby, residual image information could be seen on the screen when exposed to strong light.
*Fixed: Rare issue where the Bluetooth name incorrectly displayed as DX5 II AT+SLBN=DX5.
*Fixed: Occasional parameter saving changes after waking up from standby.
*Fixed several known issues.

 

[DEALUX]

New firmware

DX5 II version V2.10 firmware update - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

V2.10 (February 27, 2026)

*Fixed: After clicking Feedback Configuration with the right button on the remote control, only the Home button responded while the up/down keys and knob did not work.
*Fixed: After standby, residual image information could be seen on the screen when exposed to strong light.
*Fixed: Rare issue where the Bluetooth name incorrectly displayed as DX5 II AT+SLBN=DX5.
*Fixed: Occasional parameter saving changes after waking up from standby.
*Fixed several known issues.

I wonder if you can update it the same way on Linux. It doesn't seem like it shouldn't work.

 

[Claus_J]

I wonder if you can update it the same way on Linux. It doesn't seem like it shouldn't work.

I updated it using a Laptop running Linux Mint.

 

[Raider]

does anyone run low impedance HIFIMANs on it ? is it shutting down ?

 

[jmdesignz2]

does anyone run low impedance HIFIMANs on it ? is it shutting down ?

I used my Edition XS and sounds ok. But far prefer the sound through my A70 PRO fed by the DX5II

 

[Raider]

I used my Edition XS and sounds ok. But far prefer the sound through my A70 PRO fed by the DX5II

my god thats 17W per channel
thats like simple maths - more power - more quality

 

[Mario1969]

does anyone run low impedance HIFIMANs on it ? is it shutting down ?

He1000, Ananda Nano, Audeze LCD-X.... no problem at all

 

[Raider]

any alternatives to DX5 ? because there arent any in my country

 

[Viper780]

any alternatives to DX5 ? because there arent any in my country

Depends on your requirements
Luxsin X8 would be my upgrade (just for the look and better haptic)

 

[Captain Thunderpants]

Depends on your requirements
Luxsin X8 would be my upgrade (just for the look and better haptic)

In that price range - FIIO K15 or K17