Topping DX5 II

[Azathoth]

Not all: the RME ADI-2 DAC has a hybrid gain + digital attenuation that maximizes SINAD through all volume levels. An amazing feature.
See here.

From my understanding this is about the distortion levels, but it doesn't say anything about the channel imbalance that I used to hear with potentiometers and whatnot. I guess digital volume control still does that better when it comes to maintaining channel balance at lower volumes?

 

[ziggurcat]

My order got processed and charged a few hours afterwards, i thought it meant that they would ship it directly after. But guess i was wrong
With that info i would probably also wait and see who gets it in stock first

I just saw that Amazon now has the DX5 II available from the usual sellers - earliest shipping says 2-3 weeks from Aoshida audio. The one from Shenzhen says August as the shipping, so I might just place an order with them since I won't get charged mid-July at the earliest (I think).

Plus, it will be so much easier to deal with returning it if it happens to be defective upon arrival.

 

[Berwhale]

Hmm... Yah, I love my ADI-2 DAC FS + DCA E3 but I'd like to get a smaller DAC + amp for use on a small table next to my sofa.

I bought an E1DA PowerDac V2.1 due to E1DA's great reputation, but it gets very very hot and drains my phone's battery like crazy.

So I thought of getting a plug-in DAC+amp that would connect to my phone via Bluetooth.

The DX5 II sounded like a great idea, but then again it's almost the same size as the ADI-2 DAC FS and hasn't been objectively reviewed yet.

Any other comparable devices I should be considering?

Thanks

You could just buy a USB-C audio and power adapter like this... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Earphone-Connector-compatible-Converter/dp/B0CC8D6HCT/

 

[Matias]

From my understanding this is about the distortion levels, but it doesn't say anything about the channel imbalance that I used to hear with potentiometers and whatnot. I guess digital volume control still does that better when it comes to maintaining channel balance at lower volumes?

Absolutely does, digital attenuation is perfect to both channels, usually 32 bit precision etc. Though to be fair the gain levels of ADI-2 are also also pretty much levelled, so both solutions are balanced, contrary to analog pots.

 

[Bleib]

You know exactly how much to turn down. Just do the math. (How much dbs between 4 and 5 volts). Some websites have online calculator.

Yes dac performs better the higher it goes because you have greater SNR. But SNR doesn’t matter in your case, if your amp’s input noise is greater than DAC noise. If you don’t hear noise when connecting amp to your dac then it’s a non issue.

No, it's not known exactly. I've gone over numerous reviews and it's not the same steps down with every product

 

[audiofun]

No, it's not known exactly. I've gone over numerous reviews and it's not the same steps down with every product

topping uses db for volume attenuation. it's definitely known.

 

[Zoide]

You could just buy a USB-C audio and power adapter like this... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headphone-Earphone-Connector-compatible-Converter/dp/B0CC8D6HCT/

Thanks, but I wanted to keep the tangle of cables and devices to a minimum.

Thus why Bluetooth streaming to the DX5 II is appealing. But then again it hasn't been reviewed yet and it's rather large for the tiny table next to my sofa (similar to the RME)...

 

[ziggurcat]

Thus why Bluetooth streaming to the DX5 II is appealing. But then again it hasn't been reviewed yet ...

I can't imagine the DX5 II measuring any less stellar than their other DAC/HPAs

 

[VonV3in]

Absolutely does, digital attenuation is perfect to both channels, usually 32 bit precision etc. Though to be fair the gain levels of ADI-2 are also also pretty much levelled, so both solutions are balanced, contrary to analog pots.

Mans is any problem with that dac/amp (topping)? i changed my mind from rme adi 2 dac but dont bought yet, im not master in technicalities reading someone recommend me adi, and someone advise me againts adi its 1:1 im chosing. price of topping is pretty well and rme has some years, but i dont know what is good choice. Any advise?

 

[Berwhale]

Thanks, but I wanted to keep the tangle of cables and devices to a minimum.

Thus why Bluetooth streaming to the DX5 II is appealing. But then again it hasn't been reviewed yet and it's rather large for the tiny table next to my sofa (similar to the RME)...

The SMSL M500 MK III springs to mind. It has a narrow chassis which might suit your use case, but it's quite expensive compared to it's more recent peers in terms of performance... https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/smsl-m500-mkiii-dac-amp-review.38209/

 

[Matias]

Mans is any problem with that dac/amp (topping)? i changed my mind from rme adi 2 dac but dont bought yet, im not master in technicalities reading someone recommend me adi, and someone advise me againts adi its 1:1 im chosing. price of topping is pretty well and rme has some years, but i dont know what is good choice. Any advise?

Let's wait and see the reviews and 1st buyers if DX5 II to get more information, should help decide.

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

The first units are apparently on their way.
My order has been shipped.

 

[Nezil]

Mine too… now the wait, and apprehension re. import duties!

 

[ziggurcat]

The first units are apparently on their way.
My order has been shipped.

Mine too… now the wait, and apprehension re. import duties!

I think I'll be able to order one tomorrow

 

[SubcrewJimmy]

Sitting on my table now

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

This is a truly delightful photo. The choice of subject, perspective, and color representation are quite appealing.

But people want to hear first impressions of technical nature.

Something like: I connected a 12 Ohm Planar and turned it up with EDM all the way up.
No DC protection.,

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

This is a truly delightful photo. The choice of subject, perspective, and color representation are quite appealing.

But people want to hear first impressions of technical nature.

Something like: I connected a 12 Ohm Planar and turned it up with EDM all the way up.
No DC protection.,

You have to be first.
I'm pretty sure not many listen as loud as you

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

View attachment 457258

But to be honest I'm planing to order DX5 II in the couple of the next days.
From planars I have currently HE400se and XK Audio Serene (same driver as Susvara)
And I like to listen EDM from time to time - so maybe I'll give you some answers

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

I can still remember the A90 turning off at the LCD-5...