Topping DX5 II

[somebodyelse]

I'm not so sure... The switch does not communicate with the host, so it is not a 'USB device'. So why would the USB device connection standards apply to it?

I wonder what the standards think about this type of thing...

View attachment 458547

From what I remember adapters like that, and A to A cables, were explicitly not allowed by the USB specification. They put a lot of effort in to make sure that it was near impossible to connect USB things incorrectly. A to A cables would allow people to connect two host ports, which won't work. If you need a non-compliant cable to use your product then there is something wrong with the product.

 

[Roland68]

From what I remember adapters like that, and A to A cables, were explicitly not allowed by the USB specification. They put a lot of effort in to make sure that it was near impossible to connect USB things incorrectly. A to A cables would allow people to connect two host ports, which won't work. If you need a non-compliant cable to use your product then there is something wrong with the product.

Such cables aren't prohibited; they just don't comply with USB-IF and can't be certified. The idea that such cables are prohibited is a myth.
However, A-A or AA cables have been used by manufacturers since USB 1.1 for special inter-device connections, control, firmware updates, etc. Often, they were simply used to prevent a device from being accidentally connected somewhere.
USB switches with USB A connectors on the input and output have been around for a long time; I had one in my hand 20 years ago.

Of course, such cables were never intended for host-to-host connections. If someone needs such an A-A cable, they should know exactly why and for what purpose.

Even reputable and certified manufacturers, such as Lindy and others, have always offered such cables, but of course, they were uncertified.

 

[Cacophony]

Hiya, I'm contemplating this unit or the D50 III, as I already have a JDS Atom Amp 2, but I'm seeing that the DX5 II has a bit worse frequency response chart, I wonder if that's signs of the DAC part being worse than the D50 III or am I reading into it too much.

 

[plant550]

Hiya, I'm contemplating this unit or the D50 III, as I already have a JDS Atom 2, but I'm seeing that the DX5 II has a bit worse frequency response chart, I wonder if that's signs of the DAC part being worse than the D50 III or am I reading into it too much.

I wouldn’t swap from the Atom 2, very good product.

 

[somebodyelse]

Such cables aren't prohibited; they just don't comply with USB-IF and can't be certified. The idea that such cables are prohibited is a myth.
However, A-A or AA cables have been used by manufacturers since USB 1.1 for special inter-device connections, control, firmware updates, etc. Often, they were simply used to prevent a device from being accidentally connected somewhere.
USB switches with USB A connectors on the input and output have been around for a long time; I had one in my hand 20 years ago.

Of course, such cables were never intended for host-to-host connections. If someone needs such an A-A cable, they should know exactly why and for what purpose.

Even reputable and certified manufacturers, such as Lindy and others, have always offered such cables, but of course, they were uncertified.

From page 86 of the USB 2.0 specification from 27-04-2000 - my bold on the prohibition:

6.4 Cable Assembly
This specification describes three USB cable assemblies: standard detachable cable, high-/full-speed
captive cable, and low-speed captive cable.
A standard detachable cable is a high-/full-speed cable that is terminated on one end with a Series “A” plug
and terminated on the opposite end with a series “B” plug. A high-/full-speed captive cable is terminated
on one end with a Series “A” plug and has a vendor-specific connect means (hardwired or custom
detachable) on the opposite end for the high-/full-speed peripheral. The low-speed captive cable is
terminated on one end with a Series “A” plug and has a vendor-specific connect means (hardwired or
custom detachable) on the opposite end for the low-speed peripheral. Any other cable assemblies are
prohibited.

Section 6.2 "Keyed Connector Protocol" covers the principle that Series A plugs always point upstream towards the host, and Series B plugs always point downstream towards the device.

 

[Roland68]

From page 86 of the USB 2.0 specification from 27-04-2000 - my bold on the prohibition:

Section 6.2 "Keyed Connector Protocol" covers the principle that Series A plugs always point upstream towards the host, and Series B plugs always point downstream towards the device.

We're probably talking past each other.
I've already mentioned that such cables are not approved according to USB-IF. But a ban can only be issued by a legislature, as with power cables, for example.
Otherwise, nobody cares, and it can't be taken seriously and can only be viewed as a recommendation of the standard.
The reality is very clear, for example with both USB and HDMI. If a manufacturer doesn't comply, the institution can't do anything about it.

The fact is that these cables and devices have been around for over 20 years, and nothing has been done about it. So what does that say?
And as I said, Lindy has always sold these "special cables" and they were one of the first certified companies. Nobody cared.

 

[ziggurcat]

Hiya, I'm contemplating this unit or the D50 III, as I already have a JDS Atom Amp 2, but I'm seeing that the DX5 II has a bit worse frequency response chart, I wonder if that's signs of the DAC part being worse than the D50 III or am I reading into it too much.

I don't think you're going to notice a ~0.2dB drop at 20kHz.

 

[Bleib]

I don't think you're going to notice a ~0.2dB drop at 20kHz.

Might not even be the most optimal filter used anyhow..

 

[Cacophony]

I don't think you're going to notice a ~0.2dB drop at 20kHz.

I'm aware, I was merely asking if it could be an indication of the DAC part being a downgrade vs D50 III. But I'm sure either way the differences will be inaudible.

 

[ziggurcat]

I'm aware, I was merely asking if it could be an indication of the DAC part being a downgrade vs D50 III. But I'm sure either way the differences will be inaudible.

The DX5 II and D50 III use the same dual ES9039Q2M chips, so I don't think there's any kind of downgrade there. I recognize that there's more to it than just the DAC chip, but still... IMO worst case is it's a lateral move rather than a downgrade. Plus, @Bleib mentioned that the filter used might not have been the most optimal one.

 

[somebodyelse]

We're probably talking past each other.

Indeed - I meant 'prohibited' in terms of the standard, not any national law. For those who don't use standards on a regular basis they often contain parts that are considered necessary (must/must not, required/prohibited) and parts that are optional or guidance (should/should not, may/may not). The wording that they use to distinguish between these is usually defined early in the standard. The USB-IF may be able to use trademark law depending on jurisdiction and whether any of their logos were used, but so far as I'm aware they haven't. Customers may also have a claim for a misleading product description depending on local consumer protection laws. HDMI is trickier (patents, HDCP etc.) and further off topic.

 

[karsuschang]

Got my dx5ii yesterday, and equipped it to my working place this morning, really pretty. and i encountered a weird bug that i think i can share.
the panel on the device shows the sample rate is 48khz however on my topping usb audio device control panel and windows devices panel boths show the sample rate is 44.1khz, this cause noticeable distortion on high notes, for example when i hear adele's song it's obviously different from my old dx5.
the customer service sent me the latest firmware, but i found i don't need it because the lastest firmware 1.32 is already on the device, yes the firmware shown on the topping usb control panel's info page is wrong which shows the revision is 1.25.
but after restart the dx5 ii, the sample rate is correct now, and the playback is good now.
i don't think this is common but to anyone may encounter the same sample rate dismatch problem, restart the device.

 

[Roland68]

Got my dx5ii yesterday, and equipped it to my working place this morning, really pretty. and i encountered a weird bug that i think i can share.
the panel on the device shows the sample rate is 48khz however on my topping usb audio device control panel and windows devices panel boths show the sample rate is 44.1khz, this cause noticeable distortion on high notes, for example when i hear adele's song it's obviously different from my old dx5.
the customer service sent me the latest firmware, but i found i don't need it because the lastest firmware 1.32 is already on the device, yes the firmware shown on the topping usb control panel's info page is wrong which shows the revision is 1.25.
but after restart the dx5 ii, the sample rate is correct now, and the playback is good now.
i don't think this is common but to anyone may encounter the same sample rate dismatch problem, restart the device.

Even if the firmware version is the same, changes may be present. Many manufacturers are very negligent when it comes to maintaining and cataloging firmware versions.

I don't even want to ask what you do with the wet wipes at work , but you shouldn't put them on warm devices or surfaces. They can dry out and bacteria can form very quickly, and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye can be one of the consequences.

 

[karsuschang]

Even if the firmware version is the same, changes may be present. Many manufacturers are very negligent when it comes to maintaining and cataloging firmware versions.

I don't even want to ask what you do with the wet wipes at work , but you shouldn't put them on warm devices or surfaces. They can dry out and bacteria can form very quickly, and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye can be one of the consequences.

oh, they're not wet, just normal dry tissues with bags, it may add some difficutly to the device's cooling system, but my old dx5 is good with them, i think dx5ii can handle it too.

 

[Palladium]

Far from what standard? I been using a UGreen USB switch for 5 years to share peripherals between my home and work PCs. I've never had any issues with it.

Amazon.co.uk

Almost all KVM switches include USB switching as USB has been the standard for keyboards and mice for many years. Are you suggesting these should be avoided as well? (I'll admit that some of the early USB KVMs could be a little flaky, but that was a couple of decades ago!)

*edit* 5 years sounds a bit vague, it's actually 5 years and 1 day

View attachment 458473

I encounter Aten KVM switches at work and even those ~$2000 4-port DVI ones are already somewhat flaky working with only KB/M and touchscreen USB inputs.

You would expect something that expensive to be 100% bulletproof at the basics, but no. And the build quality and styling makes the cheapest Topping product look like a masterpiece.

 

[Berwhale]

I encounter Aten KVM switches at work and even those ~$2000 4-port DVI ones are already somewhat flaky working with only KB/M and touchscreen USB inputs.

You would expect something that expensive to be 100% bulletproof at the basics, but no. And the build quality and styling makes the cheapest Topping product look like a masterpiece.

I've also found Aten to be flaky, I think they are cheap for a reason. Adder are much better, but also more expensive.

 

[sportklotz33]

The Little White arrived today.

 

[sportklotz33]

Now - it's sitting on my desk. Looks beautiful in white.
And here is my first question when I try to connect my iPhone via Bluetooth. Is there anything I am missing, since it's not delivering output on the 6.35mm Jack.
I read the manual, I read the quick setup guide, but there is no sound coming out of the little box

Checked my headphones (Audeze LCD-03) on my Lotoo Paw S1 to be sure nothing is broken, and there is sound.

So what am I missing? Any ideas?

**Edit: Ok so forget what I wrote. I forgot to turn of aptX** *facepalm*

 

[JOCoin]

I received my order a few days ago. After some listening I really cannot shake the feeling that my d50 iii and a50 iii sounds much better than the DX5 ii does through both its single ended and balanced HP out. I know from lurking on here for years that this is unlikely. I'd love to try to set up a blind test. Is it possible to volume match both devices with a multimeter? If not, is there an easy way to volume match devices? Almost think my DX5 ii is faulty. *edited to fix typos*

 

[Bow_Wazoo]

I suspect that the probability of being abducted by aliens is greater, than the existence of a difference in sound...