Topping DX5 II

[Madragon]

"each output" means each output option in settings (ALL, HPA ALL, LO ALL, HPA SE, HPA BAL, LO SE, LO BAL) . So you can only have one PEQ active at a time which is applied to all currently active outputs (e.g. with LO ALL both line-outs are active with same PEQ) and when you change output option then PEQ will also change.

(Alternatively you can make PEQ follow input to have independent PEQ for each input.)

Thank you very much for the explanation. I'm glad I asked here before buying it. It's still a good device, hopefully they fix the issues.

 

[audiofun]

Thank you very much for the explanation. I'm glad I asked here before buying it. It's still a good device, hopefully they fix the issues.

This limitation is not fixable. All outputs are playing the same stereo signals.

 

[respice finem]

This limitation is not fixable. All outputs are playing the same stereo signals.

So, if I switch from loudspeakers to headphones, I have to switch the EQ profile manually?

 

[Madragon]

This limitation is not fixable. All outputs are playing the same stereo signals.

I was referring to the issues that were mentioned about PEQ saving and DC protection, among other things, not to what I asked. It’s clear that the topic I asked about is not a flaw in the product.

 

[ziggurcat]

Sorry, but I disagree. I had before a DAC&AMP, and I changed it for the Topping because of the PEQ. The PEQ does not work, and this is a (the?) key feature of this device.

They are going to release a fix for this very soon, so relax.

 

[ziggurcat]

For sure.
However... if you go to the Topping Store (https://www.topping.store/products/topping-dx5-ii-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-combo) it does NOT mention the temporarily not available feature. Indeed it is used as a selling argument.
Moreover, if you open the FAQ section at the bottom, you can read: "Yes. The DX5 II supports volume memory and saves PEQ settings, so when you turn it back on, your previous adjustments are automatically restored for both headphone and preamp modes."
"Supports" is a wrong word here. It should be "will support"

Or am I, as a buyer, obliged to read 60 pages of this forum before buying?

1. The feature is not temporarily unavailable
2. It's in the FAQ because it's still a feature of the device
3. Just because there's a bug right now, it doesn't mean it's not supported

a) this is a minor bug. It's not, it's a missing distinctive feature.
b) I should inform myself about what works and what not. The Topping store does not mention this missing feature

It's not a missing feature.

 

[Dandelion]

I don’t know what you guys have been looking for but it seems like some people here are actually looking for an audio interface and/or a mixer instead of a converter and headphones amp. Like it’s a $300 product that does signal conversion and headphones preamp and does it pretty well, and then sure it has a bunch of ports, it has dsd support, bluetooth, an output connection to route the converted audio to another device, it has a toy eq to shape the output, etc… but like people here want this thing to also multiply the signal, route it with each output being independent, each with a different eq instance simultaneously and different amplification level, and while we’re at it should also order dinner and make coffee… oh it doesn’t do all this?! Oh my god this product is terrible then! Like… C’mon Messrs Sirs! You guys know in the professional world we pay $5000 just for an analog 5 band parametric eq (intrinsically single instance) right?

 

[ziggurcat]

So, if I switch from loudspeakers to headphones, I have to switch the EQ profile manually?

Yes and no. You can save separate presets for headphones and speakers using the remotes (the C1 and C2 buttons).. If you don't save any presets, then you do have to manually change the EQ profile in the DAC, I think.

edit: That being said, I can try it on my D50 III later today, but it might be that the PEQ profile doesn't change with different presets, which would mean that you would have to manually change it whenever you switch.

Edit 2: @respice finem I can now confirm that you can create two different EQ profiles (one for headphones, one for speakers), and save them as presets (C1 and C2 on the remote), and it will use the correct PEQ profile when you select the presets on the remote. So no need to manually change the profile each time.

 

[Sokel]

I don’t know what you guys have been looking for but it seems like some people here are actually looking for an audio interface and/or a mixer instead of a converter and headphones amp. Like it’s a $300 product that does signal conversion and headphones preamp and does it pretty well, and then sure it has a bunch of ports, it has dsd support, bluetooth, an output connection to route the converted audio to another device, it has a toy eq to shape the output, etc… but like people here want this thing to also multiply the signal, route it with each output being independent, each with a different eq instance simultaneously and different amplification level, and while we’re at it should also order dinner and make coffee… oh it doesn’t do all this?! Oh my god this product is terrible then! Like… C’mon Messrs Sirs! You guys know in the professional world we pay $5000 just for an analog 5 band parametric eq (intrinsically single instance) right?

Unless they adopt a unified platform for every product in the line problems will keep going.
And that means previous and feature gear.

If they don't, fixing a new device will break a previous one, app will have to be tailored, etc.
I do hope they do, either way some will be happy and some won't.

 

[Madragon]

I don’t know what you guys have been looking for but it seems like some people here are actually looking for an audio interface and/or a mixer instead of a converter and headphones amp. Like it’s a $300 product that does signal conversion and headphones preamp and does it pretty well, and then sure it has a bunch of ports, it has dsd support, bluetooth, an output connection to route the converted audio to another device, it has a toy eq to shape the output, etc… but like people here want this thing to also multiply the signal, route it with each output being independent, each with a different eq instance simultaneously and different amplification level, and while we’re at it should also order dinner and make coffee… oh it doesn’t do all this?! Oh my god this product is terrible then! Like… C’mon Messrs Sirs! You guys know in the professional world we pay $5000 just for an analog 5 band parametric eq (intrinsically single instance) right?

I suppose you're partly referring to the question I asked earlier about having one output with an HPF and another dedicated to a sub. If that's the case, you should calm down a bit. At no point did I complain about the absence of that feature, I simply wasn’t clear on what the manufacturer meant by having a PEQ for each output, so I came here to ask if it could be used for what I had in mind. That’s all. I haven’t complained, nor do I expect them to add it in a future update, in fact, I said I still think it’s a good device. I see some people here are just waiting for the slightest opportunity to argue or give scoldings.

 

[malaire]

Yes and no. You can save separate presets for headphones and speakers using the remotes (the C1 and C2 buttons).. If you don't save any presets, then you do have to manually change the EQ profile in the DAC, I think.

Edit 2: @respice finem I can now confirm that you can create two different EQ profiles (one for headphones, one for speakers), and save them as presets (C1 and C2 on the remote), and it will use the correct PEQ profile when you select the presets on the remote. So no need to manually change the profile each time.

You don't even need C1/C2. Just selecting that PEQ follows output (default) and then switching between e.g. "HPA ALL" and "LO ALL" is enough. DX5 II remembers what PEQ was used for each output setting ("HPA ALL" and "LO ALL" here) and activates that when you switch output. (NOTE: I havn't actually tested this yet since PEQ has issues, but I have tested this with volume which follows output similarly so that should work with PEQ also.)

C1/C2 are useful if you want to save other settings than PEQ/volume (these are the only ones which can follow output setting automatically), or if you want to have known settings to go to (e.g. always go to specific saved PEQ/volume instead of the PEQ/volume you used last time).

 

[czAudiophile]

Hi, all rather new member of this forum from CZ.
And happy owner dx5.
Encountered bug.
Cannot update firmare from 1.30 to 1.39 firmware.
I am do copy firmware from zip file to folder.
But nothing happens afterwards.
What am I doing wrong here.

 

[OldFunkyBones]

I don’t know what you guys have been looking for but it seems like some people here are actually looking for an audio interface and/or a mixer instead of a converter and headphones amp. Like it’s a $300 product that does signal conversion and headphones preamp and does it pretty well, and then sure it has a bunch of ports, it has dsd support, bluetooth, an output connection to route the converted audio to another device, it has a toy eq to shape the output, etc… but like people here want this thing to also multiply the signal, route it with each output being independent, each with a different eq instance simultaneously and different amplification level, and while we’re at it should also order dinner and make coffee… oh it doesn’t do all this?! Oh my god this product is terrible then! Like… C’mon Messrs Sirs! You guys know in the professional world we pay $5000 just for an analog 5 band parametric eq (intrinsically single instance) right?

I think that many of us are looking for a useable 2.1 preamp that manages the separate signals sent to our main speakers and to a subwoofer. The request for level-matched outputs and separate filter control isn't that unreasonable in that context. Unfortunately, Topping doesn't seem interested in playing to that market segment. Oh well, moving on.

 

[RHO]

I think that many of us are looking for a useable 2.1 preamp that manages the separate signals sent to our main speakers and to a subwoofer. The request for level-matched outputs and separate filter control isn't that unreasonable in that context. Unfortunately, Topping doesn't seem interested in playing to that market segment. Oh well, moving on.

Maybe you should consider a subwoofer with x-over build in.
My KRK has stereo balanced inputs with x-over. I send the signal from the DAC to the sub and from the sub to the main speakers.
Advanrage is that EQ works on the whole system and not only on the sub or only on the main speakers.
No need for an sub out on the DAC.

 

[chappy8p]

Hi, all rather new member of this forum from CZ.
And happy owner dx5.
Encountered bug.
Cannot update firmare from 1.30 to 1.39 firmware.
I am do copy firmware from zip file to folder.
But nothing happens afterwards.
What am I doing wrong here.

Extract the file before copying to folder. Did not work for me when I went straight from the zip file.

 

[OldFunkyBones]

Maybe you should consider a subwoofer with x-over build in.
My KRK has stereo balanced inputs with x-over. I send the signal from the DAC to the sub and from the sub to the main speakers.
Advanrage is that EQ works on the whole system and not only on the sub or only on the main speakers.
No need for an sub out on the DAC.

Agreed that is a solution (and ironically one that I have with an Emotiva sub that has 60/80/100 HPF options), but most subs do not have that, and I would prefer more flexibility upstream for those times when a sub is not desired or different filter options are used. Never mind avoiding the need to run a long cable back from a sub if it's not located near the main amp.

 

[RHO]

Agreed that is a solution (and ironically one that I have with an Emotiva sub that has 60/80/100 HPF options), but most subs do not have that, and I would prefer more flexibility upstream for those times when a sub is not desired or different filter options are used. Never mind avoiding the need to run a long cable back from a sub if it's not located near the main amp.

I think Topping will eventually come to DAC with 2.1 outputs. But they can sell many other models before they do that. One small upgrade with each new model. And many will feel the need to get the new model.
They know exactly how this game works.

 

[OldFunkyBones]

I think Topping will eventually come to DAC with 2.1 outputs. But they can sell many other models before they do that. One small upgrade with each new model. And many will feel the need to get the new model.
They know exactly how this game works.

Yep. Seeing that iterative approach taken by Fosi as well. Though they're trying to do everything with hardware instead of software. Makes implementation misses like the ZP3 volume control more painful. Maybe they'll get it right with the Q8...

 

[Sokel]

Yep. Seeing that iterative approach taken by Fosi as well. Though they're trying to do everything with hardware instead of software. Makes implementation misses like the ZP3 volume control more painful. Maybe they'll get it right with the Q8...

What you're asking for is classical miniDSP stuff.
Now, think about how many years miniDSP does the multichannel output gear people want, how many years of experience they have gathered, and still apply only partial fixes to complex filter situations as the famous thread were we se some 30-40dB noise penalties.

Whoever thinks is easy to mess with filters and output levels while been rock-solid probably haven't mess with these stuff.

 

[OldFunkyBones]

What you're asking for is classical miniDSP stuff.
Now, think about how many years miniDSP does the multichannel output gear people want, how many years of experience they have gathered, and still apply only partial fixes to complex filter situations as the famous thread were we se some 30-40dB noise penalties.

Whoever thinks is easy to mess with filters and output levels while been rock-solid probably haven't mess with these stuff.

Fair points and thank you for the link - happy to read more! Yes, throwing a miniDSP on the back of my DAC/HPA would probably be the easiest and most complete solution. That said, it would still be nice to see more support for an AVR-style implementation with a basic frequency crossover control.

Edit: I've used Equalizer APO on my PC to experiment with a 4th Order Linkwitz-Riley HPF filter at different frequencies on my audio output. Obviously, that doesn't let me integrate a sub, so I've been interested in a preamp that would do the same and output to sub, either prefiltered or full (since most subs have a LPF adjustment).