Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[Nezil]

Thinking about adding this to my setup, connected to the WiiM Ultra (over USB, with 12v trigger). I would like to pair it with a compact class D amp with XLR inputs though. I'd like the Topping and new amp to fit where currently my Rotel RB-06 sits.

First options for a poweramp which come to mind:
3E Audio A5
Audiophonics MPA-S250NC XLR
Audiophonics AP300-S250NC

Maybe there's some new options I've missed? I'd love to see Topping release matching poweramp

the PA5 II (and Plus) don't match in terms of appearance, but then neither do the 3E Audio A5 or Audiophonics amps. I'm currently running the PA5 II and think it's a great combination. If it wasn't for desktop use as mine is, then I might go for the PA5 II Plus, or if that's not available easily (it seems to be less available than the non Plus version), then get the non Plus and buy the PSU separately because that's the only difference.

 

[staticV3]

the PA5 II (and Plus) don't match in terms of appearance, but then neither do the 3E Audio A5 or Audiophonics amps. I'm currently running the PA5 II and think it's a great combination. If it wasn't for desktop use as mine is, then I might go for the PA5 II Plus, or if that's not available easily (it seems to be less available than the non Plus version), then get the non Plus and buy the PSU separately because that's the only difference.

FYI, the Plus power supply adds about 1dB of headroom at 4Ω (+7% perceived loudness), and none at all at 8Ω.

Indeed, Topping's own measurements show pretty much zero difference:


Is that worth a 15% price premium?

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Hi.

I owned a PA5II for which I had 'upgraded' the power supply identical to the PA5II Plus, result: no 'notable' difference in terms of listening (sound level) -> I should have kept my money...

That said, the PA5II is an excellent amplifier and does not have the defects encountered with the first version: TOPPING has really created a very good device with this revision (which is not always the case...)

Have a nice day

 

[torgeirs]

I don’t quite understand the unwillingness to measure distortion in lowest setting of frequency and highest setting of sampling frequency for PEQ. This has historically been a problem regarding distortion https://firmware-developments.com/WEB/DOC/REF/ZauchaIIR_AES.pdf
So if the XMOS implementation, probably used here, is flawless. It is really a interesting measurement.
Maybe we now are in the 64 bit world also on PEQ on inexpensive devices? (And not “only” on expensive ARM/PC/ASIC processors )

 

[AudioPalace]

Damn, I just bought the dx3 pro+ and they have to go and throw a whole bucket of tasty chum in the water. Definitely will be selling the dx3 pro+ soon for this.

That's funny. I own both these dacs and my headphones sound better plugged into my DX3 Pro+. Sub bass just isn't as good with DX5 compared to the DX3. Maybe my unit is broken or something.

 

[Roland68]

That's funny. I own both these dacs and my headphones sound better plugged into my DX3 Pro+. Sub bass just isn't as good with DX5 compared to the DX3. Maybe my unit is broken or something.

Same source without EQ or presets?
Same filters?
Have you adjusted the volume on both devices with a multimeter?
Is the PEQ disabled on the DX5 II?

 

[charlielaub]

I have a question about the volume control in PRE mode on this DAC:

After reading the manual several times I found this note in the section about the various display options:

VU Meter, FFT and Level meter monitor or reflect XLR's output level. (They won’t be affected by the volume in PRE mode.)

This has me questioning whether the volume control is only for the headphone outputs. Is that correct, e.g. adjusting the volume does not change the level coming out of the XLR or RCA outputs?

Can someone comment on this feature? I want to know before making a purchase. Thanks!

 

[staticV3]

I have a question about the volume control in PRE mode on this DAC:

After reading the manual several times I found this note in the section about the various display options:

This has me questioning whether the volume control is only for the headphone outputs. Is that correct, e.g. adjusting the volume does not change the level coming out of the XLR or RCA outputs?

Can someone comment on this feature? I want to know before making a purchase. Thanks!

See post #90

 

[JIW]

I have a question about the volume control in PRE mode on this DAC:

After reading the manual several times I found this note in the section about the various display options:

This has me questioning whether the volume control is only for the headphone outputs. Is that correct, e.g. adjusting the volume does not change the level coming out of the XLR or RCA outputs?

Can someone comment on this feature? I want to know before making a purchase. Thanks!

Not being affected by the volume refers to the VU, FFT and level meter not the XLR output.

 

[charlielaub]

Not being affected by the volume refers to the VU, FFT and level meter not the XLR output.

The excerpt I quoted says the meters reflect the XLR output and then in parentheses say the meters are not affected by the volume control even when in preamp mode, which implies that the XLR output would not be, either.

But there is a link in post #90 to the product page at Topping and they show the DAC directly connected to active speakers when talking about "preamp mode". The MFG text (see attached pic) says that you do not need a separate preamp and this seems to imply that the analog outputs at the rear ARE controlled by the volume setting.

So it's probably just a case of a bad English translation of the original language.

 

[staticV3]

So it's probably just a case of a bad English translation of the original language.

Correct. Both Line out and Headphone out are volume-controlled.

 

[ziggurcat]

I have to wait until tomorrow to get my DX5 II -- there was a delivery attempt made, but because our condo unit's buzzer is attached to my wife's phone, and she forgot her phone at home today, they weren't able to get into the building to complete the delivery.

 

[GeekyBastard]

New V1.57 firmware up!

 

[WillyPct]

Hello, does the DX5II have XLR and RCA outputs that work simultaneously? Is there a "fixed volume" function?
Thank you.

 

[malaire]

Hello, does the DX5II have XLR and RCA outputs that work simultaneously? Is there a "fixed volume" function?
Thank you.

Yes, XLR and RCA can work simultaneously.

What do you mean by "fixed volume"?

XLR/RCA can either be in "DAC mode" where volume is at max and can't be changed, or in "PRE mode" where you can change the volume. If you want to be able to go to certain specific volume, you can save volume level (among other settings) for C1 and C2 buttons on remote and then recall your saved settings with just a button press.

 

[WillyPct]

Hi,
Yes "DAC Mode"
Thanks

 

[Palladium]

New V1.57 firmware up!

View attachment 466931

I would have preferred the firmware upgrade to run direct from a FAT32 USB drive for convenience, but that said the updating process with a PC as it is was super straightforward and painless.

 

[Palladium]

I don't think this is universally true. I know several companies, including large major software companies, who employ many many QA engineers, and have complex processes to try and ensure that the customer gets the best experience. Companies don't view the customer as the beta tester, but they are also realistic; there isn't any way as software becomes more and more complex, that every possible use case can be covered and some bugs will end up escaping.

One approach that many companies employ, is to release beta versions so that early adopters can willingly contribute to the beta testing. This feels honest to me, but even with this process, some bugs will end up escaping.

To classify this behaviour as the customer being the beta tester feels unfair to me. It suggests an intent, rather than an unfortunate reality.

OMFG TOPPING SUCKS!!!!1111

....as opposed to that poor multi-trillion Google who has never fixed their terrible Android audio stack since forever.

OTOH you have monitors like the Adam T8V, made in Germany, which don't even have Standby.

They permanently draw ~20W unless you flick the power switch on the back.

The JBL 30xP an auto-standby that actually works great 24/7 and only draws <1W on standby. Yet funny enough this gets bashed by some people because they can't hear half a sec of sound when it goes auto-on, which at most occur every 30 mins.

 

[srsxmi]

Yay, my purchase was vindicated! Thanks for another awesome review!

Ditto .

 

[ziggurcat]

You know what would have been a very nice touch? If the colour theme you select also affected the light in the VU meter display.