Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[ziggurcat]

That's exactly what beta-testing is.

It's not. Saying people are "beta testing" infers that people are actively testing for bugs, and I think I can safely say that no one is actively looking for bugs. I don't think encountering an issue while using the device as you normally would, then reporting that bug to the manufacturer constitutes "beta testing."

 

[Sokel]

It's not. Saying people are "beta testing" infers that people are actively testing for bugs, and I think I can safely say that no one is actively looking for bugs. I don't think encountering an issue while using the device as you normally would, then reporting that bug to the manufacturer constitutes "beta testing."

Using a multi functional device who advertises advanced features like EQ, etc has no such limit and definition and this very thread is the proof.
People frantically updating to newer versions and testing them against the previous.

The VERY definition of beta-testing.

 

[jmdesignz2]

Using a multi functional device who advertises advanced features like EQ, etc has no such limit and definition and this very thread is the proof.
People frantically updating to newer versions and testing them against the previous.

The VERY definition of beta-testing.

Does your input reset to coax?

 

[Timbo2]

That's exactly what beta-testing is.
In case anyone wonders what happens for mature products that get new versions after 3-5 years, it's exactly that, company does it before users.

Minimum viable product

I'm of a mixed mindset on this, but it's the new world, particularly with consumer products. I waited a few months to buy this device for exactly that reason. My rule of thumb on electronics is that it needs to do what I need it to do at purchase. I never buy a piece of equipment with a promised or future feature that I need.

In this case Topping promises a phone application to replace Topping Tune. It would be a wonderful feature for my use, but I'll believe it when I see it an I never purchased it with this being a requirement.

For me even with the bugs trying to get PEQ curves into the device I'm happy with it given the price I paid and what I got. Could the firmware/software be better? Absolutely.

 

[Jcrow]

I just received my unit. Very nice for the price. I think mine shipped with v1.62 firmware, and so far no issues (fingers crossed). PEQ so far has worked flawlessy (USB). Headphone output is insane coming from a Motu M2.

 

[Chromatischism]

I got one: EX5. Haven't found any fault - but I've bought it relatively late, with the final firmware OOTB.

I actually came here to get up to date on what's come out since the EX5. Mine is still rocking with no issues.

It takes a Toslink from the Realtek onboard my PC and outputs to powered iLoud MTM speakers via XLR.

I can also switch it over to Bluetooth real quick if I want to hear what's going on from my Laptop, also stationed at my desk.

It also has that very quiet noise floor that allows for sensitive IEM use. Though I prefer my Qudelix 5K for that due to my EQ profile.

Extremely versatile device.

It looks like the DX5 II does the same things but I'm a little envious of the graphic spectrum display.

I probably shouldn't change things up unless I find money burning a hole in my pocket

 

[Chromatischism]

My DX5 II arrived yesterday. I swapped it with my EX5 and immediately upgraded the firmware (before even listening to it ).

After some initial listening tests to check it was working OK, I tried to adapt the automation I had setup with the EX5 to change PEACE/eAPO profile with the output buttons on the Topping remote. However, the 'smart' nature of the DX5 II defeated me...

The DX5 II lacks 'hard' buttons to switch between headphone and line outputs, so there are no discrete IR codes to capture and map to PEACE hotkeys to switch profiles. I tried simulating EX5 setup with the programable keys (C1 and C2), but these keys change much more than just the output. Using these keys causes the DX5 II to disconnect and reconnect to my PC. This stops the music playing and it has to be restarted after switching which is not a great experience. So I bit the bullet and transferred the PEQ for my iLoud MTMs and HD660S to Topping Tune and disabled PEACE/eAPO (and FLiRC) on my PC.

Note: Topping Tune will not accept the .peace files that PEACE generates for profiles. However, if you switch to a profile in PEACE it will update the peace.txt with the filters for the profile (this is how PEACE inserts the filters into eAPO). If you strip the first to lines of the peace.txt file, you can import this file directly into Topping Tune.

I now have just HP BAL and LO BAL outputs enabled, with the appropriate PEQ remembered for each output and I can switch between them by pressing the volume knob without interrupting the music. I paid £198 for the DX5 II after a rebate for delayed delivery, so I'm pretty happy with it.

The only negative I can find is that the finish on the case is a bit of a fingerprint magnet when compared to the EX5 (I have a black EX5 and DX5 II)

What was your EX5 missing that caused you to change to the DX5 II?

 

[Rayman30]

USPS was able to find it! Love how I don’t need a computer, can just Bluetooth and use PEQ!

Look at that screen! hard to beat this for the price.

 

[pieterv1]

USPS was able to find it! Love how I don’t need a computer, can just Bluetooth and use PEQ!

Look at that screen! hard to beat this for the price.


View attachment 475617

Even at an angle, the screen still looks pretty nice indeed!

Has anyone had bugs with sudden volume jumps etc?

 

[Berwhale]

What was your EX5 missing that caused you to change to the DX5 II?

Fully balanced headphone output, pretty display, PEQ capability. PEQ is great because I have an SMSL PL100 CD connected to the DX5 II via Toslink and now I can play my old CD collection with my personal PC off (when i'm using my work PC)...

 

[Chromatischism]

The EX5 has a balanced headphone output, but it sounds like you've found a good use for the other features.

I think for me the PEQ would be the most useful, tying the EQ to the speakers rather than the source device, just like how my Qudelix stays with my IEMs so they sound the same everywhere I use them, including with my Sony TV. This would benefit me when I switch the Topping to BT from the laptop, no software EQ required.

 

[Joachim Herbert]

Unfortunately, my interest in this DAC, which can do room correction for all inputs, has faded. Too many glitches and bugs. I am surprised that Topping, with such a long experience in designing audio devices, could not implement at least a somewhat working product.

Well, no.

 

[Berwhale]

The EX5 has a balanced headphone output, but it sounds like you've found a good use for the other features.

I think for me the PEQ would be the most useful, tying the EQ to the speakers rather than the source device, just like how my Qudelix stays with my IEMs so they sound the same everywhere I use them, including with my Sony TV. This would benefit me when I switch the Topping to BT from the laptop, no software EQ required.

The EX5 has a balanced capable 4 pin XLR headphone connector (for 'convenience' according to Topping) but it is connected to a single ended amplifier inside the EX5 (if you check the specs for the EX5 HP output you will see the voltage and power output are the same for 6.35mm and XLR outputs)

Yes, the DX5 II has a PEQ memory setting and can switch PEQ based on input or output selection. I have only XLR and BAL HP outputs enabled and use the volume button to switch between them, the PEQ automatically switches between my MTM settings and HD660S settings.

I should caution that the PEQ function has been very flaky for me right up to the latest Topping Tune and firmware versions (v1.07 & 1.67). It's seems better now and hasn't lost any settings since I upgraded.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Unfortunately, my interest in this DAC, which can do room correction for all inputs, has faded. Too many glitches and bugs. I am surprised that Topping, with such a long experience in designing audio devices, could not implement at least a somewhat working product.

Agreed. I am hoping WiiM creates a performant DAC/Headphone Amp/Preamp with differential architecture and a USB input. I might be willing to accept a 'WiiM Edition' of an existing DAC/HP amp - IF the software support is adequate.

 

[Timbo2]

The EX5 has a balanced headphone output, but it sounds like you've found a good use for the other features.

I think for me the PEQ would be the most useful, tying the EQ to the speakers rather than the source device, just like how my Qudelix stays with my IEMs so they sound the same everywhere I use them, including with my Sony TV. This would benefit me when I switch the Topping to BT from the laptop, no software EQ required.

The DX5II can use LDAC over Bluetooth. This is the first device I have that can use it this protocol with my source. Amir has measured some nice results with it compared to other lossy protocols, but the latency is noticeable. For music this is not a big deal, but for video it is. If this is important make sure your source can compensate for this.

You can, of course, use other protocols like AptX which is better, but still has some latency.

 

[Berwhale]

The DX5II can use LDAC over Bluetooth. This is the first device I have that can use it this protocol with my source. Amir has measured some nice results with it compared to other lossy protocols, but the latency is noticeable. For music this is not a big deal, but for video it is. If this is important make sure your source can compensate for this.

You can, of course, use other protocols like AptX which is better, but still has some latency.

The EX5 and Qudelix 5K also support LDAC, so it's highly likely that @Chromatischism is already using it (assuming they have an LDAC capable sources such as an android phone or Windows PC with the Alternative A2DP Driver setup: https://www.bluetoothgoodies.com/a2dp/)

 

[ziggurcat]

Has anyone had bugs with sudden volume jumps etc?

Not in my experience, no.

 

[ngs428]

Not in my experience, no.

Nothing for me either.

 

[Chromatischism]

The EX5 and Qudelix 5K also support LDAC, so it's highly likely that @Chromatischism is already using it (assuming they have an LDAC capable sources such as an android phone)

Indeed I am.

Also, I did not think to look into LDAC for the laptop, though if it introduces lag from online videos like the above poster states it would be a problem.

 

[Berwhale]

I should caution that the PEQ function has been very flaky for me right up to the latest Topping Tune and firmware versions (v1.07 & 1.67). It's seems better now and hasn't lost any settings since I upgraded.

I spoke too soon, my PEQ settings are still flaky