Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[Nicosea]

Did we all miss this FW update? From the change log file:

"V1.73 (2025-09-28)

Adjustment: Adapted for Tune software, allowing PEQ gain to be adjusted in 0.1 dB steps."

In Tune software, but it is useless, because when you save the PEQ on the device, gain is rounded in 0.5 db steps.

 

[Mario1969]

Did we all miss this FW update? From the change log file:

"V1.73 (2025-09-28)

Adjustment: Adapted for Tune software, allowing PEQ gain to be adjusted in 0.1 dB steps."

t has always been possible to set 0.1 dB steps, you can even save it in a TXT file, but the TOPING TUNE app does not retain this.... when you close the app and open it again, all settings will be reset to 0.5 dB steps... and that's the problem.

 

[ziggurcat]

t has always been possible to set 0.1 dB steps, you can even save it in a TXT file, but the TOPING TUNE app does not retain this.... when you close the app and open it again, all settings will be reset to 0.5 dB steps... and that's the problem.

I had some discussion the other month about whether the 0.5dB increments were a result of limitations on the DX5 II. That FW seems to imply that they removed that limitation on the DAC side, but clearly the FW update didn't fix the problem if it's still reverting things back to the nearest 0.5dB when you open up TT. Either that or they need to release a new TT update.

 

[Mario1969]

I had some discussion the other month about whether the 0.5dB increments were a result of limitations on the DX5 II. That FW seems to imply that they removed that limitation on the DAC side, but clearly the FW update didn't fix the problem if it's still reverting things back to the nearest 0.5dB when you open up TT. Either that or they need to release a new TT update.

Topping Tune has a few flaws, but as you say, the DX5II is responsible for storing the data. Improving the TT doesn't matter at all. Topping first needs to fix the DX5 II firmware to recognize and store 0.1 dB steps... if that's even possible.

 

[ziggurcat]

Topping Tune has a few flaws, but as you say, the DX5II is responsible for storing the data. Improving the TT doesn't matter at all. Topping first needs to fix the DX5 II firmware to recognize and store 0.1 dB steps... if that's even possible.

I would say it's possible if they've already cited that as a bug they fixed in v1.73, but obviously that fix didn't work or there's something in the communication between TT and the DAC. If both things can technically be allowed set gain values in 0.1dB increments, then it's a matter of finding out which thing is causing the problem.

 

[Berwhale]

I just opened TT...

I'm now on...

I just checked that my DX5 II is retaining PEQ gains with 0.1dB increments, which is nice (fixed in 1.73). There's no change log for Topping.Tune, so I have no idea what might have been fixed or added to that.

 

[Bleib]

Weird how it only updates if you start the program and not by checking for a new version

 

[Berwhale]

Weird how it only updates if you start the program and not by checking for a new version

I guess they haven't got around coding a periodic or scheduled update yet. I have T.T set to close fully when exiting, so the current behaviour is not unexpected for me.

 

[Madragon]

I also updated a little while ago, the notification popped up while I was dealing with an issue with the app window. It randomly changes size, jumps a few centimeters, and sometimes moves completely off-screen. The only way to bring it back to the center is by closing and reopening the app.

Is anyone else experiencing this? I already sent a report to Topping. It’s the first time this has happened, no other program behaves like this. I’m using a 4K display with 175% scaling, so I wonder if it’s related to that.

By the way, I think it would be nice to have an option to change the window color, at least the option to switch between dark and light mode. A lighter background could really help improve the visibility of the curves.

 

[Mario1969]

With the new update, a lot of strange things are happening with T T ....... But at least they're trying to fix it. .... I'm just wondering if they test what they do?

P.S..... New update... honestly, a complete failure.

 

[Roland68]

With the new update, a lot of strange things are happening with T T ....... But at least they're trying to fix it. .... I'm just wondering if they test what they do?

P.S..... New update... honestly, a complete failure.

I can't understand why @TOPPING doesn't recruit a group of 15-20 very active users as beta testers instead of constantly releasing flawed and buggy versions.

Ideally, of course, with beta hardware, in case something needs to be changed for final production.
@TOPPING seems to have no experience with proper specifications and a professional approach to such developments.
I would never have released such a product for production if the software and hardware weren't flawless.

But as the saying goes, no risk, no fun...

 

[Mario1969]

WARNING!!!! After this update, many headphones and speakers may be damaged. So be careful what you do. Look at what the Topping TUNE graph shows!!! ... It shows some really strange things that can destroy headphones or speakers. especially after turning it off with the rear switch and turning it on again

 

[olieb]

t has always been possible to set 0.1 dB steps, you can even save it in a TXT file, but the TOPING TUNE app does not retain this.... when you close the app and open it again, all settings will be reset to 0.5 dB steps... and that's the problem.

You are talking about Windows, right?
I don't have a DX5 II, so I can only comment on the TT app.
For Mac the version is still 1.06 and no update shown.
And if I adjust PEQ with 0.1dB increments (without DAC connected) they are still there after quitting and restarting.

 

[Berwhale]

WARNING!!!! After this update, many headphones and speakers may be damaged. So be careful what you do. Look at what the Topping TUNE graph shows!!! ... It shows some really strange things that can destroy headphones or speakers. especially after turning it off with the rear switch and turning it on again

Are you suggesting that the software update created those filters? I've never seen T.T create filters or configs, only delete them. This has been the same for me for all versions of DX5 II firmware and T.T since the DX5 II was released.

 

[jodrim]

WARNING!!!! After this update, many headphones and speakers may be damaged. So be careful what you do. Look at what the Topping TUNE graph shows!!! ... It shows some really strange things that can destroy headphones or speakers. especially after turning it off with the rear switch and turning it on again

Yeah same issue for me I think. It randomly changed some gain sliders to +12 and -12 dB after restarting

Before on left and after restart on right:

Doing some quick maths it seems like it multiplied all gain levels (except preamp) by 5. Looking at EQ9 it went from -1.8 to -1.8*5 = -9

Edit: I can consistently get this bug to happen by
1. Exiting Topping Tune in Windows
2. Restarting DX5 with power switch
3. Opening Topping Tune.

Doesn't seem to happen if I just turn Topping Tune or the device on/off it has to be that specific sequence

I'm on DX5 II firmware V1.76 and Topping Tune V1.09

 

[Berwhale]

You are talking about Windows, right?
I don't have a DX5 II, so I can only comment on the TT app.
For Mac the version is still 1.06 and no update shown.
And if I adjust PEQ with 0.1dB increments (without DAC connected) they are still there after quitting and restarting.

I have always been able to store filters in T.T Local Config with 0.1dB precision. The issue manifested when Local Configs are copied to the DX5 II and are then read back by T.T into User Config (it also happened when filters were entered directly into a User Config). This appears to have been fixed with the 1.73 firmware as mentioned above.

 

[Berwhale]

Yeah same issue for me I think. It randomly changed some gain sliders to +12 and -12 dB after restarting

Before on left and after restart on right:
View attachment 483472View attachment 483471

Doing some quick maths it seems like it multiplied all gain levels (except preamp) by 5. Looking at EQ9 it went from -1.8 to -1.8*5 = -9

Ouch! Is this after restarting Topping.Tune? Is that a Local or User config you are displaying? What firmware version?

I've restarted Topping Tune a dozen times today after the update to 1.08. I've not seen anything like this. I'm also on latest DX5 II firmware.

 

[jodrim]

Ouch! Is this after restarting Topping.Tune? Is that a Local or User config you are displaying? What firmware version?

I've restarted Topping Tune a dozen times today after the update to 1.08. I've not seen anything like this. I'm also on latest DX5 II firmware.

I edited my post with steps to reproduce the bug and software/firmware versions. That is an on device saved user config for my headphones. And it only happens if I do the steps I posted in the edit. But after restarting either Topping Tune or the DX5 II the same config goes back to normal. My guess is it's a bug in Topping Tune but not sure

 

[Berwhale]

I edited my post with steps to reproduce the bug and software/firmware versions. That is an on device saved user config for my headphones. And it only happens if I do the steps I posted in the edit. But after restarting either Topping Tune or the DX5 II the same config goes back to normal. My guess is it's a bug in Topping Tune but not sure

I tried repeating your steps to reproduce you issue, but got another outcome...

Before: 2x User Configs for iLoud MTM and HD660S (5 default user configs deleted)

Close T.T (minimize to systray and autostart are both disabled), power off DX5 II using back switch, wait 10 seconds, power on DX5 II, open T.T

After: 2x user config disappeared, 5 default user configs back in place.



*edit*

I repeated the above, but I left the 5 default user configs in place (so MTM and HD660s are EQ6 & 7). The outcome is the same in Topping Tune, only the 5 default User Configs are displayed. However, the DX5 II is still switching between EQ6 & 7 when switching output (I made sure that PEQ memory was working before executing the test). So the EQ configs are still on the DX5 II and they both sound correct as far as I can tell with my ears, they are just not being shown in Topping Tune.

 

[Rick63]

It's a shame to hear about the issues with this unit. If not for the issues and personal concerns about when/if I'd ever receive one from China, I decided to order an S.M.S.L. Raw MDA1 instead. It will be here tomorrow and my fingers are crossed that it'll be trouble free. Not much good to have near perfect measuring inexpensive gear if it doesn't work properly or last long...