Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[NecroRAM]

I don’t know that there is a consensus here, and I don’t know of any measurements for the K13. Given it’s an R2R dac, I assume it wont measure quite as well as the Topping. R2R is more of a gimmick really.
Just get the topping and call it a day, I’d say.

Well if it does indeed make music more enjoyable to listen to, even if measuring worse, then I might be interested. Its just that whatever passes as more enjoyable for someone might be the opposite for me. Its a pity none of the reviews ever show actual audio samples of what 2 units sound like in comparison.

 

[Hapo]

Where can I get a new dx5ii for 250$? Its 300$ everywhere I look.

...I thought maybe AliExpress but they are $669 or some such there...LoL...

...the AI said not to connect the DX5II to an SE amp via XLR and adapter cables...methinks it is correct on this...???...

 

[leungie]

Where can I get a new dx5ii for 250$? Its 300$ everywhere I look.

Lolol china

 

[somebodyelse]

...the AI said not to connect the DX5II to an SE amp via XLR and adapter cables...methinks it is correct on this...???...

Why would you when it's got RCA outputs? Topping have said not to connect balanced outs to single ended inputs for some of their earlier products. For some ways of implementing a balanced output it could lead to various problems (DC offset, increased distortion, just plain not working etc.) so it's generally a bad idea unless you know the details of the balanced output implementation and can make an informed decision. Or use a proper balanced to single ended converter, whether electronic or transformer based.

 

[NecroRAM]

Lolol china

I can order from china through a freight forwarder, if only you could give me a link. The other user said its much more expensive on aliexpress and idk where else to look.

 

[Berwhale]

Well if it does indeed make music more enjoyable to listen to, even if measuring worse, then I might be interested. Its just that whatever passes as more enjoyable for someone might be the opposite for me. Its a pity none of the reviews ever show actual audio samples of what 2 units sound like in comparison.

In an audio context, when a device is said to be 'transparent', it means the devices measured noise and distortion is below the level at which a human can detect them.

i.e. source signal + device noise + device distortion = source signal (as far as your ears + brain can tell)

If two devices are 'transparent' then the output of both devices will be indistinguishable from the source signal and therefore indistinguishable from each other.

There is more about generally accepted audibility thresholds and transparency here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thresholds-of-amp-and-dac-measurements.5734/

 

[NecroRAM]

In an audio context, when a device is said to be 'transparent', it means the devices measured noise and distortion is below the level at which a human can detect them.

i.e. source signal + device noise + device distortion = source signal (as far as your ears + brain can tell)

If two devices are 'transparent' then the output of both devices will be indistinguishable from the source signal and therefore indistinguishable from each other.

There is more about generally accepted audibility thresholds and transparency here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...-thresholds-of-amp-and-dac-measurements.5734/

I know but watching one review of the K13 the reviewer mentions how it sounds smoother and more soothing and wider than the Topping. Also insinuates that the Topping sounds harsh in the highs and thus fatiguing in the long run and that he has to turn down the volume because of that.

 

[Whatsthephuss]

The topic is a bit more complex; you'll simply have to read up on it.
To put it very simply, the DX5 II displays the currently playing music signal in terms of frequency and amplitude. This is a very simplified representation, as is possible with a 2D display.
With this, you can't directly see if the high frequencies are "sharp," but you can estimate the amplitude relative to other frequencies.
However, this is only a very small fraction of what you can do with FFT measurements.
Amir made a video about it:
Understanding FFT in Audio Measurements
And NTI Audio is one of the specialists on the subject:
NTI Audio Know-How FFT
You can also find a lot of information on other topics there.

RME doesn’t use FFTs for its analyzer. I doubt Topping would either

https://rme-audio.de/downloads/Spectral_Analyser_Theory_and_Usage.pdf

 

[Whatsthephuss]

RME doesn’t use FFTs for its analyzer. I doubt Topping would either

https://rme-audio.de/downloads/Spectral_Analyser_Theory_and_Usage.pdf

Nvm Topping advertises it as an FFT

 

[ziggurcat]

After a bunch of testing, I think I have been able to reproduce the hiss in the Right channel virtually 100% of the time. However, it seems to only occur under very specific connection conditions that not everyone here would encounter. I have been able to pass the info along to Topping, and provided a video of the issue happening with the steps to reproduce I have been able to figure out.

I can bore you all with the video and connection details/steps if anyone is interested. It's seemingly related to PEQ being enabled, and also somewhat related to an issue I reported to them before that they passed off as "normal behaviour."

 

[Mario1969]

After a bunch of testing, I think I have been able to reproduce the hiss in the Right channel virtually 100% of the time. However, it seems to only occur under very specific connection conditions that not everyone here would encounter. I have been able to pass the info along to Topping, and provided a video of the issue happening with the steps to reproduce I have been able to figure out.

I can bore you all with the video and connection details/steps if anyone is interested. It's seemingly related to PEQ being enabled, and also somewhat related to an issue I reported to them before that they passed off as "normal behaviour."

I am curious, if possible, please post the video here.

 

[ziggurcat]

I am curious, if possible, please post the video here.

I will do that once I get home from work today.

 

[Hapo]

Why would you when it's got RCA outputs? Topping have said not to connect balanced outs to single ended inputs for some of their earlier products. For some ways of implementing a balanced output it could lead to various problems (DC offset, increased distortion, just plain not working etc.) so it's generally a bad idea unless you know the details of the balanced output implementation and can make an informed decision. Or use a proper balanced to single ended converter, whether electronic or transformer based.

...I had thought it would just make no difference, but AI said was true only in the best case...

 

[Hapo]

I know but watching one review of the K13 the reviewer mentions how it sounds smoother and more soothing and wider than the Topping. Also insinuates that the Topping sounds harsh in the highs and thus fatiguing in the long run and that he has to turn down the volume because of that.

...they are not the same...methinks AI has this aboot right...

wiil you compare K13 to DX5II?
Yes — here’s a detailed comparison between the FiiO K13 and Topping DX5II DAC/AMPs, focusing on sound character, features, and workflow fit.

Sound Signature & Voicing​

Trait	FiiO K13 (R2R)	Topping DX5II (Delta-Sigma)
Tonality	Warm, smooth, analog-like	Neutral, clean, precise
Highs	Rolled-off, soothing	Extended, can feel sharp or fatiguing with bright gear
Imaging	Wide, organic	Precise, focused
Fatigue	Low — NOS mode softens transients	Higher — some users report treble fatigue
Subjective Feel	“Musical,” nostalgic, vinyl-like	“Transparent,” clinical, reference-grade

Sources:

Technical Features​

Feature	FiiO K13	Topping DX5II
DAC Type	24-bit R2R ladder	Dual ES9039Q2M
Modes	NOS & OS	PEQ, filter selection
Headphone Power	2400mW @32Ω	7600mW @16Ω (balanced)
Bluetooth	LDAC, AAC, SBC	LDAC, aptX Adaptive
PEQ	App-based parametric EQ	10-band onboard PEQ
Display	Top window, minimal UI	Aurora UI with FFT display
Price	~$319	~$299

Sources:

Workflow Fit​

• K13is ideal for:
  • Listeners seeking warmth, analog feel, and emotional voicing
  • NOS mode fans and synergy with vintage or mellow gear
  • Those who enjoy tweaking via app-based PEQ
• DX5IIexcels for:
  • Transparent signal chains and measurement-based setups
  • High-power headphone rigs and balanced outputs
  • Users who want onboard PEQ and visual feedback

What the K13 Reviewer Might Be Hearing​

The FiiO K13 uses an R2R DAC, which inherently has higher distortion and noise than delta-sigma designs like the DX5II. But it also introduces:

• NOS (non-oversampling) mode, which can soften transients and reduce perceived harshness
• Slight roll-off in highs, which some interpret as “smoother” or “less fatiguing”
• Wider imaging, possibly due to phase behavior or synergy with headphones

These traits aren’t necessarily better — they’re voicing choices, not transparency. And they can be emotionally satisfying, especially if your hearing profile favors warmth and width over precision.

Why the Topping Might Feel “Harsh”​

The DX5II is ruthlessly clean:

• Dual ES9039Q2M DACs with ultra-low distortion
• Flat frequency response, no coloration
• High output power, which can feel aggressive if paired with bright headphones or speakers

If the reviewer had to turn down the volume, it might reflect perceived treble energy, not actual distortion. That’s a synergy issue, not a flaw.

 

[NecroRAM]

That’s a synergy issue, not a flaw.

I never said its a flaw, just that in general I prefer a tad softer treble, Ive noticed my Focal Clears are a bit too aggressive in the treble on default EQ, so I apply minimal EQ to soften it and boost the lower and just a little for a bit more punch and warmth.

However, whats more important to me is how easy it is to switch between the speaker and hp outputs on those units, whether they support per-output EQs and whose software is better both in UI/UX and reliability.

 

[Berwhale]

I know but watching one review of the K13 the reviewer mentions how it sounds smoother and more soothing and wider than the Topping. Also insinuates that the Topping sounds harsh in the highs and thus fatiguing in the long run and that he has to turn down the volume because of that.

Right, so this reviewer claims to hear things that the science and the measurements tell us are inaudible. Why would you attribute any weight to this reviewers opinion if you know about audibility thresholds and transparency?

The above assumes that the K13 is actually transparent. If its not transparent, and affects the sound in an audible way, why would you want a device that colours the sound in a way that you cannot control? Wouldn't EQ or even tone controls be a much better solution?

 

[Berwhale]

I never said its a flaw, just that in general I prefer a tad softer treble, Ive noticed my Focal Clears are a bit too aggressive in the treble on default EQ, so I apply minimal EQ to soften it and boost the lower and just a little for a bit more punch and warmth.

However, whats more important to me is how easy it is to switch between the speaker and hp outputs on those units, whether they support per-output EQs and whose software is better both in UI/UX and reliability.

On my DX5 II I have the volume button set to toggle outputs between LO BAL (to my iLoud MTM monitors) and HP BAL (to my HD660S) - I have all the other outputs, including the 'All' ones disabled on the DX5 II.

I have PEQ configs for both the MTMs and HD660s, with PEQ memory enabled and set to follow output. So when I press the volume button it changes the output and changes the PEQ config at the same time.

The only issue I have is with Topping.Tune's inability to remain synchronized with the PEQ configs stored on the DX5 II. This doesn't impact me unless I want to play with the PEQ settings.

 

[NecroRAM]

On my DX5 II I have the volume button set to toggle outputs between LO BAL (to my iLoud MTM monitors) and HP BAL (to my HD660S) - I have all the other outputs, including the 'All' ones disabled on the DX5 II.

I have PEQ configs for both the MTMs and HD660s, with PEQ memory enabled and set to follow output. So when I press the volume button it changes the output and changes the PEQ config at the same time.

The only issue I have is with Topping.Tune's inability to remain synchronized with the PEQ configs stored on the DX5 II. This doesn't impact me unless I want to play with the PEQ settings.

So how do you update the app settings with the on-device settings without destroying anything? And dont you set them through the app most of the time anyway so there shouldnt be any synch issues to begin with?

 

[Hapo]

...one issue I am having right off the bat is when I finally fumble my way into PEQ select it comes back DISABLED...

...there are no manual or instructions in the box...I guess I am supposed to scan a card...

...already not liking this...

 

[ziggurcat]

So how do you update the app settings with the on-device settings without destroying anything? And dont you set them through the app most of the time anyway so there shouldnt be any synch issues to begin with?

It might all depend on how you add the PEQ profile in TT. I have always just manually added/edited them by selecting the + icon under the User Config tab, and haven't had any real issues with things disappearing/being out of sync. The only strange things I have noticed are:

If you edit a PEQ profile in TT when PEQ Config is disabled in the DX5 II, then close TT, enable PEQ Config on the DX5 II, and reboot TT, some values don't stick while others do.

I've also noticed that if you delete a PEQ profile entirely, and either press the C1/C2 buttons or just switch outputs that it will show a PEQ profile that no longer exists on the display -- going to the PEQ Config menu, the "Config" area will be blank, and if you highlight "Config", and press the confirm button on the remote, the currently-saved profiles show up again. Nothing that should be there is missing in that case, either.

But in both cases, it's doing something outside of what is "normal." I have definitely reported the second thing to Topping (I gave them a video, even), but they haven't really addressed it (I am currently in conversation with them about a few different issues). The sync issue IMO appears to be with importing profiles from external sources (a .txt file, for example) or transferring things from the Local Config to the User Config in TT.