Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

At some point they will iron all these problems out

 

[ziggurcat]

Topping released new firmware for 4 of their devices all today on the 19th. I believe this is the first time we've seen an update roll out to multiple devices from different product tiers from topping; which made me believe that they may be addressing some common issues they found that the devices share in common.

Two of these devices were the L70 and the D900. The former made no mention as to any updates reagrding fixes to PEQ (obviosuly, it's a headphone amplifier), but neither did the D900.

The other two devices however, the D90 III Discrete and the Centaurus, both include PEQ and Topping Tune support, and the changelog for both includes fixes regarding PEQ abnormalities.

For the Centaurus:
*Fixed: Error occurred when uploading the device's preset EQ parameters to the host computer.

And for the D90 III Discrete (had to download the firmware and open the "Changelog_EN" file:
Fix: Abnormal display of PEQ configuration
Fix: Local configuration modification of filtering not taking effect
Fix: When EQ is turned off but still connected to the computer via USB, noise during adjustment can still be heard when opening Tune for adjustment
Fix: Preset EQ1 and EQ5 have issues; the combined filter gain exceeds 0dB, causing distortion during playback
Fix: The preamp gain of preset EQ5 exceeds 0dB when connected to the host computer
Fix: After restoring the device to factory settings, opening PEQ to download 5 configurations, waiting for a while, then closing PEQ and using the remote control to switch configurations to the left results in no sound from the device

My first email was a not super detailed summary of my issues, and they told me they're aware of the bug and are rolling out an update this week, whether this was referring to TT 1.14 or a future firmware update isn't obvious, or perhaps they were referring to both. My second email evolved into an entire conversation where I'd provide my findings, and managed to get them to recreate the issue and start working on a fix; though while I was told they're expediting the process, I wasn't given any sort of potential timeframe.

Regardless, hopefully these firmware updates for other devices in their lineup, some of which include fixes to PEQ and the way the device communicates with the software, are a sign that a fix is just around the corner! Topping support have genuinely been wonderful to work with, it's been really refreshing having my voice heard compared to other times where I'd reach out to a manufacturer regarding a product I'm having issues with, only for them to shrug me off and presume that *I'm* the one doing something wrong.

Now if only they would stop dragging their feet on this issue:

Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

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. Well, it's...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Cincyret]

With TT 1.14 my problem of losing PEQ Filters (-12db) if I unplugged the DX5 ii went away. If I turn off the connected smart switch to the DX5 ii and then turn it back on the PEQ filters remain.

 

[ziggurcat]

Topping Tune v1.14 is now available for Mac OS. It asked me to update when I booted just a second ago.

@ngs428 your trick of changing V1.09 to V1.14 in the download link does actually download the file, now as well.

 

[KokoCollie]

With TT 1.14 my problem of losing PEQ Filters (-12db) if I unplugged the DX5 ii went away. If I turn off the connected smart switch to the DX5 ii and then turn it back on the PEQ filters remain.

What do you mean when you specify (-12dB)? I noticed that my profiles all seem to be sticking except for my third EQ, which is simply a -12dB preamp (as low as TT allows) and a 12dB bass shelf (for fun times).

Is there a specific issue where values set to 12dB don't save properly between power cycling? Because my first two profiles (both have a -7.5dB preamp) seem to work perfectly.

 

[Cincyret]

What do you mean when you specify (-12dB)? I noticed that my profiles all seem to be sticking except for my third EQ, which is simply a -12dB preamp (as low as TT allows) and a 12dB bass shelf (for fun times).

Is there a specific issue where values set to 12dB don't save properly between power cycling? Because my first two profiles (both have a -7.5dB preamp) seem to work perfectly.

The error I was getting was that all the dB settings for a given filter set were being reset to -12dB. So of I had 3 PEQ filters with 8 to 10 settings each, all or most would have their dB setting reset to -12dB...resulting in crackling speakers!

 

[Clappincheeks2night]

How can I automatically wake up my device when I turn it on on a PC or MAC?

You could possibly find some sort of 12v usb trigger device.

 

[KokoCollie]

You could possibly find some sort of 12v usb trigger device.

It already has the option to wake on USB activity, I believe they already sorted the issue. It can also be woken via its 12v trigger input.

 

[Bernard23]

Is there a Topping forum, like the Wiim one which they use to collate feedback and curate a product improvement plan? I'm presuming not and arguably one of the reasons why Wiim have been so comparatively successful.

 

[KokoCollie]

Is there a Topping forum, like the Wiim one which they use to collate feedback and curate a product improvement plan? I'm presuming not and arguably one of the reasons why Wiim have been so comparatively successful.

Unfortunately not, though they’re very quick to respond to emails and, in my case, listened to my feedback, recreated the issue and actively worked on a fix based on what I said.

If have a specific issue you’ve found, I highly recommend emailing Topping with the steps along with a video showing what’s required to fix the issue. They don’t know how to fix what they don’t know is broken, though I agree that a better way of compiling issues for review would be a really good idea.

 

[ziggurcat]

You could possibly find some sort of 12v usb trigger device.

I would love to find something like that as well, but for a different device.

 

[Cincyret]

I would love to find something like that as well, but for a different device.

I use a smart power strip and Google Home to turn on/off the DX5 ii and Amp (one after another). I have the same TV and had the minidsp Flex as you. I don't have a sub, so now I just use the DX5 ii for PEQ.

 

[maxwsc]

As a current owner of first generation L30/E30 stack, would DX5 II be a worthy upgrade? Down the line I am planning to get some studio monitors, so balanced outputs sound nice. Also combining both devices into one would get rid of the clutter on the desk.

 

[ziggurcat]

I use a smart power strip and Google Home to turn on/off the DX5 ii and Amp (one after another). I have the same TV and had the minidsp Flex as you. I don't have a sub, so now I just use the DX5 ii for PEQ.

If you feel like it, send me a PM with info on the power strip you have.

 

[staticV3]

As a current owner of first generation L30/E30 stack, would DX5 II be a worthy upgrade? Down the line I am planning to get some studio monitors, so balanced outputs sound nice. Also combining both devices into one would get rid of the clutter on the desk.

If the added convenience is worth the price for you, then sure!

Sound quality however will stay the same.

 

[ngs428]

As a current owner of first generation L30/E30 stack, would DX5 II be a worthy upgrade? Down the line I am planning to get some studio monitors, so balanced outputs sound nice. Also combining both devices into one would get rid of the clutter on the desk.

I owned the same stack before I purchased the DX5II. The single device, great specs, more power, PEQ, display, balanced connection were all reasons I switched. Well worth it to me.

 

[ziggurcat]

Another slight development with the hiss issue for anyone who cares:

In the settings, if I go to Advanced > On/Off Trigger and change it to OFF, the hiss does not occur, even if I change it back to SIGNAL (which is what it is set to by default, IIRC). However, if a power cycle using the switch on the back takes place, the hiss returns.

Such a weird issue.

And I can post the final set up/steps if anyone is curious, and might have similar gear to be able to test on their end (this would eliminate it being an environmental issue).

 

[DazST]

This just received a 10/10 review on avforums

 

[KokoCollie]

It isn’t informative, but I just wanted to show off how tidy my stack has become thanks to the DX5 II being the perfect size on my rack

I have a very satisfying video of all the audio visualisers / VU meters on all three units moving, but I can only attach it as a Google drive link I’m afraid:

IMG_7872.MOV

drive.google.com

 

[Timbo2]

It isn’t informative, but I just wanted to show off how tidy my stack has become thanks to the DX5 II being the perfect size on my rack

I have a very satisfying video of all the audio visualisers / VU meters on all three units moving, but I can only attach it as a Google drive link I’m afraid:

IMG_7872.MOV

drive.google.com

I think that’s the same rack I have. I made a real quick and dirty wedge to stop it from being pushed off the shelf.

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