Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[JaccoW]

Does this unit come with the same terrible remote that Topping has had for years?

Looks the same but mine is the Topping RC-18A. As opposed to the RC-15A that came with my Topping E50 for example (which is terrible).

I just tried it, and it even works when used behind the device. Hell, even when held below the desk that the device is on, it still adjusted the volume just fine 80% of the time. Only when I hold my hand in front of the infrared LED does it really stop sending a signal.

 

[staticV3]

They just released the D9000 DAC, and recently the R2R DAC (forgot the name), so non-headphone products are being developed.

*D900, and Centaurus is the name of their R2R DAC.

Though that one has serious issues which I'm not sure have been addressed yet:
https://youtu.be/myeVh77xedk

 

[ICIETDIYEUR]

Hi.

If we are objective then the first version of the TOPPING DX5 (2 x ES9068AS) gives better results than the second version TOPPING DX5 II ->

To be convinced of this, Amirm would have to measure the TOPPING DX5 again with the latest Firmware (as he said he would do ).

I think that the Roll Off applied to the TOPPING DX5 II is voluntary in order to avoid too 'significant rise' of the THD+N in the treble with the new ES9039Q2M chip...

This could be an explanation of my preference for the treble restoration with the TOPPING DX5 with the ES9068AS chips compared to the SMSL D6s which has the ES9039Q2M chip (I know my name is not BATMAN but what do you expect: I am objective ).

 

[Herbert Shooler]

Thankyou Amir proof that SOTA performance is very affordable,cant wait to see the D900/A900 measurements will they set the standard for all time?

 

[Bleib]

*D900, and Centaurus is the name of their R2R DAC.

Though that one has serious issues which I'm not sure have been addressed yet:
https://youtu.be/myeVh77xedk

According to a commentator on youtube it has. A new firmware seems to have this
"The NOS mode in the oversampling settings has been changed to "NOS Bypass" mode. Please note that in this mode, the output volume is fixed at maximum—ensure you lower the volume on other connected devices beforehand."
So it might work but only at full power?

 

[Roland68]

From an industrial design standpoint, not a fan of those buttons. If there were the haptic touch variety rather than physical buttons, they would look better.

Considering the problems with the touch buttons on the SMSL D1, it's a good thing they've dispensed with them. SMSL has built in three fundamental flaws that prevent the device from being effectively operated using the touch buttons. Touching the back panel or casing can turn the device on or off.

These manufacturers already have enough problems, so we shouldn't give them stupid ideas for new ones.

 

[jhaider]

I don't know the status of Topping Tune support for MacOS. Apparently Topping is working on a version of Topping Tune software that is compatible with iOS:

Topping DX5 II

I believe something is wrong. Topping usually pre-manufacture hundreds of devices before launch. Hifi is a small market, It's unlikely the product is sold out in several hours. This never happened before, including their most popular products. Many of the vendors haven't start selling yet. Given...

audiosciencereview.com

So then it’s more accurate to characterize PEQ as a potentially coming future than a current feature.

 

[respice finem]

Considering the problems with the touch buttons on the SMSL D1, it's a good thing they've dispensed with them. SMSL has built in three fundamental flaws that prevent the device from being effectively operated using the touch buttons. Touching the back panel or casing can turn the device on or off.

These manufacturers already have enough problems, so we shouldn't give them stupid ideas for new ones.

What can work well, if well executed, is the whole front as a touch display. But the price to pay is the loss of the volume knob many want to have.
That said, I only touch the similar RME when I wipe the dust off, and the same goes for my Topping EX5.

 

[JIW]

Does anybody know the response of the other filters included and if they’re minimum or linear phase? I’m sure is there in other new toppings review somewhere, I think they pick what they consider the best filter as factory, but I’d like more linear frequency response for studio work (hopefully without messing with transient)

They are the standard filters for the ES9039Q2M. They picked the chip's default filter.

 

[peng]

This is another excellent product and review thanks to Amir, but when is @TOPPING (not sure it that is Topping marketing/development) going to release something that perform as good but a 4 channel version so non deep bass capable tower speaker owners can take advantage of, using room correction software?

 

[longts]

Why can't they add HFP and LFP to these DACs?

 

[dst]

Would it be possible to chain two of these together so that #1 applies eq to HP out only, then passes the un-eq'd signal to #2? Trying to solve a "two different headphones from one output" problem.

 

[staticV3]

Would it be possible to chain two of these together so that #1 applies eq to HP out only, then passes the un-eq'd signal to #2? Trying to solve a "two different headphones from one output" problem.

No. All inputs are digital, all outputs analog.

The output of one cannot be fed into the input of another.

Plus, the DX5 II cannot output separate signals - one EQed one raw - simultaneously.

 

[dst]

No. All inputs are digital, all outputs analog.

The output of one cannot be fed into the input of another.

Plus, the DX5 II cannot output separate signals - one EQed one raw - simultaneously.

Ah, you're right. I'm going to have to convert the input signal anyway (HDMI to optical) and wanted to cut down on the number of devices I need, but maybe a splitter is needed anyway.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Why can't they add HFP and LFP to these DACs?

WiiM just rolled out a firmware update to my WiiM Amp that adds the option of HFP and LFP

Maybe the question to ask is, when is WiiM going to offer a streamer with differential I/O ?

 

[staticV3]

WiiM just rolled out a firmware update to my WiiM Amp that adds the option of HFP and LFP

The WiiM Amp has had HPF and LPF since it was launched two years ago: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/electronics/wiim_amp/

Ditto for the Amp Pro and Amp Ultra.

 

[Roland68]

Would it be possible to chain two of these together so that #1 applies eq to HP out only, then passes the un-eq'd signal to #2? Trying to solve a "two different headphones from one output" problem.

Are both headphones used at the same time, i.e. 2 physical heads?

 

[Power Pop 23]

The WiiM Amp has had HPF and LPF since it was launched two years ago: https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/electronics/wiim_amp/

Ditto for the Amp Pro and Amp Ultra.

Yes, thank you

I am uncertain as to why the feature is mentioned in a firmware update of July 17, 2025 - that is a question for the WiiM Forum

WiiM Amp Firmware v5.0.723459 Update - Jul 17, 2025

Please review the WiiM Amp update release notes below. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to us. This firmware update is being rolled out in stages, with devices updating sequentially over the next few days. 5.0.723459 (In Progress) Release date: 7 / 17 / 2025 What's...

forum.wiimhome.com

 

[dst]

Are both headphones used at the same time, i.e. 2 physical heads?

Yeah, for late night situations when the kids aren't yet asleep and we want to watch a movie with my wife. If I understood correctly, you can't have both HP outputs active w/different eqs at the same time.

 

[VonV3in]

Hi.

If we are objective then the first version of the TOPPING DX5 (2 x ES9068AS) gives better results than the second version TOPPING DX5 II ->

View attachment 464687

View attachment 464688

View attachment 464690

To be convinced of this, Amirm would have to measure the TOPPING DX5 again with the latest Firmware (as he said he would do ).

I think that the Roll Off applied to the TOPPING DX5 II is voluntary in order to avoid too 'significant rise' of the THD+N in the treble with the new ES9039Q2M chip...

This could be an explanation of my preference for the treble restoration with the TOPPING DX5 with the ES9068AS chips compared to the SMSL D6s which has the ES9039Q2M chip (I know my name is not BATMAN but what do you expect: I am objective ).

Hey what about this? Should I looking for new device? It looks like nothing happend thing but i dont know im obviously new in audio it would be my first device in audio and i dont know what should think. If dx5 II is bad by any important aspect please tell me and/or rec another device
Thanks!