Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[ziggurcat]

I've tried v1.91 v1.93 and v2.07. The results are the same. Due to the high noise of spdif signal, SPDIF mode 1 is unusable. I've heard some other DAC use high level DPLL to solve this problem. So maybe SPDIF mode 2 uses the same way. But you said this hiccup every few minutes are "expected". Why is that? Will other DACs like SMSL C200 under high DPLL also have this issue?

Because one mode will be compatible, the other will not. Usually Mode 1 is the one that works for everyone, and Mode 2 will exhibit the hiccup/stutter (that's how it is currently for me). I only sort of know this because I had inadvertently left my DX5 II on SPDIF Mode 2 after doing some testing, and thought there was a problem -- when I brought it up here, that's the response I got from everyone. Also, when I reported the stutter issue on the DX5 II to Topping, they thought I was arguing that SPDIF Mode 1 worked while Mode 2 didn't and that was also their response (that a stutter with Mode 2 is sort of "normal" if there was no issues with Mode 1).

I did make an edit that may have been missed -- prior to the issue I reported, I did also have it happen using a specific TOSLINK cable under specific conditions (if the sample rate was set higher than 96kHz). I would try a different cable even though you didn't have any issues with it on your D50s. I mistakenly said it was with my DX5 II, but I now recall it was something I observed with my D50 III DAC (I will edit that post to correct that information).

 

[wyzdwdz]

Because one mode will be compatible, the other will not. Usually Mode 1 is the one that works for everyone, and Mode 2 will exhibit the hiccup/stutter (that's how it is currently for me). I only sort of know this because I had inadvertently left my DX5 II on SPDIF Mode 2 after doing some testing, and thought there was a problem -- when I brought it up here, that's the response I got from everyone. Also, when I reported the stutter issue on the DX5 II to Topping, they thought I was arguing that SPDIF Mode 1 worked while Mode 2 didn't and that was also their response (that a stutter with Mode 2 is sort of "normal" if there was no issues with Mode 1).

I did make an edit that may have been missed -- prior to the issue I reported, I did also have it happen using a specific TOSLINK cable under specific conditions (if the sample rate was set higher than 96kHz). I would try a different cable even though you didn't have any issues with it on your D50s. I mistakenly said it was with my DX5 II, but I now recall it was something I observed with my D50 III DAC (I will edit that post to correct that information).

Thank you for your sharing. I've tried two different cables with no difference. So I can confirm that is not the issue with the cable. I've sent an email to the support team of Topping. I bought this device a week ago, but actually for now I cannot find an alternative of DX5II. So if this problem is not about the hardware damage and can be fixed via firmware update, I'm still not willing to return it.

 

[ziggurcat]

Thank you for your sharing. I've tried two different cables with no difference. So I can confirm that is not the issue with the cable. I've sent an email to the support team of Topping. I bought this device a week ago, but actually for now I cannot find an alternative of DX5II. So if this problem is not about the hardware damage and can be fixed via firmware update, I'm still not willing to return it.

With the D50 II, I tried 4 different cables: 2 of them were fine (a Monoprice one that was 2ft too long, and a Blue Jeans one I ordered that was only 1ft), one that worked better (i.e. it didn't stutter as much, but still had the issue) that was sort of a knockoff of the Monoprice, and one that was way worse (I cannot recall the brand, but it was from Amazon). I kept the Blue Jeans because it was the length I wanted, and it solved the problem. On the cables that stuttered, it would seem to trigger if I happened to wiggled the connector on the DAC end.

And with the cables that stuttered, it went away completely if I reduced the sample rate down to 96kHz.

If you can, try the DX5 II with a different source. If the stuttering disappears, then it's probably the LG.

 

[wyzdwdz]

With the D50 II, I tried 4 different cables: 2 of them were fine (a Monoprice one that was 2ft too long, and a Blue Jeans one I ordered that was only 1ft), one that worked better (i.e. it didn't stutter as much, but still had the issue) that was sort of a knockoff of the Monoprice, and one that was way worse (I cannot recall the brand, but it was from Amazon). I kept the Blue Jeans because it was the length I wanted, and it solved the problem. On the cables that stuttered, it would seem to trigger if I happened to wiggled the connector on the DAC end.

And with the cables that stuttered, it went away completely if I reduced the sample rate down to 96kHz.

If you can, try the DX5 II with a different source. If the stuttering disappears, then it's probably the LG.

Mine is the optical cable. In theory the anti-interference should be excellent. But you are right, the source of this issue is the LG. But I have to expect Topping could find a way to improve its compatibility with LG TV. Maybe Topping is sacrificing compatibility just to push their specs to the absolute limit. But honestly, I’d rather take a slight hit in sound quality than deal with stuttering audio. I just wish they would provide more options.

 

[BeeKay]

Maybe Topping is sacrificing compatibility just to push their specs to the absolute limit.

If I had to take a guess whether it’s Topping or LG to not comply with TOSLINK standards, I would need only two letters.

 

[wyzdwdz]

If I had to take a guess whether it’s Topping or LG to not comply with TOSLINK standards, I would need only two letters.

I didn't anticipate this problem. My previous setup with the Topping D50s worked flawlessly for years across multiple LG models (from CX to C4). The issue only appeared after upgrading to the DX5II last week. Since both devices utilize ESS chips, I have to be subjectively inclined to think the LG isn't the culprit here.

 

[faheem]

Been away from this forum, for a couple of years and buying anything audio related for closer to 5 years. Needed to replace my dac, and Amir is the only resource and point of clarity. Thanks for the review.

 

[yavormoskov]

I wonder about a subwoofer integration using Topping DX5II. Can I output fixed volume as DAC only or variable volume as a preamp to both XLR and RCA outputs at the same time? This way I can use the XLR outs to my 3e audio A7 amplifier and the RCAs to connect to a subwoofer and to control the crossover frequency on the sub itself.

 

[staticV3]

I wonder about a subwoofer integration using Topping DX5II. Can I output fixed volume as DAC only or variable volume as a preamp to both XLR and RCA outputs at the same time? This way I can use the XLR outs to my 3e audio A7 amplifier and the RCAs to connect to a subwoofer and to control the crossover frequency on the sub itself.

You can use XLR and RCA Line outs at the same time, but they will always output the same signal.

E.g. if one is EQed a certain way, then so is the other.
If one is pre-amped to a certain volume, then so is the other.

 

[Viper780]

There are only two Channels. For Subwoofer you need a third.

 

[staticV3]

There are only two Channels. For Subwoofer you need a third.

You can totally connect your Mains to the XLR output and your Sub to the RCA output.

The only limitation then is that you cannot high-pass your Mains.

Most Subs nowadays have phase and low-pass control, so the Sub can still be integrated.

 

[BeeKay]

You can totally connect your Mains to the XLR output and your Sub to the RCA output.

The only limitation then is that you cannot high-pass your Mains.

Most Subs nowadays have phase and low-pass control, so the Sub can still be integrated.

Exactly. Doing this with my A70 Pro. Sure, a HPF would be better, but even without it works nicely.

 

[Viper780]

That is true. But when asked for a sub out i guess it meant Mono down mixed and low pass filtered

 

[LeRoi]

That's why I use the Fosi Audio Max in combination. My two Nubert nuVero 60 work great together with my nuSub XW-700 at 80Hz HPF. I switched to Pre Mode with adjustable Volume because I just want to use one Volume knob for Phones and Speakers. Love my DX5II and it works flawlessly so far. The functions and settings are exactly what I need.

 

[Interstellar]

After a month, got my replacement DX5 II in. Came with the most recent firmware. We'll see how long it lasts.

 

[ziggurcat]

After a month, got my replacement DX5 II in. Came with the most recent firmware. We'll see how long it lasts.

From the issue you described, it sounded like a rare manufacturing defect. Hopefully the replacement works out well for you!

 

[knevgen]

After some thought, this might be a better choice than separate A50 III amplifier.
Reading about possible issues - I will take a precaution and buy from local seller, this way the unit will be covered with 1 year warranty. The price is only about 10 USD higher than ordering from China anyway.
That is of course if a chinese seller will agree to cancel my A50 III order, so far he just asked why and went offline.

 

[Luciferium]

Is ASRC disabled on this DAC?

 

[Joachim Herbert]

Is ASRC disabled on this DAC?

Incoming data will always be resampled for further processing by the dac chip (ES9039QM2). Has to.

 

[Luciferium]

I/V op-amp PCB placed above a DAC area, if there a 45.1 and 49.1 generators then it can ASRC disabled.