Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[ThomasB]

Had it once, was a faulty USB Hub

Ruled out the hub's, cables and adapters since they work with everything else...

 

[ThomasB]

Potentially, but if everything else works fine then it could be something else. The DAC might not show up if you have the sample rate in the Audio MIDI app (or the PC equivalent) set higher than 192kHz. That is one of the limitations of the PEQ feature.

Didn't set it higher than 44.1 kHz. I don't have any ideas left. Probably going to return it and try my luck with either a new Dx5 ii or a Fosi ZH3

 

[ziggurcat]

Didn't set it higher than 44.1 kHz. I don't have any ideas left. Probably going to return it and try my luck with either a new Dx5 ii or a Fosi ZH3

I would e-mail Topping, they usually get back to you pretty quick. They might have an idea. Would you be willing to post a screenshot of your Topping Tune window?

 

[ThomasB]

Will do - thank you!
Screenshot of TT with Dac plugged in, input set to USB and audio midi set to 44.1.

 

[ziggurcat]

Will do - thank you!
Screenshot of TT with Dac plugged in, input set to USB and audio midi set to 44.1.

I really wish I knew why it was not showing up as connected in TT. It's appearing in your PC/Mac devices just fine, yes?

The only annoying issue I've been facing over the last while has been the device won't come out of standby mode once every 1-2 weeks, it seems. I'm not sure what causes this, but I have to turn it off with the switch on the back to get it unstuck. I've definitely reported it to Topping, but because there's no known steps to reproduce, there's no real way for them to work on a fix. It could be related to the unusual way I have things connected to my computer, but I don't know for sure. It might even be my computer causing the problem.

If you end up keeping the DX5 II, whatever you do, do not use the JanMeier Crossfeed profile right now because it will effectively cause a factory reset.

 

[ThomasB]

I really wish I knew why it was not showing up as connected in TT. It's appearing in your PC/Mac devices just fine, yes?

The only annoying issue I've been facing over the last while has been the device won't come out of standby mode once every 1-2 weeks, it seems. I'm not sure what causes this, but I have to turn it off with the switch on the back to get it unstuck. I've definitely reported it to Topping, but because there's no known steps to reproduce, there's no real way for them to work on a fix. It could be related to the unusual way I have things connected to my computer, but I don't know for sure. It might even be my computer causing the problem.

If you end up keeping the DX5 II, whatever you do, do not use the JanMeier Crossfeed profile right now because it will effectively cause a factory reset.

Topping answered, and they have no idea either—apparently they have never encountered this problem. Going to return the DX5 ii for now. Thanks for your help!

 

[ziggurcat]

Topping answered, and they have no idea either—apparently they have never encountered this problem. Going to return the DX5 ii for now. Thanks for your help!

It is definitely strange. Have you considered a replacement or have you decided to look for something different?

 

[ThomasB]

It is definitely strange. Have you considered a replacement or have you decided to look for something different?

I am having a hard time with that decision. I really like the DX5 II as a poor man's RME ADI - but I am a little bummed with the problem. So I am torn between
a) getting a replacement unit
b) keeping the one I have because I am lazy and time is scarce with the family (and if I am honest, my ears won't hear the difference of a little peq on an AKG K371 since i am a woodworker by profession and my ears have already suffered from loud machines), or
c) Just getting a Fosi KH3 (saving 100€ so I can invest those in Music and I could still adjust treble and bass a little bit if I am noticing a lack of either)

Thoughts ?

 

[ziggurcat]

I am having a hard time with that decision. I really like the DX5 II as a poor man's RME ADI - but I am a little bummed with the problem. So I am torn between
a) getting a replacement unit
b) keeping the one I have because I am lazy and time is scarce with the family (and if I am honest, my ears won't hear the difference of a little peq on an AKG K371 since i am a woodworker by profession and my ears have already suffered from loud machines), or
c) Just getting a Fosi KH3 (saving 100€ so I can invest those in Music and I could still adjust treble and bass a little bit if I am noticing a lack of either)

Thoughts ?

If it were me, I would at least try one replacement unit first. If you get the same issue, then go with a different company, but it also could be something silly like one setting on your computer(s). If the one you received isn't functioning how it should, then there is no sense in fighting with it IMO.

Other options all depends on if you want PEQ or not. The FiiO K13 might be okay, or even a WiiM Ultra (though the WiiM's HP out doesn't seem that great if that's your primary use case).

The SMSL RAW MDA-1 is also a really good device (I had one very briefly) if you don't necessarily need PEQ. I returned it because it exhibited a popping issue that I now know to be the same data streaming popping issue that plagues a lot of DACs when being used on Mac. Since there are no drivers on MacOS, there's no way to set the data streaming to be always on like you can on PC), and is why I have a USB DDC in between my Mac and only use the OPT input on my DX5 II right now.

 

[NeLey169]

Does anyone have an English manual for Topping DX5 II? All I can find are Chinese versions.

 

[Timbo2]

Does anyone have an English manual for Topping DX5 II? All I can find are Chinese versions.

The manual is multilingual. Chinese is the first language presented. From memory English, Japanese and traditional Chinese as well.

 

[ziggurcat]

Does anyone have an English manual for Topping DX5 II? All I can find are Chinese versions.

Go to the product page on the website, open the web-based manual PDF, and simply scroll down.

 

[Chanur]

Has anyone listened or used this and the Fosi ZH3, FiiO K13, and or JDS Element 4? What are your thoughts if so.

Looking at all these that have EQ, if I should be looking at another please recommend it.

 

[Chanur]

It was mentioned in the ZH3 thread that DX5II distorts badly at high output. I am not the best with audio graphs but I don't see it in the review. Am I missing something?

 

[ziggurcat]

It was mentioned in the ZH3 thread that DX5II distorts badly at high output.

That's not true.

 

[Lux Maldini]

First request to @TOPPING @JohnYang1997 to add possibility to setup PEQ with interface on the device itself. Please please please.
Personally for me it's potentially the deal breaker.

Do you mean you want to be able to adjust PEQ directly on the device itself (using the knob/buttons and screen), without relying on Topping Tune on a PC?

If so, could you share why on-device PEQ adjustment is so important to you?
(e.g., for convenience when switching between different headphones/speakers, or because you don’t always have a PC connected, or other reasons?)

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Do you mean you want to be able to adjust PEQ directly on the device itself (using the knob/buttons and screen), without relying on Topping Tune on a PC?

If so, could you share why on-device PEQ adjustment is so important to you?
(e.g., for convenience when switching between different headphones/speakers, or because you don’t always have a PC connected, or other reasons?)

Because I'm using it with a streamer using toslink... sometimes I want to add bass and/or cut the highs - depending on my mood or current music.

 

[evalrat]

For your purpose the four profiles already on the device when it is delivered probably are good start. Switching the used profile is quite simple.

 

[DazST]

For your purpose the four profiles already on the device when it is delivered probably are good start. Switching the used profile is quite simple.

I agree with this and use both the 'warm' and 'airy' presets quite regularly

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

For your purpose the four profiles already on the device when it is delivered probably are good start. Switching the used profile is quite simple.

Yes it is how I use it.
I predefined some profiles and switch accordingly.

Not perfect but it works.