Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[ziggurcat]

Topping with its questionable QC, but better featureset and moar power). Ofc I'd buy a some sort of XLR to 4.4mm adapter in case I'd stick with the DX5 II overall

The thing about online forums is you're going to get a more concentrated account of any issue that may arise. It's not indicative of "questionable QC." My own DX5 II has been flawless as far as any hardware issues is concerned, and it was one of the first production runs of the device.

I would keep the DX5 II, and just get a 4-pin XLR cable instead of an adapter for your headphones.

 

[dmac6419]

Ok so it turns out that I'll be sent a replacement unit instead of a refund.

And the question is: Should I return the D40 Pro and wait for the DX5 II replacement to come in, or should I wait for DX5 II replacement to come in and then resell it.

Both have pros and cons ngl (Loxjie with its outdated XMOS Drivers, and lacking featureset, albeit it has more reliable internals from what I've seen, and Topping with its questionable QC, but better featureset and moar power). Ofc I'd buy a some sort of XLR to 4.4mm adapter in case I'd stick with the DX5 II overall

I would sell it or in my case use as a dac only I'm using the Luxsin X8 daily way ahead of topping I don't even get full power out of the DX5 II must be something wrong with amplifier circuit in it or something works as a dac though.

 

[Pierun]

The thing about online forums is you're going to get a more concentrated account of any issue that may arise. It's not indicative of "questionable QC." My own DX5 II has been flawless as far as any hardware issues is concerned, and it was one of the first production runs of the device.

I would keep the DX5 II, and just get a 4-pin XLR cable instead of an adapter for your headphones.

tbf I was told that nothing was wrong with my DX5 II unit, even though it had a ridiculous 4.4mm protrusion (obviously it was a nitpick from my side. turns out it was a design choice), and uhhh it'd randomly pop only at balanced when the ASIO was set at like 64 samples (the unbalanced output was unaffected at all).

But then again: maybe I'm a bit too paranoid, and my reaction could be overblown when it comes to the tiniest of mishaps (sometimes self-inflicted)

Nonetheless, appreciate the input.

 

[Pierun]

I would sell it or in my case use as a dac only I'm using the Luxsin X8 daily way ahead of topping I don't even get full power out of the DX5 II must be something wrong with amplifier circuit in it or something works as a dac though.

I mean the better question is how long it'd take to sell, because we're getting close to a 2nd month of my DX5 II refund fiasco, and my patience is wearing thin to be honest.

 

[aka]

So now that the DX5 II has been out for a while and hopefully been flashed up to speed, what's the considered consensus on upgrading from the original DX5?
It would replace my chair side DX5 which is dedicated to headphone (HD6XX) listening. Diminishing returns or...?

 

[evanft]

FYI, there is apparently a firmware update available, but the links on the page currently go to an update for the DX1 II, not the DX5 II. I'm sure it's just a random error on their part.

 

[ziggurcat]

FYI, there is apparently a firmware update available, but the links on the page currently go to an update for the DX1 II, not the DX5 II. I'm sure it's just a random error on their part.

Their site has been a little weird lately. There was a 502 error the other day, but also some of the product pages were broken, and the site language was fixed to Chinese in the store (all of that has been resolved as far as I can tell).

Could be that they're still working through some site issues.

But also, the product page, and support page both just show v2.14 as the latest for the DX5 II. Downloading the file from your link says it's a DX1 II FW, so whatever you do, don't install it on your DX5 II.

 

[dmac6419]

Their site has been a little weird lately. There was a 502 error the other day, but also some of the product pages were broken, and the site language was fixed to Chinese in the store (all of that has been resolved as far as I can tell).

Could be that they're still working through some site issues.

But also, the product page, and support page both just show v2.14 as the latest for the DX5 II. Downloading the file from your link says it's a DX1 II FW, so whatever you do, don't install it on your DX5 II.

Hope this doesn't brick any unsuspected DX5 II owners Sheesh you can't make this up maybe they're worried about sinad

 

[Lambo1985]

Ahh...New mystery firmware. An evil temptation, to be sure. The DX5 Ii i purchased came with v2.10. It works, so im not touching anything.

 

[ziggurcat]

Ahh...New mystery firmware. An evil temptation, to be sure. The DX5 Ii i purchased came with v2.10. It works, so im not touching anything.

It's not a new mystery FW, and you should update to v2.14. The link to FW v2.14 is the only one posted on the site for the DX5 II (via support or the product page), not whatever link @evanft shared. The v2.50 FW is on the DX1 II's product page (and listed under the support tab), as it should be.

Hope this doesn't brick any unsuspected DX5 II owners Sheesh you can't make this up maybe they're worried about sinad

It won't unless you are illiterate. All of the links on the website point to the correct FW for the correct device. Nice try, though.

 

[dmac6419]

It's not a new mystery FW, and you should update to v2.14. The link to FW v2.14 is the only one posted on the site for the DX5 II (via support or the product page), not whatever link @evanft shared. The v2.50 FW is on the DX1 II's product page (and listed under the support tab), as it should be.



It won't unless you are illiterate. All of the links on the website point to the correct FW for the correct device. Nice try, though.

Why the insult ? What are you a child or something.

 

[Somafunk]

So now that the DX5 II has been out for a while and hopefully been flashed up to speed, what's the considered consensus on upgrading from the original DX5?
It would replace my chair side DX5 which is dedicated to headphone (HD6XX) listening. Diminishing returns or...?

No theme reviews may help you decide, he’s quite good and keeps it short @ 10mins, he’s objectivist in nature and dislikes the subjective bullshit of reviewing- often quotes asr as a beacon of hope for the industry/hobby

Don’t wish to watch?, no need to change your DX5 as you will not notice any audible difference

 

[Lambo1985]

No theme reviews may help you decide, he’s quite good and keeps it short @ 10mins, he’s objectivist in nature and dislikes the subjective bullshit of reviewing- often quotes asr as a beacon of hope for the industry/hobby

Don’t wish to watch?, no need to change your DX5 as you will not notice any audible difference

"NTR" is most certainly a member of ASR, and he is trying to crush my dreams of picking up every cool new dac/amp that comes out! lol

Ironically, a lot of these devices can and do sound ever so slightly different from one another. The SMSL RAW-MDA1 (Probably the DX5 II's nearest equivalent) has been described as being slightly richer sounding than the DX5 II, and I agree (I now own both). I also have a FOSI ZH3 and that also sounds slightly different (a hair more relaxed). I did buy a DX5 Lite a while back, and hated the sound (it was cold sounding), so I returned it. I do agree though that most of the terms audiophiles use to describe sound are ridiculous (Holographic, 3D, etc.). - FWIW, after assessing along with the rest of my gear, the DX5 II is as neutral as it gets. I don't notice any analog or DSP stage coloration on the Line or HP outs I tried.

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

Ironically, a lot of these devices can and do sound ever so slightly different from one another.

Under properly controlled testing?

 

[Lambo1985]

Under properly controlled testing?

Only volume matching with headphones. So this is user experience, and my observation. YMMV.

 

[Sir Sanders Zingmore]

Only volume matching with headphones. So this is user experience, and my observation. YMMV.

Except if you do the test properly, YM will in fact, not V

 

[Pierun]

tbf I was told that nothing was wrong with my DX5 II unit, even though it had a ridiculous 4.4mm protrusion (obviously it was a nitpick from my side. turns out it was a design choice), and uhhh it'd randomly pop only at balanced when the ASIO was set at like 64 samples (the unbalanced output was unaffected at all).

But then again: maybe I'm a bit too paranoid, and my reaction could be overblown when it comes to the tiniest of mishaps (sometimes self-inflicted)

Nonetheless, appreciate the input.

Yeah so I've decided to return the Loxjie and wait for the replacement Topping to arrive.

Also ordered an XLR cable by Openheart, because the stock FiiO FT1 cable is kinda bootycheeks ngl

 

[ziggurcat]

Yeah so I've decided to return the Loxjie and wait for the replacement Topping to arrive.

Also ordered an XLR cable by Openheart, because the stock FiiO FT1 cable is kinda bootycheeks ngl

I like the stock FT1 cables, but I went and got myself one of these 4-pin XLR cables in the Grey/Blue variety back in December:

Tripowin GranVia Headphone Cable for Sennheiser HD650 HD800 HIFIMAN SUNDARA ANANDA

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[Boza]

I'm not sure whether to get the DX5 II for my Hifiman HE600s to play CS2.


What do you guys think?

 

[Pierun]

Just received the replacement DX5 II (serial/batch no. starting with 261). So far no nitpicks, even with the IEC C13 plug, which is a nice surprise.