Isn't something like this safe? Maybe they just don't want you using faulty ones?
Wondering because my 4.4 to xlr adapter (fiio) is slippery and very hard to plug in and out, thought it might just be easier to use 4.4-> 6.35.
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Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
Isn't something like this safe? Maybe they just don't want you using faulty ones?
Wondering because my 4.4 to xlr adapter (fiio) is slippery and very hard to plug in and out, thought it might just be easier to use 4.4-> 6.35.
Roland68
Master Contributor
No, that is not safe.
The balanced output is four-pole; it has a positive (+) and a negative (-) connection for each channel and no ground connection to the drivers.
With a 3-pin single-ended (SE) headphone connection, the right and left negative (-) terminals of the balanced amplifier are pulled to ground, thereby causing a short circuit.
I might be misunderstanding the manual, but I would have imagined the instructions to say something like don't use 3.5->4.4 adapter, rather than 4.4->3.5.
Hmm I think I meant the reverse, like balanced headphone into the SE output of the amplifier (adapter is 4.4mm female, 6.35mm male).
If I'm not mistaken, the adapter would connect R- and L- into ground, connect R+ and L+ into R and L, ground into ground?
So instead of R+ -> driver -> R- and L+ -> driver -> L-, it would be R+ -> driver -> ground and L+ -> driver -> ground?
Reason is to avoid the 4.4mm output which some people have had problems with.
I've heard suggestions to plug it balanced headphones into XLR output, but I am wondering if plugging balanced headphone into the 6.35mm output would be an alternative way around 4.4mm shorting issues.
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The rule to follow when connecting an amplifier to headphones is: ‘You can use an adapter to connect a single-ended output from the amplifier (three-pin) to a balanced headphone jack (four-pin), but not the other way round.’
Roland68
Master Contributor
Exactly as @Ahmonge says: balanced headphones on single-ended amplifiers/outputs are no problem, but single-ended headphones on balanced amplifiers/outputs are a definite no-go.
Just so you know, the 4-pin XLR connector offers superior contact quality compared to any jack connector.
They are following the signal path/direction, so from the Output. Might not make sense for a user, makes sense for an engineer.
Digidigi
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I'm thinking about getting one of these for headphone listening with my Wiim Amp Ultra and wondering about the best way to setup the system. Would connecting the Wiim via usb, then using the DX5 II in DAC mode and controlling the volume via the Wiim app/remote work? Or will my 'phones get nuked in DAC mode no matter what?
ziggurcat
Major Contributor
The HPA on the DX5 II isn't affected by DAC mode or preamp mode. It's its own thing, so what you'll probably have to do is set the volume on the DX5 II HPA as high as you think is necessary, then use the WiiM amp to control the volume.
AndreaT
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Finally…in the confusing D to D world of adapters, this inexpensive accessory allows me to input digital signal from my iPhone to the Topping DAC for lossless corded Apple Music source: 44.1/24
Mario1969
Active Member
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DX5 II version V2.27 firmware update
*Added: Home app support. (Note: Please update the Home app to the latest version before use. Download here.)
*Fixed: Reduced HID communication speed to improve Mac resource usage
*Fixed: Several known issues
What's updated
*Added: Home app support. (Note: Please update the Home app to the latest version before use. Download here.)
*Fixed: Reduced HID communication speed to improve Mac resource usage
*Fixed: Several known issues
Yes, but Bluetooth has to be set to On in input settings and sometimes I have to hold the brightness button on the remote to initiate bluetooth pairing mode for it to connect successfully. The app runs surprisingly well on both iOS and Android. Can't seem to be able to have two phones controlling at once if that matters for anyone.
I was also surprised that both iOS and Android connected with no issues. In my case no need to fiddle with the brightness button.
I'm using the iOS application on an iPad. The only criticism there is that it runs as phone application and not as one optimized for tablet.
ziggurcat
Major Contributor
Now it's working. I think I needed to power cycle the DX5 II.
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Basic question. You have the antenna attached?
I couldn't get it to connect at first. I ended up doing a factory reset and it connected after that.
ziggurcat
Major Contributor
Works now. See my edit.
And no, I don't actually have the antenna connected, but I'm never far enough away from it for the antenna to be a factor.
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