Topping DX5II Balanced DAC and Headphone Amp Review

[mishachakir]

Another question: Can I bind an EQ setting to a specific output selected? For example a EQ for my 6,3mm headphones and one for my powered speakers, connected via the pre-outs? Or do I have to change EQs manually after switching outputs?

My balanced and 6mm audio outputs have their own independent PEQ settings and switch automatically depending on the output used. However, these are strictly hardware-level PEQ settings.

 

[Berwhale]

Another question: Can I bind an EQ setting to a specific output selected? For example a EQ for my 6,3mm headphones and one for my powered speakers, connected via the pre-outs? Or do I have to change EQs manually after switching outputs?

Yes, that's how I have been using it for over a year. I have speaker/room correction PEQ for iLoud MTMs (generated using moving microphone method with REW) and headphone correction PEQ for my Sennheiser HD660S (Based on Oratory1990's suggested settings). PEQ memory is set to follow the output selection (LO BAL and HP BAL only for me).

I built similar functionality for my Topping EX5 using eAPO/PEACE, and IR receiver and 'overloading' the remote, but it was a bit more complicated! https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...te-or-any-other-ir-remote.36869/#post-1297243

 

[ziggurcat]

Another question: Can I bind an EQ setting to a specific output selected? For example a EQ for my 6,3mm headphones and one for my powered speakers, connected via the pre-outs? Or do I have to change EQs manually after switching outputs?

Yes. I have my Truthear Hexa profile set in the HPA SE output, and my FiiO FT1 profile set in the HPA BAL output, and it displays the correct PEQ profile when I cycle to either of those outputs.

 

[LiviuTM]

I installed it the old way, which still works fine on macOS. However, it automatically turned on after completing the update unlike before.

There are some changes for the display settings as well. There is now an Auto screen off setting that was set to 60 seconds by default. It can be set to 10 s, 30 s, 60 s and Never. Correspondingly, the brightness setting no longer includes Auto. Further, there is a "Screen off" setting, which can be set to "Input", which is as it was before under "Auto" brightness and is the default, and "Fully Off", which also turns off the backlight.

There are also some changes to the input, output, PEQ and crossfeed settings. The selections for the options to cycle through have been moved to Advanced > Cycle range > X option, where X is input etc. The PCM filters to cycle through can also be changed there under PCM option.

The manual has not been updated for FW V2.46 yet.

Same for me on Windows 11 - installed it the old way, and it automatically turned on after completing the update. Worked without a hitch; no helper needed.

 

[Fabsen]

I bought the white version on audiophonics last week and received it (firmware was 1.91 - just upgraded to 2.46).
However, it uses the old 4.4mm board (left)
I was planning to use 4.4mm quite often, so should I return it?

 

[TerryTown]

I bought the white version on audiophonics last week and received it (firmware was 1.91 - just upgraded to 2.46).
However, it uses the old 4.4mm board (left)
I was planning to use 4.4mm quite often, so should I return it?
View attachment 554643

Is there any visual evidence of you opening up the device? If there is you could be taking a slight chance although I'm no expert on any of these dealers/importers. I admit I'm not familiar with any other country but my own about what you can do with a device and still return it for full refund.

If you're concerned about the jack itself are you opposed to just leaving the phones connected at all times? Are you at all interested in converting to an XLR jack to avoid using the 4.4? Again not an expert by any means on this device, there are others here who know it inside and out I'm sure but in the end from what others have posted here it seems there is no protection at this jack from hot swapping. It may be that no 4.4mm jack is protected against this I don't know but since it's a concern with this device it would seem the best idea is to use the XLR or leave the phones plugged in all the time to avoid burning up the output. From your pics it appears the XLR is structurally more sound.

If you think you can return it safely without incurring any fees for any any reason it appears Topping is showing them in stock and they show a 10% discount for first orders. I have no idea about their return policy and I'd be assuming though that you would be getting the newest hardware revision but again, someone else here may have better info.

 

[ziggurcat]

I bought the white version on audiophonics last week and received it (firmware was 1.91 - just upgraded to 2.46).
However, it uses the old 4.4mm board (left)
I was planning to use 4.4mm quite often, so should I return it?

You don't need to return it.

 

[Jack'sColdSweat]

I went full YOLO and bought one used from Topping for €209. Everything looked brand new, which was a nice surprise. I was using a tube amp before this, so it's quite a strange change. The music sounds somewhat dead compared to it, but the clarity and soundstage are insane, I'm hearing all kinds of new details. So far no problems.

 

[Scoobz1]

You don't need to return it.

Why ?

 

[Janfi67]

I bought the white version on audiophonics last week and received it (firmware was 1.91 - just upgraded to 2.46).

Firmware 1.91 dates back to late 2025. Your unit might not have the latest hardware revision?

I bought a DX5 II (black) from Audiophonics in late June, it had a newer firmware version (2.xx) and hardware revision 0.17.

You can check the hardware revision using Topping Tune (version 1.61 works well for me).

 

[Fabsen]

I am even getting this V0.15

 

[Janfi67]

As far as I remember, it's the initial HW release, without 4.4mm TRRS modification (0.16) or power supply optimisation (0.17).
If you don't unplug the TRRS while playing, it should be OK.

 

[ziggurcat]

Why ?

Because there's no need.

 

[Bleib]

6. What's updated 2.51​

*Improved: The remote control mute function now adapts to the active input, with Bluetooth input controlling play/pause.

*Improved: The firmware upgrade process and verification mechanism.

*Fixed: Standby and wake status synchronization issues between the app, web interface, and device.

*Fixed: No audio when the device started in UAC 1.0 mode with a PS5.

*Fixed: After switching C1/C2, the polarity setting could differ from the actual effect.

*Fixed: The screen could not be awakened by adjusting the volume through the app or web interface after screen-off.

*Fixed: Abnormal cycle range selection and DoP sample rate display.

*Fixed: Several known issues.

DX5 II version V2.51 firmware update - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

 

[ziggurcat]

I gotta say: I am liking the ability to update through the Home web app.

 

[audioje]

See

I went full YOLO and bought one used from Topping for €209. Everything looked brand new, which was a nice surprise. I was using a tube amp before this, so it's quite a strange change. The music sounds somewhat dead compared to it, but the clarity and soundstage are insane, I'm hearing all kinds of new details. So far no problems.

did you get the most recent hardware? i'm also looking at used one from Topping

 

[Bleib]

6. What's updated 2.53​

*Fixed: Audio briefly became louder when previewing AutoEQ.

*Fixed: Data could occasionally fail to synchronize between the HOME App, Web Home, and the device when switching inputs or outputs.

*Fixed: When switching C1/C2 scenes, the output option could briefly revert to the previous setting.

*Improved: DC detection algorithm.

*Fixed: Several known issues.

DX5 II version V2.53 firmware update - Topping audio

TOPPING, born in 2008, has evolved into a beloved global HIFI brand favored by users worldwide. We firmly believe that higher-quality music playback devices are essential for truly showcasing the allure of music. By investing extensively in professional technology and exceptional industrial...

www.toppingaudio.com

DX5 II must be the firmware champion by now

 

[LasVegasMan]

What did you mean by the lowest freq is 50HZ? Is that for the headphone outs on the front panel only? The spec sheet shows some possible crossover options but does not explain it in any detail that I could see.

The Spectrum Display

 

[Azathoth]

Is there a way to check if my DX5 II uses the newer 4.4mm board?

 

[Berwhale]

DX5 II must be the firmware champion by now

I have installed 18 versions, but I may have missed some...