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TOPPING MX3s
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JSmith
Master Contributor
Correct;
Buy the TOPPING MX3s DAC/Headphone Amp/Power Amp on Apos Audio
We’re thrilled to announce that the TOPPING MX3s DAC/Headphone Amp/Power Amp is for sale on Apos Audio for $199. This versatile system allows you to experience your favorite music and movies through a variety of devices, including in-ear monitors, full-sized headphones, and even a 2.1 speaker...
apos.audio
JSmith
Besides the unknown AKM chip (AK4493S like the DX1?), the description mentions a Qualcomm QCC3040 for BT (obviously), but also USB, optical, and coax input…??? Do I read that wrong or there is no Xmos chip? The QCC3040 is a fairly powerful chip with one Kalimba DSP unit. I wonder if they used a DSP LPF with the integrated DAC to provide the SW output…
EDIT: also noted that the SNR and Dynamic Range of the HPA are spec’s at 115dB for USB/Opt/Coax vs. a much better 127dB for the Aux input. Either this is a low-end AKM DAC, or the QCC3040 is the limiting factor (similar story on the Qudelix 5K used as DAC). Not that it matters at these levels anyway!!!
EDIT2: the QCC3040 integrated DAC is 1-channel only, which would work for the Sub Woofer out, but only for USB/Opt/Coax input…. Aux input would require using the QCC3040 integrated ADCs (intended for mics) to get digital L & R, then sum it & apply a LPF in the DSP, and convert it to analog SW out through the DAC. Latency should not be too much of an issue for a sub… Seems rather complicated to implement!
If Topping is moving toward using Qualcomm instead of Xmos for the digital inputs, I wish we’ll finally see more DSP options in their future entry level products—alike what Qudelix has done with the 5K and it’s app. A DX3S (MX3S without the amp.) with some EQ options would be interesting if less than $150 !
EDIT: also noted that the SNR and Dynamic Range of the HPA are spec’s at 115dB for USB/Opt/Coax vs. a much better 127dB for the Aux input. Either this is a low-end AKM DAC, or the QCC3040 is the limiting factor (similar story on the Qudelix 5K used as DAC). Not that it matters at these levels anyway!!!
EDIT2: the QCC3040 integrated DAC is 1-channel only, which would work for the Sub Woofer out, but only for USB/Opt/Coax input…. Aux input would require using the QCC3040 integrated ADCs (intended for mics) to get digital L & R, then sum it & apply a LPF in the DSP, and convert it to analog SW out through the DAC. Latency should not be too much of an issue for a sub… Seems rather complicated to implement!
If Topping is moving toward using Qualcomm instead of Xmos for the digital inputs, I wish we’ll finally see more DSP options in their future entry level products—alike what Qudelix has done with the 5K and it’s app. A DX3S (MX3S without the amp.) with some EQ options would be interesting if less than $150 !
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A listing for the Topping MX3s at Amazon (USA) says the DAC is an 'AK4437'
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Agreed - I see mention of a '4436VN' and '4438VN from AKM
AK4436VN | Audio D/A Converters | Audio Components | Products | Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)
108dB 192kHz / 32-bit 6 ch Advanced Audio DAC The AK4436VN is an 6 channel 32-bit DAC which corresponds to digital audio systems.
AK4438VN | Audio D/A Converters | Audio Components | Products | Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM)
108dB 192kHz / 32-bit 8 ch Advanced Audio DAC The AK4438VN is an 8 channel 32-bit DAC which corresponds to digital audio systems.
Found one post (in Japanese) mentioning an “AK4437” produced at Renesas after the AKM fire. Headfonics also lists it in their iKKo Heimdallr review, but iKKo shows it as a AK4377. May be a typo… or an existing “classic” AKM DAC produced at a different factory.
I think it is the AK4377, as this looks like Topping ad copy:
de.shenzhenaudio.com
TOPPING MX3s Desktop DAC & Headphone Amplifier & Speaker Amplifier
Pre-order till April, 2023! The MX3s features an AKM DAC equipped with a Qualcomm Bluetooth chip,the QCC3040, providing exceptional USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth input capabilities. This allows for easy connection of various audio sources, such as computers, set-top boxes, DVD players...
Waiting on reviews for this. I have a small desk setup where this could work well to save up some space. Currently have a Schiit Sys preamp for allowing switch between computer and Roon (Chromecast streamer here), into a Sabaj a10h hp amp, then into a TPA3116 amp for powering the desktop single Fostex driver Kanspeas on the desk. I realize there are existing decent all in ones like the dx3pro+ but I think in either case, I have to find a way to support 2 analog inputs, or get one of those mini Toslink cables for the Chromecast.
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fuzzy_logic
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I quite liked the original Mx3, but then i added a subwoofer to my setup, and they didn't get on. A loud thunk from the sub, when the amp was powered off, and then it shut itself down after i connected my headphones (which was fine before i added the sub). I saw similar reports from other users elsewhere - I hope they've fixed it with the new version!
RangerAudio
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Thinking about buying this, but seems the og MX3 wasn't a great unit. Anyone know the measurements of this?
Hatto
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Topping released their measurements but there are no independent measurements out that I know of yet.
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I've got a decade-old Topping VX1 and have been waiting for them to produce a suitable replacement. Perhaps this will be it.
RangerAudio
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Much appreciated. I think I might just go with a Topping DX3 Pro+ for now instead. I don't really need a powered speaker output, but it would be a nice feature. It has a lot of potential.
Hatto
Active Member
DX3 Pro+ is a more versatile product in my opinion. It can be used as pure DAC, pre-amp and headphone amp, whereas MX3s is an AIO stereo amp with an afterthought headphone stage. While both offer great capability with small footprint, DX3 Pro+ has top of the line DAC and HPA performance. It all depends on your listening habits prioritization:
Listening to headphones often >>> DX3 Pro+
Active speakers >>> DX3 Pro+
Need analog outputs >>> DX3 Pro+
Need analog inputs >>> MX3s
Passive Speakers >>> MX3s
You already have a DX3 Pro+ and just need a matching stereo amp >>> PA3S ($126: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LCTYHKQ)
SINAD 93 and about 58W into 4 ohms (THD+N 1%). Looks like a great all in one!
TOPPING MX3s Desktop DAC & Headphone Amplifier & Speaker Amplifier
Pre-order till April, 2023! The MX3s features an AKM DAC equipped with a Qualcomm Bluetooth chip,the QCC3040, providing exceptional USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth input capabilities. This allows for easy connection of various audio sources, such as computers, set-top boxes, DVD players...
shenzhenaudio.com
Their published measurements, made in APx555b, have been reliable so far.
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