The undeniably cute Topping DX5 II DAC/Headphone Amp has a 2-inch color display that can show an … More old-school VU meter.
The Topping DX5 II sets a new benchmark for budget desktop DACs and is aimed at those of us who enjoy listening to music with headphones while we work. Topping is a specialist manufacturer of DACs and it’s built something of a reputation for high performance with prices ranging from $250 to $1,000.
The new DX5 II is Topping’s latest product and it’s an ultra-high-res DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier with a fully balanced architecture and some impressive specifications for the asking price.
Measuring just 19 x 4.4 x 15.5cm, this versatile digital hub has an array of connections that make it equally at home in a multi-component hi-fi system or when simply located next to a computer on a desk.
High Quality Sound
The purpose of the DX5 II is to deliver high-quality sound from a range of digital sources such as smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, media players and games consoles. It will work with any entertainment device that has a digital audio output or Bluetooth connectivity.
Whether it’s used as part of a hi-fi system or simply for playing music while you work at your desk, … More the DX5 II offers a lot for the money.
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Thanks to a built-in headphone amplifier with class-leading power and clarity, the DX5 II is suitable for a range of system configurations. It has a fixed analog output mode that can pair with an integrated amp and passive speakers. Then there is a preamp mode that works with a volume control for connection to a power amp or a pair of powered speakers.
The DX5 II features an array of inputs and outputs, far more than are usually available on such an affordable device. It has three hi-res digital inputs consisting of USB, coaxial and optical. There’s high-definition Bluetooth and support for the latest codecs.
Line/preamp outputs come in both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA flavors. Finally, there is a trio of headphone outputs for balanced XLR, balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm. A 12V trigger input and output work with system synchronization.
Neat 2-Inch Screen
The compact design of the DX5 II is complemented by its neat control scheme and a two-inch color screen. However, beneath the surface of this little device are premium components and circuitry designed to deliver a spacious sound that’s full of detail.
There is no shortage of inputs for the Topping DX5 II and they include digital, analog in both … More balanced and single ended types.
The DX5 II is built around an ES9039Q2M high-spec DAC from ESS Technology’s 32-bit Sabre range. The chip uses ESS’s new-generation Hyperstream IV architecture for ultra-low-noise and a high dynamic range. Instead of using just one chip, Topping has opted for two: one for the left channel and the other for the right.
The ES9039Q2M is a two-channel DAC and by using two of these chips to decode the left and right channels independently, it produces a pair of differential signals per channel. This lowers the noise floor, improves channel separation and enhances the DAC’s ability to resolve fine musical detail and micro-dynamics.
Every Format Possible
The DX5 II’s hi-res audio credentials include the ability to handle PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz over USB (24-bit/192kHz via the coaxial and optical inputs). Fully native DSD to 22.5792MHz (DSD512) is supported, as well as DoP (DSD over PCM).
A new 32-bit, 16-core XMOS chip—the XU316—is used to receive and process data over the USB port. This works alongside a high-performance audio-grade Thesycon driver for Windows PCs. Other operating systems, such as Mac OS, Linux, iOS and Android, do not need a driver.
The headphone amplifier on the Topping DX5 II uses a newly developed X-Hybrid headphone … More amplification technology. It’s an evolution of the Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier architecture and uses an all-new hybrid design that has three stages.
The DX5 II uses an advanced implementation of Bluetooth for convenient device-to-device wireless streaming. There’s a comprehensive selection of high-definition codecs, including LDAC and aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit/96kHz, as well as aptX HD at 24-bit/48kHz.
Other Bluetooth formats include aptX Low Latency, aptX, AAC and SBC. This means, no matter the smartphone, tablet or computer used for streaming, the best codec will always be selected to ensure the best sound quality. The range and reliability of wireless reception are optimized by compliance with the Bluetooth 5.1 standard.
High Quality Voltage
Current-to-voltage conversion is a necessary part of any DAC because it converts the initial current output from the digital-to-analog conversion process into the voltage signal required by an amplifier. This enables the amplifier to drive a pair of headphones or speakers. For sound quality, the implementation is as important as the choice of DAC chip.
Topping has created an I/V (Current-to-Voltage) conversion module to release the full potential of the DAC chips to deliver less noise and distortion while optimizing the use of space within the DX5 II’s small chassis.
Newly developed X-Hybrid headphone amplification technology in the DX5 II allows for a fully balanced four-channel amplifier. It’s an evolution of the Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier architecture and uses an all-new hybrid design that has three stages.
The DX5 II from Topping comes in a choice of Black, Silver and new White colorways.
The first stage is a discrete input stage, then comes the op-amp-based gain stage and, finally, a discrete output stage. Topping says this design results in a fully optimized circuit topology that keeps the ultra-low distortion and high dynamic range of NFCA amplification while boosting efficiency, reducing heat levels and lowering static power consumption.
The amplifier can drive all types of headphones, including the most current hungry planar models. The DX5 II’s amp stage has plenty of power and dynamics, coupled with detailed resolution, but keeps control at all volume levels.
Topping says the performance of the headphone amplifier is “remarkable” for such a modestly priced DAC/headphone amp. It can deliver 2 x 7,600mW into 16Ω, 2 x 6,400mW into 32Ω and 2 x 990mW into 300Ω through its balanced outputs. It has a signal-to-noise ratio of 133dB @ 1kHz and the dynamic range reaches 133dB @ 1kHz. Even owners of super-sensitive IEMs can enjoy the low noise floor of just 1.8 uVrms.
Comprehensive Sonic Tailoring
Topping has developed a new Parametric Equalizer algorithm that enables precise control of frequency, gain and Q (bandwidth) across ten customizable bands. Operated via software for Windows and macOS, users can create and save multiple profiles and then upload them to the DX5 II. The profiles can be selected using the menu system without the need to run the software in the background.
There is a retro look about the styling of the small and affordable Topping DX5 II.
The PEQ software can import target curves, so different profiles can be applied to different outputs. This enables the sound from each pair of headphones and speakers used with the DX5 II to be fine-tuned individually, depending on their technical and sonic characteristics.
Another unusual feature of this device is its two-inch color screen with multiple display options. Thanks to Topping’s new Aurora UI, users can choose what data to show, such as incoming file format, sample rate and volume level. Alternatively, users can select a spectrum analyzer FFT display the audio signal’s frequency components in real time. A third option is a classic VU-style meter showing signal levels as the music plays and providing vintage appeal.
The display is configurable with nine different color schemes, adjustable brightness and more. All functions can be accessed using a combination of three buttons and a multifunctional rotary control on the front panel. The rotary control is user-configurable for easy use and provides intuitive access to the DX5 II’s most popular functions. A remote control is also included.
Pricing and Availability:
The Topping DX5 II DAC/headphone amp is available in the UK from mid-July from the company’s official distributor Electromod. There is a choice of black, white or silver finishes and the price is £299 / $299.
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