With such an amazing value, Topping DX5 II is perfect for everyone review
- ducurguz
- Jul 29
- 6 min read
Topping is doing something great here; it brings plenty of value in it's shrunk down to only 300 dollars. And while it is a tremendous device with many inputs and outputs, and versatility and features, I came to feel like that this device is created to please many but not to impress anyone.
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Technical details/Features/PEQ
Topping had a huge success with the previous model of DX5, that was released in 2022. And it was only a matter of time before we got a sequel. And of course it was successful; it had powerful headphone amplification, a great DAC, and a lot of features and inputs, etc.
So the new DX5 has big shoes to fill. And visually it also differs from the previous. From rounded corners to more box-like and sharp ones. Similar to all new Topping gear. Also a bigger screen with the new Aurora UI.
But there are incredible new addons like the addition of Dual ESS DACs, and a Class D hybrid amp which is also a fully balanced headphone amp. The hybrid Class D or X-Hybrid, how Topping calls it, represents a new technological breakthrough following NFCA architecture. Utilizing an all-new triple-stage hybrid amplification design*, it not only retains the signature ultra-low distortion and high dynamic range of the NFCA, but also achieves significantly improved efficiency by optimizing circuit topology—resulting in reduced static power consumption and heat generation. Despite its compact chassis, it houses a fully balanced, quad-channel amplifier.
And that headphone amp could potentially drive many, many headphones. With 7600 milliwatts power consumption in 16 ohms, to all the way of 490 milliwatts in 600 ohms. That is just some serious firepower that it has. With a really decent DAC. It also supports 6.35mm and 4.4mm and 4-pin XLR headphone jacks.
Its value is through the roof. And did I forget to mention a full-fledged desktop parametric equalizer? Yeah, Topping is creating something special here.
You also have 5 preset filter sounds that Topping have created inside the device. But to create a self-tailored Equalizing, you need to connect DX5 to your computer, and the process of doing so is really easy. The software does give you a robust set of features, to change and mold sound. It even gives you the ability for you to import target curves and raw curves.
When you fit the frequency scale to your liking, you can save it on one of 5 filter spaces and easily switch between them.
But let's test it in real-life scenarios. I will now describe my experience as a DAC as part of a stereo hifi system, and as an amplifier to my headphones.
Sound Quality as DAC
We have a pretty decent DAC here, dual ESS 9039Q2M, which for a device that costs 300 dollars and mainly will be used as a headphone amplifier is a great thing.
I have already a lot of experience with this DAC in many different variants from Aiyima A80 to Topping D50.And while it might seem the same chip equals the same sound across the board, you might be wrong.
Topping D50 sounds the purest and dynamically rich as a DAC from all these three devices. It is more transparent, to show spaces in between, and yet treble and bass have more texture and details.
Not to say that DAC implementation sucks in DX5; it is just that if you want just a DAC, maybe spend less money and buy a pure DAC like this. But the sound in DX5 is also very balanced and neutral. It's a more laid-back sound.
The vocal performance and instrument performance is going to be more on a stage rather than next to you, which is not a problem as ESS does create a decent soundstage.
Its clarity truly allows instruments to be more vivid on stage. You can hear them start and end, and it is rather quick sounding without a bit.
As an implementation and as a DAC, this is much better than your stock DACs in your integrated amps and other similar devices. It does its purpose superbly into organizing information on stage and making everything just detailed enough without it becoming too much.
And this is in a package that is 300 dollars. I give my full appreciation and seal of approval for what Topping has done here. Just amazing.
Sound Quality as Headphone Amplifier
As a headphone amp, it is more equally impressive.
It is just trying to be more neutral as it can, to let the individual characteristics of your headphones shine.
It is incredible how much it opens the soundstage. How much in stereo imaging I can visualize in my head that they are center focused.
And the music just spreads like this. I can hear drumming and the whole orchestra having their place on the stage. It truly helped my speakers bloom.
I guess good amplification is supposed to unchain your speakers and force their individual talents to shine. Whether that be more bass presence or more details in treble or a larger soundstage, it does a perfect job of what one headphone amp should do. Does some other in Topping lineup do a better job?
Why is this incredible Value in comparison to other Topping gear/Conclusion
And that is what I am going to talk about now. It is putting some similar Topping devices on the table to just showcase the amazing value of DX5.
I listened to Topping D50 III; it is the same chipset, and you also get PEQ. But you lose your headphone amplification. In reality, the standalone DAC sounded a bit better, mostly clear and more capable at the top to mold, organize, and present details. It is 230 dollars, which makes it 70 dollars less than DX5.
I had a chance to spend a little time with the A30 Pro headphone amp. It is an amazing headphone amp that delivers more power, more connectivity, and just a bit better sonics. Again, it is cheaper than DX5 and costs 250 dollars.
To get a better combination than DX5, you will need to buy two separates for 480 dollars. This combination is superior; you get amazing headphone amplification and a better DAC, but for 180 dollars more, discluding the additional cables you have to buy.
And while it is not like they dominate DX5, it is just that they are better, and for a lot of people they can save that 180 dollars, and even more, and to have all that in one box. It makes the DX5 so super awesome that its value is off the roof.
It is a fast and great way to enter the world of headphone amplification, with good power and a DAC.
The conclusion is that I am amazed by how much this device offers for its value. It is a great DAC, it is great amplification, and it has great PEQ for 300 dollars. Just amazing.
Its value lies actually in very few compromises, and how the soundstage becomes wider and clearer, allowing your headphones to have their talents enhanced and enriched. It truly is a device that deserves all its praise, and I am happy to recommend it.
Keep daydreaming!
✅ Pros
Sound Quality
Great DAC performance (dual ESS 9039Q2M) — clean, balanced, and spacious with good clarity.
Very good headphone amplifier — neutral, wide soundstage, and excellent stereo imaging.
Helps headphones and speakers "bloom" — revealing their natural qualities.
Features & Versatility
Hybrid Class D/X-Hybrid NFCA amp — efficient, low distortion, and fully balanced.
Multiple headphone outputs — 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR.
Strong output power — drives a wide range of headphones (e.g., 490 mW @ 600Ω).
Desktop parametric EQ (PEQ) — rare at this price point, customizable via software.
5 user EQ presets + filter selection — supports target/response curves and quick switching.
Aurora UI + bigger screen — visually modernized.
Value
Outstanding all-in-one value for $300 — includes quality DAC, amp, and PEQ in one compact unit.
Cost-effective compared to separates — cheaper than buying similar DAC + amp separately (saves ~$180+).
Excellent entry point to hi-fi headphone setups — practical and accessible.
Build & Design
Compact, modern, and sturdy — fits on any desktop, sleek new Topping design language.
Improved thermal efficiency — low heat and reduced power usage.
❌ Cons
Sound Trade-offs
DAC is not best-in-class — standalone Topping D50 III DAC sounds slightly better (more transparent, detailed).
Laid-back sound character — may not "wow" those looking for a bold or emotionally engaging signature.
General Critique
"Jack of all trades" nature — tries to please many but might not impress audiophiles seeking ultimate performance in one category.
Better performance available in Topping separates — D50 III + A30 Pro outperform it (but at a higher combined price).