I can’t imagine it sounding any different than Topping DX3 Pro+. Same exact internal. I bet they were made in the same factory. Someone recently made a video saying that all these Chinese Dac/amps sound good but also all sound the same. I think they are right.
Chinese devices comes all the same in features like copying from the neighbors kind as you can notice the remote control looks the same on other brands like Topping and SMSL, I am pretty sure some sound adjustments on that thing will come the same as the one I mentioned, I am not 100% sure about it but since I have purchased this things as well, I am noticing this similarities in each devices, the Chinese companies should step up on their creative aspects so as to become more competitive
Thanks for your review, I am planning to buy this product. Did you try the combination of FX DAC M1 with S.M.S.L DA-9 amplifier ? Can you please give me the feed back of the performance...
Yes I know, sorry for that. I can't achieve both at the moment... It seems I need a sidekick. 😅 But I'll do my best to catch up with written reviews when I get some time.
@@iiWiReviews Nice! I was almost buying also but I will wait to see what do you think about it. I am not so convinced that will be a clear upgrade from the smsl da9 that I own.
can you compare 20w gan chargers (5/9/12/15V) that can be bought for 15USD (Baseus or anker) to ifi products. might also need a type c to 5.5x2.5 cable depending on the DAC and headphone amp.
Thanks a lot for all your reviews mate. Just so you know, Fiio announced their k5 pro replacement, the k5 pro ess. Would love to see you review and compare it to the akm version.
@@wemustgo Hopefully not much, because the akm version was a dual dac one, so the soundstage was said to be very good. The ESS are known for their bright signature, which I am not a fan of....so hopefully ESS improves upon the old one rather than steering away from its signature.
Hi there, I am trying to start getting better audio. I think I want the M1 from how it's described. Or is there anything new that has been released? My set up is just for Spotify - Chromecast - audio extractor - m1 - hs8 monitors (which I own already)... The reason I'm using Spotify/Chromecast is because I like the google stuff. Is this a rediculous setup or could you have a better idea. The only negative is I have to wait china to Australia 😅. Thanks for the vid!
Fiio K5 pro is much more laid back and warmer sounding. This one is much more dynamic, revealing, and crisper in general. I'd personally choose this one without thinking twice.
Have you tried them with better speakers? I have the new Loxjie D30 and the dynamic is brutal on my Canton Karat speakers and the bass is rock solid and not that smooth.
Do you test the filter modes? My Sanskrit MKII was on Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter 3 by default, but I found it sounded best with slow roll-of filter 2 (some prefer super-slow, but I think that's overdone.)
Nice review! Maybe not the right video to ask this on, but out of the fiio fh1s and hidizs ms2 which one would you say is better/has better technicalities?
Thanks for one more great review! How about the line-out? In your review for X6MKII, the line-out is not as good as haadphone-out ouput. would be the same for M1?
I have one doubt, it would be nice if you could help me out with it :) Is there a need for an external DAC if you use active speakers (Klipsch r51pm), since the connection is run trough optical cable. The source is coming from my TV, Im using Tidal (master), I guess its better compared to bluetooth from my phone. For sure in a future Im gonna replace these with passive speakers, but for now, this is the setup. Tnx for reply in advance.
Those speakers already have a DAC inside and it's probably made that way to be a pretty good match for speakers. You might still get some improvement with the good external DAC, but I can't really help here as I never tested those Klipsch and not sure how good is the internal one.
@@iiWiReviews I assumed something like that, but thank you for your help. Maybe if in near future I go with more expensive passive solution it will make sense. Btw, great reviews. Small advice if I may. Good choice of music, mixed with be rolls would be nice. Just saying, don't get me wrong. Pozdrav iz Kruševca/Berlina.
E50 sounds more natural and less analytical. Detail retrieval and layering are on the similar level. If you don't need a head-amp, I would still go for E50, its sound signature just feels more balanced.
Thanks for your videos throughout the year, much appreciated. Purchased the original Loxjie D30 because of your review and think it's great. Got a bug to try a dac around $400, I'm running Klipsch rp600m's through a tube amp. Any suggestions? Thank you!
I would still hold on to D30 and wait for something that will appear in the future and make a bigger difference than the current DACs up to that price.
Thanks for the advice, look forward to your informative and detailed reviews. You're the only one on TH-cam doing in depth affordable dac reviews. Have a great holiday season.
If u can't resist the itch, try Gustard X16 or SMSL SU-9 / N (no MQA), these are state of the art at that price and provide balanced out. Next level would be an R2R - Denafrips Ares II for ex, but thats almost 1000 or Musician Draco for around 800... Coming from Topping E30 (og version), the Gustard X16 is night and day for me, so if not endgame, I think I will keep it for some years. Honestly, it's getting quite expensive with diminishing returns after this, maybe get better amp, speakers, headphones.
I quote from iiWi (another comment): "It's crisper, cleaner, more dynamic.. But also more aggressive and forward sounding. Zen is on the warmish, laid back, and softer side of things" [choose your poison ;-) ]
Hey, I'm thinking of buying this DAC but I have one question that you might be able to answer: I have read that in some of these chinese DAC/AMPs, if you double press the mute button it switches the outputs from headphone to RCA and vice versa. If you still have this DAC can you test if a double press of the on/off button or the volume knob it switches the outputs? I need that feature for my setup. I would expect it to only work in the "RCA or HPO" output option. Thanks!
Great Review! I appreciate that you mention headphones that match well and those that don't. Also the comparison to the Loxjie. Thank You 👍
Gino!
, pollutionuu III III uuuuu7uuuuu7uuuuuuuu7uu7u hi uu in III III l
I need to get my hands on one of these. Great review!
Thanks! Waiting for your impressions. 👍
Looking forward to hear your comparison between DO1 and M1 on your channel.
I can’t imagine it sounding any different than Topping DX3 Pro+. Same exact internal. I bet they were made in the same factory. Someone recently made a video saying that all these Chinese Dac/amps sound good but also all sound the same. I think they are right.
@@lewtaratua1719 i would really love this!!!
Thanks for the review. Were you able to try this DAC with an upgraded PSU? I wonder if some of the edginess might be reduced a little.
talking about SOUND, yes!
great review, thank you.
Very energetic review 👏🏽
Chinese devices comes all the same in features like copying from the neighbors kind as you can notice the remote control looks the same on other brands like Topping and SMSL, I am pretty sure some sound adjustments on that thing will come the same as the one I mentioned, I am not 100% sure about it but since I have purchased this things as well, I am noticing this similarities in each devices, the Chinese companies should step up on their creative aspects so as to become more competitive
Thanks for your review, I am planning to buy this product. Did you try the combination of FX DAC M1 with S.M.S.L DA-9 amplifier ? Can you please give me the feed back of the performance...
Your new reviews arent showing on your website can you please fix that. Thanks :)
Yes I know, sorry for that. I can't achieve both at the moment... It seems I need a sidekick. 😅 But I'll do my best to catch up with written reviews when I get some time.
Hi! Wish you a great Christmas! Also I want to ask you if U had the chance to test topping pa5?
Merry Christmas! 🎄 PA5 is on its way to me now, hope to get it next month.
@@iiWiReviews Nice! I was almost buying also but I will wait to see what do you think about it. I am not so convinced that will be a clear upgrade from the smsl da9 that I own.
Dac-M1 Vs Topping Dx3Pro+
very similar dacs
I haven't tried DX3pro+, but compared to the original DX3pro, DAC M1 is definitely a better sounding one.
@@iiWiReviews The new dx3pro+ has the same chip dac and dedicated headphone amp, and a better price...👍
Would also like to see this M1 Dac lined up against DX3pro+ -- I expect to see M1 come down below $200 soon.
How does this compare to the cheaper Sanskrit 10th MKII?
Sanskrit is warmer sounding and you might prefer that... But in terms of details, dynamics, and soundstage, this one is better.
And what about topping E30? How does it compare?
@@leonardopapantoniou4227 E30 is not in the same league, you need to go up to Topping E50.
Yiur the best. Merry Xmas.
This or Modi multibit ?
In Vietnam it is sold for USD 150-170
That's a steal. 👍
can you compare 20w gan chargers (5/9/12/15V) that can be bought for 15USD (Baseus or anker) to ifi products. might also need a type c to 5.5x2.5 cable depending on the DAC and headphone amp.
Really like the look
How does you like this compared to the Ifi Zen DAC?
It's crisper, cleaner, more dynamic... But also more aggressive and forward sounding. Zen is on the warmish, laid back, and softer side of things.
How does it compare with the new Topping DX3Pro?
I haven't heard the new one.
That's what I was going to ask. They cost the same.
@@iiWiReviews I think the new dx3 pro+ is little bit cheaper...
Thanks a lot for all your reviews mate.
Just so you know, Fiio announced their k5 pro replacement, the k5 pro ess. Would love to see you review and compare it to the akm version.
Fiio K5 Pro ESS seems to be a different DAC: different dimensions and heavier. Not sure what changes.
@@wemustgo Hopefully not much, because the akm version was a dual dac one, so the soundstage was said to be very good. The ESS are known for their bright signature, which I am not a fan of....so hopefully ESS improves upon the old one rather than steering away from its signature.
Hi there,
I am trying to start getting better audio.
I think I want the M1 from how it's described. Or is there anything new that has been released?
My set up is just for Spotify - Chromecast - audio extractor - m1 - hs8 monitors (which I own already)...
The reason I'm using Spotify/Chromecast is because I like the google stuff.
Is this a rediculous setup or could you have a better idea.
The only negative is I have to wait china to Australia 😅.
Thanks for the vid!
Compare this this with the FiiO K5 Pro.
Fiio K5 pro is much more laid back and warmer sounding. This one is much more dynamic, revealing, and crisper in general. I'd personally choose this one without thinking twice.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks man!
I think Topping's DX3 Pro+ with 1.8W@32ohm - ESS9038Q2M has a slight edge over the FX-Audio DAC-M1 and it's similarly priced.
Great review as always!
Vs dx3 pro?
The looks are cool as hell.
Have you tried them with better speakers? I have the new Loxjie D30 and the dynamic is brutal on my Canton Karat speakers and the bass is rock solid and not that smooth.
🤗 THANKS SRBOLJUB FOR FOCUSING ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT 👍 😉 for others
😞 still not in my budget 😀😍😍😍
Wondering if it can work with Foobar for DSD512 native playback
Can you review mdac plus by Audiolab ?
what is the output impedence of the amp ? is the unit suitable for driving 16 ohm IEM 's ?
Hi! Are you going to review the updated version of to fiio k5 pro "ESS"?
Not sure yet, maybe...
I was thinking about buying a k5 pro, but... i suppose i should wait for the ESS now. >_>
After some reviews, of course. ;)
@@iiWiReviews I'm counting on you, dude!
Plz suggest me.. pure analouge or tube preamplifire under $900
I think I would prefer the Loxjie from your descriptions. Excellent, detailed review as always. Cheers from USA and Merry Christmas, Srboljub!
The good thing about USB "C" is that you don't have to worry is the usb cable connector the right way up.
Right now using parasound p5 wanted go higher in case of musicality
budget DDC reviews please... Thanks.
Do you test the filter modes? My Sanskrit MKII was on Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter 3 by default, but I found it sounded best with slow roll-of filter 2 (some prefer super-slow, but I think that's overdone.)
I did but I found them to have very little influence to the overall sound. It's less important than on most other DACs.
This or Allo boss 2 DAC which is better
Nice review!
Maybe not the right video to ask this on, but out of the fiio fh1s and hidizs ms2 which one would you say is better/has better technicalities?
Hidizs MS2 are better to my ears. I actually kept those for a sub 100 reference and I have yet to hear anything better.
Thanks for one more great review! How about the line-out? In your review for X6MKII, the line-out is not as good as haadphone-out ouput. would be the same for M1?
No such problem with M1, both line out and headphone out are of a really good quality.
I have one doubt, it would be nice if you could help me out with it :)
Is there a need for an external DAC if you use active speakers (Klipsch r51pm), since the connection is run trough optical cable. The source is coming from my TV, Im using Tidal (master), I guess its better compared to bluetooth from my phone. For sure in a future Im gonna replace these with passive speakers, but for now, this is the setup.
Tnx for reply in advance.
Those speakers already have a DAC inside and it's probably made that way to be a pretty good match for speakers. You might still get some improvement with the good external DAC, but I can't really help here as I never tested those Klipsch and not sure how good is the internal one.
@@iiWiReviews I assumed something like that, but thank you for your help. Maybe if in near future I go with more expensive passive solution it will make sense.
Btw, great reviews. Small advice if I may. Good choice of music, mixed with be rolls would be nice. Just saying, don't get me wrong. Pozdrav iz Kruševca/Berlina.
Topping e50 is much better?
It's a little bit airer and more natural in tonality.
How does it compare to Topping E50?
E50 sounds more natural and less analytical. Detail retrieval and layering are on the similar level. If you don't need a head-amp, I would still go for E50, its sound signature just feels more balanced.
Fx audio x6 is like 100 euros
In Serbia, from resellers it is. These are prices from Amazon and AliExpress.
andrej 70 euros from Audiophonics in France
Thanks for your videos throughout the year, much appreciated. Purchased the original Loxjie D30 because of your review and think it's great. Got a bug to try a dac around $400, I'm running Klipsch rp600m's through a tube amp. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Can I recommend something, wait for more money, but if you really must... chord mojo.
Thank you!
I would still hold on to D30 and wait for something that will appear in the future and make a bigger difference than the current DACs up to that price.
Thanks for the advice, look forward to your informative and detailed reviews. You're the only one on TH-cam doing in depth affordable dac reviews. Have a great holiday season.
If u can't resist the itch, try Gustard X16 or SMSL SU-9 / N (no MQA), these are state of the art at that price and provide balanced out. Next level would be an R2R - Denafrips Ares II for ex, but thats almost 1000 or Musician Draco for around 800... Coming from Topping E30 (og version), the Gustard X16 is night and day for me, so if not endgame, I think I will keep it for some years. Honestly, it's getting quite expensive with diminishing returns after this, maybe get better amp, speakers, headphones.
Nah. All things considered, the money is much better spent on the ifi Zen DAC.
Ifi: better brand name, more luxury design, 4.4mm port.
FX Audio: newer DAC chip, more powerful head amp. Much better measurement.
Choose your poison.
I quote from iiWi (another comment):
"It's crisper, cleaner, more dynamic.. But also more aggressive and forward sounding. Zen is on the warmish, laid back, and softer side of things" [choose your poison ;-) ]
Hey, I'm thinking of buying this DAC but I have one question that you might be able to answer:
I have read that in some of these chinese DAC/AMPs, if you double press the mute button it switches the outputs from headphone to RCA and vice versa. If you still have this DAC can you test if a double press of the on/off button or the volume knob it switches the outputs? I need that feature for my setup. I would expect it to only work in the "RCA or HPO" output option.
Thanks!