Don't Buy a DAC/Amp until you Watch This - TOPPING DX3 Pro+ Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2024
- TOPPING DX3 Pro amzn.to/3yW7Z9s
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Bought one last january. Returned instantly. The LCD display stopped working about 1 minute after I turned on the device for the first time. Also, the device was hot as a furnace. I was so disappointed, especially because the Topping sounded DAMN GOOD. Then I proceed to buy a Fiio K5 Pro ESS which was good but not AS good as the DX3 Pro+ sound-wise. After a week I decided to return the Fiio and try my luck again with the Topping. I made the right choice, the second DX3 Pro+ was perfect and I'm currently using it every day. The headphone out especially sounds INCREDIBLE for the price point.
Planning to replace my Fiio K5Pro (AKM Version) with the DX3Pro+. I just bought the Pro+ for 179€(Dollar) what a steel for such a device. The ESS DAC chip is newer and better than the AKM, so i wanted to have a device with that chip.
Hey David! Does the dx3 pro+ work with IOS, please? Thank you!
@@distanthealer95 Yes, it does. I use it with my iPhone via cable as well as bluetooth. Hope it still helps
@@nepomukullmann3013 Thank you, ser! God bless!
Just be prepared that the display will fade badly over time. At least that is my experience with Topping...
Not your average joe "cheap audio man" but in fact a walking lexicon when it comes down to everything audio who will save you a lot of money & tell you about audio gear that is worth it - this is why I love this channel!
I think this is by far the best value for money at the moment. I bought it to pair with my Focal Clear, and I really don't need anything else. It sounds, well, transparent, so I get what I get with the Focal Clear and the source. Also no hiss when I plug in an IEM. Randy, you are also right about pairing it with vintage gear. In addition to using it with my Focal Clear, I also hooked it up to my Yamaha MX460 power amp, which is running a pair of the Yamaha NS1000-Monitor. It sounds amazing!
do you think it's value is much higher than magni/modi stack?
@@liquidrl5263 I don’t think it’s better or worse. They are equally transparent and around the same price so just pick one that best fits your use case.
I just purchased used one on second hand market (Facebook Market place) for $C130.00 or $US 95.00 I purchased unit as low cost for my budget setup up stairs. To custom build ITX small form factor Windows PC the sound is great for what I orginally paid for it. Connected to Bose sound bar active speaker, I also decide to purchased upgraded power supply looking for Topping Linear power supply wroks out to double price compare to my Topping. Decide purchased local Audio store ifi Audio Power X in 15v for $C105.00 opened box right away noticed huge difference in audio sound very happy with my budget buy.
Sith Audio Banana plugs. To go with your Sith Audio Ripe Bananas. Tip: reuse the Banana peels as speaker cable lifters. They offer the perfect organic dielectric constant for tighter highs.
I have the older DX3 Pro. It was my daily driver DAC in my study system till it was replaced by a Burson Conductor 3XP and now it lives on my desktop. I think for the money it is outstanding.
Well... £1500+... IT GOT TO BE outstanding.
The size comparisons are so funny but so weirdly useful, your entertainment factor will always keep me coming back, being a teen that really helps as well as what I learn
Welcome, young one! I was 11 or so when this hobby got me. Great time to be into hifi. Great stuff out there that would run circles around the stuff I had at your age for a fraction of the cost. Enjoy it, man. Such a great way to spend your time listening to great music
I bought it already several months ago on Amazon in Canada when it came out and nearly nobody knew about it.
Really nice compact underdog Dac/preamp/headphones amp with a small footprint.
Ordering one of these tonight! Update: I just got my DX3 Pro+ it's amazing! before I was just using onboard sound on my PC through my Kenwood KRF-5200D... It sounded ok but quite muddy and not good bass response. With the new DAC it sounds like one of those massive old vintage hi-fi systems! So good! I've upgraded my system quite a bit since then, got Aiyima A07 with Sparkos inside now and upgraded my DAC to a Matrix mini i pro (2015), the model before they turned it into a streamer and when it used to cost less because it was just a DAC, well worth the upgrade. DX3 Pro+ hurt my ears at high volumes, not a problem with the mini i pro smooth.
I bought a DX3 Pro+ to use with my laptop (which I only use occasionally) but I liked the sound so much it's now my daily driver on my desktop pc.
This has the best value for money. I have this and the E30. The sound of this is indeed organic and it has more powerful and better controlled sub-bass than the E30 have. The sound stage is a bit wider but not as layered as the E30 has. The headphone amplifier is almost as powerful as Schiit Magni Heresy and may have even better sound quality. Great product for the price.
which one sound better TOPPING DX3 Pro+ or Schiit Magni Hesery?
I'm also curious about this
@@yooanto9465 Topping is little cleaner and Magni is punchier and warmer.
I purchased one of these late last year and love it. Sounds great and simple to use.
Just bought this and very happy with it so far, it sounds as good as my old setup which cost 4x more.
What dac did you have before topping?
@@LanciaD50 I was using an Arcam irDac. I eventually settled with the Fiio K5 pro in the end as it was cheaper and the difference was negligible.
I got the DX3+ pro and the whole evening was listening it in comparison with my Aiyima A5 pro (50 USD). I was listening various styles - Rock, Jazz, Symphonic music... And I'm sure that while I can hear the difference between different headphones (2 pairs of Seinh and one Beyer DT770), I'm not able to distinguish DACs between each other. So now the only plus for topping is a remote.
This and a wiim mini feed my main amp via tidal connect or bluetooth. I'm sure there's better out there, but it makes me happy.
The dx3 pro+ is an objectively excellent DAC it measures better than many DACs much more expensive. Generally not a measurements nut but with DACs measurements do equate to more accurate sound.
I wanted to thank you for helping me choose this dac/amp. It sounds great and I can't hear any hissing on my IEMs. It's connected to my powered bookshelf speakers and they sound great. My cans also sound great on these!
I have that same realistic sta 2270 that's behind you. I love that amp it makes my speakers come alive especially in the bass
Thanks Randy..I just bought the Schiit Modi 3+. And the Topping DX3 dac.. just for comparison..I bought it just for the ESS Sabre chip.
I bought the DX9 just for the looks. Happens to sound great too, lol. Oh and it doesn’t sound like any other Topping and that’s why i kept it.
Are you a millionaire?
Thanks, Randy! Might pick this one up for upstairs build to compare to the FX D01, since they're both -$200. I noticed some BT fuzz in the DO1 so I just avoid using that (desktop setup), and a little crackle in the headphone jack, which is a 1/4 inch jack. The 3.5 mm jack will def save me money on headphones for the kids as they build their own system upstairs.
I wouldn't worry about getting a 1/4 headphone jack on a device, you can easily get an adapter if the headphone you have uses a 3.5mm. Every headphone and device I've purchased has come with an adapter anyway.
Hey Randy, do you recommend getting this rather than the Magni/Modi stack?
Sounds like great value for $200. Can't wait for the dx3 pro plus Evo.
I was undecided between this one and the smsl c200, I ended up getting the c200 for the only reason it was released a year later and I couldn't be happier with it.
I am at the same boat right now hehe. Could you tell more about your experience? My mainly use is gaming and music. At the moment i have a soundblaster gc7, do you think It would be an improvement? Thank you
@@sailorlogIt made my Arya Stealth sound exactly like my €130 HD560. I find that the usual advice in the audiophile community of focusing on headphones is pure BS. I found that the DAC->AMP->HP chain is always going to be limited by the weakest link, making every element equally important and any excess quality above the lowest quality one will be a waste of money.
I returned it and got an RME ADI-2 with which I couldn't be happier. My advice would be to think of the best headphones you'll ever going to get and buy a dac/amp in the same quality range. If you want to use it with some HD560 then the HD200 is a perfect choice but expensive headphones will sound like cheap ones with a cheap dac.
How does this compare to the Ifi Zen Dac V2?
Great question, did you ever get a reply?
@@Ray-bn7hr so topping dx3 pro is the way to go ?
Cheers
@@davidwright2379it depends on your preferred sound signature and the headphones itself. Both are great value for money and both sound good.
It’s wayyy better. Check out audio science reviews. The ifi tests pretty poorly. This topping is top tier.
the Topping DX3 Pro+ might be the better overall choice due to its higher power output and neutral sound.
However, if you’re drawn to a warmer, bass-friendly sound, the ZEN DAC V2 is also a solid, enjoyable option.
Excellent sound quality. Unfortunately it has a high rate of defects that sometimes appear after months... display, bluetooth, connectors, etc. There are hundreds of defective units on the market already returned by previous customers. I had to do three Amazon returns before receiving a defect-free unit.
Love mine, have it connected to my vintage receiver, CD player and wiim mini streamer! Nice little system for the cash.
Hey. With that dac connected to a vintage receiver can you control the output speakers volume using remote control? tks!!
@@dgallo123 yes I’ve actually used both the receiver and dac with remote as a means to volume control. 👌
@@jcthomas87 tks!!
For the banana bread tip. I was just gonna throw them away. But not now!
ha!. Thanks, so much
bought after your review....love it. everything you said it was. thanks for the recomendation!
Great to hear!
How does the DX3 Pro+ compare to the Schiit stack you mentioned?
Hey, Svs is having their Memorial Day sale, just in case anyone is looking for something. Finally able to land my second Sb1000
Any more details? The SB1000 still showing as the normal price for me. Is there a special coupon code that is needed for discount?
@@freezingCode this morning I was able to land a outlet Sb1000 for 350 with no marks they had one for 300 with a few scuffs but they did have decent pricing when the sale opened
Thx
Thank you, going there now to what they have.
I bough mine on Amazon in December. I had to return it because the headphone output measured 250mV DC Offset at maximum volume on both Low and High gain. As a DAC it seemed very good. But instead a bought the SMSL SU-6/SH-6 combo.
I have bought this as well as Edition XS recently, and I think they pairs well.
Just one gripe with DX3 Pro + pro plus pro plus whatever, no auto switching from headphone to pre-outs when headphone is unplugged. I would rather have this than having pre-outs and headphone out at the same time, which I can't find a use case for it.
And for 2022, I think it is a crime to not use type-C
Can i ask you how wide the soundstage is? I also have the xs and i was looking for a good entry level amp
@@alessandrovitale846 well the sound stage isn't the widest to be honest. I think the headphone matters more than the amp.
If sound stage is most important for you and money is no object, it has been universally suggested that HD800S is the best.
Thanx for your insight :) Between the Zen DAC 2 and that one what wood be the best choice ? Regards :)
Rumor is z didn’t do a video on this cause he would have to shut his channel down afterwards. On audio science reviews this thing tests as good or better than some of the most expensive gear out there.
I just bought a used schiit modi multibit based on your recommendation...i hope it doesnt suck...cant wait until it gets here...im gonnna try it on my ayima t9...expecting big things
I've been loving the size comparisons, never fails to make me laugh
Me too, completely useless but definitely necessary for the laughs
Great vid. I love this dac/amp with my Sundara. It's funny I thought I was going to do an upgrade to the dx5, thinking that the balanced out and different different Sabre chip, was going to sound better
I use HE400se and changing the amp to a L30 II made it sound even better. The increased power makes the sound a bit more relaxed and also the bas digs deeper
I have a new gaming pc and have the Drop+Epos PC38x headphones. I play FPS games and looking to refine the sound to hear footsteps, weapon swaps etc. I was thinking of the free Steelseries Sonar combined with the DX3 Pro+. Any thoughts on both, one of them or any other options? Thanks in advance.
Thanks, Randy.For this review, you gave me the confirmation that it is a great choice.What do you think in combination with Monolith M1060C?
Seth Audio, great value for the money. I always put these bananas in my ears so I can play music much louder!
Hi. Tell me please which amp should I buy for Meze 99 Classic, dx3 pro plus or Fiio k7? Thanks 🙏
i have the older TOPPING DX3 Pro. Only disappointment is the BT. glad they have updated it.
Love the timing of this review. I was looking for a DAC to use with the Aiyima AO7 to creat a budget but enjoyable, home theater and music system. This was on top of my list because it was the cheapest Dac to have both a remote and fully functioning knob. Thank you again Randy
Did you go through with that combo? If so, are you happy with the purchases? I'm looking at doing the same, except for desktop based application
Same here, also for a compact desktop setup ! some feedback with that combination ?
@@danielh12345 no, Drop had the SMSL SU-8s for $199. I got that.
@@cedricbrouste3112Drop sold the SMSL SU-8s for $199. I got that instead
@@davdidit6 ah nice, I went with the SMSL SU-6 instead, read a bunch of stuff about dx3pro + having QC issues. My system sounds nice, have nothing to compare it to, but it seems good haha
Just bought this DAC to run a Wiim mini into and then the DAC into a Yamaha S701 to power a new set of Revel m16 bookshelf speakers. Will that be a good set up?
If it sounds good to you it is 👍 Just remember some people spend over half a million on Audio systems trying to chase the same sound as you are. If you enjoy it in your room, Its the best system in the world. Cheers.
@@DrSinisster thanks! I haven't even hooked it up yet. Still have the components being shipped. Just hoping to hear it should be a functional system with good sound. Nervous about all the components working together
@@rayray8645 compare it to the built in dac of your 701, I bet you won't hear an iota of difference
@@PeterSz73 I'm going to stream Qobuz or some other HD music service via WiFi and was told the Wiim Mini to the DAC to the amp would be a major improvement. We'll see. Hopefully not wasting a bunch of time and money.
@@rayray8645 your 701 has a pretty good built in DAC is my point. You buying a cheap external DAC and bypassing the built in one might not give you audible improvement.
Fantastic value on a great feature packed Dac/headphone amp!
Thank you for the entertainment. Made my day a bit brighter - I needed that.
Great review Randy!.. thanks! I just bought the DX3Pro+ and am using it with powered speakers (Jamo S801 PM).. I'm a musician so I have a kind of trained ears and my feelings is that the sound of this dac is good but weaker bass compared to using the internal Jamo's usb connection. It's a pity because of course using this dac I have more versatility but I'm not sure why I'm receiving a lack of bass. Is it a speaker or dac problem?.. is the speaker's rca input worse than using the internal speakers dac through usb?
Best wishes,
Manuel
To help others. It is not clear in the directions on how to get this DAC into setup mode/menu. You unplug it. Hold the volume button in and while doing so, plug it in. The setup menu is the only place to select DAC mode, fixed volume m-d mode.
A new challenger has arrived- the SMSL C200.
The "+" moniker is pretty important, as the original DX3 Pro lacked quite a lot of power. This is 1.8W in 32 ohms versus 1W in 32 ohms.
I added it to the title. I mentioned it about a dozen times in the video
Lol, I always have to shake my head when audiophiles talk about power, because they don't seem to understand EE basics.
1.8 vs 1W is +2.5 dB. That's barely noticeable.
Besides, at safe listening volumes most headphones need a fraction of 1/1000th of a watt.
@@xnoreq "Lol" I bet you like putting 60 Watt bulbs in 40 watt lamps too. Just because it works doesn't mean it's efficient. Watch as the bulb doesn't get nearly as bright and loses more heat energy. First, please stop talking in generalities like "most headphones". You aren't buying this to listen to most headphones or you would settle for a dongle. Second, if you would like to do a bit of research before "Lol"ing at others; please do a bit of research regarding source impedance in relation to load impedance. Not that I think you will, but hey, it was worth a shot.
@@mbk337 LOL, you just proved my point that you're one of those clueless people.
_"I bet you like putting 60 Watt bulbs in 40 watt lamps too."_
Firstly, 40W to 60W is not a 80% increase like with the amp but only 50%.
Secondly, brightness is perceived differently than loudness. So even though in your example there is only a 50% power increase, the perceived increase in brightness is still 2x larger than the perceived loudness of the amp with 80% power increase!
It is evident that you don't understand any of the fundamentals of perception or EE.
But don't worry, most audiophiles don't, which is why they fall for the most stupid marketing claims, make stupid claims themselves and fool each other.
Thirdly, daylight that doesn't damage your eyes has magnitudes higher brightness than a lightbulb, but an amp with 1W into 32 ohms will already cause significant and permanent hearing damage even with fairly low efficiency headphones. Sorry, I meant most headphones.
Fourthly, if you have a setup where you need the +2.5 dB to get to reasonable volume levels then you've already failed anyway, because that leaves you with zero headroom for quieter tracks or further processing (which btw is not a matter of power but gain).
_"First, please stop talking in generalities like "most headphones". "_
Definitely not, since it's true. Most headphones will not even tolerate 1W without taking damage.
List all the headphone models. Look at their sensitivities. Oh, that's too broad for you and you don't want me to be right? Then give me a list of criteria for audiophile approved headphones. If the criteria are not ridiculous/unreasonable I will still be right.
I know that you want to escape into exceptions and outliers, so that you have something where you can make at least some kind of point that's not nonsense. That's cool, but don't tell me what to do.
_"You aren't buying this to listen to most headphones or you would settle for a dongle."_
This again is demonstrably false.
The DX3 is the "smallest" latest combo DAC/amp from Topping that a lot of people with headphones with sensitivities north of 100 dB/V RMS buy. Maybe you're living under a rock, but look at any audiophile headphone community and you will see that I'm right yet again.
You will even find people with 125 dB/V RMS in-ears getting suggested to buy the DX3 Pro+.
But this is actually the first sensible thing that you said. A lot of people, including audiophiles, would not need more than one of the better dongles available today.
These dongles output 2 V RMS or even more, have distortion magnitudes below what even the best in-ears achieve, noise floors so low that you can't hear it even with 130 dB/V RMS in-ears, flat FR, close to zero output impedance...
And the difference between such a dongle and the DX3 Pro+ is "only" 12 dB.
This leads to another mental problem that audiophiles have because they don't understand anything: irrational fear of an imagined "lack of power" and complete disregard of safe listening levels.
_"Second, if you would like to do a bit of research before "Lol"ing at others; please do a bit of research regarding source impedance in relation to load impedance. Not that I think you will, but hey, it was worth a shot."_
Boy, I've demonstrated output and load impedance interactions in audiophile headphone circles twenty years ago when people had fooled themselves into thinking that their receiver/amps had more power because their dynamic headphones had way more bass powered by their receivers (which typically had output impedances north of 100 ohms since it was simply a voltage divider from the speaker outputs).
I've also designed and built my own headphone amplifiers.
But thank you for showing your true colors.
@@xnoreq I get my bulb analogy was not great, but come on.
This amp exists specifically to drive headphones that require more power, due to their level of impedance. If you don't need more power, then don't buy it. If you don't perceive the difference in sound quality, then don't buy it. And, if you have headphones that don't require this power, then get a different amp. Just because you don't have or want headphones that require the power, doesn't mean that this item doesn't perform a role.
And broadly saying that headphones don't sound better with more power doesn't make sense. Following your dynamic driver example, what happens if you coil a much thinner copper line for the voice coil? you pack more of wire in the same place, increasing density. Think a tennis ball tube filled with 3 tennis balls; swap them out with golf balls and you get a fair bit more in there. Sure, you are reducing the medium by diameter, but you are also lowering the amount of air and increasing the resistance. This would also result in more impedance and more power to drive. What do you gain from this more-tightly packed voice coil? You get a stronger electromagnetic field and the distortion is greatly reduced, particularly the louder you drive it.
Take for instance the DT 770 PRO series, which literally has different impedance levels to choose from, specifically based around the impedance requirements and the use cases around them.
Also, hey, what if I wanted to chain a bunch of headphones off a splitter, with no additional amplification. I can totally do that.
All I am saying is, just because you don't have a use for this, doesn't mean others don't and that it is somehow snake oil or something.
Nice review Randy. This looks like a really good alternative desktop headphone solution.
My Emotiva DC-1 has now destroyed 2 iem's (the right channel) - so - it's getting replaced ( 6+ years, so.. I'm fine with it)... Looks like the Topping is the best option as I don't "need" xlr outs anymore for my speakers on stands as I am on IEMS 99.9% of the time.
Like your delivery schtick. Funny. 👍🏻
Love the ominous musical bumpers! I tried the DX3 Pro+ returned it to get a Monoprice THX 887 for $200. So, tell me Randy, is the Ares II overkill for a mere headphone stack, or is it diminishing marginal returns over the Geshelli J2?
The magic of the ares is on speakers. For headphone only I’d go J2
Thank you, sir. Appreciate the feedback. 👍🏾
Seems a direct competitor to the Fiio K5. Any thoughts on the differences?
Better soundstage on DX3 +, more conections like bluetooth , 2 opt, filters etc.
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!
Hi 👋 how much is the difference after pairing this dac with audioengine hd3?
I've got two of these. Just starting to look at upgrades. Maybe w balanced out
Can you suggest a DAC/AMP I can connect to my PC at work and plug in Speakers and not Headphones?
How does DX3 pro+ compare to Topping E50? Yes I just need the DAC sound performance details.. please
I have both and they are very close to each other. The e50 is better when using balanced outputs.
Oh gosh the quake transitions are killin mah eeers. Syth ottio, indeed sir.
Hey thank you for this video! I just got a pair of hd 660S2. I am new at this hifi headphone world...would you recommend the topping dx3 pro+ or the Fiio K7? Thanks in advance! Kudos from athens greece!
Two questions if you don't mind - 1) Could I hook this up to both the television and the computer (within the same mode) so it's headphone port serves both without changing settings? 2) Can I intergrate a small mixer into the chain for microphone recording purposes?
Im using a Rotel A11 Tribute Do you think this would be a good match ? thanks for the videos keep them coming
Love your fun and quality videos. What about more reviews of NAD and Cambridge amps, and also beyerdynamics and audiotechnica headsets. Also french speakers like Elipson, Triangle, Davis, Cabasse, Focal, or UK ones like B&W. Keep on the good work.
Hey Randy great channel! I have the DX3 Pro+ and am happy with it so far. However, I have found that the piece of glass on the front of the display moves around quite a bit, does this happen on your unit?
For speaker listening would you prefer the Topping or the Gishelli?
You sir, are completely bananas. I love it.
Dear Cheapaudioman, you rock. Would it make a big (soundwise) difference buying dx3pro+ if I own FiiO BTR7? Tnx1M.
Review the Qudelix 5K. How have you not yet? Love your channel, love your content -- EXCELLENT stuff!
FX-Audio has some new products, very interesting!! And Lucky Tone and DSPPA, both some nice musicstreamers!!
Great video, was wondering if this could work on my LG CX as I prefer to use headphones on my tv?
Does anyone have the old DX3 Pro and how does it compare to this new DX3 Pro Plus? Some say its actually worth the upgrade. But whats actually better?
Good morning, I think to buy Topping DX3 pro+. Now I have Creative G6. I want more louder for music and for gaming MW3 foosteps etc. I want to ask if I buy the Topping DX3 pro+, the mic of the headphones PC38X or iem with mic will work or must buy external mic ? Your oppinion for which DAC you prefer about this price. Thanks a lot.
mhhh how does this compare to the iFi ZEN DAC V2? Thanks for the Review
Hi, how worse off would I be in I forego the opportunity of owning a TOPPING DX3Pro and buy a Dilvpoetry DAC-X8 instead at much lower price?
Fiio makes some really good inexpensive portable DAC/Amps for on the go for use with your cellphone.Check out the KA3,$89
Can I ask you for a suggestion for the best dac/amp or stack comb under 350 usd. Which ones sound the best (one or more suggestions)? Thanks in advance.
how does it compare to DAC-FX-D01 as DAC and as combo? and to E50 as a DAC?
How does the TOPPING DX3 Pro+ compare to the Topping EX5?
so schiit modi+ is better sounding dac?
what's top dac you recommend over both?
I just picked up a pair of dt 900 pro x and was wondering what amp/dac i should get for them. Ifi zen dac v2 or dx3 pro plus?
While I do like a few of these Chinese cheapies for streaming and background , my main issue with all of them is sound reproduction. At either end of the volume spectrum, they cannot hold their own. Sound reproduction on lower volumes is too muted. When you crank these amps up, they become distorted, muddy, and chirpy. They’re all generally class Ds with the newer TI chipsets. You get what you pay for in these instances.
I'm a newbie so wondering what I can look at in better (affordable?) DACs ?
@@paulc7190 Welcome to the confusion! Haha. Did you want information on amps and DACs? What’s your current setup? Learn to separate casual listening from critical listening. Genre of music also matters. For me, a 61-year-old man, with decent hearing, that listens to a wide variety of music, I have opted for streaming Apple lossless, hardwired to my router, using a new iMac. I have an Audioquest Cobalt DAC that is powered by a cheap Chinese Fosi class D amp, coupled with Polk Reserve towers. I listen to that setup daily in my medium-sized room, with carpeting. It’s really nice. I will eventually upgrade the amp to some NAD or Emotiva . If you’re into critical listening, ask me about my other setup…Wharfedale Lintons!
I don't have your problems with smsl su9n. They are perfect to me and no cheapest mate.
@@vineasel5360 My set up is a Cambridge SR20 Topaz amp with Tannoy 6xtf floor speakers. I have a SMSL m200 DAC wired to my iPad for music streaming services. The SMSL Su-9n or Topping E30 is on my list but could I do better without selling my kidneys. (I have also thought about the Lintons but thought I'd try to get the best out of the Tannoys first .. cue the DAC trail and/or another Amp)
@@paulc7190 Before I jump to the amp/DAC upgrade, I just wanted to say that I believe it’s a noticeable improvement in overall sound quality to hardwire whatever you use to stream. I have a 1 gig router that I hardwired my iMac to. Much better… The Arcam SA10 integrated amp/DAC has been an amazing, affordable upgrade from the Chinese cheapies. Crutchfield sells them for around $800-$900. That amp is especially good for driving speakers that are 6Ohms and lower. It also does an amazing job if you have large, power hungry cans like a lot of planars. So, two for the price of one-with a significant upgrade in sound reproduction. Don’t think you’ll need to sell a kidney, either!
Would really like it if you could compare this vs the fx-audio dac-m1.
i don't need the headphone output, i only need high quality bluetooth and dac and maybe a usb for the computer.
do you have the FiiO BTA30 PRO for comparison?
i also speculated with the Fosi Audio P3 Tube Preamp because i will use the fosi audio V3 amp and it fits nicely together and has a bass and trble knob. but it does NOT support LDAC.
the FiiO BTA30 PRO supports LDAC.
it will be for a bar (on Koh Tao) and i also will get a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 speakers.
i think in combination with the Fosi Audio V3 and a good bluetooth receiver/dac, this will be the best value for the money and good hifi quality for a random "Soul Bar".
maybe a year later an upgrade with a good subwoofer might be a good idea and putting socks in the vents of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2.
I've been absolutely poring over video reviews on Y-T for weeks now, and it confuses me that it would take $200 to get a recommendation-worthy preamp-DAC from Topping, but only $170 to get an all-in-one from Aiyima (the T9 or T9 Pro). Is that because the DAC in the Aiyima isn't being used when it's under review? Or is it just that crazy-good a deal? Because if it's even serviceable as a DAC, it basically halves (or maybe even more than halves) your total electronics budget vs getting the Topping and an amp.
Randy, looking to upgrade my Chi-Fi dac connected to my vintage receiver (Yamaha CR-620) which I run my TV & phono through (pushing a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze) . I've used a $25 brand X dac for about 3 years now & have always felt it was the weak point in my modest setup & have been curious whether any discernable difference can be had with a step up like the DX3. My limitations are I need a remote & from your previous reviews, I think I'd like to pass on an AKM chip. I'm no audiophile, I'm a music lover & aesthetics matter. Am I chasing something here that I wont hear a difference on?
Great review! Thanks Randy.
There's a common understanding on the internet that we use bananas for scale. You had the bananas. Why didn't you use them for scale?
Im planning to buy an edition XS with this amp/dac, mostly for listening to Quboz or Apple Music on my iPhone 13 Pro, will I take advantage of the gear with my phone or does it need to be connected to a computer to really enjoy all what it has to offer?
Should I get this or the zen dac v2? Currently use dt 900 pro x, raptgo hook x iems,
I think this is a good choice for me because it has optical out. I'm cursed with a bad GPU EMI issue feeding into my studio monitors. Has anyone had any luck with eliminating GPU EMI from your speakers? Toslink interconnects seem to be the only sure fire solution to a DAC.
I want to buy a pair of speakers for my pc, nothing fancy, just to listen music while working, I'm torn between Presonus Eris E3.5, Moukey 110W, EDIFIER Studio R1280T. All these cost around 80€. Sony CS5 cost double that, 175€. In your opinion, out of these, which are the best sounding ones? Is there a better alternative under 100€ in your opinion? Thanks in advance for your time mate!
Claims of ripe bananas improving listening acuity will have them flying out of your warehouse to eager audiophiles everywhere. Gotta have my ripe bananas everyday to open up my top end above 19kHz.
Sounds like an affordable endgame unit for many people.
Thanks for review!
A great alternative would be the iFi Zen DAC V2... about $20 cheaper and it has a 4.4 balanced connection option...!!! If you're going to spend around $200, why not have a true balanced connection option, as balanced seems to be the
better choice... The iFi Zen DAC V2 also works as a great pre-amp, so there you go...!!!
The DX3+ has more power in the amp department and is more neutral sounding compared to the Zen dac.
Most iFi equipment performs very poorly.
Thank you for another great review. 👍
which one is the best fiio btr7 or topping dx3 pro+ for hifiman Sundara ?