I know it's tricky. Unfortunately, I have to limit how many comparisons I try to cover for each review. Also, separate DACs and amps will generally always perform better so you can pretty safely assume that the E50 and L50 is a better choice.
I received this unit 3 weeks ago and I am quite happy with it. Bang for buck my DX3PRO at $200 is a better deal. Used as a DAC only or wired in rather than Bluetooth, the DX5 is a better sounding unit.
One of the things you have to understand about the fatigue amount of products they release is that obviously a lot of these things come out of the same factory and they just build different cases and put different brand names on them. But you have to understand the Chinese manufacturing state of mind. Companies like Shein and Temu take it to the Max. Their whole business mentality is to produce as many products as possible to find out what sticks then you focus. They don’t develop a great product first they’ll develop 10 products and let the market decide which one is the best and if that doesn’t work, then move onto clothing manufacturer will do it a run of several thousand different shirts and then that’s it once the runs over for the next product.
Sir I love your indepth review. I have a question: Is the Pre mode of the Dx5 is the dac stage followed by an amp ? I do hear some difference between the Pre and Dac mode for sure 😢
As far as I know, the output level is only adjusted by DAC chip(s) so there's no additional circuit added for preamp usage. It's possible that you're just hearing the differences of two slightly different volume levels (even if you've tried to get the volume matched). A tiny shift in volume can make us perceive sound quite differently.
Hi, I know it's difficult to consider all possible options, but knowing you are a fan of Burson Audio products, you missed the Playmate 2 which is also a DAC/headphone amp/preamp all in one solution. At 489 US dlls is as closest as you can possibly be to compare with! Cheers
Yes. Sadly I can only compare with what I own or have on loan at the time. The channel still doesn't make enough money for me to buy and keep every option ☹️
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.
I've actually got a list of recommended products in that category that includes links to the reviews and the online stores. I hope it's helpful! bit.ly/DACAmp
This unit has a issue, I read many many reports about it, an auto update fail loop that makes the unit useless, do you know any fix from topping about how to avoid it or fix it before happening... For overseas buyers that is a nightmare, that issue and the mqa problems are holding me to get this unit, any recommendation about a unit whit same connections and clean warm sound, thanks
I haven't tried any updates so I can't comment. It works great out of the box and I saw no issues that would require immediate updates. Sorry I can't help more on that one
I don't think I've ever found a desktop setup that not better than a portable setup so the DX5 would be a comfortable step up from the BTR5 and NX7 I think. Desktop setups have the benefit of being designed without space or power compromises that are needed for portable, battery powered devices.
@@PassionforSound Alright thanks for the help. 🙂After extensive online researching I decided to try out a desktop setup as I can always just return it if it doesn't improve much in sound. the fact that its sorta portable is nice addition, so I can just swap different sound signatures on the go kinda of lol.
@@PassionforSound Wow just wow I can't believe what I've been missing. Using it through bluetooth and it beats my combo on some aspects I cant even imagine on wired USB. You were right Desktop setups are on a another level.
Interesting piece of kit... I'm looking for a budget AIO as I had back into a full time office setting. Was looking at Ifi hip dac2 but this could also be a solid option as well.
I think you may be confused with regards to 'balanced' connections. A device can be internally single ended but still boast a true differential output providing the voltage benefits of these. It just has to have a small additional circuit in the output stage that will invert the signal and provide the negative part of the voltage curve.The quality of this voltage inverter is important. People should understand that balanced connection, differential input, internally balanced in the case of amplification circuits and differential output are all different things. All these tend to be bucketed together under the name 'balanced' which causes confusion. With regards to the amp internal topology per se, most people should not really care about it as long as the amp can provide the power required to drive their selected transducers.
Ah, I understand. My point was that some people value the idea (rightly or wrongly) of having a "fully balanced" setup so that was the clarification I was providing - even though the DAC is balanced, the HP output stage is not. 🙂
Dude, you’ve got a roll off the base in your voice. Maybe above 200 Hz where it doesn’t matter. My subwoofer on my home theaters is going insane because your Mike is picking up everything in the room and your voice reverberating off the furniture and walls.
Hello 😉, isnt the stack combo a better option meaning u can control what interconnect cables u will use? U cannot control what materials are already used inside of an 2 in 1 amp dac... U can not determine what design or materials were chosen to link that DAC and AMP internally. Am I wrong? What if we could somehow separate the DX5 into 2 units (separate Dac + amp) and connect them together with some good sounding interconnects? Maybe we could achieve even better results right? 😄😄
There is definitely some value in that thinking, but the quality of internal connection is generally excellent because it's sold copper traces on a circuit board. External wires will influence the sound more (for better or worse). I find the biggest drawback with all-in-one devices to be the fact that the DAC and amp are sharing the same housing and power supply so any noise and interference is shared between them too. Also, with separate devices, you can upgrade one half if you want to improve just the DAC or amp
@@PassionforSound Thanks ! So just to find some good all in one Amp DAC with some ,,linear powersupply,,, add some supras usb and powercable and I am good to go right? (with a clean conscience that i did maximum for a decent sound), no need to worry about nothing else(i dont need to upgrade all the time)... 😁. Is it a good plan? 😎
I think that's a fairly good approach if you're happy with regular Delta Sigma DACs like ESS and AKM chips. Personally, I'd be looking at Schiit Multibit, Chord, or an R2R DAC and they're not always going to match your list of criteria, but might perform better overall
Hey, im letting you know the T3's made it in my (mum's) mailbox finally! i think i ll get them here maybe in the weekend or next week! Cant wait to try them. Maybe an idea for a video: amps dacs all those things, what are they, why do you need em, what do they do, and for who are they. i ll keep you posted on the T3 experience!
Wow. That took a while, didn't it? Glad they're almost to you and that they're now in safe hands. As for your video idea, I am actually building a whole course covering that exact content. I hope to have it ready soon...
@@PassionforSound ive also seen your video about cables. is there a go to thing for cable guides, lets say if you want a warmer sound you go copper, or if you want more crisp you go silver. i have no clue what im saying but you know what i mean right. Cant wait for your video's!
It's a tough one because it depends on the type of cable, but generally speaking and for anything analog, copper is warmer (stranded styles are smooth, litz styles where each strand is individually insulated are a bit more detailed). Pure silver is generally a bit brighter than copper and may sound a bit "faster" or more energetic. Finally, silver plated copper can lead to edginess in the sound and is my least preferred type of cable normally. There are some exceptions, but plated cables and alloys/hybrid metals are rarely better than a pure metal option. Also, exotic metals like gold and palladium are worse conductors than silver and copper and really shouldn't be used for cables unless very carefully managed.
Mojo 2 is still easily better IMO thanks to its ability to create depth in the soundstage and provide the EQ and Crossfeed functions. It will also have enough power for IEMs and the DT1990s so unless you really wanted a desktop type unit (i.e. mains powered, larger, etc.) then I'd go Mojo 2 for sure
For soundstage depth, you generally want an R2R, Schiit Multibit or Chord DAC. Then, for amps, a discrete design is generally preferable to amps that use chip-based designs. There are so many options depending on your budget that it's hard to make a recommendation without knowing more
TY! for this review! I have heard that the SMSL M500 MKII is comparable to the Denafrips Ares II with some minor differences. I am wondering how the SMSL M500 MKII compares to the Topping DX5. I hope you have the opportunity to compare the SMSL M500 MKII to the Topping DX5 and/or the Denafrips Ares II.
I'll see about getting the M500 Mk II. I'll be shocked if it's really comparable to the Ares II because that's one of the most unique sounding DACs around (for better or worse)
Hi sir I want something DAC to use with my Mackie powered speakers 1500 RMS ..I never use headphones ..I like to shake my room . Do i still need an amp inside of the DAC for better sound ? What would you recommend for a good price .Love you channel tooooo.
Hi Gary, you don't need an additional amp - just any DAC with volume control and the right outputs. If you're Mackies have XLR inputs then I'd recommend using a DAC with XLR outputs to limit the chances of getting a hum through them. Something like the SMSL DO100 could work well - I've got a review coming soon...
While this is only the second PFS video I've watched, I am surprised by the poor sound quality! The guy is a good presenter but needs to improve the production quality before I will subscribe!
I can't recall exactly, but I may have been using a different mic for this recording as I've been testing two microphones for an upcoming review. Please check out the next couple of videos and see how you like the sound in those 🙂
I've had one of these for 6 months now, used solely as a dac. Partnered with a Naim XS-2 and EPOS M16i it produces a wonderful sound.
They're pretty great, aren't they?
I think it would be nice to know how it compares to other Topping products (Dx3+, E50/L50, 30Pro), as there are so many options out there
I know it's tricky. Unfortunately, I have to limit how many comparisons I try to cover for each review. Also, separate DACs and amps will generally always perform better so you can pretty safely assume that the E50 and L50 is a better choice.
I received this unit 3 weeks ago and I am quite happy with it. Bang for buck my DX3PRO at $200 is a better deal.
Used as a DAC only or wired in rather than Bluetooth, the DX5 is a better sounding unit.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
One of the things you have to understand about the fatigue amount of products they release is that obviously a lot of these things come out of the same factory and they just build different cases and put different brand names on them. But you have to understand the Chinese manufacturing state of mind. Companies like Shein and Temu take it to the Max. Their whole business mentality is to produce as many products as possible to find out what sticks then you focus. They don’t develop a great product first they’ll develop 10 products and let the market decide which one is the best and if that doesn’t work, then move onto clothing manufacturer will do it a run of several thousand different shirts and then that’s it once the runs over for the next product.
Sir I love your indepth review. I have a question: Is the Pre mode of the Dx5 is the dac stage followed by an amp ? I do hear some difference between the Pre and Dac mode for sure 😢
As far as I know, the output level is only adjusted by DAC chip(s) so there's no additional circuit added for preamp usage. It's possible that you're just hearing the differences of two slightly different volume levels (even if you've tried to get the volume matched). A tiny shift in volume can make us perceive sound quite differently.
Hi, I know it's difficult to consider all possible options, but knowing you are a fan of Burson Audio products, you missed the Playmate 2 which is also a DAC/headphone amp/preamp all in one solution. At 489 US dlls is as closest as you can possibly be to compare with! Cheers
Yes. Sadly I can only compare with what I own or have on loan at the time. The channel still doesn't make enough money for me to buy and keep every option ☹️
@@PassionforSound No worries, you do a great job and your reviews are quite good. Thank you.
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.
I've actually got a list of recommended products in that category that includes links to the reviews and the online stores. I hope it's helpful!
bit.ly/DACAmp
Love the hoodie mate, looks great 😎
More importantly, great review as always, about a product that had caught my attention already.
Thanks Juha. Glad you found the review helpful!
This unit has a issue, I read many many reports about it, an auto update fail loop that makes the unit useless, do you know any fix from topping about how to avoid it or fix it before happening... For overseas buyers that is a nightmare, that issue and the mqa problems are holding me to get this unit, any recommendation about a unit whit same connections and clean warm sound, thanks
I haven't tried any updates so I can't comment. It works great out of the box and I saw no issues that would require immediate updates. Sorry I can't help more on that one
Great review as always. I was thinking getting a desktop setup. How would these compare to a btr5 dac and topping NX7 portable combo performance wise?
I don't think I've ever found a desktop setup that not better than a portable setup so the DX5 would be a comfortable step up from the BTR5 and NX7 I think. Desktop setups have the benefit of being designed without space or power compromises that are needed for portable, battery powered devices.
@@PassionforSound Alright thanks for the help. 🙂After extensive online researching I decided to try out a desktop setup as I can always just return it if it doesn't improve much in sound. the fact that its sorta portable is nice addition, so I can just swap different sound signatures on the go kinda of lol.
Glad I could help. Hope you love your desktop setup!
@@PassionforSound Wow just wow I can't believe what I've been missing. Using it through bluetooth and it beats my combo on some aspects I cant even imagine on wired USB. You were right Desktop setups are on a another level.
So glad you're enjoying it!
DX5 is $249on DROP. For this price is it worth it? Or it's better to go with something like Fiio K7?
The DX5 is a very nice unit so I'd go for it at that price, I think.
Interesting piece of kit... I'm looking for a budget AIO as I had back into a full time office setting. Was looking at Ifi hip dac2 but this could also be a solid option as well.
I think you may be confused with regards to 'balanced' connections. A device can be internally single ended but still boast a true differential output providing the voltage benefits of these. It just has to have a small additional circuit in the output stage that will invert the signal and provide the negative part of the voltage curve.The quality of this voltage inverter is important. People should understand that balanced connection, differential input, internally balanced in the case of amplification circuits and differential output are all different things. All these tend to be bucketed together under the name 'balanced' which causes confusion. With regards to the amp internal topology per se, most people should not really care about it as long as the amp can provide the power required to drive their selected transducers.
No confusion here. The DX5 output is single ended passed through a 4-pin XLR socket
@@PassionforSound My point was that this has little to do with the internal topology of the amp, as you seem to have implied.
Ah, I understand. My point was that some people value the idea (rightly or wrongly) of having a "fully balanced" setup so that was the clarification I was providing - even though the DAC is balanced, the HP output stage is not. 🙂
Just wondering if you get the topping MX5 dac/headphone and speaker amp in for review, looks like a great all in one...
I've had no offers of that one yet, but it does sound interesting.
Dude, you’ve got a roll off the base in your voice. Maybe above 200 Hz where it doesn’t matter. My subwoofer on my home theaters is going insane because your Mike is picking up everything in the room and your voice reverberating off the furniture and walls.
between smsl do100 and topping dx5 is there much difference in sound quality?
is it worth it for me to upgrade do100 to dx5 ???
Answered on your other comment 🙂
Hello 😉, isnt the stack combo a better option meaning u can control what interconnect cables u will use? U cannot control what materials are already used inside of an 2 in 1 amp dac... U can not determine what design or materials were chosen to link that DAC and AMP internally. Am I wrong? What if we could somehow separate the DX5 into 2 units (separate Dac + amp) and connect them together with some good sounding interconnects? Maybe we could achieve even better results right? 😄😄
There is definitely some value in that thinking, but the quality of internal connection is generally excellent because it's sold copper traces on a circuit board. External wires will influence the sound more (for better or worse).
I find the biggest drawback with all-in-one devices to be the fact that the DAC and amp are sharing the same housing and power supply so any noise and interference is shared between them too. Also, with separate devices, you can upgrade one half if you want to improve just the DAC or amp
@@PassionforSound Thanks ! So just to find some good all in one Amp DAC with some ,,linear powersupply,,, add some supras usb and powercable and I am good to go right? (with a clean conscience that i did maximum for a decent sound), no need to worry about nothing else(i dont need to upgrade all the time)... 😁. Is it a good plan? 😎
I think that's a fairly good approach if you're happy with regular Delta Sigma DACs like ESS and AKM chips. Personally, I'd be looking at Schiit Multibit, Chord, or an R2R DAC and they're not always going to match your list of criteria, but might perform better overall
@@PassionforSound thank you 💚
Hey, im letting you know the T3's made it in my (mum's) mailbox finally! i think i ll get them here maybe in the weekend or next week! Cant wait to try them.
Maybe an idea for a video: amps dacs all those things, what are they, why do you need em, what do they do, and for who are they.
i ll keep you posted on the T3 experience!
Wow. That took a while, didn't it? Glad they're almost to you and that they're now in safe hands.
As for your video idea, I am actually building a whole course covering that exact content. I hope to have it ready soon...
@@PassionforSound ive also seen your video about cables. is there a go to thing for cable guides, lets say if you want a warmer sound you go copper, or if you want more crisp you go silver. i have no clue what im saying but you know what i mean right. Cant wait for your video's!
It's a tough one because it depends on the type of cable, but generally speaking and for anything analog, copper is warmer (stranded styles are smooth, litz styles where each strand is individually insulated are a bit more detailed). Pure silver is generally a bit brighter than copper and may sound a bit "faster" or more energetic. Finally, silver plated copper can lead to edginess in the sound and is my least preferred type of cable normally. There are some exceptions, but plated cables and alloys/hybrid metals are rarely better than a pure metal option. Also, exotic metals like gold and palladium are worse conductors than silver and copper and really shouldn't be used for cables unless very carefully managed.
@@PassionforSound wow good write up thanks for that! I ll be looking out for a nice copper cable then!
How would you compare the chord mojo 2 to the DX5? I’m looking for an all in 1 unit to pair with IEMS and the DT 1990
Mojo 2 is still easily better IMO thanks to its ability to create depth in the soundstage and provide the EQ and Crossfeed functions. It will also have enough power for IEMs and the DT1990s so unless you really wanted a desktop type unit (i.e. mains powered, larger, etc.) then I'd go Mojo 2 for sure
Great review!
Glad you liked it!
so if using visual jargon, the DX5 is bit over saturated...... in tasting jargon, MSG is added to the dish..... and the term i usually use 'MSG sound'
Nicely said. It's only slightly so, but yes
Which dac/amp can give a deep soundstage?
For soundstage depth, you generally want an R2R, Schiit Multibit or Chord DAC. Then, for amps, a discrete design is generally preferable to amps that use chip-based designs. There are so many options depending on your budget that it's hard to make a recommendation without knowing more
DX5 with a K712 Pro is a nice option?. Thanks!
I haven't tried them together, but I can't see any reason they wouldn't be a good match
TY! for this review! I have heard that the SMSL M500 MKII is comparable to the Denafrips Ares II with some minor differences. I am wondering how the SMSL M500 MKII compares to the Topping DX5. I hope you have the opportunity to compare the SMSL M500 MKII to the Topping DX5 and/or the Denafrips Ares II.
I'll see about getting the M500 Mk II. I'll be shocked if it's really comparable to the Ares II because that's one of the most unique sounding DACs around (for better or worse)
Hi sir I want something DAC to use with my Mackie powered speakers 1500 RMS ..I never use headphones ..I like to shake my room . Do i still need an amp inside of the DAC for better sound ? What would you recommend for a good price .Love you channel tooooo.
Hi Gary, you don't need an additional amp - just any DAC with volume control and the right outputs. If you're Mackies have XLR inputs then I'd recommend using a DAC with XLR outputs to limit the chances of getting a hum through them. Something like the SMSL DO100 could work well - I've got a review coming soon...
Thanks!
While this is only the second PFS video I've watched, I am surprised by the poor sound quality! The guy is a good presenter but needs to improve the production quality before I will subscribe!
I can't recall exactly, but I may have been using a different mic for this recording as I've been testing two microphones for an upcoming review. Please check out the next couple of videos and see how you like the sound in those 🙂
DX3 Pro+ or DX5?
Sound wise there is almost no difference. If you need XLR/balanced dac output, DX5. Otherwise the DX3pro+ gives you much better price/performance.
I haven't tried both to comment so thanks for sharing your experiences, Alex.
@@alexhofmann5844 Okay thank You :)
Going usb-b from my phone the DX5 sounded better to me than my DX3PRO.
@@isadorealire5722 Is that DX3Pro or DX3Pro+ you are comparing with?
Yes separates rocks... Was really worried that you have also succumbed to the BS TH-camrs crowd
No BS here. Always just my honest impressions for better or worse 🙂
That is one ugly thumbnail mate
I clicked and am here so can't be bad
Probably should have use the green font for the tagline text, but was in a hurry due to squeezing in the PS Audio FR30 first impressions