For my newly built Windows 11 PC, I initially planned to install an Xonar Essence STX PCIe audio card, but it is no longer manufactured. As a replacement, I decided to purchase a standalone DAC and headphone amplifier to use with my Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
Initially, I tried the Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC/headphone amp, achieving excellent results. However, I realized that a newer, significantly improved version of the Topping DX5 II DAC had been recently released, and I wanted to see whether any audible improvements were possible. Fortunately, the DX5 II does sound slightly better than the DX3 Pro+ DAC.
I had read very positive review results on the Topping DX5 II on the AudioScienceReview website, where laboratory measurements are done in a controlled environment.
- Dual ES9039Q2M】Each channel (left and right) utilizes an independent ESS new DAC chip-ES9039Q2M.This design delivers higher SNR, greater DNR, and lower distortion compared to the DX5, offering high-resolution audio performance.
- 【X-Hybrid Headphone Amplifier Circuit】X-Hybrid 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.
- 【Wide range of adaptation to headphones】The DX5 II is equipped with 6.35mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and 4-pin XLR headphone jacks, meeting the needs of low-sensitivity headphones to high-sensitivity lEMs. With a low noise floor of just 1.8uVrms, even the most sensitive lEMs remain free from any audible background hiss.
- 【Ten-band high-precision PEQ adjustment】We develop a brand new PEQ adjustment* that supports ten customizable frequency bands. Topping's brand new PEQ algorithm and desktop software allow you to fine-tune the frequency, gain, and bandwidth of each PEQ band.
- 【LDAC wireless available】Equipped with QCC5125 chip, DX5 II supports Bluetooth 5.1 and can support up to 96kHz/24bit. Also, it fully supports LDAC/aptX-Adaptive/aptX/aptX HD/AAC/SBC and other audio encodings, allowing high-quality audio to be transmitted wirelessly to provide a music experience beyond CD level.
- Standalone DAC with excellent audio specs, SNR (133dB), THD
- Supports all the latest audio standards
- A high-power headphone amplifier that drives my Sony MDR-7506 easily
- Remote control
- Bluetooth streaming support
- Reasonable price ($299)
- Clear, unfiltered sound over USB
- Automatic power-on/off when the CPU is turned on/off
- When playing a new song, it briefly displays the bitrate
- Beautiful, customizable display with a 10-band equalizer
- The USB-B cable supplied is very short
- Using an iPhone, the Bluetooth streaming quality is sub-par (iPhone's IOS does not support the higher-end audio standards)
1. Driver and Software Installation (Crucial for Best Performance)
While the Topping DX5 II is often "plug-and-play" (class-compliant) for basic functionality, installing the dedicated Topping USB Driver (often a Thesycon driver) is highly recommended.
Install the Driver: Visit the official Topping website's download section (or the dealer's site if the main site is unavailable) and download the latest USB driver for Windows.
This driver is essential for achieving bit-perfect playback and for using advanced low-latency protocols like ASIO (required by some audiophile playback software). Install Topping Tune Software (Optional but Recommended): This software allows you to configure the unit's powerful, built-in 10-band Parametric Equalizer (PEQ).
You can create, save, and upload custom EQ profiles directly to the DX5 II hardware, which is a fantastic feature. Update Firmware (Check First): Check the Topping downloads page for the latest firmware.
If you are not on the latest version, follow the official instructions to update it for stability and to access new features.
2. Windows Sound Settings
After installing the driver and connecting the DX5 II via USB, you need to configure Windows to use its full capabilities.
Select the DAC:
Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Sound settings."
Under "Output," select the Topping DX5 II (it will typically be named something like "Speakers (XMOS USB Audio)" or similar) as your primary audio device.
Set High Bit-Depth and Sample Rate:
In the Sound settings, click the device entry for the Topping DX5 II to open its properties.
Scroll down to "Format" or "Advanced" settings.
Under "Default format," choose the highest available bit-depth and sample rate. For the DX5 II via USB, this is typically 32-bit, 768000 Hz (or 768 kHz) for PCM.
Selecting the highest rate ensures that Windows is not downsampling high-resolution files.
Disable Enhancements:
Make sure all "Audio enhancements" (like spatial sound, loudness equalization, etc.) are turned OFF in the same device properties menu. These are digital signal processing (DSP) features that can degrade the quality of the DAC's output.
3. Dedicated Playback Software (For Audiophiles)
For the best possible sound quality, bypass the Windows audio mixer entirely using playback software that supports exclusive audio modes.
WASAPI Exclusive Mode: Most music players (like Foobar2000, JRiver Media Center, Tidal, Qobuz) can be set to use WASAPI Exclusive Mode. This gives the application direct access to the DX5 II, bypassing all Windows mixing and processing for a cleaner, bit-perfect signal.
ASIO Mode: Some professional or dedicated audiophile players will use ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output) as the preferred low-latency protocol. This will only be available if you have installed the dedicated Topping USB driver.
4. Topping DX5 II Hardware Settings
The DX5 II has several internal settings you can adjust via the front panel knob and remote
Digital Filter: The DX5 II uses ESS Sabre DACs and offers several digital filter options (often 8 choices, with Minimum Phase as the default).
Experiment with these to see if one sounds better to your ears. Minimum Phase or Fast Linear are common starting points. UAC Mode: Ensure the UAC (USB Audio Class) setting is on UAC 2.0 for full high-res support. (UAC 1.0 is generally only for older devices like the PS5.)
Output Mode: Decide if you want a fixed-level Line Out (DAC mode) for connection to a separate amplifier, or a variable-level Preamp Out (Preamp mode) to connect directly to powered speakers or a power amplifier.
The headphone output level is always variable. Gain Setting: The DX5 II has a 2-stage gain setting (Low or High).
Use Low Gain for sensitive headphones/IEMs to minimize background noise, and switch to High Gain only if you need more volume for hard-to-drive headphones.
- Topping DX5 II Balanced DAC Review (ASR)
Topping Downloads Page - Topping Firmware: DX5 II version V1.78 firmware update
Topping Tune
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