Don't Buy a DAC/Amp until you Watch This - TOPPING DX3 Pro+ Review
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- Опубликовано: 23 май 2022
- TOPPING DX3 Pro amzn.to/3yW7Z9s
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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 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.
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...
I purchased one of these late last year and love it. Sounds great and simple to use.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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?
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!
Thanx for your insight :) Between the Zen DAC 2 and that one what wood be the best choice ? Regards :)
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?
Another fantastic review thank you sir, so where and how do I hook this up to my vintage receiver what cables do I use and where do I plug them in at?
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
Im using a Rotel A11 Tribute Do you think this would be a good match ? thanks for the videos keep them coming
Nice review Randy. This looks like a really good alternative desktop headphone solution.
Dear Cheapaudioman, you rock. Would it make a big (soundwise) difference buying dx3pro+ if I own FiiO BTR7? Tnx1M.
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.
Hey Randy, do you recommend getting this rather than the Magni/Modi stack?
I've been loving the size comparisons, never fails to make me laugh
Me too, completely useless but definitely necessary for the laughs
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.
Thank you for the entertainment. Made my day a bit brighter - I needed that.
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!
Great video, was wondering if this could work on my LG CX as I prefer to use headphones on my tv?
Seth Audio, great value for the money. I always put these bananas in my ears so I can play music much louder!
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
Would it be worth getting this primarily as a dac for my speaker system? I've got a Yamaha rn303 which has an integrated dac but I've used my ifi hip dac into it and it sounds way better than the internal dac
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.
Hi. Tell me please which amp should I buy for Meze 99 Classic, dx3 pro plus or Fiio k7? Thanks 🙏
bought after your review....love it. everything you said it was. thanks for the recomendation!
Great to hear!
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
Review the Qudelix 5K. How have you not yet? Love your channel, love your content -- EXCELLENT stuff!
Newbie here, can I use the Topping DX3 Pro+ with my Harman/Kardon HK430? The HK has a input sensitivity of 150mV and the Topping has 2.1 Vrms. Can I still set the HK430 to about 60% volume and use the volume control of the Topping or is there a risk of damaging (or clipping?) my HK430?
I'm starting a home studio. Do you recommend any of this audiophile DAC for critical listening?
Would really like it if you could compare this vs the fx-audio dac-m1.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Randy does the Topping DX3 Pro have plug-in rollable op amps? Thanks.
Hi, i'm trying to get a Dac/amp, what should i get ? ifi zen dac v2 , Dilvpoetry DT-1 or this ? i have an hd600 a hifiman 400se and some iems
Have you had any experience with PC audio on board DACs? I'm looking at a motherboard, and it has an ESS Sabre 9118, but it's combined with a Realtek ALC1220. With that, I'm unsure of the audio quality output and also the resistance it's capable of pushing, no real specs for that. It also says it uses Audiophile Grade WIMA Capacitors, but again, who knows the implementation and what quality it'll output. I see a PCIe component I can buy to supplement, but who knows how good that'll sound (Creative Sound Blaster AE-9). I have a 3 channel Micca setup, but I also game, so I'm interested in competitive sound. I don't see many people in my boat for both speaker sound, headphone sound and desk setup all in one for music and gaming.
Hi 👋 how much is the difference after pairing this dac with audioengine hd3?
For speaker listening would you prefer the Topping or the Gishelli?
Fantastic value on a great feature packed Dac/headphone amp!
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!
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.
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.
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?
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?
Should I get this or the zen dac v2? Currently use dt 900 pro x, raptgo hook x iems,
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?
How about this compared to SMSL SU-6 SH-6 combo? Thinking of pairing with hifiman XS for music + gaming
so schiit modi+ is better sounding dac?
what's top dac you recommend over both?
Thanks for review!
Sounds like great value for $200. Can't wait for the dx3 pro plus Evo.
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.
Oh gosh the quake transitions are killin mah eeers. Syth ottio, indeed sir.
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!!
Great review! Thanks Randy.
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?
How does the DX3 Pro+ compare to the Schiit stack you mentioned?
I have the Sennheiser HD569, will a dac/amp improve the range of the low end? And i mean super low end. They taper off around 40hz and lower. I want to fix that!
how does it compare to DAC-FX-D01 as DAC and as combo? and to E50 as a DAC?
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.
Like your delivery schtick. Funny. 👍🏻
Does the DX3 Pro+ work with IOS, please? I have an Ipad Air 5 / 2022 model. thak you so much!
How does the TOPPING DX3 Pro+ compare to the Topping EX5?
Do i need to install any software for this dac? I want to pair it with my HD650. is it just plug n play?
i just purchased hifiman HE6se v2 and thinking this might work. may i have your opinion?
i love detented controls too lol why is that not a feature of all pots that could be engaged via button? my mouse does that with the scroll wheel.
Are all dac amps only for headphones or there are also dac Amos for speakers?
I just don't need or require a dac at all as my JVC cd player obviously has one...in my es=extensive stereo system..what do you use them with?
Thank you for another great review. 👍
Thank you!
i have the older TOPPING DX3 Pro. Only disappointment is the BT. glad they have updated it.
How does this compare to the same brand’s E30/L30?
Would this work well for a PC user, with Beyerdynamic DT 1990's?
Guys should i get this or the fiio k5 pro for my DT 770 Pro? I only listen to music with my pc.
Can this drive a pair of bookshelf speaker and also a subwoofer? I am a newbie.
if I plug in a sennheiser pc37x headset into this amp, will the mic work?
What about a Asahi Kasehi AK4499 vs ESS Techonlogies ES9038Q2M shootout? Both are impressive DACs and maybe a comparison of a single chip stereo DAC vs a independent power supplied dual chip 1 chip per channel DAC. I've seen a bunch of dual psu dual chip devices especially from china with very impressive datasheets for around 400-500$. I wonder if those are worth the money, they usually do support Qualcomm APTX HD for streaming which most android devices natively do.
Are there 6 tone controls to take the place of treble bass controls.
My unit started displaying "HP Err" when powered up and no longer outputs audio.
I followed the troubleshooting instructions on their website for it to no avail.
Not sure if Chi-fi or just a poor luck of the draw
You sir, are completely bananas. I love it.
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.
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.
Bought that one last week. The problem I have with it: there does not seem to be any support for native DSD playback with Linux.
Even tried wineasio but to no avail. Using it now with VM, oh well... 😒
Would you please review the Sennheiser RS 185 headphones??
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. 👍🏾
Thank you for sharing 🙏
mhhh how does this compare to the iFi ZEN DAC V2? Thanks for the Review