Don't Buy a DAC/Amp until you Watch This - TOPPING DX3 Pro+ Review
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- čas přidán 27. 07. 2024
- 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 purchased one of these late last year and love it. Sounds great and simple to use.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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
Nice review Randy. This looks like a really good alternative desktop headphone solution.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
bought after your review....love it. everything you said it was. thanks for the recomendation!
Great to hear!
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
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.
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?
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.
Thank you for the entertainment. Made my day a bit brighter - I needed that.
I've been loving the size comparisons, never fails to make me laugh
Me too, completely useless but definitely necessary for the laughs
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?
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.
Seth Audio, great value for the money. I always put these bananas in my ears so I can play music much louder!
Im using a Rotel A11 Tribute Do you think this would be a good match ? thanks for the videos keep them coming
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?
Fantastic value on a great feature packed Dac/headphone amp!
Hey Randy, do you recommend getting this rather than the Magni/Modi stack?
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!!
Thanx for your insight :) Between the Zen DAC 2 and that one what wood be the best choice ? Regards :)
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 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.
Sounds like great value for $200. Can't wait for the dx3 pro plus Evo.
Thanks for review!
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
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!
Thank you for another great review. 👍
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
For speaker listening would you prefer the Topping or the Gishelli?
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW!!!
Like your delivery schtick. Funny. 👍🏻
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 have the older TOPPING DX3 Pro. Only disappointment is the BT. glad they have updated it.
Great review! Thanks Randy.
Would really like it if you could compare this vs the fx-audio dac-m1.
Hi. Tell me please which amp should I buy for Meze 99 Classic, dx3 pro plus or Fiio k7? Thanks 🙏
Great video, was wondering if this could work on my LG CX as I prefer to use headphones on my tv?
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?
Thank you!
How does the TOPPING DX3 Pro+ compare to the Topping EX5?
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.
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.
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.
Should I get this or the zen dac v2? Currently use dt 900 pro x, raptgo hook x iems,
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!
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.
how does it compare to DAC-FX-D01 as DAC and as combo? and to E50 as a DAC?
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 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!
so schiit modi+ is better sounding dac?
what's top dac you recommend over both?
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.
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.
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.
I'm starting a home studio. Do you recommend any of this audiophile DAC for critical listening?
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.
Hi 👋 how much is the difference after pairing this dac with audioengine hd3?
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
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?
Thank you for sharing 🙏
How does this compare to the same brand’s E30/L30?
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?
How about this compared to SMSL SU-6 SH-6 combo? Thinking of pairing with hifiman XS for music + gaming
Love the ominous musical bumpers! I tried the DX3 Pro+ returned it to get a Monoprice THX 887 for $200. So, tell me Randy, is the Ares II overkill for a mere headphone stack, or is it diminishing marginal returns over the Geshelli J2?
The magic of the ares is on speakers. For headphone only I’d go J2
Thank you, sir. Appreciate the feedback. 👍🏾
Can I ask you for a suggestion for the best dac/amp or stack comb under 350 usd. Which ones sound the best (one or more suggestions)? Thanks in advance.
My unit started displaying "HP Err" when powered up and no longer outputs audio.
I followed the troubleshooting instructions on their website for it to no avail.
Not sure if Chi-fi or just a poor luck of the draw
Does the DX3 Pro+ work with IOS, please? I have an Ipad Air 5 / 2022 model. thak you so much!
I just don't need or require a dac at all as my JVC cd player obviously has one...in my es=extensive stereo system..what do you use them with?
Randy does the Topping DX3 Pro have plug-in rollable op amps? Thanks.
How does the DX3 Pro+ compare to the Schiit stack you mentioned?
mhhh how does this compare to the iFi ZEN DAC V2? Thanks for the Review
What about a Asahi Kasehi AK4499 vs ESS Techonlogies ES9038Q2M shootout? Both are impressive DACs and maybe a comparison of a single chip stereo DAC vs a independent power supplied dual chip 1 chip per channel DAC. I've seen a bunch of dual psu dual chip devices especially from china with very impressive datasheets for around 400-500$. I wonder if those are worth the money, they usually do support Qualcomm APTX HD for streaming which most android devices natively do.
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?
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... 😒
Are all dac amps only for headphones or there are also dac Amos for speakers?
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!
Are there 6 tone controls to take the place of treble bass controls.
Does it sound better than l30 + e30?
You sir, are completely bananas. I love it.
i just purchased hifiman HE6se v2 and thinking this might work. may i have your opinion?
Do i need to install any software for this dac? I want to pair it with my HD650. is it just plug n play?
Oh gosh the quake transitions are killin mah eeers. Syth ottio, indeed sir.
Fiio makes some really good inexpensive portable DAC/Amps for on the go for use with your cellphone.Check out the KA3,$89
How would you compare this to the smsl su8?
is sound quality of E30 superior to DX3?
Would this work well for a PC user, with Beyerdynamic DT 1990's?