One and Done: Minimalist HiFi Desktop Audio | Topping MX5 DAC Amplifier Review

Is the Topping MX5 the best all in one minimalist HiFi DAC/Amplifier combo for your desktop audio setup? In this review, I'll tell you how this USB class D intergrated amplifier is one of the best one and done desktop audio solutions on the market.
Topping MX5 (HIFIGO): bit.ly/3vJPUtx
Topping MX5: amzn.to/3788BwX
SMSL AO200 (Aoshida Audio): bit.ly/3tQU55f
SMSL AO200: amzn.to/3z5S9W8
iFi Zen DAC V2: amzn.to/3hFyOF1
HIFIMAN HE400se Headphones: amzn.to/3pGZgma
Gallo Micro Speakers: amzn.to/3AdDoSM
IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck: amzn.to/3C3Y8g6
Get 10% off your first Grovemade purchase by using code: MYXO10 at checkout!!
Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad: bit.ly/myxo1
If you’re new to the hobby of HiFi audio, most enthusiasts will tell you that to achieve the best sounding system, component audio is the way to go. While I agree with this advise, I also acknowledge that all-in one desktop amplifiers are getting so good, it’s hard not to recommend them as a one and done audio solution.
DESKTOP AUDIO PLAYLIST:
• Desktop Audio
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#topping mx5 #hifi audio #audio gear

[@ikkisik]

Finally, a good quality, calmly explained review. Thank you sooo much.

[@Myxo14]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@johngault-9597]

Wow first time here nice review. Your workstation setup rocks...thank you

[@TrueNorf]

Good to have you back @myxo14! Great review! 👍🏾

[@Myxo14]

Thanks man! I'm still debating about getting a Sony camera. I'll hit you up if I have any questions/need advice.

[@TrueNorf]

@@Myxo14 Do it!! Life's too short! I happen to have a 2nd Sony camera now. Will spill the beans later! 👍🏾😁

[@Myxo14]

Looking forward to it 🙌🏾

[@davidahn4130]

I was shocked at the lack of SW out when I was connecting my MX-5. But I found the JL Audio's speaker-level to RCA adapter XD-CLRAIC2-SW. I spliced the speaker wire and the JL Audio cable's loose ends together and then into the banana plugs. Worked a treat! Really enjoying the MX-5.

[@Arrow02]

What such a high qualilty vid bro, liked it 👍

[@Myxo14]

Thanks man 🙌🏾

[@Ronald-qj5nx]

Can the MX5 be connected to a sub via the Speaker Level inputs on the sub?

[@chibimctwist]

Great review~!!!! Your voice is very easy to listen to as well. In the end, which do you think sound better with passive speakers like Kanto Passive? MX5 or the current SMSL+iFi Zen stack? the price difference is close enough that i would consider both. thank you in advance~

[@Myxo14]

Thanks for checking out the video! Both the MX5 and AO200 Zen stack sound great, and I'd be happy with the sound of either, so for me it would come down to if you want component audio or an all in one unit. There is no upgrade path with the MX5, but there is with a stack. Both should have plenty of power for your Kantos.

[@chibimctwist]

@@Myxo14 ah i understand. i also live in an apartment building where i try to be considerate of noise. of the two, which would provide better quality at medium to lower levels of sound? or is that not a thing? i would assume the mx5 since it is 70W x2 @4ohms vs the ao200 which is 90w x2 @4ohms. i'm making my first desk build at the moment and it seems that the Q Acoustics 3010i may be a better bet than the kanto passive.

[@Myxo14]

Sound quality at lower volumes should be pretty much the same. The AO200 will get louder than the MX5, but you probably won't be listening to music that loud anyway. The 70W rating for the MX5 is misleading (which is why I didn't mention it in the video). The 70W is at 10% distortion...music will sound very bad at that high volume. Stick with the 55W rating at 4 ohms. Either amp will be plenty of power for the 3010i's. If you feel you'll want to pair these speakers with a subwoofer (which you might down the road), the AO200 is the way to go. If you don't think you'll want a sub, the MX5 is a great choice.

[@chibimctwist]

@@Myxo14 This is a really great reply. Answered my question and cleared up a misconception that i was not aware of! Thank you!

[@tipok1929]

Hi! Which button on the remote is the input switch?

[@ronalcasid3844]

Line out and bass management would have made this an instant buy

[@Myxo14]

The lack of a sub out, is really disappointing. If it did, it would still be on my desk (I've recently upgraded my sub, which requires a sub out). It's an excellent integrated amp otherwise.

[@otepdotnet]

@@Myxo14 you can use the headphone out as a sub out, just use a 6.3mm jack to rca out

[@Myxo14]

You can, but that defeats the purpose of this being an all in one unit. If you lose the headphone jack, you'll need to buy a separate headphone amp...then you might as well buy separate components in the first place.

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

Great review ! Thank you ! I am glad you mentioned the USB cable that is included to connect your MX5 to your desktop PC. I would like to connect the MX5 to my laptop, - how would I go about that ? would it also be with that same USB cable ? I'm a bit fuzzy on that. I originally thought I would have to use the headphone jack on my laptop as the connection between the laptop and the MX5, but I think I'm really wrong on that.... seems the USB cable is what will work on a laptop also. Thanks for any help ! Great video, thank you !

[@Myxo14]

Hi Frosty, the same usb cable will be used to connect the mx5 to your laptop (the mx5 will then become the audio device for the laptop). It will be like connecting a mouse to your laptop via USB rather than using the track pad. You won't need to touch the headphone jack on your laptop. Thanks for checking out the video 🙌🏿

[@FrostyTheBeerMan]

@@Myxo14 Hi again ! Ahhh awesome information you just gave me ! Thanks SO much ! I appreciate it !! 🙂 Very well explained too btw !

[@dcak9418]

Great video, thanks for the great content! I’d like to get your opinion on my situation. I just bought a set of DT 1990 Pro’s and am currently using a Dragonfly Cobalt on my PC. I’m looking at the next upgrade and have had my eyes on the Zen DAV V2. If you had to recommend the zen over the topping which would you choose for this setup? Thanks!

[@Myxo14]

Thanks for watching! If you are only looking for a headphone amp, I'd suggest going with the Zen DAC V2. I say this because, the MX5 uses a Sabre DAC, and you're already using a Sabre DAC in your Cobolt...might be nice to try something completely different. That said, being your cans are 250 ohms, the Zen might be a little quite for your liking. If you get it, make sure you have the ability to return it if you don't like it.

[@DukeOfKidderminster]

What’s the max impedance this amp will power?

[@brianp7268]

How you you say this stacks up against the Emotiva a2m?

[@Gzomerotron]

Hello. I just can’t decide which amplifier to choose: AO200 or Topping MX5 I wanted to ask which one of the two you left in the end and for what reason? Please help me decide. According to the reviews, I like both, there is no way to listen before buying, but in the Topping MX5 I am attracted by a good USB DAC, and in the AO200 there is a subwoofer output. From what I understand they sound about the same, right?

[@muzammelhaquemukul7089]

Yup. The DAC chip on MX5 is very good value proposition. Wish it had usable 50 watt at 8 ohms for few more bucks.

[@mickeogh]

Really nice video, subbed I'm new to hifi and it's all a bit much to take in.. I'm just after an all in one unit to drive 2 (smaller) bookshelf speakers, and maybe a sub later,( oh and headphones) on my desk to use with digital music only. But this unit is AU$500, not incl speakers cables etc.. Is there a budget way to get into hifi that will fit on my desk without going 2nd hand?

[@Myxo14]

Welcome to the world of hifi! It's a fun hobby, but it's easy to go down the rabbits hole with all the different choices. If you're on a budget, I'd check out the Loxjie A30. It's a highly respected piece of kit at a budget price. You can check out the SMSL AD18, but there are better products on the market now.

[@mickeogh]

@@Myxo14 awesome thanks for the reply, keen to go through your videos!

[@tobinharris2321]

Nice review, what size Iso Puck is that, the Mini 44mm or the Standard 61mm?

[@Myxo14]

The pucks I was using in this video were the standard 61mm version. I recently purchased the mini 44mm pucks for a new audio setup, and they are much smaller than the standard version. I'm happy with the performance of both sizes.

[@tobinharris2321]

@@Myxo14 Thanks. Would the larger ones work with the Micro SE's?

[@Myxo14]

Definitely use the standard 61mm for the Micros. The mini's would be far too small. I'm using the mini's for a pair of Strada 2s (4 minis are needed for one speaker...there is a pic on my Instagram). Hope that helps.

[@tobinharris2321]

@@Myxo14 holy smokes, those Strada’s are quite the upgrade. I’ve been using AG Micro Ti’s on their tall floor stands behind the desk. Beautifully clean sound, but just re-integrated them into my lounge home cinema. Now contemplating what to do for the desk again… this has be thinking!

[@Myxo14]

I went from using the Micro's to the A'Diva's to now the Strada's on my desk (I really like Gallo speakers). My advice for the Micro's and the A'Diva's when using them in near field is to get them as close to ear level as possible. I have the stands for both sets of speakers but found them too short for my desk height. I made some 7" stands from some 1.5" pvc pipe from Home Depot and spray painted them matte black (with the 61mm isolator at the top of the stand). They worked really well and improved the imaging from the speakers greatly...just something to consider. I found adding a Rel subwoofer to my setup was a bigger improvement in sound quality than going from the A'Diva's to the Strada's (I do love the Strada's though!).

[@jonathanmatthew5631]

What alternative amp would you suggest that has a SW out?

[@otepdotnet]

you can use the headphone out as a sub out, just use a 6.3mm jack to rca out

[@GaryHuntPianoman]

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.

[@Myxo14]

If your speakers are powered, you'll only need a DAC (assuming you're using a PC as an audio source). I'm currently using an ifi Zen DAC V2 and quite like it as a budget option. My next review in a few weeks will be the Denafrips Ares II DAC, but that's not exactly a 'budget' piece of gear.

[@budi22]

hello. which one has a warmer, deeper sound ? Topping MX5, SMSL A300, or SMSL DA 9 ?

[@indigobaloon8091]

The one that lacks the high end.

[@budi22]

@@indigobaloon8091 very helpful, thank you

[@valentinvalentin8916]

Hello! Do you think topping mx5 can drive kef q350?

[@Myxo14]

It should be fine, the 350s aren't hard to drive.

[@valentinvalentin8916]

@@Myxo14 Thank you!!

[@KonradSkowronski]

Has anybody compared it directly to MX3? To my surprise MX3 plays louder despite it's lower power. 60 volume on MX3 = approx. 80 volume on MX5. Kind of weird... @Myxo14 have you compared them?

[@bill7918]

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