Return of the $200 champ!? - Topping DX3 Pro+

Yo! I made a mistake in a previous video that I want to cover today. As well as what might be the best DACAMP for $200!
DX3 Here - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
I also talked about the DX5, which you can find here - • a VERY GOOD all-in-one...
The audiophile build featured the NTH100 and HD560S -
HD560S Here - amzn.to/3v4fvgf
NTH-100 Here - amzn.to/36ANSlx
TOP 3 FAVORITE BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD560S - amzn.to/3NwLeNM
🥈 SHP 9600 - amzn.to/3NEsoEo
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
Favorite headphones
🥇 DIANA TC - abyss-headphones.com/products...
🥈Arya - apos.audio/products/hifiman-a...
🥉 DT1990Pro - amzn.to/3MzsBrg
TOP 3 FAVORITE CLOSED BACK HEADPHONES
🥇 Sony Z1R - amzn.to/3aDxOB4
🥈 Sony Z7 - amzn.to/3O0C2Bd
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
BEST Amplifiers -
🥇 Topping A90 - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
🥈 THX 789 / 887 - amzn.to/3QdJ0Vq
🥉 DX3 Pro - amzn.to/3O1wF4H
IEMS
🥇 Sennheiser IE300 - amzn.to/3Q8svd3
🥈 Moondrop Aria - amzn.to/3aEytlG
🥉(budget Option) - Tin T2 - amzn.to/39g6eta
SPEAKERS
🥇 SVS ULTRA Towers - amzn.to/3xzt9sU
🥈 Vanatoo T1E - amzn.to/3O5ag6q
🥉 Micca RB42 - amzn.to/3aBmXHP
ACCESSORIES
iFix It - amzn.to/3NCok7O
Soundrise Pro Stands - amzn.to/3tphpXt
IEM TIP Storage - amzn.to/3NAMQ9r
Headphone Case - amzn.to/39xOlkF​​​​​​​​
My Filming Equipment
Camera - A7S-3 - amzn.to/3mynq00
Sigma 24-70mm - amzn.to/3MtKBmQ
Sony 90mm - amzn.to/3QarT6P
​​Sachtler Flowtech 75 - amzn.to/3H4WEG9
Ronin RS2 - amzn.to/3HdOgUP
GVM Slider - amzn.to/3Q8nEIV
These are my genuine recommendations in various categories. They are affiliated links that help pay for this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you.
SOCIAL MEDIA
📷 / joshua.valour
🔔 / joshvalour
📫SENDING FOR REVIEW??📫
Email Me - [e-mail]
#Topping​​​ #DX5 #Review
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
I use this money back towards the quality of video of this channel. To see how, watch this video - • AWESOME Studio Tour! -...

[@HiFiGOAudio]

It's price to performance ratio is unbelievable. A small correction: QCC 5125 is the BT chip. The dac it uses is the ES9038q2m.

[@thevindictive6145]

Exactly , the same as the Fiio K5 Ess.

[@lolin2414]

Love the suggestion, I love when you make videos like this because it gives you the ability to try a little of every approach on enjoying music listening. Hope you make more of the budget videos too. Thanks for your honesty and all your work in sharing videos like this

[@nate6862]

That's funny, I've been doing a lot of research on this one but there just haven't been many youtube videos on this model, actually pulled the trigger on it last night and now this video pops up.

[@TheAverageTargaryen]

Did this validate your purchase? 😂

[@stauntssantana]

Same, not for me but for a friend looking to get into high end audio. Ended up recommending this amp + the HD560S to him. He's been using them for a few months now (the headphones even longer than that) and been very happy with both. I gave him a heads up to not expect too much moving from onboard audio to a proper amp/DAC (compared to the difference headphones can make) but after testing the DX3 Pro+ for a few days he told me that he can definitely hear the difference and that he can't imagine going back to onboard audio.

[@h3re3lloth]

@@stauntssantana that’s great to hear. I just got my 560s last week and was looking at getting this for an amp/dac that I can grow with

[@r_manu]

I'm using Sundara with DX3P+ and it's awesome. It's my first hi-fi setup and it's been awesome 😊

[@sudipchatterjee]

What a timing! I was just scouring the internet for a review of this and this video popped in my notification! Thanks, Josh! I’m going to order this before it gets out of stock. I was impressed, too, by this, but needed validation. Now I’ve got one, and a strong one at that.

[@bigbalu6905]

Watching this Video while unpacking my DX3 Pro+, Beyer MMX 300 & DT 900 Pro x. Joshua thanks for everything you taught us !

[@Justmakesomenoiz]

Are you using the 900 pro x for gaming? How do you think it's paired with the topping dac? I'm curious

[@Allaces305]

Nice review Josh.. Half way into the vid I was sold..I paused and went straight to purchase the Topping DX3 pro+. It was on my shortlist but this solidified it for me.. Thanks bro..👍

[@PeteLewton]

Great review. I picked up the dx3 dac and running through Anandas now. Sounds wonderful!

[@simonrockstream]

Great video! Superb pacing and editing, nice work Josh!!

[@carsdankandchicks]

*Weeee hope you en-joyed your stayyy....it's good to have you with us, even if it's just for the day!*

[@RdandTrk1]

Josh, you always have the dopest music in your intros. It's so dope that I'm too old to even be using that word and you made me say it.

[@FunFiEmpire]

Isn't it always satisfying to get a volume control that let's you know it's turning? As always, great review and you express your excitement for value so very well. Topping is a great brand and frequently has great value, though with such volume of choices, it is so very helpful when trustworthy and knowledgeable reviewers such as yourself let us know of the best options to choose from.

[@aGrimTurtle]

Plan to pair this with a Sundara. Currently using Senn HD598, no amp. Gonna get this amp first, see how I like it with my current headphones (I have no reference, never used a headphone amp) then gonna get the Sundaras soon after. Thanks for the reviews, Josh!

[@soupistasty5]

What a killer combo the DX3 Pro+ and the new Sennheiser IE600s would make, for anyone who loves a nice comfy yet audiophile grade set of earbuds! (Sure the IE900s would be super killer - but I feel like if you're spending close to $2K on earbuds, likely you're also going to be using something like the Topping A90/D70S or the Matrix Mini I Pro)

[@IndecisiveConclusion]

I always look forward to your reviews.

[@r.t9283]

Hello Joshua, thank you very much for the review! Just last month I order this combo (dx3+ hd560s) after alot of search and you as one of the most trusted KZbinrs give me alot of confidence in my choice. Thank you again and wish you to keep doing great reviews!

[@utube9487]

Why are you reading and watching reviews of sound gear you bought 1 month ago?

[@lohti]

@@utube9487 bro what is he a bot

[@r.t9283]

@@utube9487 Don't you think it's interesting to hear more opinions / point of view on stuf that interesting you? Also I still didnt recivew the DX3+ (on the way from AliExpress)..

[@xRealUzz]

@@r.t9283 did you receive it? I might command it fron Aliexpress too x)

[@buried4430]

@@r.t9283 how is it? I too own a pair of hd560s’s and plan on purchasing the dx3 pro

[@Deeper-Trends]

The Dac in DX3 Pro+ is the ES9038Q2M from ESS. The QCC5125 is the bluetooth SoC.

[@miket2900]

I have been on the fence for a couple of years over whether to buy a dac/amp combo for my computer. This review helped me make up my mind. I purchased the Topping DX3. What a difference it makes! It's unreal. Thank you Josh for being down to earth. Love the channel, keep it up.

[@nabilhamdi3478]

Which headphones did you use it with??

[@miket2900]

@@nabilhamdi3478 m50x, The amp really let them stretch their legs, controversial headphones but, I like them. SIVGA SV021, Sound great (super comfy) a little loose fitting like others have mentioned. No biggie for me. My experience is they don't extend well (won't EQ well). I'm sure someone will say they do. Drop + Dan Clark Aeon. Another great sounding and comfortable headphone but not enough bass for me. Disclaimer... I am a bass head so my opinion is colored that way. TLDR. I am still looking for the best for me headphones to pair with this amp.

[@pingguerrero3336]

Will this be a good pair with hd600? Planning to get em both

[@nabilhamdi3478]

@@pingguerrero3336 i got the dx3 pro+ and the 600's (the older version made in ireland) and i love the combo!

[@pingguerrero3336]

@@nabilhamdi3478 thanks will consider these combo too

[@chromadrakon6249]

Killed my magni months ago with wrong ac cable so this was a perfect upgrade and can be set to output as a dac amped or non adjustable volume. I use the pro+ amp for most things and when I feel like somthing different I to dac only with the littledot mk2.

[@davidnuanez3598]

Built a system with this and the Sundara's, coming from a fiio e10k and both the senn 6xx and 560s's. So now i'm feeling really comfortable with all of my options with this dac/amp combo.

[@timekeep3r]

I'm thinkin of gettin this & I also come from that amp & headphone xD Should I expect a massive difference?

[@benegesserit9838]

nice

[@timekeep3r]

@@benegesserit9838 he a lil hoe but I can tell you the 6xx sounds just fine with that amp.

[@Rezurcblack]

Does this power the 650/6xx well??

[@Maynard0504]

commenting for the algorithm and engagement. ur the man josh keep it up.

[@HakenMods]

currently waiting for this one to arrive, cant wait to pair it with my HD560S

[@alexhofmann5844]

I am using the Topping DX3 Pro+ with a Hifiman Edition XS - and for ~$650 I think it‘s absolutely awesome!!

[@utube9487]

Edition XS headphone is not a good headphone. Ignore the hype. It has poor sound quality, it's the bass that everyone likes and thinks it's a good headphone. It sounds hollow, piano keys sound digital, drums sound digital, meh. Rubbish overpriced headphone and be careful, there are very big sound differences between builds of the Edition XS, you might get a half decent sounding one and your friend might get a rubbish one. Get a Sennheiser HD660S for a true audiophile sound with very high quality control.

[@manhealme]

@@utube9487 that's for you, not for him Different HRTF, different preferences...

[@alexhofmann5844]

@@utube9487 For a moment there… No, not really 😆 Looking at the comments you left elsewhere I think I get a good idea what to make of your ”assessment“. Thanks for suggesting/assuming that I don‘t have the faintest clue what I am talking about, have not compared anything and just followed the hype, as you put it 🤓 You really are a treasure in this world.

[@rigsrm]

How big is the power brick? I currently have Topping L30 (non exploding edition) and the power brick is just MASSIVE it's so hard to manage. Is the DX3 Pro+ power brick any smaller and lighter by chance?

[@v6retd]

@@rigsrm the power brick is nothing bigger than a smartphone charger. Hope it helps

[@56momoney]

Really great video review, I love the far more detailed and nuanced structure of your reviews, the bonus with setup recommendations was also great. On another note, if possible, I would love to see you review the Audio Technica ATH-WP900. I have seen a little about it but would much rather see a video from you since I find your reviews to be a bit more elaborative compared to many out there.

[@hackeroo]

dac/amp tier list would be so dope.

[@sinner1565]

I was gonna ask how it compares to a magni modi stack but you answered my question thank you for all the work you put in to your videos

[@ikoboy]

Happy this came out. I was an early adapter to the dx3pro+ as my combo setup for the Hd560s, sundara, 6xx, variations, nth 100 and now arriving xs. There were a few posts about them and some word of mouth but not much reviews. Always great to see validation.

[@patriciogastonmadeo4955]

Hi. What do you thing of the combo with the edition xs? Thanks!

[@ikoboy]

@@patriciogastonmadeo4955 it drives the XS well with plenty of headroom left. It sounds very clean. Due to this, the combo is also unforgiving for tracks that are recorded with higher tendencies to be sibilant. Think the XS tuning also plays into that.

[@ryoshamo]

Also to note the headphone output impedance on this unit has improved from 10 ohms to 0.1 ohms, so IEM's and other low impedance headphones will sound as intended. I may have to upgrade my old unit.

[@GREGBT69]

Great vid. This amp sounds good with my Sundara.

[@jari121]

I have two of these and they are much better than my E30 + Magni Heresy combo.

[@tanachip]

Apos recently had it on sale for $180 for the Pro+ which is a killer deal.

[@JanPippel]

Great vid, many thanks for that 👍 I paired this little amp with a Aiaiai TMA 2 Studio headphone. They are modular and you can buy different sounding speaker units for them…u can clearly hear the differences between there S02 (a bit bassie) and there S01 (balanced). For hiphop and electronic music I much prefer the S02 units… Hope u can get your hands…ahh…ears on this headphones. The DX3 Pro+ replaced my Musical Fidelity V90 a while back for a comparable sound and way better in/out options, better dac and finally the display.

[@josef1858]

Impressive amount of gain in your thumbnail... Nice

[@christopherkain7838]

Love your videos. I currently liquid spark Stack with my HiFiman Sundaras. Is this Dac/Amp an upgrade? Thanks again for all the great audio reviews

[@Fordtruck4sale]

Have had a DX3 Pro on my desk since launch, no problems, clean source for my JBL 305s and drives my various headphones well. Used to have a second one that served as a pre for my NAD power amp and the thing was BLACK in terms of noise floor it was insane. All you need.

[@Lesparta]

how do you connect the DX3 pro to the powered speakers, and how do you switch between speakers and headphones?

[@Fordtruck4sale]

@@Lesparta just rca outs to the 1/4" inputs of the powered speakers, they sell cables that do this. Switching between outputs can be done via remote or front button

[@Lesparta]

@@Fordtruck4sale i used RCA from DX3 pro to the RCA for my powered speakers (kanto yu4), and what output did you use on the DX3? Should the output on the display be showing O-1? sorry for the noob question

[@Lesparta]

the problem is i couldnt get any sound from my speakers when i press the line out button on the remote

[@Fordtruck4sale]

@@Lesparta do you have the correct input selected?

[@SecretSilence26]

Bought it bc of you from shenzen and just tried it out. Love the flexibility and functionality. Sound is perfectly clear like you said. But i was suprised that it can hardly push my 600 ohm dt 990's louder than my old o2odac did. Plan to upgrade to the 1990's soon (also bc of you). So thx i guess ;-)

[@SecretSilence26]

@A A yes and yes

[@SecretSilence26]

@A A works great with 1990s, highly recommend both

[@davidfrance2915]

Just found your first videos today. I've been thinking about a DAC/AMP stack for a while, and my friend always suggested a Magni/Modi combo. I decided to just do additional research, and I fully trust his opinion on value. I watched a few of your videos, which led me here. Your overall knowledge, presentation, and unbiased view convinced me to get the DX3 Pro as my first DAC/AMP. You give a fully review including the downside, and because of that, I know I can trust what you say are the upsides. That being said, this seems to have just way too much value right around the budget that I was looking at. You certainly deserve more subscribers, and I'm sure you'll get there. Great content. Fantastic reviews. I'll be watching more for sure. Thanks for helping me pick my first dedicated DAC/AMP.

[@juliantaffa4089]

How do you like it? And what headphones are you pairing with it?

[@keithjohnson2863]

I recommend getting the Hifiman Sundara headphones with this instead of the 2 recommended in the video, especially now that the Sundaras are down to $300 as of this comment.

[@thebeatts]

I may have to pick this up to replace the audioengine d1 I've used with my tv for years. The remote is probably the biggest selling point for me.

[@MakN.]

Thanks mate I was torn between schiit stack or something similar. I'm buying now to pair with my dt990 250ohm.

[@Mariscos420]

A new king 👑

[@Ghost-ts2mn]

Great descriptive video! I was wondering if id be able to use this with my LG CX with a pair of headphones since thats the way I prefer to get my audio from my tv?

[@menschmaschine1238]

nice video, thanks very much!

[@teachonlywhatiseasy]

ess 9038q2m is the dac used. Qualcomm chip is for bluetooth.

[@silentKeys20]

I have this DAC/AMP and running it with a Sundara. It's a great little device and insane value for the money. I wish it had balanced output, but at the same time it doesn't really matter because the power is enough on SE to power most headphones anyway.

[@Jon-nz3dm]

I do like that Topping devices have the same clean signal and power rating for SE and balanced(when the unit has both outputs) so I don't need to go spend money on a balanced cable that doesn't give me sonic gains anyways. But I have a weird love for quarter inch jacks and a disliking of adapters so I could never use this unit lol

[@iBarlas]

Is this your first DAC/AMP for Sundara or did you upgrade it to DX3 Pro+? I have K5 Pro but I think I need a budget upgrade the squeze out the Sundara.

[@v6retd]

Which filter do you prefer to listen to , I have exactly the same setup and was wondering which filter to go with ?

[@Jon-nz3dm]

​@@v6retd I'd just leave it on default. The changes are so high in frequency that we can't hear them. If you can hear 18khz(highly doubt you can unless you're 10 years old) you could _maybe_ get a tiny difference with 1 of the filters. However, the filters are from the DAC chip which isn't the same as the AKM 4493 in the old model, so the filters will likely be a bit different and I'm not sure we have the data on them yet.

[@Rezurcblack]

Quick question can it handle the Sennheiser HD 650?

[@restymalinao2023]

Great review as always! Just wanna ask, I was planning to get L30 II because based on my research, it doesn't add color to the sound (which I prefer) because I'm going to use it for mixing/mastering. Is dx3 neutral sounding, no coloration?

[@guyburwell3377]

that thumbnail; n i c e

[@mosey4650]

great video, Josh. Well put together. ... I've ordered one of these to try. I also ordered a longer headphone cable for my Hifiman HE4xx that is balanced. because it wasnt much more expensive at that length ... I can use a balanced cable on the front HP output of this dac/amp, corrrect?

[@andreasels779]

Nice timing on your review. I just got the Topping DX3 pro+ today (ordered 2 days ago). Replacing my old Asus Xonar Essence STX to run my DT1990 on it. I can't really say that I can hear any differences between them, but it's really hard to compare anyway because of the delay of crawling under my desk, unplugging/plugging and switching from 3.5 to 6.3mm. What I've noticed is that the Xonar actually has quite a bit more power but the Topping still has enough for my DT1990. For comparison: to achieve my usual music listening volume (50% windows sound, middle gain setting on Xonar Essence) I need to set the Topping to -25dB with Windows Volume at 100% or -15 dB with Windows Volume at 50% and use the high gain setting (+19dB) Anyway, the main reason I wanted to replace my Xonar is because of the (thankfully really really rare) bug it has that sends a really loud, high pitched sound to your headphones and the only way to fix it is to restart your PC. I guess the Topping is a suitable replacement at a reasonable pricepoint. I've got lucky and found it for 178€ (sadly only the silver version was available, but it's really hard to come by this product in Germany at all)

[@SecretSilence26]

Just ordered it from shenzen to germany to pair it with a 1990. As my O2ODAC with a lot less power drives my 600 Ohm 990 just fine (with minimal headroom tho), i figured this combo should be more than enough...

[@Hirnlego999]

Ah, I see Asus still hasn't proper drivers for the soundcard. Used to have a Xonar DX and quite quickly had to replace it for something better.

[@dl3674]

Nice review! I have been considering the Topping D10s or E30. Would you recommend the DX3 Pro+ in between a computer and fully featured hifi receiver?

[@bikesandfamily3082]

Really awesome. Wondering if this would be enough to power hd800s?

[@danielgoen9452]

So Im a 59 year old newbie. Yes, Ive been a huge music fan my entire life, and my music is mostly classic rock. In the last year I've broken my back, so my mobility is extremely limited. My darling wife bought me a pair of Focal Elegia headphones which I hookup to my old HK3490 receiver. Awesome sound for someone who doesn't know the meaning of Audiophile. I have a question after all this, and the question is, with the Elegia, would I recognize much better sound with the DX3, than the times I'm using my Apple MacBook Air? Thank you so much from an untrained ear :-)

[@Garrettdx1988]

I'd imagine they sound pretty awesome as is. I don't think it'd be worth it.

[@laika25]

You sold me! I just bought it on Amazon. (did i need yet ANOTHER dacAmp? Absolutely NOT!)

[@navinadv]

The only reason to get the DX5 over the DX3 Pro+ is if you need XLR output (not balanced). I use my Ananda with the DX3 Pro+ and am happy.

[@gurveersandhu6319]

im just getting into this and i have no clue what balanced and not balanced or XLR output is. Could you explain? lol

[@induction7895]

भाई ये सब सिर्फ पैसे बरबाद करने के रास्ते है। बैलेंस्ड आउटपुट स्टेज परफॉरमेंस वगेरा जाहा केबल बहुत लंबी होती है और इंटरफेरेंस का चांस ज्यादा होता है, उसमे चाहिए। हेडफोन में कोई फरक नहीं पड़ती है, बैलेंस्ड हो या फिर असंतुलित।

[@Fr0stbite1801]

Damn shame DX5 is so expensive. If it weren't for the price tag I'd go for it no questions asked. On the other hand DX3P+ is just crazy value no matter how you slice it

[@damien4747]

I'm curious how this compares to the JDS LABS Element III. I know the cost of the Element III is more in line with the DX5, but if the DX3P+ more or less sounds the same, then I would love to know which is the better buy in terms of sonic properties.

[@lancemiller3304]

@@damien4747 just get the topping bro, there would be no any audible differences between the 2, and anyone asserting that there are differences beyond placebo is straight up lying lmao

[@Hirnlego999]

2022 revision of Sabaj A10d could also be something to consider

[@viber7464]

It's on sale rn! on drop

[@thestig301]

Interesting price, Now cant wait for your review on (Schiit HEL2E) vs This (Topping DX3)? They are at the same price.

[@shyamkrishnansuresh7283]

The thumbnail. Nice...

[@narensurya8693]

Can't decide to go with either 560s or Sundara for the DX3pro+ at the moment. The 560s is slightly cheaper in my country but i haven't tried it. I've tried the Sundara and i love it but it's significantly more expensive 😩

[@GundamGunpla]

Im happy with my DX3 pro+

[@jeffreymakuch2493]

I still don't understand why they continue to put a 3.5mm headphone jack on this unit. It's clearly made for non-portable desktop use, and 3.5mm-6.3mm adaptors are way more convenient than 6.3mm-3.5mm dongle-style adaptors when needed.

[@ItsZim0]

This. If it's not portable, unbalanced should be quarter inch.

[@jeremywilliam79]

I’m confused on this take I keep hearing this. I haven’t bought any headphones that have a quarter inch interface why would that be better?

[@DarthStewieboi]

@@jeremywilliam79 a lot of mid/high-end headphones come with a 4.4mm jack. For example, pretty much any Audeze headphone. It's just more convenient to use a 3.5mm to 4.4mm adapter, such as the one on many Beyerdynamic headphones., than vice-versa.

[@jeremywilliam79]

@@DarthStewieboi gotcha thanks

[@pyrobunny_mdpl]

@@DarthStewieboi I think you mean 6.35mm here, since 4.4mm is Pentaconn, which is a balanced connection. 1/4", otherwise called 6.35mm, is the larger SE connection.

[@Foxrock321]

My Dan Clark’s Aeon RT. Maxes out on my Topping DX3 it’s a big boy when comes to powering them..

[@eirikkristiansen5326]

Great review! Are these powerful enough for Arya Stealth?

[@Foxrock321]

I have my topping plugged into my MacBook Pro…and a pair of Dan Clark’s Aeon RT closed, which take a ton of power to light up..oh and I have Magne/Modi stack plugged into my IMac no need for a remote cuz it’s right there at my finger tips.

[@davidwright2379]

Hi Josh, what would you recommend to pair with sennheiser hd560s, the topping dx3 pro, or the ifi hip dac 2 ? I'm leaning towards the topping dx3 Cheers Dave

[@misterringer]

Man, the variance on the Rode sucks because when they're on, they are reviewed very well. I have the Senn's. May grab this amp.

[@IrOnCuRtAiN61]

I am completely new to this field and I'm very eager to buy the DX3 Pro+. But when I look at the spec sheet of the product, my concern is that my cans currently have right now: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x (1,600mW @ 35Ω) Sony MDR-7506 (1,000mW @ 63Ω) Does the DX3 Pro+ an overkill for my cans even at 3/4 of the volume to the point it will blow and damage the drivers? My second consideration is the FX Audio DAC-X6 MkII, and although it cannot drive my cans to it's full potential I can possibly maxed out the volume without damaging both. Any recommendations?

[@mitrikgaduk347]

You could save $50 on the 560 S and get the 58x Jubilee off of Mass Drop for $150. Save $100 and just grab a pair of HD 280 Pros, another flat response headset, which is an industry standard worth it's weight and far more than it's price tag (at the moment, $90). There are tons of other options out there, I've had both of these headsets for years (since the Jubilee's release, the 280 Pro then the 300 Pro, I have a larger "taller" head, so most headphones don't cover my ears very well, or atleast not the bottom, the 280/300 Pro both are very comfortable for those that have larger heads, and the noise cancelling is some of the best around). Although you can't remove the cable on the 280 Pros, they aren't exactly expensive.

[@inscythe]

DX5 isn't running balanced headphone out, they are NFCA single-ended. The 4.4mm and XLR headphone ports are just for convenience. So, technically DX5 and DX3 Pro+ are almost similar on the amp portion, the biggest difference is the DAC portion. EDIT: DX5 has XLR and 6.35mm, my mistake.

[@pliedtka]

Supposedly newest AKMs are better than ESS, but ... implementation will make difference. Balanced outs OK, real balanced headphone out would be nice. Something to drive HD6** series. I see DX5 has two TPA6120 chips, so theoretically it should have fully balanced 4.4mm out.

[@inscythe]

@@pliedtka Actually I made a mistake. DX5 only has an XLR and 6.35mm output, no 4.4mm. I can't seem to find information about DX5 having two TPA6120, how did you find out about that? It does have two ES9068AS, so it is running the DAC in balanced, also the pre-out XLR is balanced. Regardless, Topping's own product page on DX5 stated that both the XLR and 6.35mm are running NFCA single-ended.

Hello Joshua, 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

[@rudzitsz]

Hi Josh, love your channel. What's your opinion on Topping dx3 pro + vs SABAJ A10h? Looking for entry level head amp with remote to power hd598 now and HD600 or Sundara down the road?

[@alexlazenby]

Schiit stack in my home office - I've now just pressed go on this for my bedroom. I blame you entirely for this purchase

[@Wenzo404]

hows it compared to the schiit stack lol?

[@itsbigcos]

Hello mate, felt compelled to thank you for such a great array of brilliant videos. As interesting as they are informative, expertly paced, devoid of any pomp, you’ve really helped me understand the landscape and how products work with each other. Your whole operation is second to none. Thanks again. Oh, and I’ve opted for the DX3Pro+ with Sundaras. They arrive today and I’m hyped to get involved.

[@nelsonang]

if this came out earlier i might have gone for it instead of the Fiio K5 Pro which i am pairing with my HD560S…

[@Jon-nz3dm]

Best $600 setup with this unit...get a used Elex for around $400. Or an Elegia if you want closed back for closer to $300 used.

[@simyou1219]

I bet this would go well with DT-1990 PROs

[@Ryan-fp8oz]

nice

[@gergo7507]

Could you make a video about good speaker amps, because I can’t really find any that aren’t either sold out or like $600. I think it would be awesome, because I love the information you give in your videos.

[@PaulBlamey]

I had this same problem recently and found older receivers were some of the best deals. The receivers that don't support 4k are pretty cheap with lots of features like room correction.

[@Seigler]

I'd suggest taking a look at the Loxjie A30. Zeos has some good reviews of it including the DAC/Amp roundup he did.

[@jouunoo9365]

Mx3

[@jasonthompson2059]

Always good stuff! Have an idea for a vid - I use a focusrite Scarlett as my DAC, has two headphone outs but struggles to drive anything more than like an 80 ohm dt770. Am sure there are many others out there using a usb interface (audient, focusrite, presonus etc).. A pros / cons review would be cool - they all have their own unique pros cons.. For instance, I went with l50 amp as my 8i6 has two pairs of balanced trs outs, and the l50 comes in the red color way which is just sljghtly different shade than the Scarlett, but darn close. Anyway just a thought! Had I known about headphone output limitations I perhaps would have chose a difference interface with more power.. Maybe a little niche but imagine there are many out there that use a mic pre and/or midi/line(guitar) in.. Had really hard time finding any info online about pairing the Scarlett with any amp, at all. Thanks again!

[@Aadu_Thomaa]

Dumb question if I may - I too own a Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250 Ohms. Does that mean this DAC/Amp combo will be sufficient enough to power up the Headphones to its full capacity?

[@jasonthompson2059]

@@Aadu_Thomaa if you mean the focusrite and the l50, ya definitley, l50 is pretty powerful for size/price.. For higher ohms it puts out close to double the l30, somewhere around 1 watt at 250 ohm (3.5 watts at 16, which is crazy high you usually have to pay a lot more for that kind of power)

[@kirillartykov6186]

I've got Creative SoundBlasterX G6. Will be there any noticeable difference if I swap it with Topping?

[@jeremywilliam79]

If eq is important to you I have the loki mini and you can’t throw that in the middle of your chain if you have an all in one device.

[@smolzillamakes]

I always have trouble trying to figure out if something is powerful enough for my headphones. My pair of LCD-2Cs are great and all but I want an all in one to run them instead of a multiple layer stack. I need all of the space saving I can get. This looks like a great option but I'm worried it doesn't provide enough power.

[@Harzexe]

I own two dac/amps: Fiio K5 Pro and this Topping DX3 PRO+. Topping is great just as you say BUT I wouldn't agree about the knob - it requires a bit of force to rotate so you can't switch volume with ease. K5 Pro does way better job at this task and knob feels better and buttery smooth in general. Also worth mentioning: Topping's headphone input is only 3.5 which is a very weird decision considering that many headphones use a bigger connector so for them you would need an adapter. If you don't need bluetooth and a remote then K5 Pro is a better choice in my opinion - especially for a computer setup. However DX3 Pro+ would be perfect for a tv setup with active speakers.

[@iBarlas]

I have K5 Pro as well and almost decided to have a bugdet upgrade to the DX3 Pro+. I have Sundara and I always have doubts that K5 Pro doesn’t drive it well.

[@Harzexe]

@@iBarlas Fiio K5 Pro should be more than enough for Sundara. For the price it got a lot of power. I never switch even to medium gain. Maybe Sundara is just not good enough for ya and should look for headphones upgrade? You always benefit more from buying better headphones than dac/amp.

[@Harzexe]

On top of this K5 Pro sounds a bit warmer in my opinion. It better extends low end but on the other hand DX3 Pro+ sounds a bit cleaner. They are both great units though.

[@Lesparta]

how do you connect these to powered speakers. I have a kanto yu4 for my desktop pc and i want to know if its possible to connect the powered speakers and headphones at the same time, and switch between them. Sorry for the noob question, i couldn't really find an answer to this.

[@Harzexe]

@@Lesparta most active speakers have RCA inputs and that's how you connect it. And yes: you can connect headphones in the same time - you switch output with a remote.

[@mpalatsi]

Hey Josh, if you're using multiple inputs on this, can you switch without unplugging them? That is the one thing I don't really like with my modi/magni setup.

[@weisstdudochnicht1]

I‘m looking towards a new PC (W11) sound setup with active iLoud Micro Monitors. Which DAC should I buy in the 200$ (+| - 100$) range? I would like to be able to adjust the sound volume via a knob (sorry for Schiit Modi)…

[@Pygmyer]

Question: I want to listen to both CDs from a CD player for best quality as well as have the option to stream via Spotify or watch a movie with good headphones. My idea was to get both a Topping A50s and a D50s for this; but then I'd have to constantly connect and disconnect the cables depending on wether I wanted to listen from a digital or an analog source. Now I'm thinking about getting a Topping A50s and a Topping DX3 pro+; the former for listening from CD, the letter for streaming and watching TV with an optical output. Does this make sense? Am I missing something? Could this be done simpler? I'm just getting into the hobby, these are my first babysteps.

[@NightFoxXIII]

I'm not sure how this DAC/AMP compares to something like me currently using a XDUOO XD-05 Plus with a Sparkos Labs SS3602 opamp. Would this be more neutral than my fun version of the amp?

[@dellafago2533]

Sorry joshua but this dac is bass shy, very noticable. No matter how you connect, it is bass shy. And I’m not talking about the headphone stage, I’m talking about its sound character when used as stand-alone dac or dac&pre. I compared it to various other dacs some of which were much cheaper, and the result is this dac has very very little bass and body.

[@cursedsk1y]

I was thinking of getting a new dac amp. Should I get this or the Schiit Hel? (I have the Sennheiser 58x's btw)

[@oOJayWeeOo]

Would the Topping DX3 Pro+ also be a good choice if i wanted it to double as a BT-reciever unit that i connect to my 2.0 Stereo system? So i would use it as a dac amp AND as BT reciever fot times when i dont use my headphones.

[@kylevanwagn3r]

I'd be stoked to know what song hits at the 1:00 mark!

[@westonricher6550]

Any way you could cover the luxman p-750u? I’ve heard incredible things about it, and you can buy them on ebay around 2.5k compared to the normal 5k, making them possibly a huge bargain. Not a ton of information on them, and I think if they turn out as good as people say they could be an incredible amp under the radar for high end enthusiasts. The only real review I’ve found is one by currawong, who was raving about it. Having another serious review for context and comparisons would be incredible.

[@tobynorris5074]

Genuine question, iv just had to start using a £22 DAC for Amazon because it has a remote control, then on to an ARCAM ALPHA 8 Amplifier & Ae109 Floor standing Speakers. I'm a 50 YO man, so i doubt my hearing is that of an 18 YO. How much difference would i really notice if i changed it out for this DAC for my 20 quid generic one? Any thoughts welcome. Thank you.

[@michaelmarotta19]

I’m working with an hifiman he400se I’ve heard it requires alot of power should I make the sacrifice for the magni Modi stack for the extra power?

[@focaltrip]

Be interested in what IEMs would make a good combination with this topping something like the Final A4000s ?

[@K1LO_]

Hey! I just got the hd800 s. I'm currently running them with the JDSlabs element. Is that sufficient? Or should I upgrade? If so, any recommendations?

[@jianhuang0124]

Best hp amp, regardless what price it is.

[@Pweber8888]

Are the RCA out pre-amp? And do they mute when you plug in headphones? Then it's my next buy 🫣

[@melodology-5383]

Hello there 👋👋 Did you compared this combo to the smsl c200? If yes, would you mind sharing your opinion. I want something to be able to connect to an audio mixer or interface when mixing music. Thank you 🌹🌹

[@donric70]

Hi can you help me with a purchase question, regarding the difference in quality of the two products The first is the DX3 plus O segundo é o Brzhifi dxco8 Qual é o melhor?

[@watcharapolovutthitham2591]

Nice