The ENDGAME.....for Source | Topping DX9 15th Anniversary Limited Edition DAC/AMP All in One Unit

[@pud]

Gorgeous DAC, great video. Subscribed!

[@dizzle1119]

I got into HiFi about 2 years back, and I have finally finished my "big system". For the past several months I've been looking at a "desktop/headphone" system, and I have an eye on several products. Now the Topping DX9 is at the top of that list. I want balanced headphones and cables, but I had been planning to do a little stack of separates even for my desktop system. Now, I don't know about all that. This offering from Topping is awfully pretty...and for something this pretty I can forget about my plan for separates on the desktop.

[@CoffeeXmusic]

Great review, this unit is gorgeous. You are super underrated man, deserve many more subs. Love your reviews ❤

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks so much for your support as always, appreciate your kind words

[@EvLTimE]

Running my DX9 with HE1000 Stealth + Lavricables Grand. Godlike combo. I am very happy with sound. Before fire AKM do wonders

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I agree. Topping DX9 and HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth are a great combination. Topping DX9 does not soften high frequencies, unlike FiiO K19, and HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth, which have dim high frequencies, sound great, HIFIMAN HE1000SE, which also have dim high frequencies, are also excellent for Topping DX9, but HIFIMAN Arya Organic are not suitable because of bright high frequencies. The Topping DX9 is a great amplifier, but the choice of headphones is narrowing down, and headphones with bright high frequencies are not suitable. FiiO K19, unlike Topping DX9, softens high frequencies, and is also more detailed at medium frequencies, and this allows you to connect more headphones, including bright ones at high frequencies, which is why HIFIMAN Arya Organic sounds great on FiiO K19 and high frequencies do not cut the ear. I have learned from my own experience that a successful combination of an amplifier and headphones will provide a great sound character.

[@rnarexperience]

Oh thats interesting! I would think being Hifiman headphones being a bit bright it would be a sharp pairing with the DX9 but to be fair I'm basing this with the HE1000v2 characteristic so I'm now curious to try out the HE1000 Stealth as I heard it's much smoother than the He1000v2. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@worldwanderingfisherman2166]

My endgame is a50+d50 III amp + dac with eq for 400 usd.

[@fabianoberlim9636]

Yes!!! Finally someone is reviewing this beauty ❤

[@billmcginley]

Z Reviews reviewed it in early 2024

[@pewpew518]

Was eying this one. Went with SMSL SU-X and SH-X Stack instead. The chip in topping seems to be from like 2019 which is 5 years old. SMSL was relative new I think 2024.

[@kunalshrivastava6398]

I have mine running XLR out to a Cayin HA-3A. The pair immediately attracts the attention of everyone I've invited to have a listen. Most people can't even tell the stuff is a DAC/AMP stack until they spot the cable running out of it.

[@rnarexperience]

Oh very nice! Yeah a lot of people typically oooh and aahhh over the components inside but then they make the same sound again when I let them hear music through this beauty

[@fabianoberlim9636]

I own the Topping DX9 and DX3 Pro+ The sound of DX9 is so much better that it sounds like you’re changing a headphone The DX3 sounds compressed with sharp treble I can hear more frequencies in the DX9 that gets lost in the DX3 It’s spacious and smooth experience without losing detail

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad to hear I'm not the only one hearing some differences, this is one of those units that proves that sources make a difference to sound, even though small, it's noticeable. The looks are another HUGE plus. Loving the DX9

[@ericksson90]

wow, thats so helpful, thanks!

[@taidee]

Nice looking monster, congrats and thank you for the review.

[@rnarexperience]

Thank you very much for watching and for your support

[@wric01]

Those r2r dacs still remain the champ in my rig, then again the only edge with delta sigma dacs are electronic rap rock bass heavy music.

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks for sharing, what's your current setup?

[@AudiophileTubes]

What a GORGEOUS piece of audio gear combining state of the art technology with desirable 'old school' stylings like a visual graphic equalizer and power output meters! Wondering though, if it can drive demanding speakers like Magnepan, like my older McIntosh MC162 or Onkyo M510 amps can?

[@jtor9538]

Great review and congratulations it looks amazing! I hope one day I can get one before they are all gone.

[@rnarexperience]

Thank you! I think it'll be there for a while considering that it's not a cheap item and you really have to fall in love with the looks and potentially want this as your final stop in source searching

[@Luckiestmanalive-bb1mi]

It's a Preamp/DAC - the title suggests it might be an integrated amplifier... It looks great, though!

[@megalugia8]

Just copped one of these myself for some a b testing between my atom 2 stack and this.

[@20puskinas1992]

One of the sexiest all in 1 ever in my opinion.

[@Shozimus]

Nice reveiew. Pondering one myslef, just for varaity. since I have a quite big desk setup, but the Questyle CMA Fiffteen is really tempting, less features, but a line in :)

[@rnarexperience]

Ooooh I don't blame ya, it's a nice choice but the DX9 tho~ That illumination~ ;D Thanks for watching!

[@jordanng5428]

Wow.. congrats on the purchase. 🎉❤❤

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks man! Come join me in the club~ hahaha

[@jordanng5428]

@rnarexperience haha.. no headphone.. dont think porta pro gonna gain a lot benefit there. 🤣😅🤣

[@rnarexperience]

Time to venture into this space ;)

[@jordanng5428]

@rnarexperience Married guy not eligible to use headphone at home 🤣

[@annebokma4637]

Ok, all I want is a pre-amp or dac with 4 HDMI in and one out. Don't have space for surround but the tv doesn't have enough usable HDMI ports. The rest of this is perfect connection wise.

[@calop002]

How does the DX9 compare to ifi zen stack?

[@ptg01]

Loved my Topping D50S when it worked... but they do not stand by their product. Have issues with Coax input not being able to synch (lots of online complaints). Reached out to Topping and they were not helpful. Never again.

[@henryt9731]

As expected, QC & CS form a mass produced ching chong brand. Had similar experience with Fiio 🙂 The only ChiFi brand I’d trust is Holo and Lotoo. Hifiman has QC problem, but at least their CS makes up for it.

[@rnarexperience]

That's really sad to hear, that'll really dampen the experience. Did you end up getting something else to replace the D50S?

[@raymondtaylor6966]

Can you recommend an audiophile level Transport to connect to this DX9 would really appreciate it

[@stefanodainese359]

I paired it with a NuPrime CDT-8 and I'm very happy with the combo. To be honest I don't think there are big differences between CD Transports once you reach a decent level, the CDT-8 fits in my busy space and does its job. The only annoying thing is the slow reaction to commands. DX9 is a joy to have and use.

[@zorankalina4399]

From my experiante/ Nuprime dac 9 and dac 10H, Rega Dac, Teac udh-1, etc/ Realy good package. Maybe not perfect in enething....but realy good in ewerithing. Exeptionale valeu for money.......extraordinary conectivity..... Recomandeble....about perfect allrounder. 👌🕊🙂💯🏖🎶👋

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Hope to be able to check it out someday myself

[@BG-tr2oh]

whats similar to this if you dont need the amp side, just the dac?

[@yttean98]

compare it to other DACs that are within a similar price range. Then you would know how it stacks up. Many reviewers believe China DACs or Chi-Fi DACs sound very similar and rather blend and not that musical. What do you think?

[@rnarexperience]

Hmmm that depends, unfortunately I've only tried Chi-Fi DACs for comparison and Topping is typically know for a more analytical, clean sounding presentations and another Chi-Fi comparison would be Hifiman series and I've tried the EF600 which sounds a lot warmer and has more soundstage width which already proves that not all Chi-Fi DACs are bland but it's just a matter of preference really, at the end of the day your headphones will carry most of the sound because of their tuning and if they sound analytical to begin with, the DAC can only influence that much

[@yttean98]

@@rnarexperience Reach out to other DAC suppliers other than Chi-Fi they may allow you to loan their DACs, tell them you have a YT channel reviewing DAC, basically free advert for them, most will comply if you are genuine.

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks for the tip, might reach out to some of them to see if they will give me a chance to test their stuff

[@martinpizem4658]

Toping dx9>Chord qutest. I have both. More air. Better soundstage. Harder bass. It's better in my speakers setup. But I am not that impressed by the headphones(mdr z1r, hd800,beyer t1 3rd). Love it.

[@patrickmccrank8414]

Hmmm.... better looking and just as capable. How about the Geshelli J3pro??

[@rnarexperience]

Oooooooo fair play, it looks good, but better? I'd say it's comparable but both look sexy~ J3 Pro is cheaper though so thats another win there

[@seankillar123]

any reccomendation that has similar performance but smaller (to put on a mount under the desk yagee to be exact) im currently using k9 pro ess

[@Gez492]

Would you know how does it do with paired via a tube Pre in a speaker based system

[@rnarexperience]

Sorry buddy i haven't tried out that kind of system myself but if i have a chance i'll be sure to share that experience

[@mathieuremillard5029]

Hey thank you for that review!! It's well done and organized. Do you think an HD800S would be a good choice for the DX9? I only have this headphone right now and I love it.

[@rnarexperience]

Thanks very much for your feedback! I'm glad you're enjoying the video :) HD800S is known for being a bright sounding headphone and I wouldn't always pair that kind of headphone with DX9 or any other Topping sources for that matter. Instead I'd lean towards a warmer sounding source like R2R or the like. If the Topping DX9 had EQ presets other than just filters than probably, but sadly it doesnt and unless you're willing to play around with EQ software, I'd say the HD800S would be better suited on a different powerful source. I think I saw a video from Joshua Valour recommending something that is suitable for the 800S i think it was the Pietus Maximus?

[@stefanodainese359]

My neighborood has the HD800S and I had the chance to test those with my A90 - now I have a DX9 but the sound is very similar - and I have to say that the combo didn't work well. Both are super detailed hence the first listen was shocking for brightness and space but after a while it was clear that everything was too bright, it's hard to explain but we had the feeling that every small "bad thing" was amplified and the result was something you don't like to hear for long time. My friend has a custom tube amplifier for his 800 and they sound amazing. I have Dan Clark EON RT closed - very different cans - and they shine with my DX9.

[@fwiater]

Good review !! What streamer would you pair with this? I've got hundreds of DSD and PCM files, currently using a dedicated PC thru I2S.

[@rnarexperience]

Unfortunately I haven't dove into the world of streamers (yet) sorry i can't help there but once i do venture into that territory I'd be happy to share my thoughts on a video I'm sure

[@KainSwiss]

HiFi Rose RS130 but cough!!! not cheap

[@fwiater]

@@KainSwiss Yeah that's a huge cough. They make some great units, but an Eversolo DMP-A8 offers similar functionality, and I2S output at less than half the price. I think a SMSL DP5 se with I2S, or even the WiiM Ultra might suffice since I will be using the dac on the DX9 anyway. IDK, just my 2 cents.😄

[@stefanodainese359]

I use the DX9 with a dedicated small PC with Roon, I don't understand the need for a streamer, I use a touchscreen for my PC and my cellphone as remote, easy as pie and very cheap.

[@mrt6349]

Being treble sensetive will this dac be a good choice?

[@rnarexperience]

Hmmm depends on the gear you use. Typically Topping source sounds clean and clear, making an already bright headphone sound a little bit brighter so if you're using a smooth and warm sounding headphone then this will give it a bit of edge but it doesn't cross too much on the other side. It's not going to significantly change the sound of your gear, just minor additions

[@andyliao1086]

😊might be a stupid question, I am new to this, can I use DX9 as a DAC and connect to a portabe AMP? am I able to ajust the output power on DX9?

[@rnarexperience]

Don't worry man just ask away and I'll try to help however I can, as we all go through the same thought at some point. As for your question, it depends on the input of your portable amp i believe. I've hooked up my ifi audio zen can to the DX9 using RCA cables.

[@andyliao1086]

@rnarexperience thanks for the reply. I'm planning on using dx9 as a dac and will be using a XLR to 4.4 interconnect to ibasso pb5. Would it cause any harm to either device? I use PB5 to pair up with DAP, and I can adjust the output voltage on the DAP. Not sure if I can do that on a desktop.

[@rnarexperience]

@@andyliao1086 Hmmm I personally haven't ventured that kind of setup yet but no harm raising it to Topping or iBasso just to check. Sorry couldn't be of much help there but if I do own a portable amp in the future I might try it out

[@billmcginley]

@@rnarexperience I run two Fosi ZA-3 mono amps using the xlr pre outputs on the DX-9. Can I connect a sub to the RCA pre outputs and select "All" outputs? I'm asking because I might replace the Fosi amps with something that doesn't have a sub out...

[@shaunhw]

So, putting lots of red LED lights on the PCB and a glass window to look down at them dramatically improves the performance of the device?

[@steviejandjoseline776]

no but it makes it look nice. have a little bit of fun you old geezer

[@donaldwolff]

Yep I got mine about 2 months ago, and have loved it everyday!

[@rnarexperience]

Same here, gorgeous unit AND it sounds amazing

[@scanspeak00]

Famous last words.

[@lazyreuvin]

Wow that is beautiful! Congratulations on owning one man. Don't know why I've not heard of this DAC/ AMP edition, definitely end game!

[@rnarexperience]

Thank you! Yeah definitely feel really happy with this one, even though I know there are a lot of higher tiered ones but this one just looks and sounds the part. Thanks for watching!

[@rwjazz1299]

Meridian Ultra DAC is end game. The DX9 is adequate when you're poor like me.

[@IsraelCardenas]

It needs EQ to be endgame 😊

[@dragonsbreath8653]

Then, it's the FiiO K19, which has DSP PEQ. The Topping DX9 and FiiO K19 are both good, but the FiiO K19 would be a better choice because the Topping DX9 doesn't have a DSP PEQ and I/O ground connection. The FiiO K19 built-in DSP PEQ is an excellent solution, as the output sound isn't distorted and it's significantly better than the Aqua Equalizer APO software equalizer. I/O grounding is an essential function when there are power issues. If there are ground loops in the power supply, you might hear faint background noise with high-quality headphones. There are two solutions to this problem. Option #1: use a high-quality external power supply or an uninterruptible power supply with a clear sine wave output. This is crucial. A UPS with an approximated sine wave at the output might cause noise. Option #2: break the ground connection with the I/O switch and there won't be any noise. FiiO K19 provides more features and audio flexibility compared to Topping DX9. You can connect to any source and adjust the sound according to your preferences thanks to built-in filters and DSP PEQ. The presence of I/O grounding eliminates unwanted noise if it's heard.

[@IsraelCardenas]

@@dragonsbreath8653 Yes, but all opinions tend to agree that the DX9 sounds better than the K19... So there is no ideal solution: either the best sound without EQ, or worse sound with EQ.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

Both devices, the Topping DX9 and FiiO K19, provide high and excellent sound quality. I will describe the difference between Topping DX9 and FiiO K19 as I have heard from my experience. The Topping DX9 has a detailed, clean sound, with good low frequencies, with good balance at all frequencies. The sound is neutral, without smoothing the high frequencies. The FiiO K19 has a detailed sound, especially in the middle frequencies, clean, with good low frequencies, smooths out the high frequencies, and the sound may seem a little soft when listening to very loud tracks. The sound is neutral, but slightly softer in the high frequencies. For long-term listening, music, computer games, movies, FiiO K19 will be the best option because of the comfortable sound, and you will quickly get tired of Topping DX9 because of the bright high frequencies, and not any headphones with bright high frequencies will suit Topping DX9.

[@psysword]

@@dragonsbreath8653this is AKM and I prefer this endgame AKM chips compared to ESS fiio chips which are too sharp for my ears. No amount of EQ will help there. This is my endgame too.

[@dragonsbreath8653]

I can agree that ESS has a hard sound when it comes to FiiO K9 ESS and FiiO K9 Pro ESS. FiiO K19 is different from its predecessors, and its sound is now soft. FiiO K19, like Topping DX9, provides a soft sound, but it offers more features and capabilities. It cannot be said that Topping DX9 sounds more musical than FiiO K19. These amplifiers provide a neutral and soft sound, the right power, and planar headphones sound great with them. When you connect HIFIMAN Arya Organic to FiiO K9 Pro ESS, you hear a hard, synthetic, unnatural sound, it is unpleasant to listen to. High frequencies create the impression of a “metallic” sound, the mid frequencies are sharp, and the low frequencies lack deep bass tones, and the sound seems flat. If you connect headphones with dynamic drivers, such as Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm to FiiO K9 Pro ESS, the sound is not harsh and the sound is excellent. If you connect HIFIMAN Arya Organic to FiiO K19, the sound is natural, soft, transparent and musical.

[@timothywimala3979]

Have you tried completely shutting down the amber LEDs in the display window? Doesn't work on some units. Wiring fault.

[@rnarexperience]

Yeap I've showed that in the functions and features section where the amber lights were turned off completely, at least for my unit. Unfortunate to hear if it's happening on other units

[@frankd.b.9233]

Too bad I can't test this and give my opinion, I don't get any fun from it;l lol;l Europe would be happy with that test

[@mr.niceguy2524]

Why AC not DC, cannot use in car 😔

[@chrisharris1522]

you can get dc to ac inverters, I have no idea why you would want to do that though

[@wric01]

Only use the car stereo as a amp, i just use a cheap android phone with usb out to a cayin ru6 r2r dongle. USB audio player bit perfect playback is top tier hifi, wish there was a simpler way to replace amps in a car. keeping it affordable and top performance: Wish they make one multi channel tpa TPA3255 just throw a bunch of fosi za3 into a car amp / reciever.

[@chrisharris1522]

@@wric01 Ah I see, you can do that with an inverter the only thing is I suspect what you gain by using this gear you will lose through vibrations road noise bad speaker positioning etc. But if you want to do this more power to you brother and I would love to hear how you get on. My personal solution is a good set of in ears from a dragonfly dongle iphone and Qobuz, I actually want to get another set of in ears that are less detailed as mine are a bit fatiguing to listen to for a long shift.

[@roa5359]

Endgame? 🤣 How can a DAC be endgame these days when they release a new one every week?

[@rnarexperience]

That's why at the end of the day, it falls on you to decide. Though sources dont get released as often as IEMs though, which is weekly for sure XD

[@ernestporee3697]

DAC of the week club ! Disposable tech !

[@rnarexperience]

So what's the DAC of the day today?

[@philipw7058]

Not impressed with jewelry in this hobby, how it sounds is my only concern,I have tried two of there dacs and they both sounded the same very sterile and sharp sounding I’m not willing to fall for there limited edition scenario and there jewelry

[@rnarexperience]

I think warmer sounding sources ie R2R or Burr Brown chipsets may sound a bit better for your preference compared to ESS? Topping is typically known for having that analytical sound so if paired against warmer sounding headphones then it just adds a bit more clarity or detail to it but if paired with another analytical or linear headphone like Hifiman's or Sennheiser then it's getting really cold and sharp

[@zorankalina4399]

Have it for some 10 monthes.../ with some others; nuprime dac 9 and dac 10, Rega dac. Teac udh -01, etc/ For sure...it gives full bodied, rich sound.

[@zorankalina4399]

This one sounds prity warm & fullboyed......allmost/ near.... to be even to much. Luckely...it have realy good dynamics, space, depht.......which keep it in audiofille range. Recomandeble.... Prity good for money.... Allrounder .....

[@mikeg2491]

I have some Topping products and it does have a unique sound I like when I’m in a certain mood or genre. That said I find it hard to believe that sterile sound is what the studio engineers “intended” regardless how it measures.

[@philipw7058]

@ if they liked the way it sounds they would not have so many different models like they do,they keep throwing a different one every year sometimes every 6 months there low-fi at best I tried two of them because they were priced very cheap I got what I paid for,sorry not in my system no matter how they make it look

[@vavanjukebox7137]

EF400 ~350$ vs DX9 ~1300$ 4 TIMES MORE ! Strange comparison. I'm sad to see that I will have to spend that amount of money to feel a difference with the EF400 I own. Nice looking gear otherwise

[@icantwait]

I'm not into Hifi or anything. Randomly saw a pic of this and thought it would look good under my 42 inch OLED monitor. So I got one :-)

[@icantwait]

Any suggestion for the PCM/DSD mode & advanced settings? Would they change the sound quality?

[@Bill-ps2wt]

@@icantwait Yes, it does. The PCM filters are difficult to hear if you can hear them at all. However, for not being into Hifi, you have the equipment to be into hifi. What headphones are you using? If you want to try out the DSD I would recommend downloading a trial of Audirvana. It will let you connect to Tidal or Qobuz and listen to any of their selections in DSD as the program will convert the music to DSD for you. Not only will the regular pcm files sound significantly better (I don't know how they do it), but Audirvana allows conversion to DSD on the fly so you can try it to see if you like it. Higher dsd rates do not mean better sound, its really just different sound... lower noise floor and cleaner music to my old ears. I don't have a DX9 I have a Hifiman ef600 r2r dac which isn't as detailed as your unit but its hard to give up that r2r sound. I would rather have the DX9 so its on my list. To get better than your all in one you'll have to upgrade to separates next as you already have "as good as its gonna get" for an all in one dac amp, but honestly you have no reason to upgrade. Audirvana is a game changer though and not expensive for what it offers. I believe Roon offers DSD conversion also. Watch youtube videos on those to get familiar. I hope you enjoy your unit, its awesome!

[@rnarexperience]

Beautiful~

[@VM9999-x2k]

Every time I see a photo or video of Focals, it seems to me that their owner is a little hard of hearing. A joke with a grain of humor.

[@rnarexperience]

But the doctor said I have 20/20 hearing~

[@rnarexperience]

@@steven2809 Yes steven... I'm aware of that... 😮‍💨

[@ianwilliams7740]

Topping are pretty units but their QA is garbage

[@AsreiMurasame]

I’ve owned 5 different Topping units with this DX9 I’ve owned for a while now being a refurbished unit. No problems out of any of them over the last 5 years. Although I have heard of some people being unlucky

[@ianwilliams7740]

@ I've also owned a similar number of units and around 50% have had serious issues or have had to be replaced

[@davadmillar1582]

No analog inputs, so useless as an amplifier. I don't understand why this is so rare with these all-in-ones, which fail in the "all" category by denying the use of any other dac. Only Audio GD and Hifiman seem to include this with their dac amps. Frustrating.

[@zounds13]

1. There ARE analog inputs. Look at the back panel. 2. It's not an amplifier, it's a preamp. Amps have terminals for speaker wires.

[@CheekyFest]

what a cheap USB cable!

[@thorbampougias311]

Glass? Scratches, dust, no place to stand alone, Nope