The Two Budget Headphone Amplifiers you SHOULD Buy!

MX3S Here - apos.audio/pro...
DX3 Pro + Here - apos.audio/pro...
Sundara Here - apos.audio/pro...
DX3 Review Here - • Return of the $200 cha...
TOP 3 FAVORITE BUDGET HEADPHONES
🥇 HD560S - amzn.to/3NwLeNM
🥈 SHP 9600 - amzn.to/3NEsoEo
🥉 K361 - amzn.to/3xxKQsM
Favorite headphones
🥇 DIANA TC - abyss-headphon....
🥈Arya - apos.audio/pro....
🥉 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/pro....
🥈 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/39xOlk...
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​​​ #MX3S #Review
*As an Amazon, Drop and Apos Associate I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

[@aGrimTurtle]

Bought the DX3 Pro+ on your recommendation over a year ago and I love the thing. I recently got a new amp because I decided I wanted to break into higher-end headphones and needed more power, but I still use the dx3 in dac-only mode. Such an amazing device.

[@suavelifestyle9094]

I have sennheiser hd560s they sound great but super low , will this make them louder?

[@aGrimTurtle]

@@suavelifestyle9094 yep, sure will

[@Ceen328]

@@59542 it is not only about the ohm of a speaker, but it's efficiency. Mayb search for a YT video, that explains it. To your question, I can tell you, that the DX3 pro+ can make your ears bleed with a 250ohm DT 770. The EQ on the Fosi is nice, but it depends on where you use it. I use such DAC/AMPs on my PC setup and it is just do convenient, to adjust the EQ via software. That is why I personally love the DX3, as it has a very neutral sound. All in all, the K5 is great for its price, but the Dx3 pro+ is just a whole different league. BTW, the fosi K5 should be powerful enough for 250ohm 770s.

[@RedFightingMood]

The Sennheisers HD560s are insane with the Topping DX3 Pro+ !🤗! I hope that You've bought it and use low gain to ensure the max clarity of the power and sound detail !😇!

[@mbk337]

I have been using the DX3 Pro+ since you originally reviewed it. It is a great DAC Amp. I have been using it most recently with my Fosi V3, for speakers.

[@WyattOShea]

Already have the dx3pro+ and love it :). Great little device

[@Hugo_Furst-x]

If you like sibilance

[@WyattOShea]

I don't hear it at all with my iems or my headphones lol.@@Hugo_Furst-x

[@aight3565]

@@Hugo_Furst-x You’re probably just old and have hearing loss

[@aight3565]

@@Hugo_Furst-xwith respect to you off course.

[@Hugo_Furst-x]

@@aight3565 Is putting other people down, the only way you have to feel better about yourself?

[@JoeW71]

Really enjoy your videos. Just got my first real headphones, beyerdynamic DT900Pro X, yesterday.

[@dtdcampbell]

Would be interested on a comparison of these to the SMSL DL200

[@Glenn056]

Where's the love for the E30ii and L30ii stack?

[@silentKeys20]

The DX3 Pro+ is the one audiophile thing that I've gotten years ago and never really felt the need to replace/upgrade from. It just does everything I need it to do from a DAC/AMP.

[@zounds13]

I think I'm going to get an MX3s for my TV. The Polk sound bar that I've had forever just isn't cutting it anymore, so I've been looking for a good DAC/headphone amp/speaker amp with sub out and a remote. There aren't many of them. The MX3s looks like just what I need, and your review confirms it. So thanks!

[@MDxGano]

Using it with the optical out to a set of monitor audio silver rs6's and i'd say it's amazing for the price. Well comparable with anything that was 5x the price 10 years ago. I rarely run at above 60% volume as it's simply too loud for my preferences so plenty of juice for most uses i'd think. Be wary though, i did have to jump into the settings because oddly enough, netflix and amazon run their ads with a different audio codec that didnt play nice. The solution was to go into the tv settings and disable one of the codecs, can't remember which one, but i feel like it was dolby atmos.

[@zounds13]

@@MDxGano interesting, thanks. I did end up getting one and had to send it back because it was defective. And then as a replacement the sent me one in an opened box, and when I sent THAT back, they did the same thing again! At that point I was done with topping. And in the meantime Schiit came out with the Syn, which has everything I wanted except the speaker amp. I've had mine for 2 or 3 months now, and I love it.

[@TheOnyyxx]

Jo Joshua now with the K7 BT out, what would u pick ? DX3Pro + or the Fiio K7 BT. I have a Pair of new Sundaras and im looking for a DAC now. (Note on the Side: the Remote i dont care about :D)

[@FitLabb]

Are you planning a review of the new Topping A70 Pro & D70 Pro sometime soon? Reviews on them have been fairly sparse to date and looking forward to hearing your take on both.

[@tothcsaba3461]

D70 Pro OCTO seems more interesting....

[@FitLabb]

@@tothcsaba3461 Literally just heard about that DAC today but haven’t seen it for sale anywhere yet. Definitely interested to learn more about that one too.

[@Saetun.]

Josh, I was eyeing the DX3+ to replace my brand X dac that connects my TV to my HiFi set up which is built around a vintage receiver. After watching this i'm wondering MX3S is the better choice as the receiver can push my headphones just fine. I really just need to be able to add my TV & use a remote to control my old receiver. Thoughts?

[@RenbroNL]

I got the DX3 Pro+ since I was planning to go the Active studio monitor route. I got the Adam audio A7V's but that was kind of a mistake as the hiss was too much for my liking / usecase. I love the DX3 Pro + though with my Sennheiser HD 560s. So after much debating I decided to go the Passive speaker route and got a Topping PA3s to power Q Acoustics 3030i's. I was worried about it not being powerfull enough but it gives plenty of power for a nearfield application. The hiss is extremely low, practically nonexistent. Very happy with the sound and the little matching stack looks really nice. In hindsight even the MX3s might have been easily good enough on the power department while obviously offering a single device solution. I probably would recommend people trying that one first if they are looking to do something similar. Just get it somewhere where they have a good return policy, my guess is most normal desktop users won't be returning it.

[@NRobbi42]

Pepperoni and bacon

[@JoshuaValour]

Facts😂

[@TylersEclectic]

Pineapple and bacon 😅

[@AgentFortySven]

Pineapple Pizza is a sin.

[@TylersEclectic]

@@AgentFortySven subjective lol 😆

[@armandsant1143]

That’s right 😋

[@lr4ze]

Am using dx3 pro+ with both my headphones and speakers, dt 1990 pro and edifier r1850db speaker, soon i will add a subwoofer, am enjoying my setup 🙏🏽

[@johnsoriano3812]

Love this review. People should understand that it's not about the price, sometimes.

[@tommyparks387]

Really like your videos. Have a simple question. How do you connect the DAC | Headphones amp to a stereo system using rca’s? Thank you!

[@paulfitz2984]

Great review 😎

[@bobwood4304]

Great content, thanks 👍 What active speakers are you using on your desktop Joshua, if you don't mind me asking?

[@adriangpuiu]

i have so many amps and dacs and dongles that im covered until resurrection

[@carajean206]

Dang, got the Fiio K7 I think its good. Just need something to power my HD650 without cranking the volume knob to the moon. Also has a balance port. I would love to find something that works with my 5.1 system z906 lol never going to happen though.

[@ssdemon96]

I would love a a70 d70 pro review at some point. Love your videos dude personally i want to upgrade from my topping e50 and l50. The topping a70 and d70 pros are what i want to have sometime.

[@silver33]

I'm a beginner, which of these would be better connecting to a computer? Also what headphones would you recommend? Thank you.

[@AleDJacobo]

I chose DX3 because of the 1.5w and for my speakers I bought the Pa3.

[@fan507]

i have a e30 ii already would you recommend getting the l30 ii or these two? thank you❤

[@carminedesanto6746]

I just picked up the Topping E50 ( with an IFI power supply) …I’ll save up fir something that is an absolute step up from there ..till then I’ll keep an open mind ..but a closed wallet.

[@TFWandyzilla]

tip for Joshua: decouple the mic from the table. I can hear bassy taps every time you touch the desk or amps

[@psycheisssdelic]

those are for the true believers

[@olligps]

Nice review! Do you think a fiiO K7 is better or worse?

[@liamporter1137]

Great review and sharing. Thanks.

[@josiahferrill6189]

You brough up the SMSL AD18 which was an awesome setup at the time, but didnt mention any of the newer SMSL amps with the passive speaker output. Personally id been looking for an all-in-one amp like this and would really like to see a quality review/comparison between the MX3S and say the SMSL AO300. Love the content!

[@maximelavoie717]

From my experience Topping is generally better than SMSL in terms of quality and reliability (althought they both seem to stem from the same company, or are very closely related). I would recommend you buy a dac/headphone amp combo but not an all in one. You should get a power amp separatly as the ones in integrated units are not powerful enough most of the time. DX3 Pro+ combined with a power amp (check out the Fosi Audio V3) would be a killer combination. Edit: Make sure to get the 48V adapter for the Fosi V3

[@polromeu]

With my AudioTechnica headphones your impacts on table sound SO SO deep and strong. Maybe you'll have to elevate that microphone and avoid contact with the table surface.

[@budhikkawijeyaratne7409]

Can you please do a comparison between ifi zen dac V3 vs Topping D50s.

[@MartinoHarly]

i have the original schitt hel is it worth upgrading to mx3s? i like the idea of the bluetooth, and eq. i have senn560s and 6xx

[@preownedram1007]

what do you recommend for a Hifiman Ananda?

[@johnvender]

I recently got the Neumann NDH 30 headphones and want to bypass the headphone amp in my interface for both better quality and higher clean level. To connect a headphone amplifier I want to use the balanced monitor outputs of the interface so I want balanced inputs into the headphone amp (either TRS or XLR). Any suggestions.

[@brydon10]

Hi Josh. Was the speaker demo with the MX3s in high gain or low gain? I didn't see the gain light lit up so I'm thinking this was low gain.

[@juhanihiltunen6737]

Hi Joshua. i have Denon ah d 5200 headphones and bunch of genelec speakers. what is your recommend to dac amp for this use? i have portable ifi audio hip da v3 and in desktop Cambridge audio dacmaciq plus but it doesent sound any good. look for some aune x1s gt dac... what is your recommend? thank you.

[@Lbmwm3]

Hi Joshua, Thanks for your KZbin content. I have a Sonos Ecosystem System but looking to add a external DAC to the Whole Home System. Do you have any recommendations for the Sonos System,Sir? Once again, Thank You

[@carlsitler9071]

I like the 5 watts of the Asgard 3 for my planars. I use numerous dacs but usually fall back to my trusty dusty Sanskrit 2. Truthfully, I use the Asgard as a preamp more than headphone amp.

[@theedgeofbreakup5192]

I was thinking about using this as a preamp as well instead of going with the Saga so I could take advantage of the headphone jack. I already have my DAC and Power Amp. Has anyone tried this for a 2 channel system?

[@paullehanceanu3905]

@JoshuaValour i want to find a headphone speaker dac+amp for my pc setup: the sennheiser HD800S and kef q350 / q150 ? What would you recomend? A70pro + d70 pro or MX3S + DX3 pro?

[@tihammd]

Hey Joshua, can you do s review of the mx5s cause most people probably going to lean towards buying mx5s Rather than the cheaper mx3s. I'm sure, You can just read the specs and get blown away by what it offers!

[@peterkite2162]

Ia the Dx3 worth an upgrade over my JDS Atom+ stack?

[@TheSimChannel]

Can you compare the DX3+ to the G5 in terms of sound?

[@samirsayed5726]

I think the dx3+ is way better

[@TheSimChannel]

@ i have both now and they did the exact same. i measured the frequency response through bit as week and it's the same.

[@jackelofnar]

Hey Josh, great video has me interested in something like this for work use but would you compare this to a SMSL SU6/SH6 stack?

[@chrisvd28]

Hey been watching your content and enjoy your reviews. I have just purchased a pair of Hifiman drop he4xx and want a dac/amp. I only use headphones and am tossing up between the Dx3pro+ or smsl su6+sh6 stack. Your thoughts would be amazing.

[@greatestsportslegends]

Here is a dumb question... How does it work with Tidal or other high res subscriptions? Thank you!

[@milosCivejovidar]

I have mixed feelings about the DX3 Pro+ I have. I tried listening it through headphones and the sound is way to fatiguing for my taste, regardless of volume level and multiple headphones tested. I ended up using it as a DAC for my old receiver with speakers in the living room and for that use-case it is working fine. Then I bought the Fiio K7 for my daily use with headphones and I am much happier with that choice.

[@ownagebox]

I have the dx3pro+ but paired iT with my dt770 pro 64ohm and had to crank the volume up to -11 with gain high to even get close to the same sound lvl my internal soundcard that I use with only 32 windows loudness. The range that I have on the DX3 is too small with 64 ohm headphones, way too quiet. I don't even want to know how quiet it is with 150+ohm headphones. While my soundcard almost blows my headphones at 50 in windows even with impandance of 32ohms. If you have 32 Ohm and below yes it is good enough but higher it doesn't grind volume. You have to pair it with a head amp

[@danieleturrin5625]

Hey Josh, do you think DX3 pro + can pair well with Clears OG? Or is it better with a Little Dot MK2? Also own a Denon PMA680r receiver that sounds pretty well

[@Hugo_Furst-x]

No. both are super sibilant, making a bad thing even worse. I had that set precisely, and I'm so glad i moved on.

[@danieleturrin5625]

@@Hugo_Furst-x little dot sibilant?!

[@Hugo_Furst-x]

Sorry, I haven't heard those. @@danieleturrin5625

[@ComradeNevidimka]

Can these two recommendations drive the DT 1990 PRO headphones? Currently I have the Schiit Asgard and Modius.

[@calebs2crazy]

How is this topping dx3 pro+ vs fiio k11?

[@MrKrampyHands]

I got a nice If dac and amp for what these would do I need a good affordable tube amp for my DD cans mostly my 1770 pros and HD650's I do want tubesound

[@DinoFancellu]

I just got a FIIO K11 (£119.99). Really nice, much better than K3, super neutral

[@rochdiouakzni7922]

Bonjour, J'ai acheté le casque hifiman sundara et je veux votre opinion sur le topping dx3 pro est ce qu'il est très bon pour mon casque ou pas? Si non quel est le meilleur dac/ampli pour mon casque car je suis nouveau dans le domaine des casques ,je suis plutôt home cinéma et hifi avec éléments séparés et j'aimerais bien améliorer mes connaissances. Est ce que Schiit modius et un Schiit Midgaard ou Sont bon pour moi. Merci pour votre aide.

[@Aquamaui.mp4]

Regarding the Title this could also be a Pizza Order Guide 🍕

[@Kanapcio]

Hi Joshua, could you advise me on one thing? I currently have a Sennheiser HD6XX and Fiio K5pro duo as my desk setup. I want to expand it with Klipsch R-41M speakers. And here's the question: do you think it would be better for me to sell the Fiio K5pro and buy TOPPING MX3s to support both headphones and speakers, or would it be better to just buy an inexpensive amplifier for the speakers (I was thinking about the AIYIMA A07 PRO). Looking at the prices of used Fiio k5pro in my country, the finall cost will be similar.

[@maximelavoie717]

Get a separate power amp. Check out the Fosi Audio V3 with the 48V adapter

[@Kanapcio]

@@maximelavoie717 thanks for recomendation :)

[@twisted-t]

I hope Josh will see it (but most likely won't) - what's the cheapest really good DAC/amp with balanced output?

[@johnosam4681]

I love you topping 😘

[@JudgeFredd]

Totally agree

[@asan1050]

Joshua Valour , Thanks Much !.......

[@10Filip]

Is there one with no bt and amp? Just dac with preamp?

[@niccoloc]

aren’t D90SE and A90D Topping’s top of the line DAC and AMP? Those are the D70 Pro and A70 Pro

[@Lead_Foot]

The D70/A70 pros are newer and higher end than the D90/A90. The A70 has about double the power of the A90D

[@niccoloc]

@Lead_Foot ok, but it's weird, i've look around and A90D and D90SE's are a bit higher...

[@Boukso]

Hello everyone I wanted to buy a new dac amp for my sennheiser hd800S, I currently have an Audient Evo 4 which cost me 65€ two years ago. Since I'm a beginner I wanted to know if there was a huge difference between the one I have or an SMSL D-6S MQA Audio DAC or MX3S or DX3 Pro Currently for full FPS use Call of/Battlefield/Overwatch 2

[@acosta2493]

How does the DX3 Pro + compare to a Sound BlasterX G6? Would it be worth the upgrade for my DT 1990 pro?

[@travissmith426]

The DX3 Pro has a lot more power out than the sound blaster. I use to use the sound blaster for a pair of sennheiser headphones. But upgraded to a planar headphone and the sound blaster didn't have the power to push them. I now have the DX3 Pro and it pushes my planars with no problem. Look for a sale I picked mine up for $150 but they are still a great choice at $199.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

I'd upgrade if these things matched the g6 for surround and features. Big user of 5.1 7.1 stereo and atmos

[@RESURRECT2]

DX3 Pro+ vs Fiio Q7?

[@bukursglass6990]

Could you please recommend me a great Dac and amp set up to power my HD 800s headphones , specifically for gaming only , looking for the most immersive experience

[@arimanwd]

What would you say is a good amplifier pairing for the DX3 pro+ if I'd like to start upgrading to balanced output? I've been considering the topping A50s for it, but I'm curious to know if there's anything else that would work better, or if it's necessary to get a balanced amp for this, or just save up for a different balanced stack?

[@Lucas-ck1po]

04:47 What monitor is this?

[@changluther6444]

how dx3pro+ compare to smsl c200

[@changluther6444]

and the new fiio k11.both got 4.4mm balanced output

[@LemonellaDeVille]

why do i need 2 amps?

[@nextepicmeal]

Add HDMI with eARC, this will be the soundbar killer..

[@thegrumptastic]

Nice

[@mike_nba]

Smsl c200> dx3 pro + Respectfully 🙏

[@cryharderlilbro]

ahhhh another chi-fi

[@mikeg2491]

You get what you pay for. My topping A90d died after the second use.

[@vortexeruption1434]

Is the dx1 enough

[@legendredux1291]

only 3.5 mm jack sorry I am noob

[@XeonX__ASMR__METAL-experiments]

No balanced under 500$ = no deal AT ALL !!!!!!!! i will buy truly balanced SMSL stack under 500$ instead !!!!!!!! P.S : SMSL SU-1 + SMSL HO 100 + HarmonicDyne Zeus Elite = 'best'

[@ptpoul]

It seems like you ran out of exclamation marks. Here's a few extra for you !!!!!!!!!!111!1!1!1!!1!!!!!!!❤

[@rafeezrazi92]

2 sterile AF dac amp you should buy

[@traveltheworld886]

Pineapple

[@reapergretz9413]

uga

[@PandoPandux]

200 DOLLAS AINT BUDGET

[@insinYT]

what the fuck is a topping?

[@circattle]

Bird's Dream

[@preownedram1007]

things on your sandwich :)

[@lefan1959]

Topping is absolute garbage product, exactly sound quality. Buy ifi zen dac or fiio k7

[@planewreck4214]

Stop scamming people

[@mixman2007m]

Why so?

[@WildfireX]

Honestly the DX5 Lite is the one that always stood out to me the most, but I already have a Modi 3 & Asgard 3 at this point, so it is what it is.

[@LenSaPrinz]

Hi Mr.joshua Valour may I know which is the better DAC between this 2 DAC.,and for DX3 Pro+ what are the speaker min -Mat watt. Befor I purchase I want to know the bookshelf speaker watt that can pair with the Dx3 Pro+ tks