Topping DX3 Pro+ DAC/Amp Review - A Tiny Powerhouse!

[@JustLearning]

Just got this product today. Your video helped to clear up how to get into the menu and modes with and without the remote. Really enjoying the DX3 Pro+.

[@v73c]

Thank you for mentioning that the volume control knob 'also' adjusts the RCA outputs on the rear panel. Plus the description of the modes that prohibit the adjustment. That is great information to know.

[@GadgetryTech]

You bet!! Thanks for watching.

[@earlteigrob9211]

Great Review!!! I used to have a $2500 DAC with a $5000 preamp. I bought the Topping D30 Pro for $420 and thought is sounded just as good or better. I drive a Bryston 4b3 and good speakers and the sound is fantastic. Topping makes very good products for an excellent price.

[@frostybe3r]

Proves audiophiles are idiots

[@longkick649]

@@frostybe3r 😂

[@davidcurry8440]

I’ve been using this DAC for about 2 years and it does what I need it to do. I have a 6-7 year old tv connected using coax to DX-3 going to my Marantz 2225 w/Klipsch 600M’s. Additionally, I have a 25 year old dvd/cd player connected by coax that I used as a cd transport. I was surprised how much better that dvd player sounded; however, the bass lacks just because the dvd player is old but does what I need it to do. I’m not a digital/streaming person as I typically listen to vinyl and my turntable connects directly to the Marantz. But this is highly recommended if you need something basic and inexpensive.

[@jrockofages5413]

Great job. Mine is on the way. Hoping to also use this as link to my computer to nake digital copies of record vinyl

[@chaddowney5845]

It's amazing. I use this with my Beyerdynamics DT 900 X headphones and it rocks for gaming and music listening. Endgame for now for me.

[@dearSamuelSamuel1]

Hey mate, how do you find the open backs for gaming? Do you play a lot of FPS? Currently looking around for a replacement for my MMX300's - but also looking for a dac/amp aswell. Headset you're using is on the list

[@chaddowney5845]

@@dearSamuelSamuel1 Yes -- primarily fps games. Using open back is great for that. The DT 900 Pro X is great.

[@dearSamuelSamuel1]

@@chaddowney5845 i swear everything I read is saying closed back is what I need for FPS...🤦‍♂️. Cheers for your reply

[@chaddowney5845]

@Sam interesting. Depends on your use. If you have other people in the house who can hear your gaming, closed back would be wise so there is minimal noise bleed from your headphones. If you don't need to worry about that, I'd go open for better soundstage. The 700 X I think are closed back, so that might be an option as well.

[@dearSamuelSamuel1]

@chaddowney5845 yeah they're similar to what im running now(MMX300's) so wanted a bit more juice. Hense me looking towards the 900 x

[@xPenitentOne]

Always good to see how much knowledge you have, and how good you can explain what you mean with certain words. Love it! Also, the headset stand, I can't wait to get that one lol!

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much Trucker!

[@thomasmleahy6218]

Total agreement with MortyM. Less fluff, more info! Terrific with my LCD 4Z, and the LCD 3s, as well with my growing stable of IEMs, Etymotic and various Shure models. Horses for courses. What Louis Armstrong once said ti Jim Webb, stick with it, kid. Or something to that effect.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Great review as always. Much appreciated

[@ScrewFearMe]

I wonder how well it sounds with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250ohm I have.

[@mpdx0]

Incredible video as always, you might be my favorite reviewer on youtube. Would love to see you review the SMSL C200 as well! Very similar to topping dx3 pro plus but it has UAC1 support so it should work with PS5/switch. Great alternative to schiit hel. Also still would love to see that 6xx/560s review! Your sundara and edition xs reviews were top tier.

[@GadgetryTech]

Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to review those soon!

[@FlyBird]

great review, just bought it!

[@lamNoJedi]

Can this connec to the ps5 via usb? It connects no problem to my tv. But no sound on ps5. Im using the optical cord which works. I used this amp with some Momentum 4s and am mind blown the difference in quality over bluetooth. New to all this. But man what a new experience this little amp opened up.

[@jodysmyers2764]

Hey thanks for the great instructions! Have been guessing on the settings, wondering how I got where ;) I've been trying to figure out the exact controls, and the manual is not for the layman... The DX3Pro+ is awesome, and I've been running it through USB for about 16 months now, and LOVE it, very practical and sounds wonderful. My USB out gave up the ghost though, just stopped working. Topping tech help simply advised to update the driver and try a different USB cable, but neither worked. Ordered an optical cable, and thank goodness that works great. Thank you again for a short, informative video!!!

[@captainslow150]

Very informative video. Thank you. Would you recommend this amp for a pair of Hifiman Sundara? I would use it together with my Harman Kardon Soundsticks III on my PC.

[@luca_rr4660]

Can the sound stage be adjusted via a computer connected to the USB? Is a driver or software needed or is it plug and play?

[@thomasmleahy6218]

Very useful info on settings without the remote as I think one of my neighbor's dogs took it and fell in love with it, in which case I'm not sure I'd want it back, as it's probably non functional from all the drool. Thank you for the video, many long term audionuts are gaining info from folks like you as we've found the major print mags are totally unreliable and nothing but boosters for unrealistic overpriced audio jewelry. The qualities necessary for actual great performance are now being discovered in products like Topping, and (shh, don't let the cat out of the bag) vintage 70s and 80s receivers that still kick azz. TTFN

[@Pinkfloyd1173]

Great video again, brotha!!!!!!!!!

[@laika25]

I'm at 11:00 hoping you'll explain the volume knob long press setup......

[@EggoEspada]

The Dx3Pro+ has been pairing great with my HD6XX but has had issues with the Timeless AE. The volume and clarity are questionable when paired together, which is weird since the Timeless AE has a low impedance. I did look it up and apparently I'm not the only one experiencing that, specifically with the Dx3Pro+ and Timeless AE together.

[@crazykidgaming]

I read an article on the DX-3, apparently it doesn’t pair well with low impedance

[@johnsoriano3812]

Awesomeness of a review

[@anandyahamdi]

When I connect this to active speaker will the dx3pro+ act DAC only?

[@SilverMiraii]

I want this but with 2 optic inputs, 1 for tv, 1 for pc

[@johncapone8843]

I want a dac/amp for 300-350 to go with my aune 5000 and vzr1 for immersive games and movies any suggestions?

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

Would be very curious if this worked on any of the consoles. I still love my Schiit Hel, but I'm always looking for that next "best thing" and I know the console space is quite limited, compared to the PC crowd. I guess my wonder is if it works, and if it would be diminishing returns compared to the Hel or the more console friendly Soundblaster series.

[@TachikomanEX]

Don't know about the console compatiability, but as for all solid state amp, as long as you find your current one "clean" enough then there is no point in upgrading as they all lean to a "clean" sound signature. As for the Schilt Hel and the DX3 Pro+ their difference is very marginal that unless you are looking for the features (bluetooth, remote, power, etc) then it is not worth the "upgrade".

[@mpdx0]

Unfortunately the topping isn't compatible with ps5/switch due to the lack of UAC1. The SMSL C200 is very similar to this device though and is compatible with those consoles.

[@Mariscos420]

You'd need a USB to optical/coax converter to use it on PS5.

[@GadgetryTech]

Sorry, I should have called this out. This one does not work with the PS5. I've been hearing a lot about the SMSL C200 though so apparently I need to get my hands on that.

[@gigolocalypsetv5520]

@@GadgetryTech No prob! That's a bummer since I've been hearing this name all the time, for many good reasons. I mean the Schiit Hel is still my reliable workhorse, so definitely no complaints on that, but yeah the audiophile rabbit hole, especially for a console player, is hell on my wallet. Currently trying out the "hidden gem" that is the ATH-R70X and that's a 470 ohm set and the Hel is punching hard, and it sounds really good. I'll have to check out the one you just mentioned though!

[@jayl673]

Many thanks for another great review. Presumably there is a bundled USB cable for connecting headphones to the unit?

[@59542]

Hi! I'm looking to buy the DX3 PRO+ but I'm just wondering if would work with the GoXLR audio interface and DT 7070 Pro headphones? Would it be via optical cable maybe?

[@benno2504]

Will this product drive my DT990pro 250ohm. I'm using a schitt fulla at the moment which is at full vol 90% of the time. will the DX3 pro+ be a better fit for me?

[@luie.v254]

Bought it for my iems just need to know why when I’m playing Tarkov the audio will cut in and out also is there a delay when you use a dac amp I have the exact same one but when I go to shoot there seem like a a millisecond delay I won’t hear the gun shoot till it hits the target

[@mickael486]

Surprised to see you cover this one. 👍👍 Love your content. I bought this dac/amp a few months ago. I returned it for the SMSL C-200 mostly due to the latter being compatible with Playstation hardware. It offers both USB functionalities. Also, there's an option for optical. a setting from 1-9. random audio dropouts or jitter, when set to 9 (whatever that means) it disappears on the SMSL. Unfortunately, I had a ton of it on this Topping. I'm curious, aren't these 2 companies owned by the same company? Unless I'm missing something.. aren't these dacs virtually identical otherwise? I know if anyone knows, it'd be you. 👌

[@GadgetryTech]

I haven't heard that they were form the same company to be honest, that's new to me. I can loo into covering the SMSL C200 though now that you've mentioned this. If I get my hands on it, I will definitely dig into the bottom of this!

[@BradPitt88]

Which one you recomend more Topping DX3 PRO + or SMSL C-200. Im need one of them for my 250ohm Beyers dt 990 pro

[@mrn234]

I hooked my PS5 up via the audio out of my monitor and a RCA to coax and to use 3D audio with headphones a basic PCM2704 usb to optical(for now) for 5 bucks from Aliexpress and the PC simply via USB.

[@calvinchann1996]

What I’d love is this Topping with Bluetooth as an output option for my Bluetooth headphones. Anyone know a good Bluetooth transmitter with this feature set?

[@truthseekerKJV]

How do you adjust the low's mid's and high's when listening to music ?

[@jericlee1509]

sir, if i want to connect rhe dac to preamp? how n wer to plug?

[@TacticoolNinja]

Hello! Excellent review as always! Quick question if anyone could answer. Would this work well with the HIFIMAN Edition XS Open Back Planar headset to use on my PC for gaming also possibly a little music & movies. Mostly for gaming though. Looking to buy the headset and this if so. Thanks in advance!

[@GadgetryTech]

It would definitely work! This tiny DAC/amp has some serious power. I do wish it had a balanced connection but as I said, if you're okay with a 3.5mm only connection, this has more than enough power to drive the XS.

[@TacticoolNinja]

@@GadgetryTech Thank you!

[@effeesse798]

I don't like pairing Hifiman xs with DX3 pro+. Thin sound and lack of energy. Same result with Audeze lcd-2. Works perfect with my Denon AH-7200. I love this combo!

[@Ben95S]

Just wondering would you go for this or a magni unity?

[@tehMonarch]

getting no output from the rca, help? headphones is fine... thanks!

[@ugga6813]

Topping products are great. Nice review as always!

[@tessie4204]

So this automatic turn off and on if it gets a signal?

[@alexliroyd3684]

Hello, I'm new here. Thank your for your videos. Just bought nova pro - your eq really saved them. Now want to buy sundara - for music. I'm no audiophile and not an expert. Question - will Sundara(or edition xs) will work with steelseries gamedac gen 2? In my country schiit stack or dx3 pro costs 300 usd and I'm not sure that I want to spend this much. Thank you in advance!

[@alexliroyd3684]

Update: checked market. Realistically I can get: 1. dx3 pro(available only in one store, so not 100% sure) - 250 usd 2. ifi air - 130 usd 3. creative g6, x4 - 140usd 4. epos 1000-1200 - 260 usd. 5. Fiio k7 - 250usd Any advice?

[@poisonl30n61]

Would these drive dt 770 pro 250 ohms really well?

[@GadgetryTech]

Yes! It's a bit of a power house. The new SMSL RAW-MDA1 is strong enough as well.

[@pauliusmatonis1492]

I read it had problems with macbook M1 devices. Maybe you know if this was solved with M2? Thanks!

[@ChefTom777]

I have dx3 pro+ connected to my macbook pro m1 pro working perfect no issues at all.. It it an amazing dac amp..

[@twinguns1174]

Doubting between getting this one or the IFI zen dac v2 and eventually the IFI zen CAN.

[@ViperDMZ]

Can you enable Loudness Equalization with DX3 without install other apps?

[@mrn234]

No It just gives out what it gets.

[@youtube_tomas]

Sound quality with headphones for music and gaming, which is better, Topping DX3 Pro+ or Sound Blaster X5?

[@GadgetryTech]

Purely for power, impact, the Topping DX3 Pro+ is much more dynamic. It seems to have more control over whatever you're driving. The X5 is just much more feature rich. If you can run the X5 in balanced mode, the sound quality difference is much harder to discern.

[@youtube_tomas]

@@GadgetryTech Thank you so much for your thorough reply, the differences are very clear to me now.

[@mrn234]

@@GadgetryTech Dont forget the typical Creative shenanigans with software and drivers. After all the weird stuff i had at least 2-3 times a year with a Soundblaster Z iam happy to dont have to worry about that kind of stuff.

[@ronald0122]

This or the k11 for gaming. Supermix 4 and hd560

[@eos716]

DX3+ Pro for gaming, K11 for music.

[@mrn234]

@@eos716 And another tested says it basically the other way around... K11 would be a better solution when you want to directly hook up the thing with USB to a PS5

[@eos716]

@@mrn234 U dont need PS5 if u have good PC.

[@mrn234]

@@eos716 I have both + a Switch Lite.

[@Pandemonium088]

I have the non + version and using a KRK Rokit 7 Gen4, is this a good upgrade?

[@GadgetryTech]

While it is better, I wouldn't trade your old one for this. If anything, I would consider a more feature-rich option with balanced connections if you were to ever upgrade. If you don't need Bluetooth, the D30+A30 Pro stack is amazing.

[@jayden_2954]

My question is this or the Fiio K7

[@Progenix]

What about compared to the ifi zen dac 2?

[@darthheretic129]

No comparison

[@tiger1chu]

would a Sennheiser hd560s be good for this?

[@TheMaurob1979]

Absolutely yes

[@Benham1]

Would u recommend this for gaming?

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Get a g6

[@skwirl865]

I’m a this still your pick for $200 for gaming only or is there something else you’d choose now that it’s a year later? Also, aside from power, how does the fiio k11 compare for gaming? Is the difference between this or something else and the k11 worth the extra money? I hope u see this. Thanks in advance!

[@darthheretic129]

Clearly not for gaming.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Needs optical for tv sets and older consoles

[@restymalinao2023]

I'm using hifiman sundara with dx3 pro but it doesn't get as loud as I want to especially when I'm mixing so I always switch the gain to +19db. But playing mastered songs +6db is more than enough. Anyone experiencing the same? Is sundara really hard to drive?

[@GadgetryTech]

It's not that hard to drive, but it's not as easy as some others out there. Planars like a little extra power. I think what you're experiencing is normal.

[@restymalinao2023]

@@GadgetryTech I see. thank you so much! Really appreciate it

[@rickgear2579]

I just bought this. I am using it for gaming and it's connected to my Sennheiser 560S. I am still very much a novice, so experts will probably laugh at me with this question: 1. WHat settings are best for Dolby Atmos gaming? I want an immersive soundstage and good directionality. I have a Dolby Atmos license and DTS: Headphone X license. I basically want something that will give me as close to a surround sound in gaming as possible. 2. I have noticed that in Windows I am limited to 24-bit 96000 KHz. How do I get this up higher? There doesn't seem to be a way to change it. Windows always reverts back. Is it a setting on the actual DAC/amp

[@mopnem]

Audiophile reviews in a nutshell, he said get a d90 for more musicality. I wonder if he’s ever heard the d90 cause it’s actually even less musical..

[@mrn234]

Thats the problem with sound and audio reviews everyone hears or likes different stuff.

[@hexen0076]

I purchased Topping DX3 Pro Plus I decide to upgrade power wart to low noise version. Decide on iFi Audio Power 15v version 1. Great price at $C60.00 from Amazon when adapter arrived check the voltage an polarity is fine. For some reason wont turn on does any one have same issue option upgrade PS .

[@tennishistoryandresultsdat4540]

Can't figure out how to turn gain on and off

[@DankePlace]

Yes

[@restymalinao2023]

amazing video. I just wanna ask, does it add color to audio? I want to pair this with my sundara for mixing.

[@ClipHater]

Is it possible to listen to both USB and coax input at the same time if they're both plugged in?

[@a2raya772]

you lost me at no balanced..

[@jayden_2954]

Makes 0 difference

[@a2raya772]

@@jayden_2954 actually it does. also in volume

[@rajeebdas1724]

​@@a2raya772nope. It doesn't

[@mrn234]

@@a2raya772 Only in volume since the headphones get a bit more juice.