Audio
TOPPING DX1 II Desktop Gaming DAC & Headphone Amplifier with 10-Band PEQ
Product description
Designed as an all-in-one desktop audio hub, this unit pairs a high-end ES9039Q2M DAC with an XMOS XU316 USB processor to handle high-resolution formats (PCM to 384kHz and DSD256). It combines DAC, headphone amplifier, DSP/PEQ processor and preamplifier functions in a single chassis.
The amplifier stage uses a four-channel fully balanced topology with separate left/right circuitry, feeding a 4.4mm balanced headphone output capable of delivering up to 1000mW per channel into 32Ω. A 3.5mm single-ended headphone jack and a 3.5mm TRRS headset port (microphone support to 24-bit/192kHz) provide flexible listening and voice-chat options.
For connectivity it offers USB-C for audio and power in one cable, optical input and output for integrating TVs, streamers and consoles, plus RCA and a 4.4mm line output to feed active speakers or a downstream power amp. The device supports UAC 1.0 and 2.0 modes for broad compatibility with PCs, Macs, tablets, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5.
The DSP section includes a high-precision 10-band parametric EQ with adjustable frequency, gain and Q, plus independent left/right tuning and profile saving via the companion TOPPING Tune software — useful for tailoring footsteps, spatial cues, music or speaker correction. An included infrared remote controls volume and playback without pairing.
Engineered to serve sensitive in-ear monitors, the unit uses a patented low-noise discrete power design and optimized analog circuitry to reach a noise floor below 0.9 μVrms. The metal enclosure is compact and rugged for desktop placement; a single USB-C cable provides a neat, cable-minimal setup.
Pros
- Powerful fully balanced headphone output with plenty of headroom
- Detailed 10-band parametric EQ with saveable profiles
- Low-noise design ideal for sensitive IEMs
Cons
- Occasional firmware/software hiccups reported
- Optical input has been reported problematic by some users
- EQ software could be more polished and user-friendly
VerdictA versatile, well-built DAC/headphone amp that combines a high-performance ES9039Q2M converter with a four-channel fully balanced amp, extensive DSP/PEQ control and wide platform compatibility. Excellent for sensitive IEMs and high-impedance cans thanks to its low noise design and strong per-channel power. It’s feature-rich for gamers, streamers and audiophiles, though a few users report firmware
Reviews
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Gabriel Nuñez 5/5
Great first desktop DAC
A hidden gem—clean, powerful amplification with no hiss. Compact size makes placement easy. Tested with Nubwo HD01, Sennheiser HD 25 and KZ Castor; impressed.
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Justin Ridgewell 2/5
Optical input stutters
Optical input drops every few seconds on both 44.1kHz and 48kHz sources. Works fine as a USB DAC/amp, but optical was unusable for me.
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Emlyn Maillard 5/5
Quick setup; firmware via browser
Worked right away. Older systems may need to use the web version of the Tune software in Chrome for updates and firmware tasks.
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Christian Hernandez 5/5
Feature-packed with occasional freeze
Really well equipped and feels solid for the cost. Switching between devices is effortless and the remote is handy. On rare occasions the front volume knob paused for 10–15s but the remote still worked. That’s only happened twice after heavy daily use. Great starter hub for multiple sources.
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Royar_Veinker 5/5
Small but powerful
This delivered the best audio I've heard. Running planar magnetics on the 4.4mm output and it drives them perfectly. Recognized instantly on Arch Linux + KDE Plasma. Music and games sound fantastic—10/10.
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Galileo2010 1/5
Caution: dangerous loud crackling
Twice while listening the unit produced sudden, very loud crackling that was painfully loud. Almost caused hearing damage. Be careful.
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Chris Genore 5/5
Revived my headphones
My Beyerdynamic MX330 PRO sounded lifeless on a speaker amp until I used this. It brought everything to life for iRacing—huge improvement. Great product.
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Roman 5/5
Outstanding value, very clean sound
Excellent value for a DAC+amp. I run it on Linux with Juzear Fiesta IEMs via the balanced output, low gain (-3.5dB) for best clarity and headroom. Tried high gain briefly—lots of power. The single-ended jack also behaved well with some over-ear phones. Tip: change the PCM filter in settings to a linear phase fast roll-off for best results. Solid metal build.
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Cosmin 1/5
Volume knob failed; low-end compression on some tracks
Volume knob started acting up after a few uses. On heavily compressed electronic tracks the low end can sound squashed or thin. Bought it for VSX IM1 and noticed obvious differences compared to my studio setup.
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RZ 5/5
Excellent for mixing and portable work
Fantastic for mixing on the move. Drives VSX Immersion One with around 8dB of headroom even with EQ. Lightweight, plug-and-play with USB-C and extra I/O like optical out. You can separate USB power if needed and support from the maker was very helpful.
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Tech Guy 5/5
Surprising power for planars
Initially thought it couldn't drive my Hifiman Ananda Nano, but engaging gain fixed that. Now it outperforms my SSL interface's headphone amp—very impressed.
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Pier 3/5
Excellent sound but weak EQ app
Sound quality is incredible, as expected from the brand, but the EQ configuration software is disappointing and needs improvement.
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