Topping DX3 Pro LDAC Version 2 DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

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Topping DX3 Pro LDAC Version 2 DAC/Amp

Audiophile

Showing 1 of 73 conversations about:

Topping DX3 Pro LDAC Version 2 DAC/Amp

NewType88

Aug 11, 2019

I have a THX 789 coming and I will be using the balanced output. Question: Can someone explain to me if I would be losing any benfits of using this DAC with a THX 789 vs a balanced DAC ?

Vote

JJayJJ

472

Aug 11, 2019

NewType88Here's what you need to know for all DAC's pertaining to your question. If you're going to be using balanced output, then you need to get a balanced DAC. So this device is a no go. Balanced through the 789 will increase it's output power drastically (there are no conventional headphones on this planet that couldn't be driven by the amount of power the 789 outputs in balanced mode). What balanced mode also provides is near-immunity against ground loops (you're going to need to Google, or Youtube this one as it would require too much writing explaining it here). Finally, balanced connections are used also in professional environments because of sturdy connectors, and the ability to run VERY long wires (we're talking 10's of yards and much more), as opposed to RCA cables which have limits before you start to notice sound quality take a hit. Now granted, this isn't a concern for home use, and RCA unbalanced connections are fine if length is concerned. That, in a nutshell is all the differences between unbalanced and balanced you need to know about in home use cases, and if you're going to be using the balanced output, you're also going to need a balanced DAC which this isn't.

NewType88

Aug 11, 2019

JJayJJThanks for the explanation. I just wasn't sure if I needed a balanced dac in order to receive the power benefits of running the amp balanced out. Do you know of a balanced dac with Bluetooth off the top of your head ? Ill search for one as well.

Vote

JJayJJ

472

Aug 11, 2019

NewType88Nothing off the top of my head, though Topping said a bluetooth capable D70 should be out shortly after the normal D70, though as always, everything is seemingly delayed these days. Also if you can muster to wait, a DX7 Pro is coming in September (after 2 delays now), that should be like the DX3 Pro, just better performing, 5.0 Bluetooth, and balanced DAC/AMP.

NewType88

Aug 11, 2019

JJayJJRight on, thanks champ ! :p

verifonix

1181

Aug 12, 2019

JJayJJYou're wrong in one thing though: "If you're going to be using balanced output, then you need to get a balanced DAC. So this device is a no go." This is false. You can still use balanced output with single ended DAC and get double the power output. The THX AAA is designed differentially this way. There is significant power gain to be had on balanced mode with SE input. SE is still plenty powerful though, but if more power is needed balanced output via balanced cable will do just that.

(Edited)

jaydunndiddit

3262

Aug 12, 2019

verifonixAnd to add, SE is just as clean as Bal on the THX so it's really a matter of needed gain and output power for what it's driving. I feel this gets missed for those chasing the tail of the balanced dragon.

verifonix

1181

Aug 12, 2019

jaydunndidditYeah back when I had the THX I only used SE out it was plenty lol. But with something like T50RP or more expensive HiFiman like arya balanced juice can definitely improve things. For most things though, not really.. SE's already stupidly powerful.

(Edited)

JJayJJ

472

Aug 14, 2019

verifonixApologies, I stand corrected. I knew about this but totally forgot that it would work. It didn't cross my mind because I never thought someone would want to if they already have balanced aspirations. My bad though.

Uzuzu

1431

Aug 15, 2019

jaydunndidditI agree, and this has the power for 90 percent of the headphones on the market to sound their best. Let's be real, most people aren't using 600 ohm headphones at this point and this damn thing is going to sound just as good as the THX meme.

jaydunndiddit

3262

Aug 15, 2019

UzuzuAgreed. The only time I've seen the THX struggle is with my T50s and T60s on SE. Actually, it's the only time I've had to use Gain 3. Otherwise as you stated, it's absurdly OP for the rest of the market. It's rare that I crank anything to 12 o clock, and I rarely have to use gain 2. I had the same realization with the O2 and needed to get an IEMatch to reasonably use it at work. The T50 has been the only thing that makes my amps really put in work.

NewType88

Aug 15, 2019

JJayJJNo worries. I just didn't know if the balanced output from the amp could only give the juice if it was connected to a balanced dac. I should of been more specific in my initial question.

Uzuzu

1431

Aug 16, 2019

jaydunndidditI feel you, most of my headphones that I actually keep around are fairly easy to drive. I haven't heard the THX but I can't believe it's as amazing as people say it is, practically everything now is so clean the amp is starting to matter less and less IMO