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83% would recommend to a friend 
Topping DX7s Balanced DAC/Amp
01 / 07
Topping DX7s Balanced DAC/Amp
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Product Description
It’s not often that a fully balanced DAC/amp comes along at a price like this. The Topping DX7s improves upon the well-regarded DX7 by taking both the DAC and headphone amp sections up a notch Read More
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(74 reviews)
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keyboard_arrow_downlogic
87
Nov 6, 2018
REVMADAs luck would have it, I own both a DX7s, and a Jot with the multibit DAC.
Functionally, the Jot is a very simple device from the user's perspective; the two DACs (or phono input) are simple add-on boards with fixed filter configurations, there's only simple input/gain/volume control, an on/off switch, and no visualization at all. It's a fairly beefy headphone amp that happens to have a DAC in it. Gets kinda hot when it's on, but basically plug-and-go.
The DX7s has quite a bit more going on; there's an interactive display so you can see what's coming into the device at any given moment, you have control over the ESS filters, output switching is saner (to me), it has a real standby mode, etc. It's a well-featured DAC that happens to have a middle of the road headphone amp attached to it. More to tweak. :)
For me, the DX7s quickly became my daily driver, and the Jot lives in another room for occasional use (with higher-impedence cans). I'm planning on mating the THX AAA headphone amp to the DX7s once mine ships, and I suspect my desk setup will be "finished" at that point.
It might be worth reading reviews (and discussion) of both, to get a sense of what's important to you (click through the threads, you'll find more charts; in particular, the DX7s is a very old review, so you end up having to go much further in the thread to find things like SINAD):
Jotunheim: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-schiit-jotunheim-and-ifi-idsd-black-label-dacs-and-headphone-amps.3717/
DX7s: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-dx7s-dac-and-headphone-amp.2378/
There's also a bunch of threads on head-fi.org and superbestaudiofriends.org about both of them, I'd suggest spending some time with those as well.
LordHiler
21
Mar 20, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
I don't want to make claims my ears can't back up, so I'll try to keep this straight forward and clear: the Topping DX7s is excellent as both a DAC and a headphone AMP.
I have a FiiO M9 which has dual AK4490 dacs and a fully balanced output, and the Topping DX7s which has dual ESS 9038 Sabre dacs, also with a fully balanced output. I am listening primarily with my Sennheiser Massdrop HD6XX headphones and a custom cable with a 2.5mm trrs balanced termination. I have a high quality adapter from 2.5mm to 4-pin XLR for the Topping.
First, both dacs sound excellent on a range of sources, all FLAC, from 16/44.1 to 24/192 in a wide range of genres including jazz, classical, blues, pop, punk, alternative, classic rock, metal, newage, and others. I am not disappointed with either. However, subjectively, the DX7s has more detail, is more neutral in its presentation, and has a wider soundstage. In comparison, while still very detailed, the FiiO m9 with its AK4490 chips is more organic and natural sounding, a little more intimate, and slightly warmer. Again, both are excellent, it comes down to preference.
Build quality, settings, and I/O on the Topping are all absolutely top notch. I have no complaints.
I like an organic, natural presentation, so I USUALLY run the balanced XLR outputs of the Topping into the balanced inputs of a Loxjie P20 which I've upgraded with a better power supply and two NOS Sylvania Gold Brand 5670 tubes and for my money and listening preferences that combination is absolutely euphoric. I definitely want to try it with the RDAC whenever that becomes available but that is more idol curiosity than a real need to improve my listening environment. I will listen straight from the Topping when the music I'm listening to is already unnaturally warm or at all muddy, and it is a great source in those cases where neutral analytical detail is the order of the day.
I hope that helps!
(Edited)
LordHiler
21
Oct 13, 2019
Fingerslinger, I'm very sorry I missed this and didn't get back to you sooner. I never had clipping and still don't. In fact, one of the things that has amazed me about the P20 is just how clean it is regardless of power level. The stock power supply doesn't supply enough current to overcome the startup surge and that worried me, hence the replacement.
The power supply I'm using is the "UpBright" 12v 5A 60W power supply from Amazon. It looks like a laptop brick. Works fantastically well! - $15.99 I would think any similarly rated power supply would do.
Perhaps my better experience is because of my tubes, which were a marked improvement over the stock ones. I am actually no longer using the DX7s, I've swapped it for the Airist Audio R-2R DAC which for my listening was a big step up - bearing in mind that what I just said is entirely subjective and I do not think it is any cleaner (maybe less so even) than the DX7. That said, the output voltage of the Airist R-2R is higher than the DX7 and I'm still not getting clipping. I suspect the issue may be your tubes, or even a defective P20. I hope you get it sorted out!
fingerslinger
1
Oct 16, 2019
LordHilerThanks. That's good info. I am using GE NOS/JAN 5670W matched tubes. I would think they would be fine, but we shall see. I should also note that I first noticed the issue with low impedance/high sensitivity headphones at high(er) volumes.
ccl13
43
Jul 6, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
It's great, but compatible issue comes with sub-par support experience.
I returned my unit due to compatible issue with some SPDIF TosLink output.
Without the compatibility issue, this is really great and totally worth the price. Sound is clean and crispy. Good set of features and everything. Please refer to other more professional reviews for its sound quality - all I have in this aspect is compliments.
One noticeable thing to mention is the volume knob on the front actually controls digital volume levels. Meaning the output ports on the back is also controlled by this knob. For me this is a big plus as I don't need any improvised apparatus to control volume when there's no control from source.
Usually review stops here and a 5 star would be given. However in my experience I had to deduct one for compatibility issue and support experience.
I have a HDMI to TosLink Audio Splitter that I use to feed audio from my entertainment center sources (HTPC, Game Consoles, BluRay player). It works fine with all my other DACs, ones I made, ones from other brands, even ones from Topping. But not with DX7s.
When I hook DX7s up, TosLink will not work properly. The DAC's screen will blink between "--- Hz" and "48KHz" indefinitely like crazy, until one moment it figures out the correct format and audio will be there. However once I pause the audio from source, it will likely go into this loop again. I tried a lot of configuration changes from source, no change. Different frequency, bit depth, even format, nothing helped. Tried to convert it to Coaxial, it helped a bit as it will less likely to have difficulty, but still does so.
This my only setup that fits DX7s so naturally I reached out to Topping support. There's some trouble with finding their info (their website URL is tpdz.net) but that's not the important part. When I described this to them, their reply is simply that yes there's a compatibility issue, and no there's nothing they can help. I don't dream about there's a firmware update already to fix things. However I do expect them to try to gather some diagnostic info from me and perhaps provide a vague promise that they will try to fix the problem. But no.
So here I am. Returned DX7s because it does not work for my setup. I eventually got a D50 with similar core components as DX7s but without balance input/outputs. This model works well with my setup at generally little loss in sound quality.
I really liked DX7s given its sound quality and ROI. I will still recommend it to friends and family, but will attach my story as buyer be aware at the same time.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? Yes
ccl13
43
Mar 30, 2020
Totally yes. But there's no promise, nor diagnosis. That's at least very bad communication, assuming the situation is they know what's wrong and a fix is being prepared.
anroj
33
Sep 20, 2018
checkVerified Buyer
I just got my DX7s yesterday so it's nowhere near close to being broken in but I wanted to give my initial impressions. My system consists of:
1. CD - MCIntosh MCD205
2. DVD/BluRay/SACD/DVD-A - Oppo BDP-105D
3. Comcast Set Top Box
4. WD 4TB NAS
5. Intel Skull Canyon NUC
6. Sonore microRendu powered by HDPlex 300W LPS
7. Wyred4Sound Recovery USB Reclocker (RUR) powered by HDPlex 300W LPS
8. HQPlayer controlled by Roon
9. Sennheiser HD650 1/4" plug - wanting to try balanced cable
All cables are Kimber Cable or PS Audio
10.McIntosh C2200 preamplifier
11. McIntosh MC402 amplifier
12. Martin Logan Aeoni speakers
13. Music sources 44.1kHz FLAC, 48kHz, FLAC, 96kHzFLAC, 192kHz FLAC, DXD, MQA, and DSD up to 256mHz
I compared this against my iFI iDSD Black Label in my system and the first thing I noticed was the clarity and ability to better locate instruments within the soundstage. The sound is currently a little lean as compared to the BL, but I think with more breaking in that will improve. I also sensed better timing and rhythm to the music as it just seems to flow from my speakers. The BL seems a little reserved in comparison. The BL is a great DAC for the price, but I always felt that it was a little slow and thick, which seemed to throw off leading and trailing edges of notes. I notice much more of a sense of attack and decay with the DX7s with a wide soundstage. The soundstage depth and height are somewhat lacking now but that could be a result of not being fully broken in yet. I have been listening to DSD512 and PCM up to 768kHz and have been really impressed with both formats, though i prefer DSD, which seems more nuanced with better timbral accuracy in my system. That's about it for now. I have my CD player on repeat downstairs to break the DX7s in. I will report back in when it has a chance to settle in to see if my initial impressions have changed.
Hi all, I have been living with the DX7s for about a month now and i wanted ro report back on my findings.
The sound of the DX7s has definitely bloomed to more fully flesh out vocalists as well as to present instruments in a more cohesive manner. The pace of performances has also tightened up and music is more of a fabric now. I don't feel like anything is highlighted. It just sounds like music. The soundstage has opened up and decay in large spaces seems to go on forever. There is no sense of exaggeration, just the natural decay of instruments or voices, where that is in the recording.
Last night I tried HQPlayer with the DX7s and it is awesome! I am really impressed with this DAC.
As another note to my comments, I tried the preamp feature of this DAC and was very impressed. It is not as transparent and resolving as running it as a standalone DAC into my McIntosh C2200, but it is really good.
anroj
33
Nov 4, 2018
Hi Toshu, I need to update my review score. When I added the follow-up comments, I meant to update the rating.
blitz9826
9
Mar 2, 2019
Yes the RCA out will send all audio including DSD out without a prob. Coax out will only do PCM; the spec sheet says 192 KHz but I think my Onkyo AVR supports only 96 KHz on the Coax in (which is dumb since optical supports 192 KHz just fine)
Diesel
48
Feb 17, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
I have it paired with the THX 789, running balanced. It's an exceptional pairing, very clean and detailed. The fine detail really comes through, particularly with the Focal Elex.
The amp section leaves something to be desired, and I don't recommend using it. It shines as a DAC, and when used as such, it works well, but clearly the amp section was an afterthought, and added to entice people looking for a fully-functional all-in-one unit.
I would dock it a star because of the lackluster amp performance, but the reality is that the DAC functionality is so pleasing, format support is outstanding, and the value for the price is exceptional, that it makes up for the amp's shortcomings. It'll play anything you throw at it, short of MQA, and it'll sound fantastic doing it.
Buy it for the DAC, feed it to a capable amp, and you'll be happy with the purchase.
ryc2000
2
Mar 7, 2019
I bought the remote already in advance. I just had to open and load the battery. During that time, I listened with the headphone jack. Much easier to switch with the remote.
michael.ye
36
Aug 17, 2019
ryc2000I have several Logitech Harmony remote controllers around, which can be configured to control Topping DX7s. It is very easy to add a topping device then an playing music activity, mapping the buttons. Tthen it is done, the Harmony remote can control the DX7s.
junklee
16
Jan 15, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Comparing to my other Dac/Amp including m9xx,Fostex HP-A4BL and Teac U-301, DX7s is most versatile but sound quality is just OK as headphone amp and Dac.
Maybe I just expected too much after seeing too many good reviews...
I tested it with bunch of balanced and unbalanced headphones including LCD2,HE560, EL-8 and 32ohm Philips X2.
When comparing my other Dac/Amp side by side, the sound is lacking dynamic ,details and separation.
If you care about the string vibration and decay of piano notes, US made m9xx and Japan made HP-A4Bl will entertain you more.
avaneeded
75
Mar 6, 2019
junkleeThanks for comparing it to the hpa4bl which is what i currently own, i was thinking on maybe getting this one and decide which to keep but i kind of trust a comment made by someone who already tried both and is covering mostly what i care about. I would be interested though to know if you are using ASIO drivers and/or which media player.
junklee
16
Apr 18, 2019
avaneededFostex HBA4BL just sounds better for my taste. Warmer and meatier than DX7s.
DX7s sound wider and airy because of less mid and bass. People may call it neutral but its just not my cup of tea. The main reason I keep DX7s is I can remote control DX7s through harmony remote.
I use Mac system with Jriver Media center to play Flac and DSD music.
sealpin
6
Sep 3, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Very good build quality. Good value for money.
Output impedance not optimal. Headsets with dynamic drivers and impedance below approx 100 ohms will face some sound coloration. No impact on headsets with linear impedance (planar magnetic drives) or headsets with high impedance.
Remote control needs to be purchased separately.
Recommends this product? Yes
Horseknight
179
Sep 17, 2018
checkVerified Buyer
This is my first Massdrop review. I would keep it precise and short. I received my Topping DX7S (silver) last week and have been using it many hours every day. Here are a few things I would like to share:
The built is solid and pleasant to the eyes (a “silver crown” added on top of my Harman Kardon system--see photos) as most members agree here so I won’t go on that. But here is what impresses me about this beautiful magic box.
Compared to my previous 2 office setups:
( Set up 1: CD -> Harman Kardon or Onkyo CD player -> Harman Kardon AV ->HIfiman HE-400i / Hifiman HE-560 / Monoprice 1060-Mod) or
(Set up 2: Music Wav files-1411 kbps -> Pioneer SC Elite -> HIfiman HE-400i / Hifiman HE-560 / Monoprice 1060-Mod);
This is my new setup for this Topping DX7S:
Harman Kardon CD Player ->Topping Coax in
Computer with Music Wav files-1411 kbps and DSD -> Topping USB in
Samsung 4K multi-media player (with Wav files-1411 kbps and/or music streaming) -> Topping optical in
All three connections from Topping sounds great. I also connect each of my headphones with its own balanced cable ($100 or more for each cable..ouch). Here are my comments based on my own listening ability and sessions. Please remember that I am not trying to claim this as general outcome. Only to my own ears!
1: Balanced output is an obvious improvement in clarity and sound stage, even compared to Topping DX7S’s own ¼ unbalanced output. Especially the highs are crystal clear and I can hear lots of details I never heard before. So the “balance” feature itself and the additional cost to upgrade balanced cables for my headphones are totally worth the investment.
2: The balanced output from Topping DX7S makes all my 3 planar headphones and my dynamic headphones (such as Schennheiser 650) sound more open, clearer, and more musically pleasant. YES, Toppings DX7S has enough juice to push all of these headphones, especially the hard-to-drive Hifiman HE560 & Schennheiser 650. My Hifiman HE560 used to require so much power from my Harman-Kardon and Pioneer Elite SC, it shorted the fuses in Harman Kardon often. Now this Topping DX7S can easily drive Hifiman HE560 at -43db, Hifiman HE-400i at -49db and Monoprice 1060 at -52db. Obviously Topping DX7S has more than enough fresh juice to power.
3: I also tested the XLR outputs on the back and balanced-connected my JBL monitors and Rokit monitors to Topping DX7S. Both sets of monitors sound great with clean high, mid, and low as well.
Sel2g5
21
Apr 16, 2019
HorseknightThnaks! How do you compare 560s to 400is? I was thinking of getting some 560s, I have 400i and I like them a lot...
davemcl
6
Sep 12, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Excellent value for money
The Topping DX7S is excellent as both a DAC and a headphone AMP. I wont be looking at anymore DAC's for a while as a result.
Recommends this product? Yes
michael.ye
36
Aug 20, 2019
checkVerified Buyer
Device's USB port software could hang up!
No cables plugged or unplugged, the third day after turning on the device and the computer, the device no longer shows up in the Device Manager.
Software, hardware issue?
Update: After googling around, found that some other people also saw the same problem. The problem is that the device's USB port software hangs up. To solve the issue, power off the device and the computer, disconnect power cable and usb cable, then power back on the computer and the device. The computer should be able see the device again.
(Edited)
Recommends this product? No
EddyGuy
10
Mar 2, 2020
michael.yeHi, a guy in his review fixed this problem by changing the stock USB cable. Might help
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tl;dr: this (as well as the predecessor, the DX7) is one of the forum's gold-standard DACs, especially at this price point. It uses a pair of the current (as of mid-2018) flagship ESS dual-channel DAC chipset (ES9038Q2M) in what seems to be a well-implemented device, and the amp has plenty of power for most headphones (and can easily pair with an external amp if you need more).
Ergonomically, the unit is built exceptionally well: it's much smaller than I expected given what it's capable of, doesn't get nearly as hot as my Schiit Jotunheim, it doesn't have that "cheap hobby electronics project box" look that seems to be in fashion with some companies, and the information screen is far more useful than I originally thought it would be (ensuring that the software I'm using is, in fact, outputting what I think it is, other general debugging of the rest of the system).
"Something something INCREDIBLY FLUID SOUND ahem cough EXPANSIVE SOUNDSTAGE mumble mumble AUDIOPHILE SHINY WHATSITS" Ugh, I hate audio reviews so much. It sounds good and I like it. I've paired a few different headphones with it at this point (HD-6xx, E-MU Teaks, Focal Clear, bunch of random others), and it has done it's job exactly as I'd hoped.
Random tidbits for people who buy this:
Since Google seems to hate Topping's website, and I can never remember it off the top of my head: it's http://en.tpdz.net/ . There is a firmware update there for this device (and most of their other DACs); you should probably make sure you're up-to-date when you get it (USB problems have been reported with older firmware).
Something I wish someone had told me when I first started using this is that of the three output modes (Headphones-only, DAC-only, and HP+DAC), DAC-only does not have volume control. If you want to be able to control the volume via the knob on the front of the unit, the headphone output needs to be active. Not a big deal, but was annoying until I figured out what was going on. :)
You should also know that there is an optional remote for the DX7s that wasn't released when the unit originally shipped; it's a well-made, hefty little thing, and can be a useful addition depending on where you've mounted the unit. I picked mine up from Aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Remote-control-for-TOPPING-DX7s-DAC-Headphone-amplifier/32891839661.html