Topping DX7s Balanced DAC/Amp Discussions | Drop

Dec 3, 2018

I was very interested in this, but i found a deal on a fostex hp a4bl for about the same price as this and since it's a made in japan product and has almost the same features i just couldn't pass up on it. Wish i had a chance to test both to see which i liked better and buy the one i liked the most but there was no way for me to do it.

Dec 3, 2018

Dec 7, 2018

avaneededThe Fostex is a joke compared to this Topping DX7s. Much smaller and lighter, not even closer to the real output power of the Topping and the Balanced output of the Topping makes it even more juicy. The Fostex feels like a toy compared to the heavy, all sturdy metal Topping. I Lived in Japan few months ago and went to Demo it... I didn't like it. Didn't feel premium at all... looked like a plastic box and with not balanced output was even a worse of a deal for that price. Didn't buy it and preferred to order the Topping DX7s instead and so much better in every way. I am also using the balanced XLR output for a pair of amazing Speakers Adam Audio T5V. Edit: Also the Topping can be used with a wonderful all metal remote (23USD).

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Dec 7, 2018

Dec 7, 2018

HIFI778tho, the bl part in the fostex means it is the one that includes the balanced output making your statement totally incorrect

Dec 7, 2018

Dec 8, 2018

avaneededI am speaking about balanced output on the back of the unit for external speakers or external balanced tube Amp not the headphone balanced output.

Dec 8, 2018

Dec 8, 2018

HIFI778well i just need it for headphones so unfortunately your review is not as useful as i would like, thanks tho

Dec 8, 2018

Dec 8, 2018

avaneededYeah you may think that but always will come a time when output for external speakers comes needed or even so when you will build an extended collection of headphones and you will want to try a balanced tube amp with the amazing dacs that these expensive equipment have... I paid only 90USD for this hibrid tube amp Loxjie P20 and it sound fantastic with Sennheiser headphones on balanced connection. 5 star reviews everywhere... Extra outputs and imputs are always a wonderful addiction and if are not there other good equipment cannot be used... But if you are happy as it is and don't want to try new things in the future then I guess perfect also the Fostex. ;-)

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Dec 8, 2018

Steve007

Dec 14, 2018

HIFI778I have both and both are great products. The Fostex is essentially portable and is limited to 2 filters. I have a Fostex hp 8 as well there is something to be said for the quality of their products. I prefer the sound of the fostex, but both are good so ultimately it comes down to features and none are perfect. For my use i would like the following, remote, rca inputs (for turntable as in the HP 8), balanced outputs for both speakers and headphones, a simple switch between speaker and headphones.

Dec 14, 2018

Dec 14, 2018

Steve007Now this is some quality input, thanks a lot. It also comes down to personal preference but from someone who actually owns both i think i could barely ask for more than an input like yours. I also would have loved for the fostex to have analog inputs but whatever, i think i can do without them, though for people who have neither maybe they could do without the specific sound quality of the fostex and acquire the dx7 for more input variety (if they dont care that much about a more portable device).

Dec 14, 2018

Steve007

Dec 14, 2018

avaneededThe Fostex HP4-BL is fantastic you made a good choice. I would get rid of my Topping (not planning to) but the Fostex is a keeper. If you have the option to listen to one the Gustard A20H is worth a try. It is completely balanced and has a smoother sound than the Topping. It is my current choice, but keep in mind at the level we are talking it is personal preference and a Scotch could sway the conclusion. I have always thought the Sabre chips in the Topping sounded a little clinical, whereas the Gustard has a smoother sound. Oddly same dac chips. Keep in mind the Topping has xlr and rca outputs but no analog inputs. My only option with analog inputs is a Fostex HP8 mkll (no balanced) but fantastic product.

Dec 14, 2018

Dec 14, 2018

Steve007i guess analog inputs dont make sense if one of the 'strong suits' is having a DAC before the amp, so you would normally want to feed only digital, but i think it would be cool if some 'cheaper' quality devices had the option to bypass the digital section and input analog to the amp section directly, haven't really found that many options which would do that, if any... maybe the jotunheim? but i've heard it's just not good enough for some serious listening

Dec 14, 2018

Dec 14, 2018

Steve007The Topping is analitical and I see it as a positive as it does reproduce music like the artist intended. Most Audiophiles look this in a DAC/Amp product. When some different wave forms are wanted we can always use the analitical DAC with a small tube amp or an equalizer. Not problem.

Dec 14, 2018

Steve007

Dec 14, 2018

HIFI778Aah I don't want to say one is better when both are fantastic. My reality is which one do I listen to more often, which is a combination of features and sound preference.

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Dec 14, 2018