Topping NX4 DSD DAC/Amp Reviews | Drop

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Topping NX4 DSD DAC/Amp

Oct 4, 2018

Verified Buyer

This product is well made and nicely packaged. I have used it with a variety of headphones -- primarily Denon AHD-5000, Grado SR-325, and Sennheiser 6XX and have generally been pleased with the results. I have also used with the Audeze ISine LX and KZ AS 10 IEMs. To me, the NX4 is a very neutral and uncolored product. It works well with my Windows 10 computers, and an LG V20 smartphone. Most of my listening is with FLAC or WMA lossless, but I have used it with 24/192khz files as well. Unfortunately, it does not function well with my Samsung S9+ phone and Galaxy S2 tablet. In order to use the NX4, I have to reboot the phone/tablet with the NX4 powered on and mounted. The connection, once established, can be randomly disrupted - by a volume change, opening another app, or a phone call. I have already commented on this problem in the discussion section and received replies. I e-mailed Topping as well. I still have not found a workable solution - it's not the USB Audio toggle in the Developer Options menu in Settings, and the problem is not confined to Neutron. I have also tried different aftermarket cables. I believe the problem lies with Samsung and not Topping, having read a thread about compatibility issues with the phones and USB audio out in vehicles. I wished to share this experience to prevent any potential disappointment. Update: 10.18.18 Now using Fiio C106 cable (as recommended by another Massdrop member and connecting well to the S9+. Extra $13.99 expense.

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Steve-Cast

Mar 2, 2019

JazzguitarfanHow would you compare the sound from your V20 to the Topping's? Is it worth getting it if you already have a V20 or in my case an LG G7?

Shahkhan

Mar 2, 2019

JazzguitarfanSame question, plz answer.

Mar 2, 2019

Steve-CastThe main difference is that the NX4 is more dynamic and louder than the LG V20. I guess the best way to convey it is the incremental improvement over the VLG V20 is about the same as the LG V20 versus a standard smart phone. I get the best sound out of the NX4 as a USB DAC off my Windows 10 computer. If you are listening to MP3 files on your phone, I do not know if the extra resolution of the NX4 will be audible, particularly during a commute.

Mar 2, 2019

ShahkhanThe main difference is that the NX4 is more dynamic and louder than the LG V20. I guess the best way to convey it is the incremental improvement over the VLG V20 is about the same as the LG V20 versus a standard smart phone. I get the best sound out of the NX4 as a USB DAC off my Windows 10 computer. If you are listening to MP3 files on your phone, I do not know if the extra resolution of the NX4 will be audible, particularly during a commute.

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Shahkhan

Mar 7, 2019

JazzguitarfanHi, can it drive 6xx with ample power when using through laptop?

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thms

Mar 20, 2019

JazzguitarfanFiio C106 can't find it. I assume you mean the USB-C to USB-C cable which is Fiio CL06 in that case, right ?

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W8TERM3LON

Aug 24, 2019

ShahkhanYes, it'll drive the 6xx with no problem when used with a laptop.

(Edited)

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Dec 19, 2019

JazzguitarfanHow does it compare to the LG V20 with your power hungry headphones?

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Dec 19, 2019

Tigerex966It is more powerful than the LG V20 for sure. But I don't have anything more difficult to drive than the 6XX. My main issue with the NX4 was connectivity with the Samsung S9+. After I updated the review to mention the C106 cable, I would still occasionally have problems. I am now using a FiiO M11 for most of my portable listening. Using IEMs more these days. I like the Topping brand and recently bought a DX7 Pro for my desktop. If you are using a V20, this would be a sonic upgrade, fuller, richer, more dynamic. But I can't say how it would compare to the V30,40,50 or the new G8X.

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Dec 20, 2019

Jazzguitarfanthanks my bad, i see the earlier answers now, thanks again.

Feb 19, 2020

JazzguitarfanAre you in high impedence mode , line out, or normal mode with your LG V20? I use the usb audio pro app, and Onkyo's HF Player app with the LG V20, which I find much better than LG's music app, I also use an app called HIFI Dac status that shows which audio mode the Quad dac is in. And of course you can trick the LG into being in the high impedance modes using all dacs, even with lesser headphones and earbuds. in those low power battery saving modes, the LG is clean and crisp, but volume and impact/dynamics and warmth wise sounds about the same as any other phone, with probably even less volume. USB audio Pro also has a feature (extra cost) with profiles for many headphones built in, and of course serious eq and sound shaping features, and the like. I guess I will have to test it with the 6XX, Shure 1840 and a few other cans, but for just a little more I can get a used LG G8 with a million more features, including MQA, stereo recording, all the latest hifi bluetooth codecs, nice screen sd card, hand gestures, and new meridian tuning, to be used as a DAP. Choices, choices?

(Edited)

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Arik_sh

Apr 5, 2020

Tigerex966How do you trick the LG into being in the high impedance modes? Thanks.

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Dec 29, 2020

Arik_shI use a 3.5mm stereo male to 2 X 3.5mm female y cable adapter. Along with a dunno conducted 75ohm or higher adapter. I plug the headphones in one hole and the ohm and the other port plug into the phone and it goes into hi impendence mode. You may have to do it in a particular order. It makes the v20 a great audio streamer and gives headphones a pop. But battery life goes quicker. Also sounds better in the cars and Bluetooth speaker sux in than Bluetooth does by a long shot.

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RyCan

144

Feb 17, 2021

JazzguitarfanCan you take phone calls with a headset plugged into the Topping? Or does it not pass the mic signal back to the phone?

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Feb 28, 2021

JazzguitarfanI hadn't used the NX4 for a while so I had to break it out to answer you. I hooked it up to my Samsung S20+ and made a phone call using the Smasung supplied AKG IEMs with an inline mike. I was able to complete the call, but I suspect that the phone was using its built in mike and not the one in the IEMs.

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