Topping Launches $119 DX1 II DAC-Headphone Amp With Dual-DAC Design

Q: For $119, does this DAC's advanced equalizer make it the ultimate audio bargain?

Yes—at $119, the Topping DX1 II looks like one of the strongest DAC/amp values in its class, and the built-in 10-band parametric EQ is a major reason why. What makes the EQ matter is not just that it exists, but that it works at the device level. Users can adjust frequency, gain and bandwidth across ten bands, then apply those settings across sources rather than relying on app-specific software EQ. That makes it useful for headphone tuning, speaker correction and gaming, and the optical output reportedly lets the EQ processing feed other DACs as well. At this price, that is unusually flexible. The bargain case is strengthened by the rest of the hardware. The DX1 II combines an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC, XMOS XU-316 USB processing, balanced analogue design, support for PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, plus both 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs. Reported power output is strong for the segment, with low noise suitable for sensitive IEMs and enough drive for many full-size headphones. It also adds RCA and balanced line outputs, a display, remote control and compact aluminium build. That said, “ultimate” depends on priorities. If you do not need PEQ, balanced output or desktop connectivity, cheaper dongles may be better value. There is also some conflicting pricing in outside coverage, with some reports citing around $160. But if the launch price is truly $119, the DX1 II is not just a good deal—it is a standout one.

Q: Why can this powerful 'pocket' audio device work with a PS5 but not your smartphone?

It works with a PS5 because the console can supply enough USB power and supports standard USB audio modes; most smartphones cannot reliably do both for a device this demanding. The Topping DX1 II is small, but it is not a low-power phone dongle. It is a bus-powered desktop-style DAC/headphone amp with a relatively powerful amplifier stage, balanced outputs and a 16-core XMOS USB processor. Topping itself says it will work with devices such as the PS5 and Nintendo Switch, but “won’t run directly off standard smartphones” because of their power limits. The key issue is power delivery. A PS5 is mains-powered and its USB ports are designed to run peripherals steadily, so it can feed the DX1 II enough current over USB to operate the DAC and headphone amp properly. A smartphone, by contrast, is battery-powered and usually restricts how much power it can send out in USB host mode to protect battery life and hardware stability. Compatibility also helps the PS5. The DX1 II supports switchable USB Audio Class 1.0 and 2.0, which improves plug-and-play support with consoles and computers. Smartphones can be less predictable: even when they support USB OTG audio, some models impose tighter power limits or have inconsistent support for external DAC/amps. So the mismatch is not about the USB-C connector itself. It is about the phone’s limited ability to power a relatively high-performance external DAC/amp, while the PS5 is built to do that.

3 articles · Updated · What Hi-Fi? · Jun 29

$119 DX1 II goes on sale in July, giving Topping a new entry-level desktop DAC/headphone amplifier below its recently announced $189 E50 II.
An ES9039Q2M chip with dual-DAC processing, a 16-core XU-316 XMOS processor and a fully balanced analogue stage are aimed at lowering distortion, noise and channel crosstalk.
Hi-res support reaches 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256, with USB-C plus optical input/output, RCA and balanced 4.4mm line outs, and 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks.
A 10-band parametric EQ, front rotary control and LED display round out the feature set, while the 275g aluminium chassis is pitched as compact enough for travel.