If you’re looking for an affordable DAC for your laptop, smartphone or tablet, the new Topping DX1 II could be well worth it.
Topping has built a solid reputation over the years for offering high-performance audio products at competitive prices. The latest addition to its line-up is the compact DX1 II, which combines a DAC and headphone amplifier in a single unit.
At its core is an ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip featuring a dual-DAC architecture. By processing the left and right channels independently, the design is intended to reduce distortion and improve overall audio performance. Digital signal processing is handled by a 16-core XMOS XU-316 controller. The DX1 II supports PCM audio at resolutions of up to 32-bit / 384 kHz, while DSD256 playback is also supported.
The primary input is USB-C, with additional optical and coaxial digital inputs available for connecting a variety of source devices. On the output side, the DX1 II offers both balanced 4.4 mm and unbalanced RCA line outputs. A built-in headphone amplifier allows users to connect headphones via either a standard 3.5 mm jack or a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output.
Interestingly, Topping (also) markets the DX1 II as a gaming DAC, thanks to its compatibility with platforms including the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
The Topping DX1 II carries an attractive retail price of just $119.