Topping DX1 Mini Stereo DAC Headphone Amplifier Combo - 280mW x2 Powerful Output Two-Stage GAIN Switch USB Chargable Discrete LNRD AK4493S XU208 384kHz/32bit Native DSD256 HiFi Home Audio (Black)

Two months in, and I have this DAC + Amp combo paired with an Aune AR5000 as my headphones. I had a pretty decent sound system before with the audio interface my high end motherboard offered, but as I'm sure you know, in order to get the most out of higher end headphones with stricter ohm impedance and thus higher requirements to properly drive, you need to get an amp no matter what. Since my finances were somewhat limited at the time, I needed a budget option for an amp and a DAC. I'd already tried and returned so many models, but this one stands out as the holy grail somehow. I've already recommended it to a few friends, who all stand by the quality of this system.==THE GOOD==The Topping DX1 is a beautiful, little device that is USB-powered, and supports both 6. 35mm and 3.5mm headphone output; I have tested both and they are of equal performance. The quality of the case looks professional, the system does not overheat, and the volume adjustment knob moves satisfyingly smooth. The AK4493S is a pretty good sound chip at the price range, and I can't complain. This is just a solid device all around that works as advertised, and downloading the drivers is a must.==THE BAD==(!! Please read updated segment first !!)If you are using this DAC + Amp combo on a Windows platform, not only will you have to configure the device to disable the Windows "sound enhancement" and properly configure the audio frequency and fidelity, but you will need to accept the fact that some applications just do not register this device. The most common culprits are not the ones you'd expect. For example, in gaming, Fortnite does not recognize this device and will not play audio through it, while Marvel Rivals detects it just fine. For audio listening, Winamp, Audacity, and WACUP do not register this device, while Spotify and YouTube pick up the device just fine.I'm sure a simple driver update by Topping would fix this issue, and I sincerely hope they are willing to read this review, but until then, it is my one complaint. There is no reason why this device shouldn't work on every application, especially the ones specifically designed with music listening in mind. Would I recommend it? Yes, as long as you are willing to switch back and forth whenever you find an application that doesn't recognize it... a bit cumbersome.After Topping fixes the driver issue, this will be an amazing device.====Update (2025.05.25)Recently, a friend informed me about how to solve my issues. As it turns out, some applications (INCLUDING WinAmp) are finicky and either only support up to 24 bit depth (This device is 32 bit depth), or only transmit audio up to 192khz (Device is 384khz). This isn't Topping's fault, and just requires a simple change in your settings to adjust for the appropriate applications. I have now used this amp + DAC combo to drive three different open back headphones with varying ohm impedance, and it's been pretty stellar. For an entry level device, this is about as good as it gets, but you will obviously need something more powerful if your reference headphones are rated near or above 250 ohms. Updating my score to 5 stars to reflect this.

This is my first foray into audiophile word. As a beginner, this product works wonderfully. I'm pairing it with my HD600s. At frirst I was a little concerned about the max volume, as they don't get quite as loud as my previous gaming headphones, but I'm finding the absolute clarity means I'm never maxing them out, anyway. Low gain is fine for some very casual listening, but I do have to keep them on high if audio is a focus on what I'm doing. That said, I haven't experienced any distortion or hissing even cranked to max, and it only ever gets warm to to touch.The design is minimalistic, sleek, and feels premium. Has a nice little weight to it. At this price point, I don't think there's better.Lemon for scale

Paired with a Drop/Epos PC38X, this thing made an incredible difference. I was using an $18 UGreen DAC, but that had no amplification. The Topping DX1 gives a real power boost and remarkable clarity. If you've been using headphones on your PC and wished that you had more volume, especially on certain tracks - this is the answer.Turn Windows volume up to 100, and use the vol knob on the DX1, and remember the low/high gain switch on the back of the DX1. I put mine on high gain, set it and forget it. Gaming? fire up Trepang 2 - some of the best gun audio effects you'll ever hear.

I have a love / hate with Topping product. This one I loved 2-3 years ago when it came out but now, there are better options on the market with better features for the price. For one, why Topping still uses a mix of USB types if nuts. Why USB-B? If you want a longer cable, you're relegated to search for something decent because most USB-B cables are crap. I used Cable Matter's which are pretty much the best you can find but it's just a pain. Also, this "might" be the reason it doesn't work from a phone. The Fiio SK02 works perfectly from a phone and it's USB power driven too. Sure, you'll get all ASR on me and claim that the AKM doesn't have the ESS hump and it'll sound better but no, you won't hear the difference. The positive is that this device sounds great and the volume control is very good but it's still a pot and the again, the SK02 is digital for the same price so you won't have too much gain for IEM's. I think the SK02 is a better alternative at this price point.

Excellent. Connected to a PC, using for gaming in Windows, with Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X headphones. Sound is clear and sufficiently loud, I left the gain selector at "low". In other words, despite not having a power supply, this unit pumps out sufficient power. Works in Linux too without any issues.

excellent little device. Sound was crystal clear and easy to setup, just plug and play with the USB cable and you are good to go. Worked well with all my IEM's and my dt 770's 250ohm.