Topping EX5 MQA Dual ES9038Q2M DAC Bluetooth 5.0 LDAC DSD512 PCM 768kHz Hi-Res Audio HiFi Decoder Headphone Amplifier (Silver)

Product Information

But why did liu@ post a serious SMSL DAC's bug (3rd harmonic one) and severely damage SMSL's reputation? Based on looks, I would have guessed that Topping managed to just cram both the D30 Pro and the A30 Pro into 1 chassis, and created the EX5. However, it’s not that simple. Although there are striking aesthetic similarities, the EX5’s sound signature is unique in itself.

Topping EX5 Review - DAC With a Powerful Head-Amp - iiWi reviews Topping EX5 Review - DAC With a Powerful Head-Amp - iiWi reviews

However, if you are looking to see if DX5 offers the same level of SQ in a smaller box, the answer is yes. With the mid-bass hump complementing the more subdued mid-bass on the EX5. The richer midrange presentation on the HD600 on the other hand shone through despite the upper midrange recession on the EX5.The EX5 and DX5 have balanced line outputs, the DX3 doesn't. Balanced line outputs can help remove or avoid ground loops... Finally, the headphone amplifier section on the EX5 uses Topping’s NFCA headphone amplifier architecture. It boasts of having a diminishingly low THD of 0.0001% for the single-ended output and 0.0003% for balanced 4-pin XLR. In the middle of the front fascia of the EX5 is a large screen composed of 7-segment displays and some indicator LEDs. This screen displays the different modes of the EX5, the active input, and some letters or numbers that indicate the different modes, volume level, or sample rate being played by the EX5. Sound fading over time is quite natural, leaning towards the faster side of things rather than relaxed but still very convincing.

TOPPING NX4 DSD, NX5, NX2S, NX3s, Headphone AMP and - HiFiGo TOPPING NX4 DSD, NX5, NX2S, NX3s, Headphone AMP and - HiFiGo

I already explained very clearly that one can simply get balanced output from any unbalanced DAC with just an additional resistor: After that’s taken care of, open Tidal, select the output device, go to settings and enable Software Decode Disabled and Exclusive Mode and you’re done. That’s it – you should now see the MA symbol in the upper right corner. There is a weird bug that says 44.1 kHz still with MQA active, even after changing the sound settings output to the correct value. It doesn’t seem to impact anything though. I’ve already brought up the 3XP and the Bifrost and covered the differences between those and the DX5. The DX5 excels in everything except for weight/build quality/finding the software to install. That’s really good against these competitors. Oh, and it has MQA unfold if that’s your thing (I like it.) The only other DAC/AMP I’ve tried that even comes close to the DX5 at this price is the ifi Micro iDSD Signature. It costs more, but is portable, has a battery, and has a bunch of other features like bass boost and IEM settings in addition to MQA unfold. It’s the only thing I would rate higher than the DX5 in this price range, but it still costs a few hundred more. At this price, I don’t think you can do better, even with other Chinese DAC/AMPs like SMSL, xDuoo, and FIIO (I couldn’t even get the K9 Pro ESS to work.) The next step above this might be from Mytek, Matrix, or Questyle – but they cost a LOT.

The review sample was kindly provided free of charge by Shenzhen audio in exchange for my honest review.

Topping x Shenzhenaudio EX5 | Headphone Reviews and Topping x Shenzhenaudio EX5 | Headphone Reviews and

In terms of features, I’m just impressed that Topping could just fit all the features of the A30 Pro/D30 Pro and more into the smaller EX5. Technical

Gear used​

The EX5 is the type of product average audiophiles have been asking for, for years Topping have produced standalone dacs and amps with few meaningful features but high prices and their dac amp combos have been fairly mediocre