Display & Audio Setup
Topping DX5 II
By Nick Miles · Updated 2026-10-04 · 5 expert sources
Pros
- +Audio Science Review's measurements put it among its top-20 best DACs ever, with distortion and noise it called vanishingly small
- +A 10-band parametric EQ lets you save profiles and tune headphones and speakers separately (Trusted Reviews, Headfonics)
- +Balanced XLR and RCA outputs work at preamp or line level, so it can run powered monitors as well as headphones (Trusted Reviews)
- +Three headphone jacks on the front: 4-pin XLR, 4.4mm balanced and 6.35mm (Headfonics)
- +The power supply is built in and there are 12V trigger in and out connections, in a 44 x 190 x 155mm box (Audio Science Review, Trusted Reviews)
Cons
- −Simon Lucas, who reviewed it for both TechRadar and Trusted Reviews, says it can easily tend towards sonic brightness
- −Headfonics found the stock tuning lacks bass warmth and body until you add EQ
- −Headfonics flags potential firmware quirks: some buyers reported problems with the first firmware before Topping released an update
- −The power switch sits on the rear (standby is on the volume knob), the input is USB-B rather than USB-C, and Windows PCs need a driver (Headfonics, Trusted Reviews)
Score breakdown
- Expert consensus9.0
- Effectiveness9.0
- Build safety9.0
- Durability8.0
- Value8.5
Build safety is provisional. Our 2026-10-03 search of CPSC recall data found no recall for this product, and no safety, heat or failure reports turned up in our sources, but we have not yet verified its UL/ETL or equivalent safety certification. The 9.0 is a placeholder until that evidence is reviewed, not a certified rating.
What the experts say
“Generally excellent audio performance from a well-made, chunkily specified, functionally flexible device that sells for a little less than it could probably get away with, the Topping DX5 II is a very serious proposition indeed.”
“And in most ways, it’s a very agreeable listen indeed – and is sometimes capable of sounding quite a lot more expensive than it actually is.”
“It is my pleasure to recommend the Topping DX5 II DAC and Headphone Amplifier.”