Overview

The original Topping DX5 is a compact desktop DAC/headphone amp built around dual ESS ES9068AS DACs and an NFCA-based headphone stage. It provides USB/optical/coaxial inputs, balanced/unbalanced line outputs, and practical headphone outputs aimed at users seeking lab-grade transparency on a desk. The model has since been superseded in the lineup by the DX5 II (299 USD), but this review evaluates the original DX5[8][9].

Scientific Validity

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Audio Science Review measured the DX5 achieving the fourth-highest SINAD ever among ~400 DACs at the time[1]. Manufacturer specs list THD+N 0.00009%, dynamic range 128 dB, and noise < 2 µVrms[3]. Independent testing at L7 Audio Lab also shows ~122 dB SINAD, corroborating its excellence[2]. Minor notes include the typical ESS IMD hump and Toslink jitter observations[1], neither affecting audible transparency in normal use.

Technology Level

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A dual-DAC balanced architecture with a low-noise NFCA headphone stage and USB support up to PCM 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512 delivers state-of-the-art measurements[3]. While not a radical new topology, the analog and digital implementation is meticulously optimized to reach transparent-level performance.

Cost-Performance

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As the cheapest equivalent one-box option with matching functions (balanced 4.4 mm/6.35 mm headphone outs, Bluetooth with LDAC, balanced line out) and transparent-level measurements, the SMSL C200 is selected as the comparator[4][5][6]. Its prevailing US price is 219 USD versus 449 USD for the DX5:

219 USD ÷ 449 USD = 0.487… → 0.5[5][6].

Third-party data and published specs indicate ≈0.0001% THD+N (–120 dB) class and ≈123 dB DR, satisfying transparency[5][10]. Therefore, while the DX5 measures superbly, cheaper alternatives providing the same user-visible capabilities constrain its price advantage.

Reliability & Support

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Build quality is solid with a well-finished aluminum chassis. Warranty and after-sales support via authorized dealers are in line with industry norms. As the original DX5 trends toward end-of-life in retail channels, buyers should confirm seller warranty terms and consider long-term parts availability[8][9].

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The DX5 pursues audible transparency through measurable improvements—low THD+N/SINAD, high dynamic range, and stable frequency response—rather than subjective tuning. This measurement-first approach is rational. Price rationality is tempered by the existence of equally transparent, feature-matched devices at lower prices.

Advice

If you want transparent, measurement-driven desktop listening with both balanced/unbalanced outputs in a single unit, the DX5 remains excellent. For new purchases, consider the DX5 II (299 USD) for better price/performance in the same family, or the SMSL C200 if minimizing cost while retaining features (balanced HP out, Bluetooth) is the priority[6][8][9]. Existing DX5 owners can confidently keep it—its measured performance is already at the top tier.

References

[1] Audio Science Review, “Topping DX5 Review (DAC & HP Amp)”, https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/topping-dx5-review-dac-hp-amp.32179/, accessed 2025-08-16 (AP analyzer SINAD ranking)

[2] L7 Audio Lab [ZH], “Measurements of Topping DX5 USBDAC/HeadphoneAMP (Prototype)”, https://www.l7audiolab.com/f/topping-dx5/, accessed 2025-08-16 (independent bench data)

[3] TOPPING (official), “TOPPING DX5 HiFi DAC & Headphone Amp”, https://www.topping.store/products/topping-dx5-hifi-dac-headphone-amp, accessed 2025-08-16 (THD+N 0.00009%, DR 128 dB, noise < 2 µVrms)

[4] SMSL (official), “C200”, https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/799.html, accessed 2025-08-16 (I/O and Bluetooth/LDAC support)

[5] Audio Science Review, “AOSHIDA SMSL C200 Review (DAC & Amp)”, https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/aoshida-smsl-c200-review-dac-amp.36850/, accessed 2025-08-16 (measurements; market price context)

[6] Amazon US, “SMSL C200 ES9038Q2M HiFi DAC Headphone Amplifier…”, https://www.amazon.com/C200-Headphone-Amplifier-ES9038Q2M-4xOPA1612/dp/B0B9391B45, accessed 2025-08-16 (current US price, I/O)

[7] Amazon Japan, “SMSL C200 USB Bluetooth DAC ヘッドフォンアンプ…”, https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/C200-Bluetooth-Headphone-Amplifier-Resolution/dp/B0B9391B45, accessed 2025-08-16 (JP market price reference)

[8] Amazon US, “TOPPING DX5 II Hi-Res DAC & Headphone Amp Combo — 299 USD”, https://www.amazon.com/TOPPING-DX5-Hi-Res-Headphone-Combo/dp/B0FC6HRB2S, accessed 2025-08-16

[9] TOPPING (official), “TOPPING DX5 II Hi-Res DAC & Headphone Amp Combo”, https://www.topping.store/products/topping-dx5-ii-hi-res-dac-headphone-amp-combo, accessed 2025-08-16

[10] iiWi Reviews, “SMSL C200 DAC and HEAD-AMP review”, https://iiwireviews.com/smsl-c200-dac-and-head-amp-review/, accessed 2025-08-16 (THD+N/DR figures; feature confirmation)

(2025.8.16)