Topping DX1 II Review: Compact DAC Amp with 10-Band PEQ

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Topping DX1 II is a desktop DAC and headphone amplifier, not a pair of headphones or earbuds. The listing positions it as a gaming tuned source component with a 10-band parametric EQ, ESS ES9039Q2M DAC chip, and both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended outputs. It is a budget tier device that connects over USB-C and works with PC, Mac, tablets, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.

On paper, the DX1 II combines a DAC, DSP processor, and preamplifier in one compact desktop unit. The published specifications include PCM up to 384kHz, DSD256, 1000mW per channel into 32 ohms from the balanced output, and a noise floor below 0.9 microvolts. That is a strong set of numbers for a budget desktop source.

The listing does not state the unit's weight or physical dimensions, and it does not mention any internal battery. Buyers should treat this as a USB-C powered device intended for a desk, not a portable dongle or wireless headphone.

Sound Quality

The ES9039Q2M DAC chip is the centerpiece of the DX1 II's sound. This is a current ESS chip known for clean conversion, and the listing pairs it with an XMOS XU316 USB processor for high resolution PCM and DSD playback. The published support for PCM up to 384kHz and DSD256 means the unit can handle lossless library files and high bitrate streaming from a computer.

The headphone amplifier section is fully balanced and rated at 1000mW per channel into a 32 ohm load through the 4.4mm output. That is enough power for most in ear monitors and many high impedance over ear headphones. The listing also claims an ultra low noise floor below 0.9 microvolts, which should keep sensitive IEMs free of hiss.

Sound character is not something the listing can fully convey, but the 10-band PEQ allows owners to shape frequency response, gain, bandwidth, and independent left and right channels. For gaming, that means users can create profiles that emphasize footsteps or positional cues. For music, the PEQ can correct headphone quirks or apply a preferred tonal balance.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort for a desktop DAC amp is about physical layout, control access, and cable reach, not headphone earpads. The listing does not provide weight or dimensions, so buyers cannot judge desk footprint from the published data. The included infrared remote control helps with volume and playback adjustments without reaching for the unit.

The front panel is not described in the listing, but the available outputs include 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks. The 3.5mm TRRS jack also supports gaming headsets with microphone input up to 24-bit/192kHz. That makes it convenient to leave a headset plugged in for both game audio and voice chat.

Because the DX1 II draws power over USB-C, there is no battery weight or charging cable to manage. The unit should stay put on a desktop, and the simple one cable design reduces clutter. However, without published dimensions, anyone with a tight desk setup may need to check the physical size before buying.

Noise Control and Features

The DX1 II is not a noise cancelling headphone, so there is no active noise cancelling or ambient mode. Its noise control is about electrical noise and clean signal path. The listing claims a patented low noise discrete power supply and optimized analog circuitry to achieve that ultra low noise floor below 0.9 microvolts.

The standout feature is the 10-band high precision PEQ DSP. Users can adjust frequency, gain, bandwidth, and independent left and right channels through TOPPING Tune software. The listing says users can create profiles for footsteps, positional cues, music listening, speakers, or headphones. That flexibility is rare at this price tier.

The unit also includes optical input and output, which allows PEQ processing for TVs, CD players, streamers, and gaming consoles. RCA and 4.4mm line outputs support active speakers and power amplifiers, so the DX1 II can serve as a simple preamp or DSP insert in a larger system.

• 10-band PEQ with independent L/R channel tuning
• ES9039Q2M DAC and XMOS XU316 USB processor
• 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended headphone outputs
• Optical input and output for external digital sources
• UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modes for PC, PS5, and Switch
• 3.5mm TRRS mic input up to 24-bit/192kHz

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

The DX1 II has no internal battery. It is powered by a single USB-C cable that also carries audio data, so it must be connected to a powered USB port or charger. The listing does not state an external power supply requirement, but the plug and play description assumes a USB-C host or power source.

There is no Bluetooth or wireless streaming support. This is a wired device only. Digital inputs include USB-C and optical, while analog outputs include 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, and RCA. That covers a wide range of desktop and home audio sources, but it will not work with a phone over Bluetooth.

The USB implementation supports UAC 1.0 and UAC 2.0 modes. That allows plug and play compatibility with PCs, Macs, tablets, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. The optical input adds a way to connect a TV or CD player without a computer, and the optical output can pass processed audio to another DAC or receiver.

Build, Design and Portability

The listing does not provide the weight, dimensions, or chassis material of the DX1 II. The product name suggests a compact desktop design, and the included remote control hints at a set top box style. Without published measurements, buyers should treat it as a small desktop unit rather than a pocketable dongle.

The front and rear panel layouts are not fully described, but the listed outputs and inputs are substantial for a budget device. A 4.4mm balanced headphone jack, 3.5mm TRRS jack, optical in and out, RCA outputs, and USB-C port give it a lot of connectivity. The single USB-C cable for data and power keeps the desktop clean.

Portability is limited by the lack of a battery and the need for a USB-C power source. This is not a device for commuting or travel. It is best suited to a permanent or semi permanent desktop setup where it can drive headphones, powered speakers, or a separate amplifier.

Call Quality and Daily Use

The 3.5mm TRRS jack is a practical addition for gaming and online meetings. The listing says it supports gaming headsets with microphone input up to 24-bit/192kHz. That means the DX1 II can handle both high quality audio playback and clear voice communication simultaneously without a separate audio interface.

Daily use should be straightforward with USB-C plug and play. The listing mentions no pairing or connection delay, and the infrared remote control makes volume and playback adjustments easy from a distance. The UAC 1.0 mode is useful for consoles like the Switch and PS5, while UAC 2.0 is better for high resolution music on a PC or Mac.

The TOPPING Tune software is needed to access the full 10-band PEQ. The listing says users can create and store profiles for different use cases, which is helpful for switching between gaming, music, and speaker setups. Without in-person time, the software's stability and ease of use cannot be judged from the listing alone.

Who Should Buy It

This device is best for a desktop listener who wants a single box to handle DAC duties, headphone amplification, and parametric EQ. PC and console gamers who want to tune footstep and positional cues will benefit from the 10-band PEQ and UAC 1.0 mode for PS5 and Switch.

In ear monitor owners and high impedance headphone owners should consider the DX1 II for its balanced 1000mW output and ultra low noise floor. The 4.4mm jack delivers more power than typical dongles, and the low noise spec should keep sensitive IEMs silent between notes.

Anyone with active speakers or a power amplifier can use the RCA or 4.4mm line outputs as a preamp or DSP processor. The optical input and output also make it useful for adding EQ to a TV or CD player system. Buyers who want a wired, no nonsense desktop source will appreciate the simple USB-C setup.

Alternatives Worth Considering

The most obvious alternatives are portable USB-C dongle DAC amps, which are smaller, battery free, and often less expensive. They may not offer the same 1000mW balanced output, optical I/O, or 10-band PEQ, but they slip into a pocket for phone use. If portability matters more than desktop power, a dongle is worth a look.

The Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, and Apple AirPods Pro are wireless noise cancelling headphones or earbuds, not desktop DAC amps. They solve different problems, mainly Bluetooth convenience and active noise cancelling on the go. Anyone shopping for headphones should compare them, but they do not provide parametric EQ or balanced headphone amplification.

The Sennheiser HD 560S and Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are wired headphones that could pair well with the DX1 II. They do not include a DAC or amp, so the Topping could be a sensible partner. The Anker Soundcore Space One is a budget wireless over ear with ANC, but it lacks the wired desktop source features of the DX1 II.

Verdict

The Topping DX1 II is a feature rich desktop DAC and headphone amplifier for a budget price. The ES9039Q2M DAC, XMOS XU316 processor, 1000mW balanced output, and 10-band PEQ are the headline items. The addition of optical in and out, UAC 1.0/2.0 console support, and a TRRS mic input make it unusually flexible for gaming and desktop audio.

The main limitations are the lack of Bluetooth and battery power. This is a wired, USB-C powered device for a desk, not a portable headphone. The listing does not publish weight or dimensions, which is a small frustration for desk planning. Buyers should also understand that the PEQ requires the TOPPING Tune software on a computer.

Overall, the DX1 II scores 76 out of 100. The sound quality and features carry the rating, while the battery category is zero because the unit has no internal battery. For a desktop listener who wants clean power, balanced output, and parametric EQ without spending mid range money, the Topping DX1 II is a strong choice. Those who need wireless or a battery powered dongle should look elsewhere.

Strengths and Limitations

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Questions Buyers Ask