Short answer: the Topping DX5 II. It ranks #4 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $299. The Topping DX3 Pro+ ranks #10, rated 4.8/5, at $199, $100 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Topping DX5 II does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Topping DX3 Pro+ lacks. Watch for: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones.
What the Topping DX3 Pro+ does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack.
Buy the Topping DX5 II. It is rated higher, and the $100 saving on the Topping DX3 Pro+ is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX5 II | Topping DX3 Pro+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #10 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9038Q2M |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) | - |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Topping DX5 II:
- SMSL DO400 vs Topping DX5 II
- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
- SMSL RAW-MDA1 vs Topping DX5 II
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping G5
- Topping DX5 II vs JDS Labs Element IV
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Topping DX5 II: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6.4 W into 32 ohms and 990 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4 pin XLR outputs. It adds a 10 band parametric EQ, Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and RCA and XLR line outputs, matching the rating of the SMSL DO400 for less.
Cons: The Topping DX1 II shares its rating for well under half the price and still delivers about 1 W into 32 ohms, which is plenty for most headphones. Its full size chassis takes more desk space than compact all in ones.
Full Topping DX5 II review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Topping DX3 Pro+: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 117 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 1,800 mW into 32 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones, and it accepts USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD and LDAC, plus an RCA line output.
Cons: There is no balanced headphone output, only a 6.35 mm jack. The Topping DX5 II rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at far more balanced power for a bit more.
Full Topping DX3 Pro+ review and specifications →
| Released | 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9038Q2M |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.7” x 1.6” x 6.5” (120 x 40 x 165 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 117 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons