Short answer: a tie on measured performance. Both are rated 4.9/5 (#4 and #7 of 43 DAC and headphone amp combos) at nearly the same price ($299 vs $299), so choose on features and fit.
The case for the Topping DX5 II: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The catch: 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.
Why pick the Topping G5: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. The tradeoff: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones.
Buy the Topping DX5 II or the Topping G5 on features: they are rated the same at close to the same price.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX5 II | Topping G5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 43 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #7 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) | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9039Q2M | ES9068AS |
| 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) | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs (945 g) | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
| Battery Life | - | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
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 JDS Labs Element IV
- Topping DX5 II vs Topping DX3 Pro+
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 G5: $299.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms is unusual for a battery unit and handles most planars, with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs. It runs about 9 hours on USB, 10 on Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, and 25 as an analog amp, and weighs 265 g.
Cons: Its 175 mW into 300 ohms limits headroom with high-impedance headphones. The Topping DX1 II rates the same and measures slightly cleaner for much less, though it is not portable. At 140 mm long and 18 mm thick, it suits a bag better than a pocket.
Full Topping G5 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Battery Life | 9 hours (USB), 10 hours (Bluetooth), 25 hours (analog) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 2.8” x 5.5” x 0.7” (70 x 140 x 18 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | USB-C, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 175 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (265 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons