Short answer: the Topping DX5 II, if you are buying new. The Topping DX5 measures as well as it (#4 vs #5 of 53 DAC and headphone amp combos, 4.9/5 vs 4.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Topping DX5 II is still sold new at $299.
What the Topping DX5 does well: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. The catch: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping DX5 II.
Why pick the Topping DX5 II: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the Topping DX5 lacks. The tradeoff: 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.
Buy the Topping DX5 II new; the Topping DX5 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping DX5 | Topping DX5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Discontinued | $299.00 |
| Ranked | #4 of 53 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos | #5 of 53 in DAC and Headphone Amp Combos |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp | DAC and headphone amp |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW | 6,400 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW | 990 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Balanced Output | Yes | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, XLR |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS | 2 x ES9039Q2M |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 5.8” (180 x 45 x 148 mm) | 7.5” x 1.7” x 6.1” (190 x 44 x 155 mm) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| Equalizer | - | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Weight | - | 2.1 lbs (945 g) |
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- D&A Alpha vs Topping DX5 II
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Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 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 Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Topping DX5 II, ranked lower, rated 4.9/5, released Jun 2025. It adds aptX Adaptive. See every Topping DX5 generation.
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 122 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and it is effectively transparent. A rated 1,800 mW into 32 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including hard to drive planars, with 250 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance models. It offers balanced outputs, Bluetooth input with LDAC and USB, optical, coaxial inputs.
Cons: Discontinued and replaced by the Topping DX5 II.
Full Topping DX5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | 2 x ES9068AS |
| Device Type | DAC and headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.1” x 1.8” x 5.8” (180 x 45 x 148 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,800 mW |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Digital (knob and remote) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Topping DX5 II: $299.00 Amazon $299.00 eBay
Older model: the Topping DX5 (ranked higher, rated 4.9/5). See every Topping DX5 generation.
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