Kill the competition

The Topping DX1 II is a compact desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for gaming, music playback, and everyday desktop use. Built around ESS’s ES9039Q2M DAC and a four-channel fully-balanced amplifier architecture, it updates the original DX1 with measurable improvements in distortion, dynamic range, and channel separation while maintaining a USB-powered design. Low-latency USB-C connectivity, support for UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 modes, and output power reaching up to 1000mW x 2 through its balanced output position it for use with everything from gaming IEMs and headsets to more demanding over-ear headphones.

For gaming, these measurements support clearer positional audio and directional accuracy. A low noise floor around -160dB and a signal-to-noise ratio reaching 128.8dB reduce residual hiss and background circuit noise, which helps preserve quieter details such as footsteps and environmental cues when using sensitive IEMs or gaming headsets. Channel crosstalk reaching -140dB keeps left and right channels highly isolated, helping maintain the spatial information used by game engines for image placement and positional audio. 

ESS DAC platform with upgraded signal performance

The DX1 II replaces the previous generation DAC stage with ESS’s ES9039Q2M. The updated implementation improves measurable performance across several areas including dynamic range, distortion behavior, and overall signal cleanliness. 

Four-channel balanced architecture and output capability

The amplifier stage uses four independent channels with separate left and right signal paths extending from DAC stage through output stage. Maintaining channel independence throughout the internal design improves separation while reducing interaction between channels.

The balanced architecture also supports greater voltage swing and output capability. Through its 4.4mm balanced headphone output, the DX1 II delivers up to 1000mW x 2 into both 32Ω and 64Ω loads, with output reaching 230mW x 2 into 300Ω headphones. Despite drawing power through a single USB connection, the amplifier provides enough headroom to accommodate a broad range of headphone sensitivities and impedance requirements.

USB platform, filter control, and desktop usability

The DX1 II uses a 16-core XMOS XU-316 USB platform supporting PCM playback up to 384kHz and DSD256 decoding. Windows operation uses a custom Thesycon USB implementation while macOS supports native driver-free functionality. Selectable UAC1.0 and UAC2.0 modes expand compatibility with consoles and additional USB sources.

Users can also select from seven digital filter profiles that alter ultrasonic roll-off behavior and transient response. Measurement data shows varying filter characteristics ranging from steeper attenuation around 22kHz to slower roll-off extending beyond 35kHz. An included infrared remote provides access to gain settings, EQ presets, output modes, filter selection, and custom profile recall. 

Availability

The Topping DX1 II is available now on Apos.