Note: This is a pre-order. Product will ship in early November. 

The future of discrete 1-bit design

A fully balanced DAC and headphone amplifier made for those who build their listening chains around precision. The DX9 Discrete is a rethinking of Topping’s flagship architecture from the ground up. Its self-developed 16-element PSRM 1-bit DAC eliminates conventional chip limitations, delivering micro-detail and tonal accuracy that extend deep into the noise floor. The six-channel discrete NFCA headphone amplifier pushes 7,080mW ×2 into 32Ω loads with near-zero distortion, while the ten-band PEQ and fully-balanced hybrid relay volume control let you tailor your playback with surgical control. Use it as a transparent DAC for active monitors, a powerful headphone amplifier for high-impedance cans, or a pristine preamp for your main system.

DX9 Discrete – What’s New? 

Feature	DX9 Discrete	DX9
DAC Architecture	16-Element PSRM	AK4499EQ
THD+N @1kHz (A-wt)	<0.00006%	<0.00007%
Channel Crosstalk	-136dB @1kHz	-125dB @1kHz
DSP Config	Supported	Not Supported
PEQ	Ten-Band High-Precision PEQ	Not Supported

 

1-bit done right

Topping’s proprietary PSRM DAC architecture uses 16 discrete elements per channel to perform 1-bit decoding with nanosecond-level switching. By eliminating off-the-shelf DAC chips, the DX9 Discrete controls every step of the digital-to-analog process. The result is extraordinary linearity and clarity: 131dB SNR, <0.00006% THD+N, and perfectly stable channel balance.

Goodbye to jitter

A CPLD precision clock system and dual-stage jitter suppression circuit keep the digital signal clean. The AK4118 receiver handles coaxial, optical, and AES inputs with less than 50ps RMS jitter, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. Music sounds defined and stable, with transients intact and decay left untouched.

Balanced power from end to end

The DX9 Discrete’s six-channel discrete NFCA amplifier is built for demanding headphones. Each channel operates independently, producing up to 7,080mW ×2 at 32Ω with noise below 0.5µVrms (balanced) and 1.1µVrms (single-ended). The sound stays quiet, composed, and distortion-free no matter how far you turn the knob.

Precision volume you can trust

The fully-balanced hybrid relay volume control blends relay switching with a resistor network for exact level adjustment. It eliminates channel imbalance at low volume and keeps stereo imaging razor-sharp. 

Custom-tuned I/V conversion

Topping’s proprietary I/V stage converts current to voltage using low-distortion op-amps and discrete components. It’s designed to unlock the PSRM’s full potential: dynamic, textured sound with a sense of air and physicality. 

Tune to your taste

The built-in ten-band high-precision PEQ lets you tailor your frequency response exactly how you like it. Adjust gain, Q-factor, and frequency for each band, or import target curves through Topping’s software. Save multiple profiles for headphones, speakers, or genres.

Crossfeed done right

The headphone crossfeed system uses convolution modeling of HRTF and room acoustics to create natural spatial cues. It reduces the “inside-your-head” effect common to headphones, making the stage sound wider and more realistic. There’s even a simplified BS2B mode for a gentler presentation.

Connections for every occasion

With eight digital inputs—USB, Bluetooth, two optical, two coaxial, AES, and IIS—the DX9 Discrete fits into any listening chain. IIS supports up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512. USB uses the XMOS XU-316 processor and Thesycon driver for bit-perfect playback on Windows and plug-and-play compatibility with other systems.

Output options your way

Choose between headphone, line, or preamp output—or run everything at once with All Output Mode. Outputs include XLR, RCA, 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and XLR-4, all using NEUTRIK connectors for reliable, professional-grade performance.

Wireless that holds its own

The integrated Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 module supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Stream lossless audio from your phone or laptop with high-resolution clarity and low latency.

Built to last

A CNC-machined aluminum chassis, glass top panel, and soft ambient lighting give the DX9 Discrete a modern presence on your desk. The multifunction knob can be customized to your liking, and the 12V trigger syncs power with other gear. A solid aluminum remote adds convenience without clutter.

User-friendly interface

Dual 2.0-inch color displays powered by the Aurora UI let you switch between FFT spectrum, VU meters, and playback info. It’s intuitive, fast, and genuinely helpful. No manual needed.

Product highlights

• Fully balanced DAC and headphone amplifier combo
  
• Self-developed 16-element PSRM 1-bit DAC architecture
  
• Six-channel discrete NFCA headphone amplifier
  
• Up to 7,080mW ×2 output power at 32Ω
  
• THD+N <0.00006%, SNR 131dB, DNR 131dB
  
• Fully balanced hybrid relay volume control
  
• Ten-band high-precision PEQ with software control
  
• Headphone crossfeed with BS2B simplified mode
  
• XMOS XU-316 USB processor supporting PCM 768kHz / DSD512
  
• Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
  
• 8 digital inputs (USB, BT, 2×OPT, 2×COAX, AES, IIS)
  
• Multiple outputs: XLR, RCA, 6.35mm, 4.4mm, XLR-4
  
• All NEUTRIK connectors for durability and precision fit
  
• Aurora dual-display UI with FFT, VU, and playback info
  
• 12V trigger synchronization and programmable control knob
  
• CNC aluminum body with glass top and ambient lighting
  

Specs

• DAC Section
  
  • DAC type: 16-element PSRM 1-bit discrete
    
  • THD+N @1kHz (A-wt): <0.00006%
    
  • SNR: 131dB
    
  • Dynamic range: 131dB
    
  • Channel crosstalk: –136dB @1kHz
    
  • Frequency response: 20Hz–40kHz (±2dB)
    
  • Output level: 5Vrms (XLR), 2.5Vrms (RCA)
    
  • Output impedance: 100Ω (XLR), 50Ω (RCA)
    
• Headphone Amplifier
  
  • THD+N @1kHz (A-wt): <0.00007%
    
  • Output power: 7,080mW ×2 @32Ω (balanced)
    
  • Noise: <0.5µVrms (balanced), <1.1µVrms (single-ended)
    
  • Output impedance: <0.1Ω
    
  • Channel crosstalk: –133dB @1kHz
    
  • Gain: 12.5dB (low), 24.5dB (high)
    
• Pre-Amplifier
  
  • Output level: 15Vpp (low), 48Vpp (high)
    
  • Dynamic range: 131dB
    
  • Channel balance: 0.3dB
    
• Inputs
  
  • USB / BT / OPT1 / OPT2 / COAX1 / COAX2 / AES / IIS
    
  • PCM: up to 768kHz / 32bit
    
  • DSD: up to DSD512
    
  • Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
    
• Outputs
  
  • Line/Pre Out: XLR / RCA
    
  • Headphone Out: 6.35mm / 4.4mm / XLR-4
    
  • Trigger: 12V In/Out
    
• Power
  
  • AC input: 100–240V, 50–60Hz
    
  • Power consumption: dependent on mode
    
• Dimensions & Weight
  
  • Width: 13.4in (34.0cm)
    
  • Depth: 8.9in (22.5cm)
    
  • Height: 2.4in (6.0cm)
    
  • Weight: 6.6lbs (3.0kg)
    

What’s included

• DX9 Discrete ×1
  
• Remote control ×1
  
• AC cable ×1
  
• USB cable ×1
  
• Bluetooth antenna ×1
  
• 6.35mm to 3.5mm adaptor ×1
  
• Product information card ×1