Despite having a price gap, the 2 DACs have quite a few similarities internally. Both DACs are equipped with a dual-core XMOS USB controller chip and have the capability to decode MQA through both USB, coaxial and optical connections because of an ESS9068AS DAC. Ensuring that its latest iteration of the DX3 Pro lineage is not as simple as a DAC chip swap and calling it a day. Topping has crammed inside its modestly sized DAC/Amp features that will put the DX3 Pro+ on anyone’s radar for a good while. This new release of Domenico Scarlatti's Stabat Mater is worth listening to and a nice addition to the catalogue. DACs: Loxjie D30, Audiobyte HydraVox + HydraZap, Matrix Audio Element X, Mini-i Pro 3, Soncoz SGD1, Aune Audio S8, Burson Conductor 3X Performance, Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10 Pre Mode – ON (variable volume level), Off (Fixed) and Off (for DSD – that is you DSD pass-thought option)

Headfonics DAC Reviews — Headfonics

At the heart of the digital-to-analog conversion stage is an AKM AK4493EQ DAC, ensuring excellent audio performance. The AKM AK4493EQ DAC has a very low distortion of only 0.00017% (-115dB) and a wide dynamic range of 121dB, for rich, accurate and lively sound. It extracts details in treble and engages with its crisp yet non-sibilant appeal. Taps on cymbals produce a welcoming sense of space and air but subtleties are not expressed enough compressing some elements to blur into their nearest neighbor. Timbre is quite natural, smooth and not artificial and although some digital artifacts are creeping here and there coloring the sound a little metallic, nevertheless it never sounds bright or shrill. The main reason I didn't like the Onkyo was because of a failure in their equipment, and a failure of their customer service ( Has anyone else struggled with Onkyo repairs?)... but I think a warmer sound would suit the room once I've got the equipment in the right place (it's a long lounge/diner). While I did not hear a huge difference, the overall picture did develop a sense of authority, especially in the softer areas where more emphasis and finesse are notably achieved. Listening to orchestral pieces, horns are more affecting and violins better controlled.With planar magnetic driver-based headphones like the Hifiman Ananda, the headphone amplifier section on the D30 delivers enough power to drive them sufficiently. The more balanced presentation allows Poseidon’s more dynamic character to shine through. This pairing also does well in casting an expansive soundstage while creating accurate images within the soundstage.

Loxjie A30 Amplifier Review — Headfonics Loxjie A30 Amplifier Review — Headfonics

There is greater diffusion in the bass region which has a less pointed composition. It also digs deeper into the sub-bass which is quite pleasing for energetic drum arrangements. It is my first time hearing a Loxjie product and an ES9068AS implementation and I have to say that the D30 performs well although is softer than I expected.Better for pairing with sharp-sounding gears, the treble will blunt the piercing highs of some songs but as a result, can sound soft and remove some expected sparkle. Although, it has an unexpected improvement in layering the rolling sound of a cymbal crash towards a slightly wider stage.

Loxjie D30 DAC Review — Headfonics

However, the D01 is far from being fragile as it gives a properly solid feel in the hand. And unlike the do-it-all volume control of the DX3 Pro+, FX Audio decided to delegate by separating the menu and power button to the left. Performance Unlike the D30 though, the EX5 has a balanced connection for both the headphone output section as well as the preamp output section. The EX5 also has a lower measured THD+N of 0.0003%. This reduced the SINAD by 1 dB which is inline with what Loxjie has published. At 114 dB, this firmly places the D30 in excellent category of all DACs tested:Have any of you had to make this choice, and which did you choose (and why?). Are there any others to consider (Marantz 6006?) The amplifier of the D40 has a THD+N of 0.00008% working with Four OPA1612A dual op-amps for up to 700mW of power on 32Ω loads and is designed to operate separately which could help isolate it from the interference of its other components. Loxjie went with an ultra-low noise power supply (12V 1A output), I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this exact one in few devices made by SMSL (SP200 and M200 to be more exact). I’m not judging, just telling you the facts. Power supply seems to be well made, there are several voltage regulators in front and after it, it’s well made if you ask me. There are quite a few bigger and smaller Nichicon electrolytic caps for power filtering and storing. There aren’t many of them, they will not store a huge power capacitance, so don’t expect the nicest punch and impact with headphones or speakers alike. Transient response should be slightly affected by this. With a neutral-sounding signature, the Topping DX3 Pro+ is a good entry point for budget-conscious audiophiles who want a taste of a well-implemented ESS chip and a substantial 1.8W headphone power output. Topping DX3 Pro+ Technical Specifications My initial impressions of Loxjie as a brand were on the fence when I saw their pyramidic D10 coated in either vivid red or deep blue. However, the D40 appears to have undergone a more sober development and is easier for me to appreciate aesthetically.

Loxjie D30 vs. Topping MX5, or Loxjie A30 | Audio Science Loxjie D30 vs. Topping MX5, or Loxjie A30 | Audio Science

At this price range - don't over think it. Buy one with the connections you need (USB/Toslink/Coax) and remote control (or not). The rest - IMO - is academic, unless you have something exotic of a setup, or are one of those golden-eared types that can ID these in a blind test. The D30 had no trouble powering my very low sensitivity, low impedance Drop Ether CX. It got loud enough to be very usable with no hint of distortion. Normal listening would be at 80 to 90% volume. Note however that with music recorded at low level, I had to ride the volume to max. Same situation existed with Sennheiser HD-650 headphones. No distortion, loud enough to almost get uncomfortable and excellent fidelity. Digital signals fed to the device are all converted to analog through its two ESS ES9068AS DAC chips handling each channel with MQA decoding made readily available for all digital inputs except Bluetooth and I²S.Tone color is mostly neutral, not warm nor cold and this makes for a great match for all headphones as the DAC does not impose a character of its own. Both the DAC/Amps have remote controls, however, the one on the EX5 is less accurate particularly when you’re controlling the device from further away. Lastly, while the amplifier section should be more than enough for most users, upgrading to a more resolving amplifier will yield some performance improvements. Although, it is better to avoid sharp-sounding amplifiers as the default sound is close to sibilance and may sound harsh as a result.