Due to the more rolled-off quality of the upper treble range, the soundstage is not particularly expansive. Directionality is acceptable, and the entire soundscape is optimally used provided that the headphones can present images within the entire soundstage. Finally, the headphone amplifier section on the EX5 uses Topping’s NFCA headphone amplifier architecture. It boasts of having a diminishingly low THD of 0.0001% for the single-ended output and 0.0003% for balanced 4-pin XLR. Of course you don't have to use it since there is a fully functioning remote control with a couple of handy shortcut buttons. D isclaimer: The Topping X ShenzhenAudio EX5 sent to us is a sample in exchange for our honest opinion. We thank the team at Shenzhen Audioand Toppingfor giving us this opportunity.

Topping EX5 Review | Super Best Audio Friends My Topping EX5 Review | Super Best Audio Friends

Note: this is a brand new product. My testing is only limited to its performance, not functionality and reliability. If you are worried about any risks in this regard, you may want to wait until early adopters test it first.

The easiest way to change the settings is with the provided remote control having a dedicated button for almost all the available functions of the DX5. Please keep in mind that these are rough estimates and shipments can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, like postal strikes or severe weather. As you can see, this is a combination DAC and headphone amplifier. Note that the XLR style headphone out is for convenience and does not produce more power.

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I’ve already brought up the 3XP and the Bifrost and covered the differences between those and the DX5. The DX5 excels in everything except for weight/build quality/finding the software to install. That’s really good against these competitors. Oh, and it has MQA unfold if that’s your thing (I like it.) The only other DAC/AMP I’ve tried that even comes close to the DX5 at this price is the ifi Micro iDSD Signature. It costs more, but is portable, has a battery, and has a bunch of other features like bass boost and IEM settings in addition to MQA unfold. It’s the only thing I would rate higher than the DX5 in this price range, but it still costs a few hundred more. At this price, I don’t think you can do better, even with other Chinese DAC/AMPs like SMSL, xDuoo, and FIIO (I couldn’t even get the K9 Pro ESS to work.) The next step above this might be from Mytek, Matrix, or Questyle – but they cost a LOT.Anyway John Yang said that you were spreading misinformation and had already used other accounts and that's why the ban occurred. I would say that this is likely the true end game DAC. It does everything one could want and is going to be essentially perfect in real world use. Based on looks, I would have guessed that Topping managed to just cram both the D30 Pro and the A30 Pro into 1 chassis, and created the EX5. However, it’s not that simple. Although there are striking aesthetic similarities, the EX5’s sound signature is unique in itself.