I had issues with the Zen Dac V2 not working when my computer would awake from sleep. Resolved that with a USB2.0 driver and plugging it into a USB2.0 port. I also had to plug-in an external power supply because driven by the USB, my PC would freeze randomly for 5-10 seconds. The DX3 Pro+ Bluetooth connection will pair instantly to a known device and in my test stayed connected for 10 meters behind two walls. From USB to Bluetooth the volume is slightly lower by around 3dB. So if it's primarily going to be used with headphones it's a great product, but if line-out is something you find important and often used I can't recommend it because there are better sounding DACs to choose from.

One additional bluetooth question regarding AptX HD vs. LDAC that maybe I should start a new tread for: I am not likely to listen to music in excess of Redbook CD resolution (16 bit/44.1 Kbps). My music collection has been ripped from CDs and stored in ALAC. Will AptX HD allow me to listen via bluetooth at true "CD quality" or would I need LDAC for this? Hi-Res Audio Wireless and LDAC are supported with a Qualcomm QCC5152 chip. Unlike other DACs that decode Bluetooth codecs with the Bluetooth chip, the DX3 Pro+ uses the ESS ES9038Q2M chip for decoding for even better performance. Plug and play These DAC & Amps are designed for discerning music lovers. If audio quality is important to you, a set of DAC & Amps like these would be ideal.First, to get it out of the way: The pricing here is a bit more expensive compared to other markets. Sure, there are justifiable reasons for it but it's still worth mentioning. Even with that, it is the cheapest, most performant single device solution currently out there. I would recommend reading the audiosciencereview thread about this one to get more details regarding the performance part if you're interested. Hey Amir I suppose you did all tests using USB? No real difference using the coax inputs I presume? Two gain settings (+6dB/+19dB) make it easy to adjust for the varying impedances of IEMs and full-sized headphones. Four output modes

Well…here things get quite interesting. DX3 Pro can work as a standalone DAC, preamp or a headphone DAC/AMP through optical, coaxial and usb input. The WA11 is one of the rare portable products that really knows how to handle the more complex to drive cans. It brings a performance to the table that’s in the class of desktop gear. Headphones like the Diana Phi or Empyrean I enjoy most when driven by the WA11. It just makes them sound stunning. It is impressive what kind of quality Woo Audio has achieved with the WA11. The iFi Micro iDSD Signature is surely a special unit. It is an excellent performer with a premium build, design, and internal components. It’s also very versatile with outputs and features. If you need something more out of a DAC/Amp then I don’t know what else would fulfill that. When it comes to sound, iFi always delivers and the Signature is no exception. If the filter passband is flat and covers the audio bandwidth, 20Hz-20kHz, then input signals in that passband will be output unscathed.Great recommendations! The Audio-Technica ESW-9 has to be my favorite out of of this list of recommendations with the Bowers & Wilkins P5 coming in close second. I do see these Marshall headphones receiving some talk lately and even my local Best Buy has started carrying some. I’ll have to try them out sometime. Great list once again! All in all, the DX3Pro does not obsolete every DAC and headphone amplifier out there. But it comes darn close and nails the functionality and performance needed in a moderately low cost unit. Add to that the attractive industrial design and it easily becomes one of my favorite desktop products. As such, I recommend the Topping DX3Pro wholeheartedly. Additionally, I wish I was a “newbie” ! You are at the very start of a beautiful journey, don’t be hasty and try to enjoy it. We hope to see you among us in future, take good care! There's 4 output mode of DX3 Pro: Headphone amp only, Headphone amp + Line out, DAC only, Pre-amplifier. DX3 Pro is suitable for almost all usage scenarios.

Having experienced the transparency of the A90 amplifier, I went in scrutinizing the DAC section of the DX3 Pro+ anticipating a fairly similar sound signature. I tested the unit’s DAC output by connecting the RCA to my Burson Funk amplifier which is important to note since while it is a fairly resolving gear, it has its sonic characteristics. They outperform their price tag and they deserve the HFN recommendation award, without any doubts. Be sure to try them if you are looking to upgrade your desktop rig. You won’t be disappointed. If you don’t have a DragonFly yet, I would recommend going for the Cobalt for sure as it’s the best of the trio. The RED still is a really nice alternative if you’re on a lower budget or if you prefer RED’s tuning, of course. Headphones: OG AB-1266 Abyss, Abyss Diana V2,Abyss Diana TC,ZMF Verite Cocobolo, ZMF Atrium Cocobolo ,Ether-C, HD-800,HE-500,HE-400,HE-400S,HE-5XX,Sundara,Edition XS,HD-6xx,ESP-950,99 Classics,AKG 872,240 Sextett’s,240 Monitors,Fostex TX-0,TR-X00,Brainwavz Alara,Koss Porta Pro

As expected, the build quality of the device is quite good and the device offers an aesthetic design compared to the D series. The price difference between the D10B and the DX3 Pro+ is totally negligible considering you get a much nicer-looking chassis, a great NFCA amp module, and LDAC capability along with other features. I can’t see any milling or assembly imperfections anywhere on the unit. Topping seems to have designed a very competitive product for the market with the DX3 Pro+. Controls & UI This gives an interesting look at DA filters http://archimago.blogspot.com/2013/06/measurements-digital-filters-and.html There is a lot of good to great portable DAC/AMP units on the market but they don’t offer the same and multiple outputs and connection options the HiFi-M8 V2 offers. Looking at its price and performance, mixed with a bit of nostalgia, I can only recommend this unit to anyone who is in the market for one of these devices.

The HiFiman EF400 is a great addition to the vast world of desktop USB-DAC. It’s not a device I expected, and out of the blue, the brand completely shook me out of my chair. I have really enjoyed using the EarMen Colibri. I was a bit afraid of its size but in reality, it’s still small and it doesn’t bother you at all when on the go. I don’t have experience with Zen v2 though. I believe nothing has changed except for full MQA support.In that white box, you’ll get a remote control, which may come handy, especially if you plan to use the DX3 Pro in your stereo setup with no remote to control the volume. Also included is a mediocore, cheap power supply, usb cable and an antenna for bluetooth.