Competition
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I have already covered this section in an earlier article.
This is where it gets tough as I don’t have many DAC/AMP combo’s in my collection to compare the Topping DX7 Pro to but I do have the Burson 3XP.
The Topping DX7 Pro is a bit cheaper than the Burson and it offers a bit more connectivity options. It uses a different chip from ESS, namely the ES9038PRO and the two units sound completely different. (The Burson uses the ESS9038Q2M).
The Topping is ultra clear and has less body from top to bottom. It’s a more neutral presentation compared to that of the bigger, more powerful sounding 3XP. The Topping’s bass is tighter and faster while the Burson’s is deeper and more detailed/layered. The sub rumble in the Burson is also way bigger than in the DX7 Pro, even though we can’t complain about that with the Topping either.
The mid section of the DX7 Pro is cleaner but it is more digital sounding. The 3XP sounds more natural and the mids are even more spacious with a sweeter timbre. It’s the typical digital vs analogue kind of difference, though these obviously are the same technically.
The treble section of the DX7 Pro probably is more accentuated and clear compared to the Burson’s smoother treble.
Both units are great and they both easily outperform their price point, but they’re also very different in tuning. It’s all about personal preference and of course budget. It will also depend on the kind of headphones you want your DAC/AMP to drive.
Topping DX7 Pro
Conclusion
You keep reading over and over again that the DX7 Pro and topping gear in general is great, and it’s no different this time.
The DX7 Pro is impressive as a DAC/AMP selling for only $599. Of course there are always better units but the DX7 Pro certainly is outperforming its price point and many of the more expensive competitors on the market.
What I like about the DX7 Pro is how small it is on your desk but how big it is in performance. It doesn’t only look great but it sounds great too with a whole set of headphones. It becomes extra nice when you look at all the digital inputs and how well it performs as a DAC only.
If you’re in the market for an excellent performing mid-fi DAC/AMP that will keep you happy for a very long time, the DX7 Pro is one for your shortlist. The only downsides? Its light weight and the fact it doesn’t do MQA, but then again, who cares about that. Right?
It’s another recommended buy from Topping. To the Best Buy list it goes. Well done.
Mike I.
Very nice, extensive review again, Lieven. Thank you !
How was the Beyer DT1990PRO in balanced mode ?
Wills
I think the beyerdynamic DT series are all single ended only as the plug is a three pin plug.
MhtLion
In my opinion, DX7 Pro has too much gain in the headphone modules. It’s rather a common problem when over applying the voltage in order to increase the driving power.
For my ears, the XLR pre-outs were better – but by not much. As a pure DAC, I preferred D90.
CANiSLAYu
Buyer beware if you plan to out the headphone out with sensitive headphones or IEMs. The output impedance is quite high on this unit (4.7 ohm on SE and 9.4 ohm on BAL). This unit did not play nice with my HYLA Sarda (7ohm impedance) or Quad ERA-1 (20ohm impedance) as it affected the frequency response of those two (bloated bass, lack of clarity, etc.). No such issue on my Topping D90/A90 stack that I upgraded to.
Victor
I think timbre needs to be mentioned in a Dx7 Pro review. I had one and the original opamps in combination with the dac chip were really dry sounding. You can change the op amps, but even though the results are not optimal. (And you have to spend more money)
If you plan to use it without an external amp it will use two pairs of the LME op amps, the sound will be hyper texturized and nothing musical. It’s far from a natural presentation. So if that’s your cup of tea ok, but be aware what you’re buying.
Alex
> The Topping DX7 Pro is a bit cheaper than the Burson
a bit ? ))) topping dx7 pro – 600$, burson 3xp ~ 1300$ 😉
Siddesh
How will this do with Focal Elex (80 Ohms) and Clear (55 Ohms)? Will it be okay despite high output impedance?
IF at all there’s a change, will it matter that much or be too adverse of an effect?
Other than this I’m absolutely convinced this is a one and done device for powering headphones. The golden all in one.