Topping EX5 MQA Dual ES9038Q2M DAC Bluetooth 5.0 LDAC DSD512 PCM 768kHz Hi-Res Audio HiFi Decoder Headphone Amplifier (Silver)

Product Information

When it comes to detail retrieval, I find it clean and transparent, very similar to something like a SMSL SU-9, Gustard A18, X16 and Soncoz LA-QXD1. I can nitpick about its less than perfect channel crosstalk, about its limited stage size, about its shy character down low and about a weaker power reserve with difficult loads as planar magnetics…and this is where my complaints would see a full stop. For the record…I personally greatly enjoy NFCA designs and I don’t have a problem with linear, honest and super-detailed amplifiers.

TOPPING NX4 DSD, NX5, NX2S, NX3s, Headphone AMP and - HiFiGo TOPPING NX4 DSD, NX5, NX2S, NX3s, Headphone AMP and - HiFiGo

The cute little EX5 follows the same design language of their D30 PRO and A30 PRO units, using absolutely the same case size, weight and build quality, which is a great thing. Passe quasi parfaitement le test de lecture de l'album Myopia d'Agnès Obel que tant de Dacs massacre. There was good amount of volume available in low gain and in high gain, it was skull rattling powerful for the second or so I cranked the volume up. Mobile: Poco F3 8GB/256GB with PowerAMP> Galaxy Buds Pro / Qudelix 5K + Truthear x Crinacle Zero REDs, etc.However, when it comes to scale, depth and sheer power, EX5 will be struggling with the hardest loads.

Topping EX5 MQA Dual ES9038Q2M DAC Bluetooth 5.0 LDAC DSD512

I just connected it to my regular Hi-Fi setup, my impression was definitely different than when i listened just headphone output. I could fix the issue with a USB isolator between PC and DAC or changing to an optical connection between the PC and DAC, bit both of these introduced other compromises, the EX5 was a better solution for me as it's a single box with integrated PSU and 'proper' pre-amp functionality.Most chip-based DAC manufacturers already moved to ESS Technologies silicon and EX5 is no different. Exactly how D30 PRO and A30 PRO felt to the D90 and A90 is how EX5 looks and feels to their DX7 PRO all-in-one DAC, Preamp and headphone amplifier. I would prefer a higher range of volume but the tradeoff was that I got no floor noise from high gain on anything I used with the EX5.

EX5 version V1.65 firmware update-TOPPING EX5 version V1.65 firmware update-TOPPING

I’m not surprised anymore, as once again Topping proved that even entry to mid-level devices can kill noise at the inception with clever engineering. I still don’t personally like the HD560S but this pairing was more musical vs some of the more intense gear I have. I haven’t had a chance till now to try out any Toppings all in one units but I was fairly impressed overall and look forward to checking out more of their product line in the future. Although the surface of the box looks like a fabric when viewed from afar, it has a hard and rough feel. This screen is a slightly more advanced counterpart of the signature orange display and is used by the D70S, D90SE, and a couple more Topping DACs.Now, they entered into a new realm of possibilities where we audiophiles get better looking and sounding devices.