Topping’s DX5 II has officially arrived, stepping in as the next-gen version of the well-regarded DX5. Priced at $299 at Amazon and available in three colors, it brings a stack of updates that should appeal to music lovers who want solid digital audio performance in a tidy desktop setup. If you're running high-impedance headphones or a pair of powered speakers, the DX5 II packs enough tools to keep things simple and sounding good.

At the heart of the DX5 II are two ESS ES9039Q2M chips, working together in a symmetrical layout. This setup is designed to cleanly convert digital audio to analog with as little distortion as possible. On paper, the DX5 II hits a signal-to-noise ratio of 133 dB and keeps harmonic distortion down to just 0.00006%, which is about as low as you’re likely to find in this price range.

If you’re using a computer as your source, you’ll be connecting via USB. The DAC uses the XMOS XU316 interface, which means it can handle high-resolution files, up to 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512. It also supports ASIO drivers, so if you’re doing any sort of pro audio work or just want lower latency, you’ve got that option.

One of the biggest changes from the previous model is the new “X-Hybrid” amplifier. It replaces Topping’s NFCA circuit with a three-stage, four-channel design that’s more efficient and generates less heat. That’s helpful for small spaces and desktop setups where you don’t want your gear warming up the whole room.

The amp can push 7600 milliwatts per channel at 16 ohms, and still manage a respectable 490 mW at 600 ohms. The noise floor is also impressively low—just 1.8 microvolts RMS, which means even very sensitive in-ear monitors should stay quiet between tracks.

On the front panel, you’ve got your pick of headphone outputs:

• A 6.35mm single-ended jack
• A 4.4mm balanced jack
• A 4-pin XLR balanced output

So whether you're listening on easy-to-drive IEMs or more demanding full-size headphones, the DX5 II is ready to go.

Topping also gave the DX5 II a visual refresh with a 2-inch LCD screen and a new Aurora UI. You can customize the colors and view information like sample rate, volume, and output type. If you like visuals, the UI also includes a VU meter and FFT display, so you get a bit of real-time feedback on your signal.

Navigation is straightforward, handled via a rotary knob and three buttons on the front. It's not flashy, but it’s functional and easy to get used to.

One standout feature for the DX5 II is its built-in 10-band parametric equalizer. You’ll need Topping’s desktop software to set it up, but once configured, you can import custom EQ curves directly to the device.

You can adjust frequency, gain, and bandwidth on each band, and save multiple profiles for different use cases—say, one for a particular headphone, another for your speakers. Each output can have its own EQ, which is especially useful if you’re switching between gear.

Bluetooth isn’t an afterthought here either. The DX5 II uses a Qualcomm QCC5125 chip and supports a wide range of codecs, including:

• LDAC (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
• aptX HD
• aptX Adaptive
• aptX
• AAC
• SBC

It’s receive-only, so you won’t be using it to send audio to Bluetooth headphones—but for streaming from your phone or laptop, it covers all the major formats and delivers better-than-CD quality, wirelessly.

Along with USB, the DX5 II also has coaxial and optical digital inputs for other gear like CD players or game consoles. On the output side, you get both RCA and XLR line-outs, which work well for hooking up powered speakers or external amps.

There’s also a preamp mode, letting you adjust volume from the DX5 II when it’s connected to something downstream. Plus, it remembers your last volume setting on each output—handy if you’re switching between headphones and speakers. For more integrated setups, the 12V trigger in/out lets you sync power with other gear.

Topping’s DX5 II smartly improves on just about every aspect of the original. Dual DACs, a cleaner amp circuit, flexible output options, and real software tools for EQ customization make it a well-rounded device for both newcomers and long-time audiophiles.

The Topping DX5 II is available now at Amazon for $299. You can also read our TOPPING-30 Ensemble DAC and Headphone Amp Review.