Compendium updated: March 15th, 2021.
The TOPPING DX7 is a DAC/amp boasting a bevy of hi-fi specs and features. An ESS ES9038PRO flagship DAC chip decodes 32-bit PCM, while a Bluetooth 5.0 chip is your ticket to a world of wireless hifi audio.
We’ve compiled reviews from across the web for your reference. What you’ll find here are the TLDR versions of the full reviews [which you can access with the provided links]. We’ll continue updating this compendium as reviews come in.
From Audio Science Reviews’ review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on October 18th, 2019:
"The Topping DX7 Pro betters the DAC performance of all the produces Topping had produced. On SINAD measurement, it lands in the coveted range of near 120 dB, proving beyond a shadow of doubt that it is transparent to any content you attempt to play. This is a super challenging bar to reach and I congratulate Topping for getting there.
"The headphone is a step below state-of-the-art from measurement point of view. Subjectively however, it is very powerful and clean and satisfies every need I personally have. Some of you know that I use a Topping DX3 Pro as my everyday DAC and headphone unit. Given the performance of the DX7 Pro, looks and usability, I am going to replace that with DX7 Pro.
"Needless to say, I am happy to give my recommendation to Topping DX7 Pro."
From Z Reviews' review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on December 9th, 2019:
"It’s expensive, but it powers everything I throw at it. The build quality is exceptional. it has every input on earth. It's got a pretty well laid out remote control with a ton of extra features. Yeah, this is it.
"I could have spent another hour setting this desk up to show off what this can do. I got out every headphone style adapter, so you can see that it takes a 4.4, and it takes a quarter-inch, and it takes an XLR. I got all these things all hooked up with different interesting headphones, some that are super efficient, some that super hard to drive... I can't even hook every input up with this that it can handle! For outputting, I'd have to put a set of speakers up here on my desk, and then I have - not just one, but two subwoofers - in stereo. You could do so much of this, and then on top of that, it's well built. And it performs. And it doesn't have any weird firmware quirks or freak-outs...it's great. This is an all-in-one desk solution that costs half as much as an RME ADI 2. Where that RME is balls-to-the-walls crazy, but not balanced. The DX7 Pro is balls-to-the-walls crazy and balanced at half price."
From Headfonia’s review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on June 8th, 2020:
"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?"
From Prime Audio Reviews’ review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on May 15th, 2020:
"Pros
- Fully balanced headphone and line outputs
- Great build quality and understated aesthetic
- Neutral and transparent sound
- Versatile connectivity options
- HiRes Bluetooth receiver
- Extremely low noise floor without distortion
"Cons
- Some menu options hard to get to without using the remote
- Headphone output impedance a little high
"When I reviewed the original DX7 I said it was “Love At First Byte”. Well, now with the Topping DX7 Pro you could say I’ve been twice bitten and doubly smitten. Yes, the sound quality is amazing but for me, the biggest gains come in the extra functionality and smaller physical dimensions of the unit.
"The fact it can remember the individual volume levels of the headphone output and line output is a big deal for me because I’m always switching between headphones and speakers. When you add to that the audio performance, 4.4mm balanced PO and HiRes Bluetooth, there’s nothing else at this price range that can match it."
From The Headphone List’s review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on November 14th, 2019:
"I am ever so pleased to be able to give a positive review for the Topping DX7 Pro. Considering this is my first Topping product, I didn’t know what to expect. I hoped I might like it, but I’m giddy to say just how much I like it. The DX7 Pro is an awesome package, containing a ludicrous number of features, stellar audio performance, and all wrapped up in elegance and pizzazz. I fear it may indeed replace my old setup."
From Sound Perfection Reviews’ review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on November 21st, 2019:
"9.5/10
"Topping seem to be going from strength to strength with each new release, bringing out products that are objectively and subjectively excellent. My one complaint about the DX7 Pro was quickly reversed when I actually tried it out in real tests, even though a low output impedance would be nice. If you are looking for a detailed and neutral DAC/Amp you cannot go wrong with the DX7 Pro, it’s DAC only performance also outperforms a few of the big boys. We have reached a level where this level of transparency is no longer reserved to the top tier equipment. I can easily recommend the DX7 Pro."
From Soundphile Review’s review of the TOPPING DX7 Pro , first published on September 11th, 2017:
"9/10
"Pros
- Modern design; aluminium with matte finish; OLED screen
- Remote control
- Auto-on and auto-off if coupled with a PC
- Plenty of input and output options, balanced and single-ended
- Neutral sound signature
"Cons
- Sensitive to radio interference and power noise
- No way to select output in line-out mode
- High output impedance
"The Topping DX7 is an all-in-one device which has everything one needs – DAC, headphone amp, lots of input and output options – in a compelling package. While it does not seem to be the best in its category in any aspect [i.e. the Schiit Jotunheim has more power output, the audio-gd NFB28 has the more recent ESS Sabre 9038 chip, etc], it is a jack of all trades which does its job well.
"It is very sensitive to noise coming from the power line, so sensitive earphones will show persistent hissing which can be fatiguing. The output impedance is also high, which leads to high-impedance headphones being better driven than low-impedance portable headphones. It could see some improvement, that’s for sure.
"That said, I found the overall experience very satisfying and pleasant; the DX7 is a one-stop device for the needs of most people – even those looking for a higher-end device than other offerings such as the notorious Schiit stack or Topping’s very own stack [Topping D30 + Topping A30]. What’s more, it offers balanced inputs and outputs which come in rather handy in case one uses monitor speakers [i.e. JBL LSR305] or has headphones with a balanced connector.
"The Topping DX7 is not for everyone, though: the most demanding audience may deem its flaws excessive. Less demanding people, however, may find enjoyment in the compromise. I for one think compromise is not excessive here and the DX7 is worth its price and maybe even more."
Editor’s note: Emphases ours except for Audio Science Review and Soundphile Review excerpts.
Today we look at the Topping DX7 Pro, which is selling for $599 USD or €599,99 Euro.
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Disclaimer: Topping sent us the DX7 Pro via the Aoshida-HIFI Audio Store for the purpose of this review, in exchange for our honest opinion.
Topping Audio
Topping is a Chinese company that makes all sorts of audio products. Their portfolio stretches from portable DAC/AMPS to desktop sized electronics. Topping has been founded in 2008 and has been on somewhat of a purple patch of late when it comes to bringing an impressive range of both digital and analogue gear to market.
In the past couple of years alone, they’ve released a range of DACs, amps, and hybrid units that have impressed both our review team as well as the personal audio community at large with thoroughly well-packaged products that combine performance and thoughtful design with extremely sharp pricing.
The following can be found on Topping’s website:
TOPPING is the top. We give a more profounder meaning for TOPPING that is, develop and expand, evaluation and quality. TOPPING always remains true to our original aspiration, adheres to this concept to pursuit and explore on the road of Hi-Fi.
TOPPING firmly believes that the Hi-Fi should be highly united with pleasant hearing and superb performance. Therefore, since its establishment, TOPPING has determined a R&D route of parallel hearing experience and parameters, and put the R&D in the first place. We set up the R&D department composed of senior engineers and audiophiles and invested a large amount of money in purchasing professional audio instruments to ensure performance.
In today’s review, we will check out how their latest DX7 Pro DAC/AMP performs.
Topping on Headfonia
The last few weeks and months several HFN writers have covered popular Topping units on the site:
Matty – Topping A90 Amplifier: //www.headfonia.com/topping-a90-review/
Matty – Topping E30 DAC: //www.headfonia.com/topping-e30-review/
Linus – Topping D90 DAC: //www.headfonia.com/topping-e30/
The DX7 Pro we’re looking at today is the last Topping review of this series, but I’m sure we’ll feature most of their upcoming models from now on.
Topping DX7 Pro
DX7 Pro
The DX7 Pro is a DAC/AMP unit featuring the well-knows ES9038PRO DAC chip. We’ve seen many companies use this exact chip, such as Astell&Kern [KANN CUBE] and Matrix [X-Sabre Pro]. The DX7 Pro isn’t an MQA renderer.
It’s a new and modern unit and so it also features Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, a must if you’re into wireless HiFi. To do so the DX7Pro uses the CSR8675 chipset which supports DAC/AAC/SBC/APTX/APX LL/APX HD protocols. In addition to the USB [supporting Apple and Android] and BT input, the DX7 Pro also features an optical, IIS, COAX and AES input. All inputs support up to 24bit 192khz.
The DX7 Pro’s circuits have been designed to be full balanced. The analog section includes separate OPA 1612 operational amplifiers for each channel and the headphone amplification of each channel is assigned to an independent TPA6120A2 chip.
An nice DX7 Pro feature is that it sports 3 different headphone outputs: a standard single ended 6.35mm, a balanced XLR output and a balanced 4.4mm output. Can you wish for more?
Next to being a DAC/AMP, the DX7 Pro also has a pre-amp output mode. You can hook it up to a power amplifier, headphone amp or active speaker and you’ll be able to control the volume with the DX7 Pro. DX7 Pro’s volume control is digital, so there’s no channel imbalance at all.
You can download the Windows drivers for the DAC function right here: //www.tphifi.net/drivers/dx7pro_manual_and_driver.zip
Topping DX7 Pro
Technical specs
The full list of technical specs is long and it along with its measurements can be found on the DX7 PRO’s official web page, at the bottom.
//www.tpdz.net/productinfo/398244.html
Pricing & Accessories
The Topping DX7 Pro is selling for $599,99 USD and €599,99 Euro. It arrives in a standard but nice black box in which you will find:
① DX7 Pro＊1 ② 6.35mm to 3.5mm connector＊1 ③ Bluetooth antenna＊1 ④ Remote control＊1 ⑤ USB cable＊1 ⑥ AC cable＊1 ⑦ User manual＊1
⑧ Warranty card＊1
It’s another sharply priced unit from Topping, especially looking at the tech inside and the unit’s usability and versatility.
Design & Build Quality
The DX7 Pro looks and feels nice. It sports a full aluminium case and it has a small footprint, it really disappears on your desk and it doesn’t draw too much attention to it. In my case, it’s perfect for using at work.
The Topping DX7 Pro only measures 22.2cm x 17.8cm x 4. 5cm and merely weighs 1.4Kg. That does mean it will move a bit on your desk when plugging headphones in and out [especially with the XLR], but nothing to worry about either. It’s rather normal and accepted.
I find the DX7 Pro to look quite sexy. The case feels soft, the edges round and the buttons sturdy. I feel confident this unit will last for a very long time, unless you drop it of course. For $599, the quality is perfect.
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