Topping DX3 Pro

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Vtory, Feb 24, 2019.

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  1. allegro

    allegro Friend

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    Trying to change ASR is like trying to argue with a Scientologist. Not going to happen. Appreciate the effort though!
     
  2. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    After using this dacamp for 17 months, I thought I needed to update my assessments.

    Here are my (almost) final takes

    1. Bottom line, it can't and didn't serve for serious purposes by any means. Even solely as a standalone dac.

    2. As a dac, I believe this resembles what I remember for rme adi-2 dac og and it's not surprising I strongly disprefer both -- specifically for the following reasons.
    • Unlike some reported I didn't specifically feel graniess or velvetness on highs with dx3, and might like its slightly more dimensional presentation (with speakers) over modi 3. However, both micro and macro stuffs are pretty much lame, which result in evident boringness in every context.
    • For the first few months, I think I kinda liked its softer bass (than modi 3) -- and my speakers that time couldn't pick this up well (not bad for non-serious uses). But it became more noticeable drawback when directly compared to Modius. Yeah, I'm saying dx3 does bass more poorly even than modius se outs.
    • Top end isn't extended well compared to Modius, either. Confirmed it with Verite, HE6SE, and M3 turbo S.
    3. Using its headphone out "amplifies" all of its problems described above with several annoyance introduced additionally (e.g., lacking juice for decently efficient headphones). Depth benefit also magically disappears -- when compared dx3 hp out to dedicated head amps with dx3 fixed as a dac. Safely speaking I can't rock with it.

    I still use it and will continue to do so at least for this year, because I can't quite think of good ways how to convince buyers in the used market. Somehow I like its convenience in feeding Creative Pebble speakers, too. But never ever buy it new or used.
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2020

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