Topping DX9 Discrete DAC And Headphone Amplifier
TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE DAC/HEADPHONE AMP INTRODUCED WITH PROPRIETARY 1-BIT ARCHITECTURE
Topping has announced the Topping DX9 Discrete DAC And Headphone Amplifier, a premium DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier designed as an all-in-one solution for both HiFi and HeadFi systems.
Now shipping in the UK via distributor Electromod, the unit combines digital-to-analogue conversion, preamp functionality and headphone amplification within a compact, fully balanced chassis.
TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE DAC AND HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The Topping DX9 Discrete features an aluminium enclosure measuring 340 x 60 x 225mm, with a central rotary control and dual 2-inch colour displays. The interface is configurable via Topping’s Aurora UI, offering various display modes including signal data, FFT spectrum analysis and VU-style meters. A tempered glass panel on the top reveals the internal circuitry, illuminated for visual effect. A CNC-machined aluminium remote control is also included.
TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE PSRM DAC ARCHITECTURE
At the core of the DX9 Discrete is Topping’s proprietary PSRM (Precision Stream Reconstruction Matrix) technology. This discrete 1-bit DAC architecture departs from conventional chip-based or R2R designs, using high-frequency 1-bit signal processing to convert digital audio into analogue output. The implementation in the DX9 Discrete uses a 16-element configuration per channel in a fully balanced layout, aimed at maintaining channel separation and reducing crosstalk. The design achieves a stated dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of 131dB.
DIGITAL INPUTS AND PERFORMANCE
The DX9 Discrete supports a wide range of digital inputs, including USB, optical, coaxial, AES and IIS-LVDS (I2S via HDMI). USB and IIS inputs handle PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz and native DSD512, while other inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64. Bluetooth connectivity is also included, with support for codecs such as LDAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD. A dual-stage jitter reduction system combining a precision clock and CPLD is used to minimise timing errors.
ANALOGUE STAGE AND CONNECTIVITY
Following digital conversion, the analogue stage includes a proprietary current-to-voltage (I/V) conversion circuit and a fully balanced relay-resistor volume control system. Output options include balanced XLR and single-ended RCA for connection to amplifiers or active speakers, alongside multiple headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 4-pin XLR and 6.35mm single-ended. The unit allows simultaneous use of preamp and headphone outputs while maintaining a balanced signal path.
TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE NFCA HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The integrated headphone amplifier is based on Topping’s NFCA (Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier) architecture. In this implementation, it operates in a six-channel configuration with independent circuits for balanced and single-ended outputs. Power output is rated at up to 7,080mW per channel into 32 ohms and 10,000mW per channel into 16 ohms, with a low noise floor specified below 0.5µVrms.
DSP FEATURES AND USER CONTROL
The DX9 Discrete includes a firmware-based parametric equaliser with ten adjustable bands, configurable using Topping Tune software for Windows and macOS. Users can create and store multiple EQ profiles directly on the device. Additional processing includes two headphone crossfeed modes designed to simulate speaker listening and reduce listening fatigue, including a convolution-based system and a simplified BS2B-based option.
TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Topping DX9 Discrete is available now in the UK via Electromod, offered in black or silver finishes with an RRP of £1,299.
HiFi PiG says: Another great looking release from Topping, available in the UK through Electromod.
