TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE - Desktop DAC and NFCA Headphone Amplifier Bluetooth 5.1 AptX HD LDAC 32bit 768kHz DSD512 - Silver

Name: TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE - Desktop DAC and NFCA Headphone Amplifier Bluetooth 5.1 AptX HD LDAC 32bit 768kHz DSD512 - Silver
Brand: Topping
SKU: MG-TPPNG-DX9D-SILVER
Price: 1009.9 EUR
Availability: InStock

Item number: MG-TPPNG-DX9D-SILVER

TOPPING DX9 DISCRETE - Desktop DAC and NFCA Headphone Amplifier Bluetooth 5.1 AptX HD LDAC 32bit 768kHz DSD512 - Silver

Item number: MG-TPPNG-DX9D-SILVER

IN STOCK!

Delivered to you within 6-9 days

1 009,90 Eur

Points earned after purchase: 100,99 Eur

The TOPPING DX9 Discrete is a fully balanced desktop DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier built around TOPPING's proprietary PSRM discrete 1-bit architecture with 16 elements per channel. Compared with the original DX9 and its AK4499EQ converter, it introduces a new DAC topology, improved channel separation, a 10-band PEQ and two headphone crossfeed modes.

The 16-core XMOS XU316 USB interface accepts PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512. Its eight digital inputs include USB, Bluetooth 5.1, two optical, two coaxial, AES and configurable IIS, while LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC provide extensive wireless codec support.

The six-channel discrete NFCA headphone amplifier delivers 2 × 7080 mW into 32 ohms through its balanced outputs, with 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR connections accommodating a broad range of headphones. RCA and XLR line and preamplifier outputs, hybrid relay volume control, dual Aurora displays, remote operation and 12 V Trigger connectivity make it a complete control center for desktop audio and active-loudspeaker systems.

Exact color

Black

Silver

Gift

Details
Data
Reviews

FULLY DISCRETE 1-BIT DAC | NFCA HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER | PREAMPLIFIER

TOPPING DX9 Discrete

The TOPPING DX9 Discrete combines a fully balanced flagship DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier in a single desktop component. This second-generation design replaces the original DX9's AK4499EQ converter with TOPPING's proprietary PSRM discrete 1-bit architecture using 16 elements per channel, while adding a 10-band PEQ and headphone crossfeed to a platform built around hybrid relay volume control and six-channel NFCA amplification.

16 PSRM elements per channelPCM 768 kHz | DSD5122 × 7080 mW at 32 ohms10-band PEQ and crossfeed

TOPPING DX9 Discrete fully balanced DAC and headphone amplifier

ONE COMPONENT FOR A COMPLETE DESKTOP HEADPHONE SYSTEM

The DX9 Discrete combines digital source selection, D/A conversion, volume control and headphone amplification within one coherent interface. It can operate as a self-contained headphone system, a fixed-level DAC feeding an external amplifier, or a variable-output preamplifier connected directly to active loudspeakers or a power amplifier.

Its fully balanced signal path maintains a consistent architecture from discrete conversion and relay-controlled attenuation to the XLR line outputs and balanced headphone connections. A 6.35 mm jack, 4.4 mm balanced output, 4-pin XLR headphone output, plus RCA and XLR analog outputs provide direct compatibility with a wide range of system configurations.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete premium desktop audio center — The DX9 Discrete integrates a DAC, preamplifier and high-power headphone amplifier in one enclosure.

131 dBXLR signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range

<0.00006%XLR line-output THD+N at 1 kHz

7080 mW × 2Balanced output power at 32 ohms

8 inputsUSB, Bluetooth, optical, coaxial, AES and IIS

WHAT HAS CHANGED FROM THE ORIGINAL DX9?

The DX9 Discrete retains the original DX9 concept of combining a high-end DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier in a single elegant component. However, the Discrete edition is far more than a cosmetic update: its converter and digital signal processing have been substantially redesigned, while the proven analog control and headphone-amplifier platform has been retained in refined form.

The original DX9's AKM AK4499EQ DAC has been replaced by a proprietary PSRM fully discrete 1-bit converter using 16 elements per channel. Specified XLR line-output THD+N improves from below 0.00007% to below 0.00006%, channel crosstalk improves from -125 dB to -136 dB, and nominal line output rises from 2.1 to 2.5 Vrms over RCA and from 4.2 to 5.2 Vrms over XLR. The major functional additions are DSP, 10-band PEQ and two crossfeed modes; the six-channel NFCA, hybrid relay attenuation, independent power supplies and eight-input connectivity were already part of the original DX9 platform.

DAC ARCHITECTURE

DX9: integrated AK4499EQ DAC.
DX9 Discrete: proprietary PSRM discrete 1-bit conversion with 16 elements per channel.

MEASURED PERFORMANCE

DX9: <0.00007% THD+N and -125 dB crosstalk.
DX9 Discrete: <0.00006% THD+N and -136 dB crosstalk through the XLR line outputs.

DSP AND RESPONSE CORRECTION

DX9: no configurable DSP or PEQ.
DX9 Discrete: 10-band PEQ, independent output profiles and headphone crossfeed.

RETAINED CORE PLATFORM

Both models: hybrid relay volume control, six-channel discrete NFCA, separate DAC and amplifier power supplies, and the same fundamental input and output selection.

TOPPING currently lists both models within the DX Series. The DX9 Discrete is therefore the technically redesigned, second-generation expression of the DX9 platform, without necessarily implying that the original DX9 has been commercially discontinued.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete second-generation desktop DAC and headphone amplifier — The second-generation DX9 Discrete with its low-profile enclosure, dual displays and glass window revealing the internal circuitry.

16-ELEMENT-PER-CHANNEL PSRM FULLY DISCRETE 1-BIT DAC

The centerpiece of the DX9 Discrete is TOPPING's proprietary PSRM conversion system. Instead of relying on an integrated DAC chip, a module assembled from carefully selected discrete devices converts the digital stream into an analog signal, giving TOPPING direct control over the switching logic, voltage references and analog output architecture.

PSRM is a 1-bit decoding architecture that combines a high-speed logic switching array with precision voltage references. Both the left and right channels use 16 discrete elements selected from more than twenty device types. The reference supply employs a purely resistive output stage to prevent noise from the nanosecond switching edges from contaminating the analog signal path.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete PSRM discrete 1-bit DAC architecture with 16 elements per channel — The PSRM architecture uses 16 elements per channel to combine high-speed switching logic with precision voltage references.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete Altera and AKM digital processing circuits — The principal digital processing devices prepare signals from the available inputs for the PSRM conversion module.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete CPLD-based clock processing — The CPLD and precision clock perform two-stage digital signal purification and deep jitter suppression.

CPLD-BASED ULTRA-LOW-JITTER DIGITAL PROCESSING

Jitter is a minute variation in the timing of digital samples that can appear as noise or distortion during D/A conversion. The DX9 Discrete uses a precision clock and CPLD processor to retime the digital signal, allowing the converter to operate from a stable and accurately defined timing reference.

The input architecture links the XMOS XU316 USB interface, QCC5125 Bluetooth module and AK4118 S/PDIF receiver to the PSRM converter through centralized CPLD processing. In TOPPING's standardized jitter test, related sidebands fall to levels as low as -160 dB, indicating that residual clock-related artifacts remain extremely low relative to the wanted signal.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete jitter measurement graph — Jitter measurement: unwanted timing-related sidebands around the test signal fall to approximately -160 dB.

I/V CONVERSION DEVELOPED FOR THE PSRM MODULE

The output of a DAC conversion core is not yet a directly usable line-level audio signal. The I/V stage converts the current generated by the PSRM system into a stable voltage, so its noise floor, linearity and transient behavior play a fundamental role in the analog performance of the complete component.

TOPPING's proprietary I/V circuit combines low-distortion operational amplifiers with low-noise discrete components specifically optimized for the electrical behavior of the PSRM module. The short, tightly controlled signal path is intended to preserve the full dynamic capability of the converter while keeping distortion and wideband noise sufficiently low for the following analog stages.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete proprietary I/V conversion circuit — The PSRM-optimized I/V stage combines low-distortion amplifiers with low-noise discrete devices.

SIX-CHANNEL DISCRETE NFCA HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

The integrated headphone amplifier is designed to drive a broad range of loads, from low-impedance planar-magnetic models to high-impedance dynamic headphones. The 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR balanced outputs deliver up to 7080 mW per channel into 32 ohms, while the 6.35 mm output provides 2120 mW per channel into the same load, both at less than 1% THD+N.

The flagship discrete NFCA topology uses six amplifier channels, allowing the single-ended and balanced output stages to remain electrically independent. Output impedance below 0.1 ohm reduces frequency-response interaction with the headphone load, while calculated actual noise through the low-gain balanced output remains below 0.5 µVrms, supporting a wide usable volume range with more sensitive headphones.

16 ohms, balanced2 × 10,000 mW, THD+N <1%

32 ohms, balanced2 × 7080 mW, THD+N <1%

300 ohms, balanced2 × 1060 mW, THD+N <1%

32 ohms, 6.35 mm2 × 2120 mW, THD+N <1%

FULLY BALANCED HYBRID RELAY VOLUME CONTROL

Accurate volume control is particularly important at low listening levels, where even a small difference between the left and right channels can shift a centered vocal image. The DX9 Discrete combines relays, precision resistors and digital control to adjust level in fine, repeatable increments.

The fully balanced hybrid relay-resistor network attenuates all four signal phases in a coordinated manner, reducing channel mismatch at low levels. Relay switching preserves the favorable linearity of analog attenuation, while digital control enables fast profile changes, precise level indication and full remote operation.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete fully balanced hybrid relay-resistor volume control — Relays and precision resistors support accurate channel balance even at low listening levels.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete headphone crossfeed processing — Crossfeed introduces controlled interchannel blending to create a more natural, loudspeaker-like spatial presentation.

HEADPHONE CROSSFEED WITH TWO SPATIAL MODES

With headphones, the left channel reaches almost exclusively the left ear and the right channel the right ear, whereas both ears hear both loudspeakers in a conventional room. Crossfeed models part of this natural acoustic blending, reducing inside-the-head localization and making hard-panned recordings more comfortable to hear.

The advanced mode uses convolution processing to simulate HRTF and room-acoustic information for greater spatial depth, together with tonal calibration intended to avoid the coloration caused by simplistic response flattening. An enhanced BS2B-based simplified mode is also available, providing a relaxed, speaker-like presentation without modeled room reflections.

10-BAND HIGH-PRECISION PARAMETRIC EQ

The integrated PEQ can tailor headphone or loudspeaker response to personal preference, a chosen target curve or the acoustic behavior of a room. Center frequency, gain and bandwidth are independently adjustable across ten bands, and different settings can be stored as recallable profiles.

TOPPING's desktop software supports the import of raw measurement curves and target curves, along with calculated compensation based on the target response. Independent PEQ configurations can be assigned to each output, preventing headphone and loudspeaker correction from overwriting one another. PEQ processing is available for PCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete 10-band parametric EQ curve editor — Frequency, gain and bandwidth are independently adjustable for all ten PEQ bands, with support for imported target curves.

Eight digital inputs of the TOPPING DX9 Discrete — USB, Bluetooth, two optical, two coaxial, AES and configurable IIS inputs.

EIGHT DIGITAL INPUTS AND THIRD-GENERATION XMOS USB

The DX9 Discrete can accept audio from computers, network players, CD transports, televisions and wireless mobile sources. In addition to two optical and two coaxial connections, it provides USB, AES, Bluetooth and IIS inputs, allowing it to serve as the digital switching center of a sophisticated desktop or living-room system.

The 16-core XMOS XU316 USB interface processes PCM streams up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512. Optical, coaxial and AES inputs accept up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while IIS supports 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and native DSD512. TOPPING's Thesycon driver is required for ASIO operation under Windows, while USB audio can operate without a dedicated manufacturer driver on other supported systems. Although the IIS connection uses a physical HDMI socket, it is not an HDMI audio interface, so the pin assignments of both devices must be matched before connection.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete XMOS XU316 USB interface — The third-generation 16-core XMOS XU316 supports PCM 768 kHz and native DSD512 through USB.

BLUETOOTH 5.1 WITH LDAC AND APTX ADAPTIVE

The wireless input provides convenient playback from a smartphone, tablet or computer without rearranging the DX9 Discrete's permanent system connections. From compatible sources, LDAC and aptX Adaptive provide higher data rates and more flexible quality management than conventional Bluetooth codecs.

The Qualcomm QCC5125 receiver supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC over Bluetooth 5.1. The active codec, bit depth and sampling rate are always negotiated jointly by the transmitting device and its operating system, so the source's Bluetooth settings should also be checked when maximum wireless quality is required.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete Bluetooth 5.1 and LDAC wireless connection — The QCC5125 module supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete front-panel headphone outputs and controls — The front panel provides 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs.

FLEXIBLE DAC, PREAMPLIFIER AND HEADPHONE OUTPUT CONTROL

The DX9 Discrete can operate as a line-level DAC, variable-output preamplifier or direct headphone amplifier. Only the required output group can be enabled, while All Output mode allows multiple outputs to remain active together for convenient switching between headphones and active loudspeakers.

Line-level and preamplifier signals are available through RCA and balanced XLR connectors, while the headphone section provides 6.35 mm single-ended, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR outputs. The XLR connectors are manufactured by NEUTRIK, and both routing and PEQ profiles can be configured independently through the menu system.

LINE OUTFixed-level RCA and balanced XLR outputs for an external amplifier.

PRE OUTVariable RCA and XLR outputs for active loudspeakers or a power amplifier.

HEADPHONE OUT6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs with independent NFCA signal paths.

ALL OUTPUTSimultaneous operation of multiple enabled outputs.

GLASS TOP, AMBIENT LIGHTING AND DUAL AURORA DISPLAYS

The panoramic glass top reveals the carefully arranged internal circuitry, while integrated ambient lighting makes the electronic architecture part of the visual design. Two 2.0-inch color displays provide an interface that is both informative and visually distinctive.

The Aurora interface can show playback information, an FFT spectrum analyzer or VU meters. Its dual-screen arrangement provides an immediate overview of input and output status, volume, sampling rate and active DSP functions, while the presentation can be adapted to the way the system is being used.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete panoramic glass top and dual Aurora displays — The two 2.0-inch color displays can show playback data, an FFT spectrum or VU meters.

CUSTOMIZABLE CONTROLS AND CNC-MACHINED REMOTE

The central rotary and push control provides direct access to volume, input, output and menu settings. The behavior of the power button can be customized around daily operating habits, keeping frequently used functions immediately accessible.

The supplied infrared remote provides seated control over principal functions including volume, mute, input and output selection, and display-related commands. Its high-density aluminum body is CNC-machined from a single piece and finished with a fine sand-blasted texture for mechanical durability and a premium feel consistent with the main component.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete infrared remote control — The supplied infrared remote operates the principal playback, volume and system functions.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete customizable power button and multifunction control knob — The power-button function is customizable, while the central dial works as both a rotary and push control.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete 12 V Trigger system connection — The 12 V Trigger connection enables synchronized power control with compatible components.

12 V TRIGGER AND INDEPENDENT POWER SUPPLIES

The 12 V Trigger allows the DX9 Discrete to power on and off together with a compatible power amplifier, active loudspeaker system or another audio component. This is particularly useful when the DX9 Discrete serves as the preamplifier at the center of a multi-component desktop or living-room system.

The DAC and headphone amplifier circuits operate from independent supply sections. Isolated switching power modules, low-noise voltage regulation and DC protection help prevent changing amplifier loads from influencing the sensitive conversion and analog stages.

CONNECTIONS, DIMENSIONS AND PLACEMENT

The DX9 Discrete measures 34 cm wide, 22.5 cm deep and 6 cm high, fitting the functions of a complete desktop system into a low-profile enclosure. It can sit comfortably beneath a monitor or on an audio rack, although sufficient clearance should be maintained around its glass top and ventilation areas.

The rear panel provides RCA and XLR analog outputs, two coaxial and two optical inputs, AES, USB, IIS and a Bluetooth antenna connection, plus 12 V Trigger and AC power. Neatly routing digital and analog cables reduces mechanical strain on the connectors and helps keep mains wiring away from more sensitive signal cables.

TOPPING DX9 Discrete dimensions and rear-panel connections — Dimensions: 34.0 × 22.5 × 6.0 cm. The rear panel provides eight digital inputs, RCA and XLR outputs, and 12 V Trigger connectivity.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The DX9 Discrete is engineered to meet the demands of both a high-resolution DAC and a high-power headphone amplifier. Its 131 dB XLR dynamic range, extremely low distortion and strong channel separation support the accurate preservation of low-level information and complex stereo imaging.

The factory figures below were measured from the USB input at a 96 kHz sampling rate. Certain THD+N, SNR and dynamic-range results are A-weighted, while headphone power ratings are specified at less than 1% THD+N. Actual performance depends on the selected input, output mode, gain setting and connected load.

PRODUCT TYPE

Fully balanced DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier

DAC ARCHITECTURE

Proprietary PSRM fully discrete 1-bit conversion with 16 elements per channel

USB INTERFACE

Third-generation 16-core XMOS XU316

USB RESOLUTION

PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512

S/PDIF AND AES

PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

IIS INPUT

PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 with configurable pin assignment

DIGITAL INPUTS

USB, Bluetooth, 2 × optical, 2 × coaxial, AES and IIS

BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth 5.1 with Qualcomm QCC5125

BLUETOOTH CODECS

LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC

DSP

10-band parametric EQ and two headphone crossfeed modes

PEQ LIMIT

PCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz

ANALOG OUTPUTS

RCA and balanced XLR in fixed line-output or variable preamplifier mode

HEADPHONE OUTPUTS

6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR

XLR LINE THD+N

<0.00006% at 1 kHz, A-weighted

RCA LINE THD+N

<0.00007% at 1 kHz, A-weighted

XLR SNR / DYNAMIC RANGE

131 dB / 131 dB at 1 kHz, A-weighted

RCA SNR / DYNAMIC RANGE

128 dB / 128 dB at 1 kHz, A-weighted

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

20 Hz - 20 kHz: ±0.6 dB; 20 Hz - 40 kHz: ±2.0 dB

LINE OUTPUT LEVEL

RCA: 2.5 Vrms; XLR: 5.2 Vrms at 0 dBFS

LINE-OUTPUT NOISE

RCA: <1.1 µVrms; XLR: <1.6 µVrms, A-weighted

LINE-OUTPUT CROSSTALK

RCA: -125 dB; XLR: -136 dB at 1 kHz

LINE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

RCA: 50 ohms; XLR: 100 ohms

HEADPHONE THD+N

<0.00007% at 550 mW / 32 ohms and 60 mW / 300 ohms

HEADPHONE SNR

6.35 mm: 130 dB; balanced: 131 dB

GAIN

Low: 12.5 dB; high: 18.5 dB single-ended, 24.5 dB balanced

HEADPHONE OUTPUT IMPEDANCE

<0.1 ohm

LOAD IMPEDANCE

Greater than 8 ohms

BALANCED OUTPUT POWER

2 × 10,000 mW / 16 ohms; 2 × 7080 mW / 32 ohms; 2 × 4250 mW / 64 ohms

HIGH-IMPEDANCE POWER

Balanced: 2 × 1060 mW / 300 ohms; 2 × 540 mW / 600 ohms

6.35 MM OUTPUT POWER

2 × 3300 mW / 16 ohms; 2 × 2120 mW / 32 ohms; 2 × 270 mW / 300 ohms

PREAMPLIFIER MAXIMUM

Low gain: 15 Vpp; high gain: RCA 24 Vpp, XLR 48 Vpp

DISPLAY

2 × 2.0-inch color displays, Aurora UI, FFT and VU views

SYSTEM CONTROL

12 V Trigger input and output, infrared remote control

DIMENSIONS

340 × 225 × 60 mm

System-matching note

High available power does not mean that every headphone requires the high-gain setting. Low gain and the lowest-noise output can provide a wider adjustment range for sensitive models, while high gain supplies additional voltage headroom for high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones.

WHAT IS IN THE BOX?

The factory package contains the essential accessories required to install and operate the DX9 Discrete. Alongside AC and USB cables, it includes a Bluetooth antenna, infrared remote control and a 6.35 mm to 3.5 mm headphone adapter.

The adapter allows headphones with a conventional 3.5 mm plug to be connected to the 6.35 mm output, while the balanced 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs require appropriately wired cables. An IIS cable may use the physical HDMI format, but differing pin assignments mean that compatibility must be verified before connection.

DX9 DISCRETE

1 × DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier

REMOTE CONTROL

1 × infrared system remote

AC CABLE

1 × factory mains cable

USB A-C CABLE

1 × USB data cable

BLUETOOTH ANTENNA

1 × external antenna

HEADPHONE ADAPTER

1 × 6.35 mm plug to 3.5 mm socket adapter

DOCUMENTATION

1 × product information card

Manufacturer

Topping

Exact color

Silver

Model

DX9 Discrete

Bluetooth

Yes

Package contents

DX9 Discrete, remote control, power cable, USB cable, Bluetooth antenna, 6.35-3.5mm adapter, product information card

Volume control

Yes

Remote controller

YES

Max resolution

IIS: PCM 768 kHz / DSD512 native; OPT/COAX/AES: PCM 192 kHz / 24-b; USB: PCM 768 kHz / 32-bit, DSD512

Distortion

THD+N @1kHz (A-wt) <0.00006%

DAC chip

16-core XMOS XU-316

EAN

6977577361930

Balanced

Yes

Single ended

Yes

Signal to Noise ratio

131dB

Channel separation

-136dB @1kHz

Item number

MG-TPPNG-DX9D-SILVER

Weight

4,7 kg/piece

Be the first to write a review!

More reviews and write a review