I consider myself an avid audiophile and have heard several really nice ‘high end’ systems and have also dabbled in building my own cables and speakers, some of which after a lot of trial and error turned out to be pretty good. I had no intention of upgrading my system, and only on realizing that most of my components were over 10 years old I decided to take the plunge and replace my Teac UD-501 and Creek Pre with a single unit the DX9 which has multiple options for inputs and outputs.
This review is going to be broken into 2 parts
1.Pre and aftersales service from Headphonezone.in and Topping
2.The DAC/Pre itself
1.Before spending 120K on a upgrade without hearing it (something I never do) I decided to check with Headphone Zone if it was possible to use it as a proper preamp where I could use all 4 sets of outputs, two fixed (XLR and RCA) and similarly two pre out (variable) out which were meant to feed a ClassD Audio power amp and a subwoofer. I was told over the phone and by mail that it was possible to use all 4 outputs as requested. To make doubly sure about the above I sent a mail to Topping and received the same confirmation. Took the plunge, placed the order and received the Topping within 3 days (kudos on that). Connected it up and found that it’s not possible to get both fixed and variable outputs at the same time whatever setting one uses on the rather complicated menu system (more on that later). What is possible is getting 4 pre outs (variable) which doesn’t really help if one is trying to feed a sub plate amplifier like I was. Further correspondence with Topping and Headphone Zone plus a couple of calls ended with both confirming that it’s not possible to get both types of outputs at the same time!! I was naturally upset since Headphone Zone has a no return policy on this item and asked for a discount which came back in the form of a discount if I buy something from the in the future (why assume I would?). In short Headphone Zone has washed its hands of any immediate compensation claiming invoicing issues which I find very unfair as the sell open box products regularly.
2.It’s not all bad news, the DX9 arrived in a beautiful cloth lined box with a nice metal remote and it sounds bloody good. The build quality and attention to detail is very good at any price point and the options for the front twin readouts will keep one happy for years to come. I am shocked at how ‘musical’ this unit is compared to my Teac/Creek combo which were no slouches either, but the DX9 is a couple of notches more musical. The unit is still burning in but the imaging is spot on and it has removed the slight ‘digital’ glaze that the old combo has. Bass is big and tight and the highs have a nice amount of air and don’t. In short, the sound feels balanced and it’s made me forget critical analysis and just enjoy the music which right now is playing Spotify through a laptop with a USB cable running to the DX9 and it still sounds superb with all kinds of music genres. I have tried the built-in filters to shape the sound but honestly haven’t found much difference. I plan to play some High-Res files through my HD and will update as soon as possible.
The biggest problem with the DX9 is lack of instructions. One has to download a PDF which is basic at best and leaves on trying to figure out what options to turn on and off to get the unit to perform as one wants. If anyone does buy this unit, please be careful and turn down the volume when trying different settings else you may blow a speaker/headphone as on one setting the output becomes fixed even for the headphones. Talking of headphones, the unit has 3 outs, 2 balanced and one single ended. I’m not a headphone guy but at some point will try my ancient AKG K240’s and give them a try.
I love the sound of my system now but don’t care much for the service I’ve received from Headphone Zone or Topping.
This review is going to be broken into 2 parts
1.Pre and aftersales service from Headphonezone.in and Topping
2.The DAC/Pre itself
1.Before spending 120K on a upgrade without hearing it (something I never do) I decided to check with Headphone Zone if it was possible to use it as a proper preamp where I could use all 4 sets of outputs, two fixed (XLR and RCA) and similarly two pre out (variable) out which were meant to feed a ClassD Audio power amp and a subwoofer. I was told over the phone and by mail that it was possible to use all 4 outputs as requested. To make doubly sure about the above I sent a mail to Topping and received the same confirmation. Took the plunge, placed the order and received the Topping within 3 days (kudos on that). Connected it up and found that it’s not possible to get both fixed and variable outputs at the same time whatever setting one uses on the rather complicated menu system (more on that later). What is possible is getting 4 pre outs (variable) which doesn’t really help if one is trying to feed a sub plate amplifier like I was. Further correspondence with Topping and Headphone Zone plus a couple of calls ended with both confirming that it’s not possible to get both types of outputs at the same time!! I was naturally upset since Headphone Zone has a no return policy on this item and asked for a discount which came back in the form of a discount if I buy something from the in the future (why assume I would?). In short Headphone Zone has washed its hands of any immediate compensation claiming invoicing issues which I find very unfair as the sell open box products regularly.
2.It’s not all bad news, the DX9 arrived in a beautiful cloth lined box with a nice metal remote and it sounds bloody good. The build quality and attention to detail is very good at any price point and the options for the front twin readouts will keep one happy for years to come. I am shocked at how ‘musical’ this unit is compared to my Teac/Creek combo which were no slouches either, but the DX9 is a couple of notches more musical. The unit is still burning in but the imaging is spot on and it has removed the slight ‘digital’ glaze that the old combo has. Bass is big and tight and the highs have a nice amount of air and don’t. In short, the sound feels balanced and it’s made me forget critical analysis and just enjoy the music which right now is playing Spotify through a laptop with a USB cable running to the DX9 and it still sounds superb with all kinds of music genres. I have tried the built-in filters to shape the sound but honestly haven’t found much difference. I plan to play some High-Res files through my HD and will update as soon as possible.
The biggest problem with the DX9 is lack of instructions. One has to download a PDF which is basic at best and leaves on trying to figure out what options to turn on and off to get the unit to perform as one wants. If anyone does buy this unit, please be careful and turn down the volume when trying different settings else you may blow a speaker/headphone as on one setting the output becomes fixed even for the headphones. Talking of headphones, the unit has 3 outs, 2 balanced and one single ended. I’m not a headphone guy but at some point will try my ancient AKG K240’s and give them a try.
I love the sound of my system now but don’t care much for the service I’ve received from Headphone Zone or Topping.
