TOPPING 2nd-Generation Flagship DAC/AMP: DX9 Discrete

Building upon its legacy of delivering reference-grade audio at accessible price points, TOPPING proudly announces the next evolution in its flagship series: the DX9 Discrete. It represents a fundamental reimagining of what a flagship desktop DAC/amplifier can achieve, setting a new benchmark for the discerning audiophile. Learn more!

DX9 Discrete features 16-element PSRM module for both left and right channels. PSRM is a discrete 1-bit decoding design built from an ultra-fast switching logic array and precision voltage references. Carefully selected from over 20 component types, it delivers ultra-fast response while preserving signal integrity and minimizing power interference for exceptional performance and stability.

The voltage reference supply is the core of analog output precision. Its digital switching logic operates at nanosecond speed with sharp rise and fall times-ideal for digital processing but prone to introducing noise into analog signals. To counter this, TOPPING developed a stable, noise-free pure resistive output supply, ensuring each DAC element performs with ultimate accuracy. As a result, DX9 Discrete achieves extraordinary fidelity with a 131 dB dynamic range and 131 dB SNR.

A CPLD paired with a precision clock optimizes the digital signal and performs dual-stage purification, achieving deep jitter suppression and reducing artifacts to near zero for clearer, more defined vocals and instruments.

The AK4118 receiver handles coaxial, optical, and AES inputs, delivering an ultra-clean digital signal with jitter as low as 50 ps RMS, supporting up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512.

Designed for ultimate sound, the custom I/V conversion optimized for PSRM combines low-distortion op-amps with low-noise discrete components to process signals with precision. This design fully unlocks the music's dynamic potential, delivering ample dynamics and an immersive sound experience.

The hybrid relay-resistor network delivers ultra-precise volume adjustment, eliminating channel imbalance at low volumes in balanced outputs and ensuring pinpoint vocal imaging. By combining relay switching with digital volume control, it achieves lower distortion and superior noise immunity, reproducing music with greater purity, accuracy, and dynamic realism - true to the original recording.

A convolution-based crossfeed precisely simulates HRTF and room acoustics, dramatically improving imaging accuracy and spatial depth, while greatly reducing the in-head localization and close-ear listening effect common to headphones. Through meticulous tonal calibration, the system balances tonal accuracy with realistic spatial presence, avoiding the distortion that can result from simply flattening frequency response. An enhanced BS2B-based simplified mode is also available, offering a more relaxed, speaker-like presentation without relying on room reflections - ideal for listeners who prefer headphone listening.

TOPPING develops a brand new PEQ adjustment that supports ten customizable frequency bands. Topping's brand new PEQ algorithm and desktop software allow you to fine-tune the frequency, gain, and andwidth of each PEQ band. The software supports the import of target curves and raw curves, and enables curve compensation using the target curve. It can also save multiple profiles for easy switching. All outputs support independent PEQ configuration, and both headphones and speakers can be accurately adjusted to the ideal state.

Equipped with Qualcomm's flagship QCC5125 Bluetooth chipset and Bluetooth 5.1 for stable connectivity, DX9 Discrete fully supports LDAC,aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC codecs-delivering high-resolution wireless sound for a truly immersive listening experience.

DX9 Discrete is powered by the high-end 16-core XMOS XU-316 processor, supporting audio decoding up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD512, meeting the needs of Hi-Fi audiophiles for true high-fidelity, lossless playback. It also features a custom Thesycon USB driver for Windows (plug-and-play for other systems), ensuring stability.