Topping DX9 Discrete DAC & Headphone Amp

This product is available to pre-order with an ETA of early December.

Self-Developed PSRM Architecture
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 minimising power interference for exceptional performance and stability.

The voltage reference supply is the core of analogue output precision. Its digital switching logic operates at nanosecond speed precision. To counter this, we 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.

Say Goodbye to Jitter
A CPLD paired with a precision clock optimises the digital signal and performs dual-stage purification, achieving deep jitter suppression and reducing artefacts 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.

In the jitter test commonly used by current measurement websites, DX9 Discrete demonstrates exceptional performance, reaching jitter levels as low as −160 dB.

Proprietary I/V Conversion
Designed for ultimate sound, the custom I/V conversion optimised 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.

Fully Balanced Hybrid Relay Volume Control
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.

Headphone Crossfeed
A convolution-based crossfeed precisely simulates HRTF and room acoustics, dramatically improving imaging accuracy and spatial depth, while greatly reducing the in-head localisation 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.

Ten-Band High-Precision PEQ
We develop a brand new PEQ adjustment* that supports ten customisable frequency bands. Topping's brand new PEQ algorithm and desktop software allow you to fine-tune the frequency, gain, and bandwidth 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.

*The PEQ function supports up to PCM 192 kHz / 24 bit.

Six-Channel Discrete NFCA Headphone Amplifier
Featuring the flagship discrete NFCA circuit, the single-ended and balanced headphone amplifier circuits are fully independent, maintaining the signature low-distortion performance.

Third-Generation XMOS XU-316
|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.

Comprehensive Input Ecosystem
USB / BT / OPT1 / OPT2 / COAX1 / COAX2 / AES / IIS — eight digital inputs compatible with a wide range of professional audio devices.

• IIS: High-spec signal input supporting 768 kHz PCM / DSD512 native decoding with zero loss*.
• OPT / COAX / AES: Supports 192 kHz / 24 bit input.
• USB (Thesycon driver): Supports DSD512 and 768 kHz / 32 bit input.

IIS decoding requires consistent pin-definition alignment between devices.

Unleash Your Senses (Display)
A panoramic glass top reveals the precision-engineered circuitry, accentuated by built-in ambient lighting. Dual 2.0-inch colour displays with the Aurora UI allow switching between playback info, FFT spectrum, and VU meter views.