DX9 Discrete – TOPPING’s Flagship DAC with Fully Discrete Circuitry
With the DX9 Discrete, TOPPING introduces a high-end DAC that completely abandons traditional converter chips in favor of a fully discrete design. Acting as DAC, preamplifier, and high-power headphone amp in one enclosure, it promises exceptional clarity, low noise, and wide compatibility with digital sources. Built for discerning listeners, the DX9 Discrete bridges studio precision and audiophile refinement.
- The TOPPING DX9 Discrete is a fully discrete DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier delivering up to 10.000 mW output power per channel and a 131 dB SNR. Supporting PCM 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD512, it combines precision engineering with a minimalist design for uncompromised high-end audio performance.
Founded in 2009, TOPPING Electronics & Technology Co. Ltd. from Guangzhou has earned a strong reputation among audio enthusiasts for compact yet technically sophisticated Hi-Fi components. Over the years, the company has evolved from a value-oriented manufacturer into a recognized innovator in precision digital audio design. With the new TOPPING DX9 Discrete, the brand is making its most ambitious statement yet — a fully discrete DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier engineered for uncompromising sound quality and versatility.
Key Facts
- Model: TOPPING DX9 Discrete
- Type: DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier
- Architecture: Fully discrete circuit design
- Outputs: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
- Headphone Outputs: 6.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4-Pin XLR
- Output Power (balanced): Up to 10.000 mW per channel @ 16 Ω
- THD+N: < 0.00006 % (XLR)
- SNR: Up to 131 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz (± 2 dB)
- Price: approx. € 1.299,-
Design and Construction
The DX9 Discrete reflects a “form follows function” approach with its solid aluminum chassis and precisely machined front panel. The central color display and large control knob highlight the device’s focus on clarity and usability. Internally, the absence of conventional DAC chips marks a significant engineering departure. Instead, TOPPING uses custom-developed discrete converter modules, translating digital data directly into analog voltage with extreme precision. According to the manufacturer, this architecture enhances detail retrieval and harmonic naturalness — qualities typically associated with top-tier analog equipment.
Technology and Signal Processing
Measured performance confirms the DX9 Discrete’s technical ambitions. Its signal-to-noise ratio reaches 131 dB via XLR and 128 dB via RCA, while total harmonic distortion drops below 0.00006 %, essentially at the measurement limit. The headphone amplifier section provides independent balanced (4.4 mm Pentaconn and 4-pin XLR) and unbalanced (6.3 mm) outputs. Delivering up to 10.000 mW per channel into 16 ohms, the DX9 easily drives planar magnetic and high-impedance studio headphones.
Two gain levels allow seamless adjustment between sensitive in-ears and demanding full-size headphones. A fully discrete output stage ensures low noise and excellent channel separation, resulting in superior linearity and stability under dynamic load conditions.
Connectivity and Integration
The DX9 Discrete offers extensive connectivity designed for both audiophile and professional environments. Eight digital inputs are available: USB, Bluetooth, two optical S/PDIF, two coaxial S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and I2S. Through its I2S interface, the DAC supports Linear PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 without loss of data integrity. Optical, coaxial, and AES inputs handle 24-bit/192 kHz streams, while the USB input — powered by a Thesycon driver — supports full 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and DSD512 playback.
On the analog side, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA pre-outputs allow flexible integration into existing HiFi or studio setups. This versatility turns the DX9 into a central hub capable of uniting classic CD transports, modern streamers, and high-resolution computer audio systems within a single, noise-optimized device.
Practical Use
TOPPING positions the DX9 Discrete as an all-in-one reference component for those seeking the highest fidelity without the footprint of a multi-box system. In daily operation, users benefit from its low noise floor, precise volume control, and remarkable drive capability across a wide range of headphones. According to the manufacturer, the discrete signal path contributes to an exceptionally pure, transparent, and fatigue-free listening experience — particularly noticeable in detail-rich recordings and long listening sessions.
Price and Availability
The TOPPING DX9 Discrete is expected to be available through authorized Hi-Fi retailers and specialized online dealers at a price of approximately € 1.299,-. Market availability is projected for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Conclusion
With the DX9 Discrete, TOPPING Electronics & Technology Co. Ltd. demonstrates that compact form and reference-grade performance are not mutually exclusive. By employing a fully discrete signal architecture, high-power amplification, and meticulously optimized circuitry, the company has created a versatile DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier that challenges conventional design boundaries. The DX9 Discrete stands as an impressive example of engineering discipline and user-focused functionality in the modern digital audio landscape.
| Product | TOPPING DX9 Discrete |
|---|---|
| Price | approximately € 1.299,00 |
Technical Data
| Product | TOPPING DX9 Discrete |
|---|---|
| Digital Inputs | USB, Bluetooth, 2× Optical S/PDIF, 2× Coaxial S/PDIF, AES/EBU, I2S |
| Supported Formats (USB) | Linear PCM 32 Bit and 768 kHz, DSD512 |
| Supported Formats (I2S) | Linear PCM 32 Bit and 768 kHz, DSD512 |
| Supported Formats (OPT/COAX/AES) | Linear PCM 24 Bit and 192 kHz |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 40 kHz (± 2 dB) |
| THD+N (XLR) | < 0.00006 % |
| THD+N (RCA) | < 0.00007 % |
| SNR (A-weighted) | 131 dB (XLR) / 128 dB (RCA) |
| Line-Out Voltage | 5,2 Vrms (XLR) / 2,5 Vrms (RCA) |
| Headphone Output (balanced) | Up to 10.000 mW × 2 @ 16 Ω |
| Headphone Output (unbalanced) | Up to 3.300 mW × 2 @ 16 Ω |
| Gain Settings | Low / High |
| Brand | TOPPING Electronics & Technology Co. Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | TOPPING Electronics & Technology Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution | NT Global Distribution GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG |
