Topping NX4DSD and DX7s coming soon with updated ESS Sabre chips

Topping NX4DSD

Topping is going to push a couple new products to the market. They are both evolutions of already existing products, though they depart from their ancestors in different ways. The Topping NX4DSD is going to be an upgraded NX4 with upgraded internals, while the Topping DX7s will be a bit different from the current DX7.

The NX4DSD will be an upgrade over the current NX4 thanks to an update to internal chips: the DAC will switch to a latest-gen ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M, which is going to support native DSD512 and 768 kHz streams. Headphone amplifier is going to be updated, too, with output impedance going down. Contrary to its ancestor, the NX4DSD won’t be natively compatible with iOS devices and will need the camera kit cable in order to work. According to product listings on AliExpress, it is going to be a tad larger than the Topping NX1s and boast a 28-hour battery life when used in amplifier mode. Power output is going to be 293 mW at 32 Ω and 114 mW at 300 Ω, meaning it will be enough to power even headphones such as the Sennheiser HD650. Retail price is going to be around $150.

As you can read in my Topping DX7 review (pictured above), the device is a solid contender for the sub-$500 all-in-one DAC and headphone amplifier market. Thanks to a good blend of features, specs and sound, it is one of my favourite products and the one I use daily. According to what I’ve been told, the DX7s is going to feature upgraded components: the DAC will be an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M (and two of them will be featured for a fully balanced implementation), supporting up to DSD512 (native) and 768 kHz PCM sampling. USB chip is going to be upgraded to XU208, which is the latest-gen controller from XMOS. They told me the amplifier chip is going to be upgraded, too. Remote control support is going away (alas). Retail price is going to be higher than that of the $399 DX7, so we’re looking at Topping’s new flagship product here and the most expensive device from them to date. Release is expected to happen in February, probably by the end of the month.

About Riccardo Robecchi

Living in Glasgow, Scotland but born and raised near Milan, Italy, I got the passion for music listening as a legacy from my father and my grandfather. I have reported on technology for major Italian publications since 2011.

3 Comments

  1. Hey,
    you should have a look at DSD drivers, they contain a bit more info about unpublished products (D50) 😉

  2. Riccardo – Topping sales personnel told me the DX7s remote control will be available starting in May. Available for individual purchase if you already own the unit. I also sent you a question on your DX7 review as well. Thanks

Leave a Reply

Did you like the review? Let me know! Please note that you should write in English, as comments in other languages will be deleted. Thank you!

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.