TOPPING DX9 Discrete PSRM DAC & Headphone Amplifier

TOPPING DX9 Discrete DAC & Headphone Amplifier

The DX9 Discrete is a fully balanced DAC and headphone amplifier built for those who construct their listening chains around precision. It is a ground-up rethinking of TOPPING’s flagship architecture: a self-developed 16-element PSRM 1-bit DAC eliminates conventional chip limitations, while a six-channel discrete NFCA headphone amplifier delivers up to 7,080mW x 2 into 32Ω with near-zero distortion. A ten-band high-precision PEQ, fully balanced hybrid relay volume control, headphone crossfeed, and a rich array of digital inputs make it a transparent DAC, powerful headphone amplifier, and pristine preamp in one chassis.

16-Element PSRM: 1-bit Done Right

TOPPING’s proprietary PSRM DAC architecture uses 16 discrete elements per channel to perform 1-bit decoding with nanosecond-level switching. By eliminating off-the-shelf DAC chips, the DX9 Discrete controls every step of the digital-to-analog process, achieving extraordinary linearity and clarity: 131dB SNR, <0.00006% THD+N, and perfectly stable channel balance.

Goodbye to Jitter

A CPLD precision clock system and dual-stage jitter suppression circuit keep the digital signal clean. The AK4118 receiver handles coaxial, optical, and AES inputs with less than 50ps RMS jitter, supporting PCM up to 768kHz and DSD512. Music sounds defined and stable, with transients intact and decay left untouched.

Balanced Power from End to End

The six-channel discrete NFCA amplifier is built for demanding headphones. Each channel operates independently, producing up to 7,080mW x 2 at 32Ω with noise below 0.5µVrms (balanced) and 1.1µVrms (single-ended). The sound stays quiet, composed, and distortion-free no matter how far you turn the knob.

Precision Volume You Can Trust

The fully balanced hybrid relay volume control blends relay switching with a resistor network for exact level adjustment. It eliminates channel imbalance at low volume and keeps stereo imaging razor-sharp.

Custom-Tuned I/V Conversion

TOPPING’s proprietary I/V stage converts current to voltage using low-distortion op-amps and discrete components. It is designed to unlock the PSRM’s full potential: dynamic, textured sound with a sense of air and physicality.

Tune to Your Taste with 10-Band PEQ

The built-in ten-band high-precision PEQ lets you tailor your frequency response exactly how you like it. Adjust gain, Q-factor, and frequency for each band, or import target curves through TOPPING’s software. Save multiple profiles for headphones, speakers, or genres.

Crossfeed Done Right

The headphone crossfeed system uses convolution modeling of HRTF and room acoustics to create natural spatial cues. It reduces the “inside-your-head” effect common to headphones, making the stage sound wider and more realistic, with a simplified BS2B mode for a gentler presentation.

Connections for Every Occasion

With eight digital inputs – USB, Bluetooth, two optical, two coaxial, AES, and IIS – the DX9 Discrete fits into any listening chain. IIS supports up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512. USB uses the XMOS XU-316 processor with Thesycon driver for bit-perfect playback on Windows and plug-and-play compatibility with other systems.

Output Options Your Way

Choose between headphone, line, or preamp output – or run everything at once with All Output Mode. Outputs include XLR, RCA, 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and XLR-4, all using NEUTRIK connectors for reliable, professional-grade performance.

Wireless That Holds Its Own

The integrated Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 module supports LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, and SBC. Stream lossless audio from your phone or laptop with high-resolution clarity and low latency.

Built to Last

A CNC-machined aluminum chassis, glass top panel, and soft ambient lighting give the DX9 Discrete a modern presence on your desk. The multifunction knob can be customized to your liking, the 12V trigger syncs power with other gear, and a solid aluminum remote adds convenience.

User-Friendly Aurora UI

Dual 2.0-inch color displays powered by the Aurora UI let you switch between FFT spectrum, VU meters, and playback info. It is intuitive, fast, and genuinely helpful – no manual needed.

Specifications

• DAC Architecture: 16-element PSRM 1-bit discrete (self-developed), no off-the-shelf DAC chips
• THD+N @1kHz (A-wt): <0.00006% (DAC section)
• SNR: 131dB (DAC section)
• Dynamic Range: 131dB (DAC & preamp section)
• Channel Crosstalk: -136dB @1kHz (DAC); -133dB @1kHz (headphone amp)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-40kHz (±2dB)
• DAC Output Level: 5Vrms (XLR) / 2.5Vrms (RCA)
• DAC Output Impedance: 100Ω (XLR) / 50Ω (RCA)
• Headphone Output Power: 7,080mW x 2 @32Ω (balanced)
• Headphone Noise: <0.5µVrms (balanced) / <1.1µVrms (single-ended)
• Headphone Output Impedance: <0.1Ω
• Headphone Gain: 12.5dB (low) / 24.5dB (high)
• Preamp Output Level: 15Vpp (low) / 48Vpp (high)
• Inputs: USB, Bluetooth, 2x Optical, 2x Coaxial, AES, IIS (8 digital inputs)
• PCM Support: Up to 768kHz / 32bit
• DSD Support: Up to DSD512
• USB Processor: XMOS XU-316 with Thesycon driver
• Bluetooth: QCC5125; Bluetooth 5.1; LDAC, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC
• PEQ: Ten-band high-precision with software control
• Volume Control: Fully balanced hybrid relay with resistor network
• Outputs: Line/Pre: XLR + RCA; Headphone: 6.35mm, 4.4mm, XLR-4; 12V trigger in/out
• Display: Dual 2.0-inch color displays (Aurora UI) with FFT/VU/playback-info modes
• Chassis: CNC-machined aluminum with glass top panel and ambient lighting
• Power: AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz
• Dimensions: 34.0 x 22.5 x 6.0 cm (13.4 x 8.9 x 2.4 in)
• Weight: 3.0 kg (6.6 lbs)

What's Included

• DX9 Discrete unit
• Remote control
• AC power cable
• USB cable
• Bluetooth antenna
• 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter
• Product information card