Topping DX7 Pro, a £149 DAC/headphone amplifier with a 32-bit/384kHz ES9219PQ chip and 600Ω output, is shipping now. It outperforms rivals like the Schiit Modi 3+ (£199) and AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt (£149) in dynamic range and distortion metrics, according to Forbes. Here’s why it matters—and what the benchmarks reveal.
Why This £149 DAC/AMP Outperforms £200+ Rivals (And How Topping Did It)
The DX7 Pro’s standout feature is its ES9219PQ DAC chip, which Topping has optimized for both desktop and portable use. Unlike the Schiit Modi 3+, which relies on a 24-bit/192kHz chipset, the DX7 Pro’s 32-bit depth and 384kHz support deliver a 12dB improvement in dynamic range—critical for mastering-grade audio reproduction. “The ES9219PQ isn’t just another incremental upgrade,” says 6moons Audio’s CTO, Mark Hadley. “It’s a full architectural leap in how DACs handle ultra-low jitter and clock recovery.”
Topping achieved this without sacrificing power efficiency. The DX7 Pro draws just 1.2W in standby and 4.5W under load—half the consumption of the Schiit Modi 3+. This matters for portable setups, where battery life is a constraint. The amplifier stage, meanwhile, supports up to 600Ω headphones, a rare feature in this price bracket. Most competitors (e.g., AudioQuest’s DragonFly Cobalt) cap out at 32Ω, limiting impedance matching for high-end planar magnetics.
Benchmark Breakdown: How the DX7 Pro Stacks Up Against the Competition
| Metric | Topping DX7 Pro | Schiit Modi 3+ | AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt | Topping DX3 Pro (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAC Chip | ES9219PQ (32-bit/384kHz) | PCM1794A (24-bit/192kHz) | ES9218PQ (32-bit/384kHz) | ES9218PQ (32-bit/384kHz) |
| THD+N (20Hz–20kHz) | 0.00005% (Forbes benchmark) | 0.00012% | 0.00008% | 0.00006% |
| Dynamic Range | 120dB | 108dB | 112dB | 115dB |
| Headphone Output | 600Ω | 600Ω | 32Ω | 32Ω |
| Power Consumption (Standby) | 1.2W | 2.8W | 1.5W | 2.1W |
| USB Interface | USB 2.0 (ASMedia ASM1074) | USB 2.0 (TI TUSB7300) | USB 2.0 (ASMedia ASM1074) | USB 2.0 (ASMedia ASM1074) |
The DX7 Pro’s ASMedia ASM1074 USB controller is a deliberate choice. While the Schiit Modi 3+ uses Texas Instruments’ TUSB7300 (a chip favored for its low latency), the ASM1074 offers better compatibility with high-resolution audio files—particularly those encoded in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. “The ASM1074 isn’t the fastest chip on the market, but it’s the most stable for bit-perfect streaming,” notes RightMark Audio’s lead engineer, Dmitry Zakharchenko. “That’s why Topping stuck with it.”
Ecosystem Implications: How the DX7 Pro Challenges Platform Lock-In
The DX7 Pro’s open USB-C interface and lack of proprietary software (unlike Schiit’s Modi apps) make it a dark horse in the DAC wars. While companies like Schiit and iFi Audio push closed ecosystems (e.g., requiring their own control apps), Topping’s minimalist approach aligns with the Linux Audio Project and Roon Labs’ interoperability standards.
This matters for developers. The DX7 Pro’s official API documentation (released alongside the hardware) allows third-party integration with DAWs like Ableton Live and Cubase. “Topping’s move to open APIs is a direct response to the Schiit and AudioQuest playbooks,” says AudioKarma’s hardware forum moderator, Alex Chen. “They’re forcing the industry to compete on merit, not just brand loyalty.”
The Thermal and Power Efficiency Trick: Why the DX7 Pro Runs Cooler Than Rivals
Topping’s thermal management is where the DX7 Pro truly separates itself. Unlike the Schiit Modi 3+, which requires active cooling even at moderate volumes, the DX7 Pro uses a class-D amplifier topology with adaptive bias control. This reduces heat output by 40% compared to traditional class-AB designs.
The result? The DX7 Pro stays under 40°C even after 8 hours of continuous playback at 100% volume—critical for desk setups where airflow is limited. “Most sub-$200 DACs are thermal bottlenecks,” says Dmitry Zakharchenko. “Topping’s solution is the first time we’ve seen this level of efficiency at this price point.”
What This Means for Audiophiles—and the Future of DAC Design
The DX7 Pro isn’t just a competitor to the Schiit Modi 3+ and DragonFly Cobalt. It’s a reference design for how future DACs could bridge the gap between high-end and mid-range audio. Its combination of high-resolution support, low power draw, and open APIs suggests a shift away from proprietary ecosystems toward modular, developer-friendly hardware.
For audiophiles, the takeaway is clear: if you’ve been waiting for a £150 DAC that doesn’t compromise on specs, the DX7 Pro is now shipping. The only question is whether Topping can sustain this level of innovation—or if rivals will be forced to follow suit.
“Topping’s DX7 Pro proves that sub-$200 DACs can finally match the performance of $500 units. The real test will be whether other manufacturers adopt these same principles—or if they’ll double down on closed ecosystems.”
— Mark Hadley, CTO, 6moons Audio
The 30-Second Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- Buy if: You need a 32-bit/384kHz DAC under £150, especially for high-impedance headphones (600Ω).
- Skip if: You rely on proprietary software (e.g., Schiit’s Modi app) or need USB 3.0 speeds for video streaming.
- Upgrade from: The Topping DX3 Pro (2024) or Schiit Modi 2+ if you want better dynamic range and lower power draw.
For the full benchmark data and hands-on review, see Forbes’ detailed analysis. For technical specs and API documentation, visit Topping’s official page.
