Topping DX3 pro vs Topping D50

[RunOutGroove]

I was looking at a D50 in my local ads that was selling for really cheap, but I didn't jump on it in time. Now I see that there's this DX3 there for sale... not as great a deal, but I figure that I might be able to talk the seller down a bit. I don't need a headphone amp either and am really just looking to run my CD player and maybe a computer though it later (and my TV) and get better sound that what I've already got (running the CD player directly into the amp and the TV through a really cheap in-line type DAC). I did a bit of research on the D50 and it sounded like a good bet, but I wonder how this DX3 compares. Is it going to be as good in terms of sound quality... or should I wait until something else/something better comes along?

 

[patient_ot]

The DX3 went through a couple different versions. I have the latest one. I suggest you buy through Apos Audio so you get a 2 year warranty, rather than buy a used one. I had a choice between the D50S and the DX3 Pro LDAC and went for the latter because I wanted a larger display that was easier to read from several feet away. Performance wise the D50S has an edge but the DX3 Pro LDAC already measures quite well and is more than good enough for most people.

If you need something cheaper and don't need a lot of features and still want a Topping, consider the E30. Apos will also match prices with anyone, even Drop.

https://apos.audio/collections/our-products/products/topping-e30-dac

 

[RunOutGroove]

The DX3 went through a couple different versions. I have the latest one. I suggest you buy through Apos Audio so you get a 2 year warranty, rather than buy a used one. I had a choice between the D50S and the DX3 Pro LDAC and went for the latter because I wanted a larger display that was easier to read from several feet away. Performance wise the D50S has an edge but the DX3 Pro LDAC already measures quite well and is more than good enough for most people.

If you need something cheaper and don't need a lot of features and still want a Topping, consider the E30. Apos will also match prices with anyone, even Drop.

https://apos.audio/collections/our-products/products/topping-e30-dac

I found a deal on a used, open box D50 that I'm thinking of buying. I don't need the features of the D50s and certainly not of the DX3 (and the D50 I found is even cheaper than the DX3). I'm thinking that for my requirements which are just sound quality that the D50 might be the best bet of the bunch...

 

[patient_ot]

I found a deal on a used, open box D50 that I'm thinking of buying. I don't need the features of the D50s and certainly not of the DX3 (and the D50 I found is even cheaper than the DX3). I'm thinking that for my requirements which are just sound quality that the D50 might be the best bet of the bunch...

What kind of warranty do you get on that open box one? If none, or very limited I would pass.

 

[RunOutGroove]

What kind of warranty do you get on that open box one? If none, or very limited I would pass.

None, but I'd be getting the thing through ebay so at least if it doesn't work immediately, then I can get my money back. it's cheap enough to where I'm willing to gamble, though I realize that it is a gamble. I've mostly done very well though with used gear. Don't have the budget for new stuff though... not right now.

 

[patient_ot]

None, but I'd be getting the thing through ebay so at least if it doesn't work immediately, then I can get my money back. it's cheap enough to where I'm willing to gamble, though I realize that it is a gamble. I've mostly done very well though with used gear. Don't have the budget for new stuff though... not right now.

Topping will take care of you if something goes wrong further down the line, just understand that you'll likely have to pay for shipping and whatever they charge for repair. One of the reasons I suggested the cheaper E30 is that it will meet most people's needs, you get a warranty, and APOS will price match with anyone. It is very likely that the difference in performance between a new E30 and used previous generation D50 would not be audible to you.

At the end of the day it's your money though...