Topping DX3pro+ LDAC Headphone Amplifier - ES9038Q2M XU208 NFCA Bluetooth5.0 Audio Decoder USB/Opt/Coax DAC AMP Pre Amplifier with Remote Control (Black)

Sound is more armonized and that's noticeable. This is an "entry level all in one" DAC to start with. Don't expect your sound to become magically better, it will sound MORE ACCURATELY. USB mode in windows and macOS will have more fidelity. The "EQ" modes are veeery specific and not noticeable for someone like me that I'm getting into this HiFi world (but I've seen reviews from professionals that don't notice it neither). Bluetooth is a game changer as you will find more devices connected via bluetooth that other way, but it's sometimes tricky to connect: If the device is turned off or other previously connected bluetooth device is disconnected, it will allow you to connect another one, otherwise you will have to use the remote control to "disconnect" and put in "monitor" mode, which will change your led light level (this is something that firmware should fix). You will become a bit dependant on the remote control. If you have active speakers (without volume or amplification), you will want to put the dac in "pure dac mode" which is not very well explained, but you will need to reboot the device in the process. Notice that in that mode the "volume wheel" is basically useless. Google about it, it's not well explained in the manual. Built materials are superb and it's very compact even for a desktop (but I prefer to center it it in the sound area because of the orange glow). The ideal "EQ mode" is the 3, if you want a bit of "dry effect on high" I recommend the mode 5, but you have to have a fine ear and speakers with a high range.

I got this unit over a month ago, wanting to get the most out of my reference grade Sennheiser headphones that i use mostly for gaming, but also to listen to music. Did some research on which unit would be best for me with a budget of $200 and ended up settling on this unit, and boy am I glad i chose this one. First off my headphones have way more juice to them and can now get MUCH louder. But also the sound is so much higher quality than it was before. The DAC makes each different noise that your hearing stand out distinctly much more than before. In games it makes me notice sounds i never noticed before because each sound is more isolated and just stands out more. That's the best i can explain it. I guess its giving you a higher range of frequencies which in turn lets you hear a wider range of noises that all blended in and wasn't distinct enough to pick out before using this DAC. I listened to some music without the DAC afterwards as a comparison and immediately the difference was obvious, this thing enhances whatever your listening to so much. If you are looking for a DAC for gaming / music I absolutely recommend this unit. You will not be disappointed, that much I know.

Compared A/B with Denon DA-300USB and yet again Denon was not dethroned. Both have HP amp, but DX3pro+ when output switched on remote between line out and phones it may blast your headphones with high gain and that is not pleasant at all neither for you nor for headphones. The USB input volume is very low on DX3pro+, correct level on Denon. Just watch out when you are listening on low gain headphones at moderate level - an accidental switch to high gain would really hurt. Should not put gain change button on remote, better have a physical switch on the unit to avoid potential health hazard.

This DAC/ microphone amp is crystal clear- sound stage is open and free- treble and mids are balanced and plenty.The lows are pleasing and enjoyable.- noise free. In short, it is very musical and puts the listener in the sweet spot every time.The price is a steal for the harmonics and musicality.I have tried the Eversolo-Z8 dac and at 3.5 times the price of the DX-3 ,the sound is lacking in mids and highs - sound is confined -feels caged - not open .The unit is solidly constructed and has preset options for sound quality- as this is a desk top dac its size is just right for a PC desk... The unit is easy to use as is the remote - nothing complicated.It get 5 stars only because I cant give it 4.5.