So, I've been searching for a portable DAC/AMP that would be compatible with my iOS products for some time now. I actually ended up buying several options, and have had the chance to compare and contrast using several different headphones. I have the Objective 2 ODAC amp as my desktop amp by Mayflower electronics, a Fiio E18, and a Dragonfly black. My headphones include Fostex T50RP Mayflower 1 Mod, AKG K712 pro, and V-moda M-100s, which I've done lots of A/B comparisons via different combinations.
I went out on a limb and ordered the Topping NX4 portable DAC/AMP and long story short, it delivers!
Use with my iOS device:
Connectivity: No need for a CCK cable like others! it comes with a lightning to microUSB cable, and it works flawlessly! Plug and play with iphone devices.
Using it with a PC desktop: You'll need to download drivers from the topping website in order to use it with your PC. Once this is done, it sounds great!
Sound quality: This DAC has a clean sound. Now the iphone 6s dac is actually pretty good in my opinion, so it isn't a HUGE upgrade, but you can hear a slight difference. It is definitely better than the sound card on my PC. It is not quite as clean as the O2/ODAC, but it is definitely on the cleaner side. This is especially apparent when contrasted to the Fiio E18, which has a fuller, richer sound produced by the DAC, in my opinion. The dragonfly to me, sits somewhere in the middle between the Fiio and the NX4. There is a bass boost switch, which produces extra bass at normal listening volumes - this is OK. I've heard better and I've heard worse. I find myself using it at lower volumes on songs which aren't bass heavy for a little added depth and warmth. When listening with my V-moda and K712's, which have a robust low end, I don't use the bass boost much. Once the amp starts to push hard, the bass distorts and isn't very pleasant (only noticed with pushing very hard headphones like my Fostex at close to max volume on high gain). However, if the bass boost is off at high volumes, the low end sounds clean.
Power: Using this with an iOS device mutes some power when compared to a PC (roughly 15-20%). However, this little thing can push my Fostex (very hard to drive headphones) to a loud listening level on high gain. For quiet songs, you may desire a touch more if you like to listen to your music very loud, but for most situations, it is more than adequate. Now, if you're on a bus or subway with you're Fostex with this device, you may want a touch more power, but these headphones are not the most portable options, so that scenario isn't very likely to me. At the highest volume on high gain, the sound distorts, and even more so with the bass boost on. When on normal gain, at max tilt, the sound remains clear. Powering my K712 is a definitely easy, even from my iphone 6s. Max volume is uncomfortable to me on my K712, but again, it distorts enough to be ugly. Again, when plugged in to a PC, there is more power, and this little amp has some punch. Powering the V-modas is a breeze on both iphone and PC and volume isn't ever past half tilt (and even thats LOUD).
Compared to the Fiio and dragonfly black - it doesn't have the multimedia button control on the E18, and it cannot charge your phone as the E18 does. It does have a dedicated battery so it won't draw power like the DFB. I thought i was going to return one or the other, but to be honest they have different sounds, and I like them all in their own way. There is more power from the NX4 compared to the Fiio and DFB, but all are very good in my opinion. If you're going to use it for an iOS device, the NX4 is better because it skips the CCK connector needed for the dragonfly or Fiio. If a clean and neutral sound is more important to you, this amp/dac may be better for you.
If you're looking around for a good portable option, this is really very good in my opinion and you WON'T be disappointed. Hope this helps.
Customers also viewed these products
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Fosi Audio K5 Pro Gaming DAC Headphone Amplifier Mini Hi-Fi Stereo Digital-to-Analog Audio Converter USB Type C/Optical/Coaxial to RCA/3.5MM AUX for PS5/PC/MAC/ComputerAmazon's Choicein Audio Component Amplifiers
- Neoteck Portable 3.5mm Headphone Amplifier Two-Stage Gain Switch, 16-150 Ohm, Aluminum Matte SurfaceAmazon's Choicein Headphone Amps
CLEANEST amp for the price - Outstanding!
Yes, the default cables are not great. A cheap fix if they go bad. Hasn't happened to me, but I do prefer using separate cables I have at home. Stupid thing to complain about considering this is one of the cleanest amp/dacs for the price. Seriously! It measures cleaner than the THX AAA Portable. And it's plug and play. Amazing option. Just buy separate cables.
Top reviews from other countries
Gabriele
Un prodotto eccellente! Lo consiglio vivamente.
Reviewed in Italy on June 23, 2019