Ever wondered whether upping the sound quality of your PS5 might improve your gaming chops? If so, Toppings cheap new DAC is worth an audition

Date:
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:20:02 +0000

Description:
Topping's new DX1 II is an affordable DAC which is targeted specifically towards Switch or PS5 gamers but even non-gamers should take note for this price

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Topping has unveiled its new
and compact desktop DX1 II DAC It's relatively affordable at 119 (about $160, AU$240) Multiple inputs and outputs, some clearly designed for gamers If you've been considering buying one of the best headphone DACs , it's probably because you want to connect them to an audiophile-friendly hi-fi system or even to your phone or dedicated music player on the commute. But Topping's latest option aims squarely at a very different audience: gamers.

The Topping DX1 II is a new piece of kit which is slowly being released in different regions; it's just been released in the UK from Electromod. It
costs 119 (about $160, AU$240), so it undercuts many other options save for models built specifically for smartphones or digital audio players. The DX1
II seems to have a specific user in mind though. The DAC is designed for all budget-conscious, audiophile-curious buyers, but it does feel aimed at gamers more than most. And that is thanks to a few key considerations that seemingly make it a good pick for enhancing your games' sound. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

For example, while the DAC has two headphone outputs (3.5mm and 4.4mm), they're two-way, so you can use headsets with microphones. It can also switch between USB Audio Classes, allowing you to use it alongside the Nintendo Switch and PS5 which are some of the few gadgets only using UAC 1.0. A DAC is for life, not just for gaming Despite some gaming features being the headline tools, the Topping DX1 II seems to be a solid all-rounder too and given how much we loved the larger and more expensive Topping DX5 II , it's well worth taking a closer look. You may like This innovative DAC offers super-clean sound using a unique processing tech iFi GO Link 2 review: this little DAC delivers an enormous audio upgrade at a great price The best portable DACs

The DAC can input from USB-C as well as optical, and output to optical,
stereo RCA, 3.5mm or 4.4mm. There's support for 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD
256, so high-quality audio won't be a problem. There are also EQ tools as
well as filter and gain settings.

A built-in amp can deliver up to 1,000mW audio, and since it's quite compact at 10x10x3.2cm, it'll fit into various existing set-ups and that glossy white casework will make it look right at home next to a PS5. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

As a prolific gamer, I'm not sure that I can see a DAC being crucial to a hardware set-up although I absolutely recommend any one of the best wired gaming headsets . That said, the Topping is still very useful as an
affordable entry-level DAC for my music that can get double use for gaming. The best headphone DACs for all budgets Our top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons

Read our full guide to the best headphone DACs 1. Best budget USB-C portable DAC: iFi GO Link Max 2. Best budget desktop DAC: iFi Uno 3. Best premium portable DAC: iFi xDSD Gryphon 4. Best wireless DAC: Fiio BTR17 Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/ever-wondered-whether-upping-the-sound-quality -of-your-ps5-might-improve-your-gaming-chops-if-so-toppings-cheap-new-dac-is-w orth-an-audition


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