Topping has introduced the DX9 Discrete, a new all-in-one DAC, headphone amp, and preamp designed to sit at the center of a desktop audio setup. It’s now available on Amazon, priced at $1,299 in the U.S., putting it firmly in the “serious enthusiast” category rather than casual upgrade territory.

What makes the DX9 Discrete stand out isn’t just the feature list but how Topping is handling the DAC side of things. Instead of using a common DAC chip like ESS or AKM, this unit runs on Topping’s own 1-bit PSRM architecture. That’s a discrete design, meaning it’s built from individual components rather than a single integrated chip.

That might sound more complicated than it needs to be, but here’s the simple takeaway: Topping is trying to control more of the signal path itself instead of relying on third-party DAC solutions. It’s still a delta-sigma-style approach (not an R2R ladder DAC), just implemented in a more custom way.

Topping claims a dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio of up to 131dB, which, on paper, puts it in line with other high-end desktop DACs.

The DX9 Discrete isn’t just about digital conversion. It’s designed to be a hub for multiple types of setups, including headphones, powered speakers, or even a full stereo system.

Here’s a quick look at what it supports:

• PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz
• DSD512 playback
• USB, optical, coaxial, AES, and HDMI (I2S) inputs
• Bluetooth with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX HD
• Balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) outputs
• Balanced and single-ended headphone outputs

So whether you’re connecting a laptop, streamer, gaming console, or phone, it’s all covered here. That flexibility is a big part of the pitch.

Topping is also leaning heavily into power with this one. The DX9 Discrete uses a six-channel NFCA (Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier) design and is rated for some pretty high output numbers, up to around 7,000mW per channel into 32 ohms.

You don’t really need to memorize those figures to understand what they mean in practice: this is built to handle demanding headphones, including many planar magnetic models. At the same time, it can dial things back for more sensitive IEMs, so you’re not locked into just one type of headphone.

One feature that’s easy to overlook, but probably shouldn’t be, is the built-in 10-band parametric EQ.

A lot of DAC/amp combos either skip EQ entirely or make it clunky to use. Here, Topping lets you create EQ profiles through its software and store them directly on the device. That means once it’s set up, you don’t need to keep software running in the background.

Why does that matter? Because different headphones often benefit from different tuning. Having EQ built into the hardware makes it easier to switch between them without reconfiguring everything each time.

There’s also a crossfeed option, which slightly blends left and right channels to make headphone listening feel a bit more like speakers. It’s not something everyone uses, but for older recordings or long listening sessions, it can make things feel less “inside your head.”

Visually, the DX9 Discrete leans more premium than some of Topping’s simpler boxes. It includes a glass top panel with visible internal components, a large central volume knob, and a front display with customizable layouts, VU meter-style visuals included.

You also get a remote, which is still surprisingly rare for desktop DAC/amp units in this category.

At $1,299, the DX9 Discrete isn’t trying to be a starter DAC. It’s aimed at people who want one box to handle multiple roles without building a full stack.

That likely includes users who want:

• A DAC, preamp, and headphone amp in one unit
• Enough power for harder-to-drive headphones
• Flexible input options for multiple devices
• Built-in EQ that doesn’t rely on software
• Balanced outputs for both headphones and speakers

If that sounds like your setup, this kind of device makes sense. If you prefer mixing and matching separate components, you might still lean toward a traditional stack instead.

A close alternative here is the FiiO K17, which comes in at a lower $989. On paper, it’s going after the same type of user: someone who wants a single desktop unit that can handle DAC duties, headphone amplification, and preamp control without building a full stack.

The K17 leans more into features. It uses dual AKM AK4499EX DAC chips, pairs that with a discrete Class AB amp stage, and adds a large touchscreen for direct control. You also get a deeper 31-band parametric EQ, plus built-in streaming and network features, things the DX9 Discrete doesn’t really focus on.

The Topping DX9 Discrete takes a different angle. Instead of a traditional DAC chip setup, it uses Topping’s own 1-bit discrete architecture, and it’s rated for more output power overall. In simple terms, it’s built more around raw performance and flexibility across different headphone types, especially harder-to-drive models.

So it really comes down to what matters more to you. The DX9 Discrete is the pick if you care about Topping’s custom DAC approach and extra power on tap. The FiiO K17 makes more sense if you want a slightly cheaper, more feature-packed unit with a touchscreen, streaming, and more control over EQ.

The DX9 Discrete feels like part of a broader shift in desktop audio. More people want fewer boxes, but they still expect high-end performance and flexibility.

Instead of choosing between convenience and capability, products like this try to offer both in a single unit. Whether that trade-off works for you depends on how you like to build your system, but it’s clear where the category is heading.

And with the DX9 Discrete, Topping is leaning all the way into that idea.

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