It is on massdrop again. anyone has any updates on this?
I ordered a DX7s earlier in the week from Ali-Express seller "TakstarAudio Store" (yes same company that sells the headphones of the same name).
It's my first experience using Alibaba or Ali-Express and so far it seems a little too good/ easy to be true: reasonable price ($479.99 shipped!), painless transaction, and VERY responsive updates from the seller via PM's on the site - all apparently coming from a real person with very good English fluency. They provided a DHL label w/ tracking literally within an hour of me sending payment.
So now it's just down to waiting for Chinese/US customs and DHL to do their thing.
My chain will be:
Tidal lossless "masters", handful of local FLAC and mp3 files, various FPS games
> Windows PC w/ both USB from MB and S/PDIF from Asus STX II
> Topping DX7S (pre-amp out via balanced XLR)
> Headamp GS-X mk2 (DACT version)
> Audeze LCD-4 (balanced)
I was originally planning on a Benchmark DAC3, but after reading Amir's and a few other reviews I though I'd try this out and see if this ambitious Chinese offering can fill the shoes that would normally belong to a DAC costing more than 3X the money.
I'll post on update once I have it actually sitting on my desk and hooked up to my system.
It is on massdrop again. anyone has any updates on this?
TLDR: Even at the $480 Ali Express price I think the DX7s is a bargain. At the $380 Massdrop price it's an absolute steal.
At that price it could very realistically be an "entry level" all-in-one, but it's also not something that you'd need to sell when upgrading to better cans or moving to stand-alone external amp.
I've used a handful of entry-level dac/amps ranging from the O2/ODAC to the IDSD BL and I found the DX7s to bet significantly better than all of them: sound stage, positional accuracy, speed and detail resolution are the areas where it really jumped out at me as being on another level from anything else I'd heard.
IMO, it's not sufficient to say that this is the best balanced DAC/amp under $500, because it has no competitors anywhere close to that price. I have serious doubts that there's anything that comes close to the specs and performance within $1000 or more.
Honestly, just based on thick, machined aluminium chassis, premium switches and connectors, and not-inexpensive guts, I don't see how any company outside of China could ever hope to deliver this much quality an not have their COSTS be close to the MSRP for this thing.
I was honestly prepared for the DX7s to come with a "catch" some issue or glaring flaw that would make me say "ahh, I see why this was only $480, and a Benchmark DAC3 cost $2200".... but that moment has yet to happen.
There are some very minor UI niggles:
it's sort of a pain to have to push the knob to cycle through input modes, especially when "double clicking" the knob cycles output modes (HP, DAC, HP+DAC), you have to cycle inputs slowly to avoid accidentally switching out put modes. Accessing any of the filter modes also requires some complex maneuver that requires powering the unit off, then holding down the knob button while it powering on. I don't mind the design (and cost saving) decision to have a very minimal UI on the unit, and to provide a more robust UI via a remote . However, the remote is not included nor is it even available for purchases as an accessory because Topping hasn't finished it yet.
To me it's a minor issue, but I can understand some people being annoyed with it.
I've been meaning / still intend to write a more extensive review but wanted to at least get this quick update out for anyone on the fence about the Massdrop deal.
I'll also note that my experience both with Ali-Express and the seller "TakstarAudio Store" has been beyond excellent.
I literally had a package shipped direct from China in my hands within 5 days of ordering it ... that not 5days of shipping, its 5days TOTAL from the time between when I clicked "buy" and when it was sitting on my desk playing music.
I had a personal message including pictures from a real person at "TakstarAudio Store" within minutes of placing the order and the same person updated me every step of the way, as well as provided support and answered my questions long after I received the order.
I don't know what Massdrop is charging for shipping, but the TAS price was $100 more, but included free super fast shipping. So, if you wanna pay a little more to avoid the Massdrop waiting game, I can't recommend Ali-Express and TAS enough.