[Arsis]

I've got one on the way. I'll review it soon.



Features:

* Cirrus Logic's CS3310 low distortion electronic volume control
* Gold plated analog RCA stereo input
* All-aluminum chassis with 8mm CNC machined face plate
* Widely recognized high-quality components from KOA, ERO, Siemans, Nichicon, Toko, Omron,Fujitsu etc.
* Turn-on & turn-off pop suppression
* Over current & over temperature protection

Specifications:

* Inputs: USB, RCA Line in L/R
* Outputs: Headphone Jack, Speakers L/R, 3 Output Models Swtich
* Amplifier: Class-T Tripath TA－2024－B BTL Configuration
* Output Power: 2 x 25W @ 4ohm, 2 x 14W @ 8ohm
* Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 98dB
* Dynamic Range: 98dB
* IHF-IM Distortion: 0.1% @ 1W, 4ohm
* THD Distortion:0.03% @ 9W 4ohm, 0.1% @ 11W 4ohm, 0.1% @ 6W 8ohm, 10% @ 15W 4ohm, 10% @ 10W 8ohm
* Power Efficiency: 81% @ 15W, 4ohm, 90% @ 10W, 8ohm
* Input Sensitivity: 200mV
* DAC: USB Controller by Burr-Brown PCM2704plug and play, Windows2000 or Higher)
* USB decoder distortion: 0.008% @ 1kHz
* Opamp: Burr-Brown OP-2134
* Headphone Output: 60mW @ 16 ohms, 1% THD + N; 120mW @ 32 ohms, 1% THD + N
* Headphone Amp Distortion: 0.01% THD + N @ 100mW/32 ohms
* Face plate: 8mm thick CNC machined aluminum
* Connectors: Gold Plated RCA
* Size:11.3 x 4.4 x 17.1cm(width x high x deep) excluding protrusions
* Voltage: 100V-240V universal with power supply included

 

[Arsis]

I received the VX1 today! Amazing, it shipped Dec 31st, was in Hong Kong on Jan 1st and at my door in Atlanta today Jan 2nd! I'll post the unboxing and initial impressions later.

Hats off to DHL!

Tracking Details:
January 2, 2014, 9:37 am, Smyrna GA US Out for delivery
January 2, 2014, 8:32 am, Smyrna GA US Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 2, 2014, 4:29 am, Cincinnati Hub OH US Package has left the carrier facility
January 2, 2014, 1:41 am, Cincinnati Hub OH US Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 2, 2014, 1:41 am, Cincinnati Hub OH US Completed customs clearance process
January 2, 2014, 12:18 am, Cincinnati Hub OH US Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 1, 2014, 10:02 pm, HONG KONG HK Package has left the carrier facility
January 1, 2014, 9:41 pm, HONG KONG HK Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 1, 2014, 1:32 pm, HONG KONG HK Completed customs clearance process
January 1, 2014, 1:29 pm, HONG KONG HK Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 1, 2014, 12:15 pm, Shenzhen - China CN Completed customs clearance process
January 1, 2014, 10:31 am, Shenzhen - China CN Package arrived at a carrier facility
January 1, 2014, 9:03 am, Shenzhen - China CN Customs Clearance delay
January 1, 2014, 8:15 am, Shenzhen - China CN Package arrived at a carrier facility
December 31, 2013, 11:11 pm, Dongguan - China CN Package has left the carrier facility
December 31, 2013, 11:11 pm, Dongguan - China CN Package arrived at a carrier facility
December 31, 2013, 6:56 pm, Dongguan - China CN Package received by carrier

 

[Arsis]

Nice packaging. Nice weight. It's not heavy but it should stay put. The knob, buttons and binding posts all feel solid. I see no visible flaws in the fit or finish. Overall the quality looks pretty good. It is slightly larger than I expected. I included a pic with Sennheiser Momentum (around the ear) for a size reference.

 

[Arsis]

I haven't connected my speakers yet (cables/banana plugs on the way) but I spent some time today with the VX1 and my Sennheiser HD598s. Although it doesn't sound bad by any means, I can say without hesitation that with my 598 I prefer the Fiio e10 Olympus. The VX1 is detailed in the mids and treble and seems to have a smooth signature with no glaring peaks or valleys. The Fiio e10 exhibits more authority and control in the lower registers while matching, if not besting, the detail and clarity of the VX1. More to come as I try my other cans and speakers.


Full disclosure:
"e10 exhibits more authority and control in the lower registers" the e10's bass boost was engaged when I made that comparison. ooops.

 

[Arsis]

Review on hold because the usb stopped working. Awaiting return approval.

 

[Arsis]

My mac would id and select vx1 but I got no sound. I tried the unit on another computer and it did work as it should. When I brought it back to the original computer, it worked as well. I notice when switching from speakers to headphones, that I can hear a relay clicking that was not clicking before. I believe that moving the unit freed up a sticking relay.

I got prompt and courteous response from Jasmine at Save-N-Shop - Amazon Marketplace

Onward... 24/96 source with my Momentum (18 ohms ) sounds great at the moment. More soon and yes I will get to the speaker amp.

 

[slim311]

Looking forward to more impressions on this, especially the speaker out!

 

[Arsis]

My initial comparison of the VX1 and the Fiio E10 (via Sennheiser HD598) gave an unfair advantage to the Fiio. I had inadvertently left the E10's bass boost engaged. Upon further review I would rank them quite closely. The Fiio still gets the slight edge with 598 based on their synergy with the E10's bass boost. Otherwise, the VX1 is a strong contender with my other cans. VX1's midrange is a little thicker and the treble is mildly smoother leaving the hi-hats and cymbals on Jason Mraz's Love Is A Four Letter Word album (24/96) sounding very pleasant. Kick drum, electric and acoustic basses are all solid, punchy and very natural sounding. I spent the evening switching amps and cans and surfing all genres of my library. Overall, the differences between the VX1 and the E10 are subtle making it difficult to choose a favorite. A fact that I think speaks favorably to the VX1. The Burr-Brown 2134 opamp (also used in the Matrix M-Stage and CMOY designs among others) is virtually noise free and has a rated distortion of only 0.00008%. With the volume at 75% there is no perceptible hiss or noise when idle.
Considering that I bought the VX1 as a foray into Tripath land for nearfield speakers, I must admit that I'm pleasantly surprised by the performance of the headphone amp. Stay tuned!

 

[SCSI]

Thanks for the ongoing review on the Topping VX1. I just found out about this product on my search to upgrade my Lepai 2020A+ amp powering my Pioneer BS41 and sometimes Onix X-LS speakers. Looking forward to more updates on this new product from Topping.

 

[Renekton]

Got a pair of Klipsch RB-61ii lying around, I was thinkg of using it as PC speakers, considering it will be in a small-medium room, do you think the VX1 will work good with these speakers?

 

[vertical]

Got a pair of Klipsch RB-61ii lying around, I was thinkg of using it as PC speakers, considering it will be in a small-medium room, do you think the VX1 will work good with these speakers?

Well, if they're just "lying around" and you're not sure what to do with them, then just send 'em my way...jk

If the klipsch are reasonably efficient s/b fine. I'm using a TP-21 to power bookshelves with a 6 1/2" woofer

 

[Arsis]

Got a pair of Klipsch RB-61ii lying around, I was thinkg of using it as PC speakers, considering it will be in a small-medium room, do you think the VX1 will work good with these speakers?

With their 95db sensitivity, the RB-61 should work very well.

 

[Shaudio]

Hi Arsis, Thanks for your post on the VX1. I\ve been doing some intensive reaearch over the last few weeks deciding on which 'mini' amp to get. So far Ive narrowed it down to the Topping Tp20, and the VX1. Ive noticed in a number of Topping reviews however that these little machines aren't quite as bulletproof as they seem (as with your switching problem earlier). throughout all this, in terms of built quality and parts it seems these Toppings are a leap ahead from the competition.
To be honest, whilst I will be using this unit from time to time with my P7's, I'd like to hear your take on a pair of bookshelves. Yes I understand sensitivity and all that and what you may listen will most likely come out a lot differently to what Im planning to pair it up with CA-S30. Can you tell me in essence then, how 'full' does it sound, how well rounded are the mids, highs and bass. Is it at all what you expect and if so does it exceed your expectations in terms of overall performance.  How much Clean power comes out? Are their any further troubles you've had.                                

 

[Kitaq]

I am as well very interested in your listening experience, using the VX1 as a bookshelf speakers amplifier. Planning to use it with an epos speaker with 88db sensitivity. Looking forward to hear your conclusions!

 

[ezas]

Put me down on the looking forward to listening impressions list.
 
Thanks for the info so far.