iFi Audio
iFi Zen DAC 3
$229Cheaper
Best Dac Amps · head-to-head
iFi Zen DAC 3 vs Topping DX5 II
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. iFi Zen DAC 3 is cheaper at $229. Every spec and price links to its source.
Topping
Topping DX5 II
$299
Which is better: the iFi Zen DAC 3 or Topping DX5 II?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The iFi Zen DAC 3 is the cheaper at $229.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | iFi Zen DAC 3 | Topping DX5 II |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $229 | $299 |
| Brand | iFi Audio | Topping |
| Released | — | — |
| Form factor | desktop | desktop |
| Dac chip | Burr-Brown True Native | ES9039Q2M |
| Max pcm (kHz) | 768 | 768 |
| Max dsd | DSD512 | DSD512 |
| Max power mw | 300 | 6400 |
| Snr (dB) | 113 | 133 |
| Thdn percent | 0.005 | 0.00006 |
| Balanced output | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone jacks | 6.35mm/4.4mm | 6.35mm/4.4mm/4-pin XLR |
| Digital inputs | USB-C | USB/optical/coaxial/Bluetooth |
| Weight grams | 456 | — |
Sources — iFi Zen DAC 3: ifi-audio.com (verified 2026-07-11). Topping DX5 II: topping.store (verified 2026-07-11).
What's the difference between the iFi Zen DAC 3 and Topping DX5 II?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.
- Dac chip: iFi Zen DAC 3 Burr-Brown True Native vs Topping DX5 II ES9039Q2M
- Max power mw: iFi Zen DAC 3 300 vs Topping DX5 II 6400
- Snr (dB): iFi Zen DAC 3 113 vs Topping DX5 II 133
- Thdn percent: iFi Zen DAC 3 0.005 vs Topping DX5 II 0.00006
- Headphone jacks: iFi Zen DAC 3 6.35mm/4.4mm vs Topping DX5 II 6.35mm/4.4mm/4-pin XLR
- Digital inputs: iFi Zen DAC 3 USB-C vs Topping DX5 II USB/optical/coaxial/Bluetooth
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
iFi Zen DAC 3
Two whitelisted testers (TechRadar, What Hi-Fi) reviewed the exact iFi Zen DAC 3. Both praise its refined, detailed and spacious sound, flexible connectivity and the USB-B to USB-C upgrade. TechRadar is enthusiastic and rates it near-flawless value; What Hi-Fi is noticeably cooler, finding the sound smooth but lacking verve and punch and not a clear step up over the V2. Neither outlet published lab measurements. (2 sourced reviews.)
Praised: Refined, detailed and spacious sound presentation; Flexible connectivity: 4.4mm balanced + RCA outputs, USB-C, fixed/variable output; Solid build and finish.
Flagged: Sound lacks verve, punch and rhythmic drive on energetic tracks; Needs good headphones and hi-res files to shine; disappointing with compressed audio; Not a clear step up over the previous generation, now in broad price parity with AudioQuest's DragonFly Cobalt.
Topping DX5 II
Only one whitelisted tester, TechRadar, published a hands-on review of the exact Topping DX5 II. TechRadar rates it a near-excellent budget DAC/amp (verdict 'generally excellent'), praising its poised, detailed and dynamic sound, exemplary build and comprehensive specification at $299, while flagging a tendency toward top-end brightness. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Poised, spacious, detailed and dynamic sound with strong low-frequency control; Exemplary build and finish quality across black, silver and white options; Comprehensive specification and flexibility (DAC, preamp and headphone amp) at an aggressive $299 price.
Flagged: Treble can tend toward brightness/edginess, making it picky about partnering equipment; Supplied remote control handset feels less tactile and interesting than the unit itself.