Tag: Bluetooth Audio

Key Takeaways

1. The Topping DX5 II DAC is designed for audiophiles, supporting both wired and wireless headphones with ultra-low noise performance.
2. It features dual 32-bit ES9039Q2M DAC chips, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range of 133 dB, with THD+N under 0.00006%.
3. The DAC has strong amplification capabilities, driving low-impedance headphones at 7600 mW and high-impedance headphones at 490 mW while maintaining low distortion.
4. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.1 with support for various audio codecs, and it can connect to PCs via USB for high-resolution audio playback.
5. Users can customize audio settings using a 10-band parametric EQ and easily navigate options through a 2.0-inch LCD display.

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Topping has introduced the DX5 II DAC, designed for audiophiles who enjoy high-resolution music. This DAC is compatible with both wired and wireless headphones, promising an ultra-low noise experience. Priced at $299, the DX5 II can be purchased from Topping’s Amazon store.

Specifications and Performance

Equipped with dual 32-bit 2-channel ES9039Q2M DAC chips, the DX5 II delivers impressive performance for balanced headphones, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 133 dB and a dynamic range of 133 dB. The total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz (A-weighted) is less than 0.00006%. The X-Hybrid amplifier is capable of driving low-impedance headphones at 7600 mW for 16 Ω and can also handle high-impedance headphones up to 490 mW at 600 Ω, all while maintaining THD+N below 1%. For added convenience, you can connect external active speakers directly to the DX5 II in preamp mode.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

The DX5 II also shines when it comes to wireless capabilities, featuring a Qualcomm QCC5125 Bluetooth 5.1 System on Chip (SoC). It supports a variety of codecs for Bluetooth audio, including standard SBC and AAC, as well as higher-quality aptX Adaptive, aptX HD (24-bit, 48 kHz at 576 kbps), and High-Res Audio LDAC (24-bit, 96 kHz at 990 kbps).

For direct connectivity, the DAC can be linked to PCs via USB, allowing playback from streaming platforms and local music files, supporting formats like 32-bit 768 kHz PCM and DSD512. It can also operate in ASIO mode using the Thesycon driver, which is great for low-latency professional audio tasks. The 12-volt input/output trigger allows for automation when paired with other audio devices.

Customization and User Interface

Users can fine-tune their audio experience with the 10-band parametric EQ software for PCs, enabling the saving and recalling of multiple custom profiles. The 2.0-inch LCD display provides easy access to all settings and status information, which can be navigated using the input knob and three control buttons.

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For individuals who often travel in groups with friends or family, the challenge of sharing audio content, such as movies or playlists, arises due to current Bluetooth limitations that restrict streaming to a single device at a time. However, the Bluetooth LE Audio standard, along with its Auracast feature, presents a solution to this issue.

Auracast Feature Overview

Auracast facilitates the broadcasting of audio to nearby devices using Bluetooth Low Energy technology. Unlike conventional Bluetooth methods, Auracast eliminates the need for pairing between the transmitting and receiving devices.

In essence, envision your smartphone as a miniature radio tower, transmitting an audio stream that can be picked up by other compatible devices.

Enhanced Audio Sharing Capabilities

While some smartphones already possess audio-sharing functionalities, they are often limited to specific ecosystems. For instance, Samsung phones offer a feature called “Dual Audio,” permitting media audio to be sent to two different Bluetooth devices simultaneously, but this functionality is restricted to select Samsung devices. Similarly, Apple’s “Share Audio” feature only works between iPhones.

In contrast, Auracast is accessible to any device or platform that licenses the technology from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the regulatory body for Bluetooth standards.

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Implementation of Auracast

Although Auracast was announced in 2022, it has already been embraced by smartphone manufacturers. As Bluetooth LE Audio becomes a standard feature, the landscape is evolving.

A significant development is the native integration of a dedicated “audio sharing” page in Android 15, enabling users to manage Auracast streams efficiently. This feature allows users to discover, connect to, or commence their Auracast broadcasts.

Mishal Rahman, in a blog post on Android Authority, successfully activated the Auracast feature on a Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15 Beta 1.1, establishing a connection with Samsung Galaxy devices running One UI 6.1. Notably, this connection required Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds, which support Auracast.

Utilizing Auracast on Android 15

To initiate an Auracast stream on Android 15, users need to navigate to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Audio sharing. Here, a toggle for “share audio” can be activated to commence the broadcast.

For added security, users can set a custom broadcast name and password under “stream settings” or generate a QR code for others to scan and join the stream.

Upon successful connection, both devices will play the same audio through their respective earbuds. It is crucial to note that Auracast supports one-way broadcasts, meaning connected devices cannot control playback on the source device.