Updated October 2026 · prices checked Oct 10, 2026.
The usual framing for this pair was “same DAC, with or without an amp.” That was never quite right: the DX3 Pro+ uses an ESS ES9038Q2M, while the E30 II uses two AKM AK4493S chips. And in 2026 the choice has shifted again, because retailers are listing the DX3 Pro+ as discontinued while the E30 II is still current.
Quick Verdict
- Buy the Topping E30 II if you have or will buy a separate headphone amp and want a compact, USB-powered DAC with a remote.
- Buy the DX3 Pro+ only if you find leftover stock at a clear discount and want one box with Bluetooth for easy-to-drive headphones.
- Neither: buy the Topping DX5 II if you want a single box. It replaces the DX3 Pro+ with Bluetooth LDAC, a remote, a balanced output and about 6.4 W into 32Ω.
Current standalone DAC: dual AK4493S, USB/optical/coax in, RCA out and a remote. Add any amp.
Topping's current all-in-one and the DX3 Pro+ replacement, with far more power.
Specs Comparison
| Topping DX3 Pro+ | Topping E30 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Status (Oct 2026) | Being phased out | Current |
| Type | DAC/amp combo | Standalone DAC |
| DAC chip | 1× ESS ES9038Q2M | 2× AKM AK4493S |
| USB receiver | XMOS | XMOS XU208 |
| Headphone output | 6.35mm, ~1.8W into 32Ω | None |
| Line outputs | RCA | RCA (2.1 Vrms) |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth | USB, optical, coaxial |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (LDAC, aptX HD, AAC) | None |
| Remote control | Yes | Yes (volume) |
| Power | Wall adapter | USB-powered |
Figures are Topping’s published specs as reproduced by retailers. An earlier version of this page said both used the ES9038Q2M; that was wrong for the E30 II.
DAC Quality
Both have clean published measurements, well below the levels usually considered audible. Owners sometimes describe AKM-based units as a little smoother and ESS-based ones as a little more forward, but at these distortion levels the headphone and amp matter far more than the chip. Decide on configuration.
The Real Decision: Built-in Amp or Separates?
Buy the E30 II (plus an amp) if:
- You already own a headphone amp, or want to upgrade amp and DAC separately
- You drive 300Ω Sennheisers or planars and want more power than a small combo offers
- You don’t need Bluetooth
Current amps that pair well: the Schiit Magni at $119 (2.5W into 32Ω on Schiit’s spec sheet) or the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 at about $129.
See today's price for the Topping E30 II on Amazon ↗Buy a one-box unit if:
- You want one box on your desk
- You want Bluetooth LDAC from your phone
- You want a remote for volume and input
In 2026 that one-box unit should be the DX5 II, not the DX3 Pro+.
See today's price for the Topping DX5 II on Amazon ↗Power: The DX3 Pro+’s Limit
Topping rates the DX3 Pro+ at about 1.8W into 32Ω and roughly 250mW into 300Ω (one listing says 160mW). That covers IEMs, the ATH-M50x, the DT 770 Pro 80Ω and HD 600-class headphones at normal levels. For hungry planars like the HiFiMAN Sundara or Audeze LCD-2, a separate amp or the DX5 II leaves more headroom. Our Sundara amp guide and HD 600 amp guide go headphone by headphone.
Conclusion
| Use case | Recommended (Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Already have a separate amp | E30 II |
| Building a separates stack | E30 II + Magni or Atom Amp 2 |
| Want all-in-one simplicity | DX5 II |
| Want Bluetooth LDAC | DX5 II |
| Driving demanding planars | E30 II + amp, or DX5 II |
