Topping DX3 Pro+ vs iFi Zen DAC 3
Compare features and trade-offs. Catalog scores are editorial assessments, not customer review averages or proof of hands-on testing.
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Facts and prices checked
Pick by connections: wireless and power, or a balanced output
Both are compact desktop DAC/amps at about the same price, but they solve different problems. The Topping DX3 Pro+ is the more flexible box. It adds optical, coaxial and LDAC Bluetooth inputs alongside USB, comes with a remote, and its retailer-listed rating is 1,800mW into 32 ohms from its single-ended output. The iFi Zen DAC 3 takes USB-C only but adds what the Topping lacks: a 4.4mm balanced headphone output, a balanced line output and an analog XBass+ bass boost. The deciding factor is your headphones and sources. If you use a balanced cable, buy the Zen DAC 3. If you want Bluetooth from your phone, a TV on optical, or more single-ended power, buy the DX3 Pro+.
Key differences
| Topping DX3 Pro+ | iFi Zen DAC 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About $199 new (Bloom Audio) | $229 list, often discounted |
| Inputs | USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth 5.0 | USB-C only |
| Bluetooth | Qualcomm QCC5125 with LDAC, aptX HD and AAC | None |
| Headphone outputs | Single-ended only, no balanced jack | 6.35mm single-ended plus 4.4mm balanced |
| Rated power at 32 ohms | 1,800mW per channel (single-ended) | About 300mW+ balanced, 210mW+ single-ended (iFi) |
| DAC chip and formats | ESS ES9038Q2M, up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512 | Up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512, with MQA decoding |
| Tone shaping | No analog bass control | XBass+ analog bass boost and PowerMatch gain |
| Power and extras | External power supply and remote control included | USB-C bus power, optional 5V DC input |
Choose Topping DX3 Pro+ if…
- you want to stream from your phone over LDAC Bluetooth as well as from a computer.
- you need optical or coaxial inputs for a TV, console or CD transport.
- your headphones use a single-ended cable and you want the most power for the price.
Choose iFi Zen DAC 3 if…
- i Zen DAC 3 if your headphones have a 4.4mm balanced cable or you plan to upgrade to one.
- i Zen DAC 3 if you want a hardware bass boost like XBass+ instead of software EQ.
- i Zen DAC 3 if you only listen from a computer and want a simple USB-C powered setup.