Topping EX5

Soundnews describes a dead-neutral, see-through presentation with believable voices and convincing string tone, but finds limited warmth, bass punch and musical saturation. Tharbamar also hears some coloration and thickness through the upper mids, with vocals that are not as accurate as desired.

Soundnews calls the EX5 highly detailed, with sharp but controlled leading edges, precise upper-range definition and excellent speed. Tharbamar would still prefer more separation and space between instruments, tempering its otherwise strong resolving ability.

The EX5 is repeatedly characterized as very clean and transparent, with a measured low noise floor and an extended treble that avoids grit or itchiness. Notes start and stop quickly, and Soundnews praises its pace, rhythm and timing, although it reports that demanding passages can constrain dynamics.

Reviewers describe a sleek, solid unit with a CNC-machined aluminum enclosure, consistent thickness and a matte finish. Tharbamar also praises its fit and finish for the price, though the available reviews offer little detail about internal construction or long-term durability.

The EX5 combines USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth inputs with RCA and balanced XLR outputs, a headphone amplifier and preamp functionality. It supports PCM up to 768 kHz, DSD512 and full MQA decoding, while its Bluetooth implementation includes LDAC, aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX, AAC and SBC.

At roughly $299 to $350, reviewers see the EX5 as a well-equipped desktop hub that can replace separate DAC, headphone-amplifier, preamp and Bluetooth boxes. Soundnews calls it desirable and says it offers a lot in return for the money, while Tharbamar highlights its unusually broad format support and capable headphone section at this budget price.