Latest news with #ESS
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
This affordable hi-res DAC and headphone amp will make everyone think you spent thousands on it, and I love its cool VU meter screen
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Topping DX5 II has a double-DAC design with three-stage amplification Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive/HD $299 / £299 – available now in the US, during July 2025 in the UK Topping's new desktop DAC is surprisingly affordable for its specification: the list price is just $299 / £299. It's a hi-res DAC, preamplifier and headphone amplifier that's designed for dual duties as either a stand-alone desktop amp or as part of a component hi-fi system. The DX5 II is the successor to Topping's highly acclaimed DX5, and it's built around two ES9039Q2M DAC chips from ESS Technology's 32-bit Sabre range. One chip is dedicated to the left channel and the other to the right; because the ES9039Q2M is a two-channel DAC chip, that means there can be two differential signals per channel, which Topping says means a lower noise floor, improved channel separation and better clarity. Topping DX5 II: key features The DX5 II supports PCM data to 32-bit/768kHz over USB (24-bit/192kHz via the coaxial and optical inputs) and DSD to 22.5792MHz (DSD512). It also supports DoP (DSD over PCM). There's a new 32-bit, 16-core XMOS chip for USB data and a high-performance driver for Windows; other platforms don't require a driver. And there's Bluetooth 5.1 with LDAC and aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit/96kHz and aptX HD at up to 24-bit/48kHz. The Bluetooth module also supports Low Latency, plain aptX, AAC and SBC. There are three hi-res digital inputs – USB, coaxial and optical – a 12V trigger in/out and three headphone outs: balanced XLR, balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 6.35mm. And the headphones are powered by Topping's new X-Hybrid headphone amp, which is a fully balanced four-channel design that's based on Nested Feedback Composite Architecture (NFCA) with a three-stage design: input, op-amp gain stage and output. Topping says it's powerful enough to drive even difficult planar magnetic headphones, with power output of 2x 7,600mW into 16 ohms, 2x 6,400mW into 32 ohms and 2x 990mW into 300 ohms through its balanced outputs. The DX5 II DAC/headphone amp will be available in the UK this July in a choice of black, white or silver, and is already available online in the US. You might also like The best headphone DACs 2025: top desktop and portable options Need something portable? Here's our review of the iFi GO Link Max. I tested iFi's flagship Valkyrie DAC and found it capable of staggeringly complete sound
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
New Carbon Fiber DAC From FiiO QX13 DAC For Music On The Go
The new QX13 DAC/Amp from FiiO has a carbon fibre body and a high-spec DAC chipset. Audio brand FiiO has announced the launch of its all-new QX13 flagship pocket DAC/Amp, designed for people who love listening to music with headphones or In-Ear Monitors. Offering 'full-size' audiophile performance in a pocket form factor, the QX13 is the culmination of 18 years of audio research by FiiO. Once upon a time, listening to high-quality audio involved a stack of hi-fi separates in your living room. Now, thanks to the miniaturization of electronics, music lovers can enjoy audiophile-quality sound from a pocket-sized device. Using digital audio from any device with a USB-C port—such as a smartphone or desktop computer—it's possible to enjoy studio-grade sound with your favorite wired headphones or IEMs. A Desktop-Grade DAC The new FiiO QX13 uses the flagship ESS SABRE PRO ES9027PRO DAC chip that's also used in many full-size hi-fi systems. However, FiiO has created a micro DAC/Amp design for making the most of wired headphones and IEMs. The DAC has a fully differential audio architecture and uses eight channels in parallel. The DAC chip is paired with a pair of ultra-low-noise ES9312 regulators that provide a precise output that's matched on each audio channel. Audio signals are restored using optimized power efficiency and reduced clock jitter. FiiO claims the QX13 is particularly suitable for use with its FT7 headphones or FX17 IEMs. The FiiO QX13 DAC/Amp offers 3.5rmm and 4.4mm outputs as well as a color IPS display with hardened ... More Corning glass. The QX13 has four wafer-level and precision-integrated INA1620 chips with a special layout designed to significantly reduce crosstalk. This means there's little or no interference between the two stereo channels, which leads to more accurate stereo separation. There are also two low-noise and low-distortion OPA1692 chips, which provide good dynamics under various load conditions. A custom Desktop Mode available with the QX13 enables extra power to be intelligently drawn from any connected and powered USB devices, such as a laptop. The FiiO Control app can be used to customize the QX13's sound and is available for iOS and Android. The app includes a 10-band PEQ adjustment and can apply firmware updates. The QX13 casing is made with 21 layers of carbon fiber and gives it a lightweight feel that's also durable. The device has a 1.99-inch IPS color display featuring hardened glass and it has a choice of 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced jacks for high-end headphones and IEMs. To protect the QX13, FiiO makes an optional magnetic leather case that's also compatible with FiiO's custom power 'estick' pack, which can provide a powerhouse performance in Desktop Mode even when on the move. Users can choose the magnetic leather case to carry the QX13 and the extra power pack in one handy device. The FiiO QX13 is available now and will be making its European debut at CanJam London on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Pricing is set at $219 /£219 / €239.
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
What is the best way to meet the people's needs? SM Lee, Jamus Lim debate COE scheme , Singapore News
While they are both keen on addressing the needs of Singaporeans, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim disagreed on the means of doing so, according to an exchange between the two on Facebook on Wednesday (July 16). SM Lee had said during a dialogue at the Economic Society of Singapore's (ESS) annual dinner on July 15 — where he was also conferred the title of Honorary Fellow — that introducing considerations for different groups' needs and circumstances into the COE system could "make it unworkable". Prof Lim wrote in his Facebook post that while SM Lee had noted during the dialogue that many people had "legitimate claims on an affordable vehicle", he didn't mention a means to adjudicate between these claims. "He then pivoted to how competitive bidding represented the best way to allocate between these claims," said Prof Lim. "What's sorely missing, however, is how those with genuine needs may not have the purchasing power to meet those needs, even if their needs may have more merit." According to Prof Lim, this suggests SM Lee has decided to let the market choose who should receive the certificate — which means that those with more money will have priority. "[This] isn't how many humans wish to live; to have every aspect of their lives determined in a transactional way. Society has values — about compassion, equity, respect, and loyalty — that are poorly valued by impersonal markets," he added. But Prof Lim also wrote that SM Lee did stress the importance of ensuring access to public transport, as opposed to car ownership. "And to be clear, this isn't a character flaw," said Prof Lim. Affordable transportation for all Rebutting Prof Lim on Facebook, SM Lee said that during the dialogue, he made a separate point on how the government has focused on providing affordable and efficient transport options. On Tuesday, SM Lee had stated that he can guarantee every Singaporean "affordable, convenient transportation". "I cannot guarantee every Singaporean an affordable car… Cars, no. Transportation, yes," he had said. He then explained that Singaporeans who have special requirements, such as those with children, can benefit from a larger baby bonus which they can use to defray the cost of a car. "Directly help the group you need to help in cash, rather than make complicated schemes, which then end up with all kinds of contradictions and wrong incentives," SM Lee had pointed out. Reiterating his arguments in his response to Prof Lim, SM Lee wrote: "Where we disagree is not over who cares more for our fellow Singaporeans, but what is the best way to meet people's needs and take care of them." Lim concurred, adding that their disagreement stems from their "differing beliefs about the behaviour of people, and the efficacy of markets". Defining success today At the dialogue, SM Lee tackled other topics such as US tariffs and climate change. He also shared his thoughts on what success means for the youth of Singapore today. Responding to a question from ESS Young Professionals Wing chairman Benjamin Lau, SM Lee commented that "it is for the young Singaporeans to define what they would like success to mean". He explained that youths today are born with advantages their parents did not have, specifically the higher standard of living and education opportunities. "You have a Singapore degree from an AU (Autonomous University), you can go anywhere in the world and find work. We are in Silicon Valley. We are all over China. You go to deepest Africa, you will find Singaporeans there," he said. He also advised youth to not rest on their laurels. "Do not lie flat," SM Lee cautioned. "It is such a waste, that your parents will be disappointed in you… If you lie flat after a while, I hope you are ashamed of yourself. "We did all these for you, make use of it and show us that actually, you are better than us." [[nid:720049]] khooyihang@
Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Small-cap stock jumps 6% on securing solar power project from NHPC. Do you own?
PNC Infratech share price jumped more than 6% in early trade on Thursday, amid a spurt in trading volumes, after the company secured an order from state-run hydropower giant NHPC. The small-cap stock surged as much as 6.6% to ₹ 331.80 apiece on the BSE. Around 38 lakh PNC Infratech shares changed hands on the stock exchanges as against its one week average trading volume of 3 lakh shares. PNC Infratech said that it has emerged as one of the Lowest (Ll) Bidders in a tender floated by NHPC for setting up of 1200 MW ISTS (Inter State Transmission System) Connected Solar Power Projects with 600 MW / 2400 MWh Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in India. The company has secured the project through Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) and on the basis of electronic (online) reverse action mechanism. The project also comes with a Green Shoe Option at a quoted price of ₹ 3.13 per kwh. 'Out of the above-mentioned total quantity, the Company has been allotted 300 MW ISTS Solar Power Project with 150 MW / 600 MWh Energy Storage System (ESS) at the said quoted price through electronic (online) reverse action mechanism held on 15.7.2025,' PNC Infratech said in a regulatory filing on July 16. The Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD) shall be 24 months from the effective date of PPA (Power Purchase Agreement), and the PPA (operation period) shall be for a period of 25 years from the SCSD, it added. PNC Infratech share price is on the verge of breaking out from a bullish 106-day-long cup and handle pattern, with the breakout level placed at ₹ 325, said Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments. 'Volumes have surged to over 451% of the 50-day average, a strong signal of institutional footprints backing the move. For this breakout to sustain, PNC Infratech stock price must close convincingly above ₹ 325 in the near term. If that happens, the structure points towards an initial target near the ₹ 375 level. The setup remains strong, and momentum indicators are aligned in favor of a continuation once the breakout is confirmed,' Jain said. PNC Infratech share price gained 10% in one month and 19% in three months. The smallcap stock has risen 7% in the past six months, but has remained flat on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. Over the past one year, PNC Infratech shares have declined more than 37%, while it has delivered multibagger returns of 138% in five years. At 9:55 AM, PNC Infratech share price was trading 4.50% higher at ₹ 325.25 apiece on the BSE. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Instead of overcomplicating COE system, government has ensured affordable transport for all: SM Lee to Jamus Lim
[SINGAPORE] Complicating the certificate of entitlement (COE) system by having it account for the needs and circumstances of different groups may render it unworkable, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Jul 16. Instead, the government has ensured that everyone has access to affordable and efficient transport, even if they do not own a car, he added. And those who need more assistance, such as families with young children, are helped directly, such as through grants which can go towards paying for a COE. SM Lee was responding to a Facebook post by Workers' Party MP Jamus Lim (Sengkang GRC), who said that the COE bidding system does not account for those who may genuinely need to own a car. Associate Professor Lim added in his Jul 16 post that relying on market forces may not be the best way to adjudicate between the competing needs of different groups. He was commenting on what SM Lee said at a dialogue on Jul 15 at the Economic Society of Singapore's (ESS) annual dinner. ESS president Euston Quah, who was moderating the dialogue, had asked SM Lee about calls to let some groups pay less for COEs. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Responding, SM Lee said there were many 'good arguments' for why certain groups are more deserving of a car. However, it would be very difficult for the government to design a COE system that takes into account how many children people have, whether they have a disabled family member or old folks at home, and whether their jobs require them to move around, among other things, he added. 'I think if you want to design a scheme that worries about all those things, it will fail,' he said at the dialogue. There is no fair and easy way to distribute something valuable like road space while making it very cheap, he added. What the COE system does is to act as a proxy for road space, price this scarce resource at fair market value, then allocate it using economic principles, he explained. Referring to these comments, Prof Lim, who was also at the ESS dinner, said what is 'sorely missing' in such a system is how those with genuine needs may not be able to afford a car, even if their needs have more merit. He added that having 'every aspect of their lives determined in a transactional way' is not how humans wish to live. 'Society has values – about compassion, equity, respect and loyalty – that are poorly valued by impersonal markets. It's why we teach our children to share, why we don't charge an hourly rate for time we spend with our kids, why we don't think twice about breaking the bank when our parents fall (ill), and why we devote so much of our energies to causes that we believe in,' he said. 'That's why, for all our economic successes, there are ways that Singapore Inc operates that rub many people the wrong way.' At the dialogue, SM Lee said that the government can guarantee every Singaporean affordable, convenient transportation, but cannot guarantee that everyone can have an affordable car. He added that for those who have a special need, it is better for the government to help directly, rather than give them cheaper COEs. For instance, families with young children get bigger baby bonuses, which they can use to defray the cost of a car. 'Directly help the group you need to help in cash, rather than make complicated schemes, which then end up with all kinds of contradictions and wrong incentives,' added SM Lee. Prof Lim, who teaches economics at Essec Business School, said in his post that the bottom line for him is that people are 'not mindless slaves to the prevailing structures and institutions' and can actively shape the future they want. 'If we want to head in a different direction, towards a more empathetic and just economy and society, then it is on us to seize that vision and make it real,' he added. In his Facebook comment, SM Lee said: 'Therefore, where we disagree is not over who cares more for our fellow Singaporeans, but what is the best way to meet people's needs and take care of them.' THE STRAITS TIMES
