Topping has earned the trust of the audiophile community by releasing, over the last few years, a series of highly interesting products in terms of price/performance ratio. The Chinese company, while particularly strong in the ultra-budget market segment, has also shown that it can deliver valuable mid-range devices (such as the A90) and upper mid-range models (such as the well-known D90SE). Today we review the new integrated amplifier MX3s, an all-in-one device with an extremely competitive price, around 240 euros, successor to the well-known MX3.
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MX3s: functions, specifications, features
We believe it is right to open our review of the Topping MX3s by accurately describing what this Eastern amplifier offers for such a low price: Class D speaker amplification with Merus chip, digital-to-analog converter with AKM chip, headphone amplification, subwoofer output, digital screen EQ control, Bluetooth technology (with Qualcomm QCC3040 chipset), and the convenience of a remote control to manage the MX3s functions.
The device can be controlled via the physical knob on the front panel (pressing it turns the device on, holding it turns it off, a short press while on switches modes) or via the remote control included in the package, which, in addition to basic controls, allows additional interesting settings, especially bass and treble control.
It is also possible to change the volume scaling via knob or remote: the two modes are percentage-based, where volume increases/decreases by 1% in a 0–100 range, or in dB (decibels), where volume changes by 1 dB steps and by 0.5 dB in headphone mode. The gain can also be adjusted via the SEL button on the remote, an important feature that allows driving more demanding devices without issues.
The package includes a 24V 3.75A power supply to connect the device to the mains, as well as a mountable antenna to improve Bluetooth reception, USB cable, user manual, and warranty sheet.
As you can see from the rear photo of the device, the connections include USB (24-bit/192kHz), coaxial/optical (24-bit/192kHz), as well as the already mentioned Bluetooth (AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive), 62W x 2 Class D speaker output, and an interesting subwoofer output.
The MX3s is a compact model with very small size and weight. Aesthetically, despite being a “budget amp,” it is more than acceptable: the chassis is metal (with some plastic parts), the digital display adds a nice visual touch, and thanks to adjustable brightness it can be customized. The volume knob is smooth but well stepped, meaning each volume increment is clearly perceptible.
Performance
The Topping MX3s can be defined as a “jack-of-all-trades” integrated amplifier, meaning an extremely affordable device capable of performing, honestly and simultaneously, tasks that in more complex systems are handled by multiple separate components (each typically more expensive than the MX3s itself).
In terms of power, the MX3s is well equipped and can drive high-volume playback across virtually any type of speaker: you will have no issues with speakers, subwoofers, or headphones. The only case where you might experience some lack of volume—even with high gain—is with extremely high-impedance headphones, but this is a negligible scenario: headphones above 250 ohms are rare and usually paired with dedicated mid/high-end headphone amps. Overall, you can safely rely on its power: there is more than enough for most needs.
As for the tonal character, both in speaker and headphone amplification, there is no particular coloration. The sound tends to be clean and natural, energized by good dynamics, impactful sound, and full-bodied bass, with very respectable overall quality considering the extremely low cost of the components.
As with any device in hi-fi, the MX3s must be evaluated based on its price and features. We can confidently say that anyone looking for an all-in-one amplifier capable of, for example, driving good entry-level bookshelf speakers (such as Lonpoo LP42) with an added subwoofer, while also serving as a DAC-equipped headphone amp for a desktop setup—and even handling Bluetooth headphones thanks to multiple connectivity options (optical/USB and more)—will struggle to find a better device than the MX3s at the same price.
Who it is for
Experienced audiophiles already know how to categorize this type of device, but since the Topping MX3s is particularly appealing for beginners, a few clarifications are useful for those entering the hi-fi world. The main strength of this type of device is versatility, as highlighted above. If you want a single-purpose device (for example, a standalone DAC), it is better to look at dedicated products, even within Topping’s own lineup, where the price/performance ratio is often very strong.
The MX3s is therefore perfect for those with a limited budget who need a multifunction device. It is also unlikely you will regret the purchase even after upgrading your system: a good integrated amplifier is always useful, whether for a second setup, connecting passive speakers to a TV, or listening in different locations such as an office.
Conclusions
The Topping MX3s is the worthy successor of the well-known MX3: a versatile device with solid power and good sonic performance relative to its price. If it were a purely wired device, it would already be a great deal, but it also includes Bluetooth support with antenna, a capable chipset for wireless connectivity, a convenient remote control, a nice digital display with adjustable brightness, and integrated bass/treble EQ.
We can therefore strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a low-cost integrated amplifier thanks to its feature set richness and excellent price/performance ratio.
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