On this overview, we’re looking on the new $479 USD xDuoo XA-10 DAC & AMP.
Disclaimer: Linsoul despatched us the XA-02 in change for this overview. As at all times, this text displays my unbiased opinion in regards to the product.
xDuoo
Shenzhen xDuoo Expertise Co. Ltd. is a Chinese language audio producer targeted on the event, design, and gross sales of desktop and moveable audio gear.
Based mostly in Guangdong, they’ve been energetic for over a decade and have constructed a repute for dependable efficiency and aggressive pricing.
Whereas they provide a variety of DACs, AMPs, and audio gamers, they initially gained recognition for his or her low-cost, high-value desktop tube amplifiers.
I’ve been aware of xDuoo since round 2011, and over time, I’ve seen the corporate refine each their design language and inside architectures.
They’ve launched over 130 merchandise to this point and maintain a number of patents within the audio discipline.
At present, we’re wanting on the xDuoo XA-02, a compact balanced DAC/AMP with Bluetooth/LDAC help. It prices 199 USD and is on the market from Linsoul.
xDuoo XA-02
The xDuoo XA-02 is certainly one of xDuoo’s newest compact DAC/AMPs aimed toward desktop customers. It’s priced at $199 and features a wealthy characteristic set for the value.
The DAC part of the XA-02 makes use of the ES9039Q2M, which is among the newer choices from ESS.
xDuoo paired this DAC with a Class A amplifier design and the XA-02 is able to outputting 910mW by means of the unbalanced headphone out and round 2000mW from the balanced out to a 32Ω load. That’s greater than sufficient for many headphones.
The inputs are beneficiant for the value. You get USB-C, coaxial, optical, and Bluetooth. Bluetooth helps LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, and some extra.
There’s additionally an RCA output if you wish to use it as a preamp in your audio chain.
The unit is compact and doesn’t take up a lot house in your desk. It weighs 890 grams and has a sandblasted aluminum grey end with a monochrome OLED display screen.
Total, I imagine xDuoo focused the XA-02 for individuals who desire a compact but additionally an entire resolution with the comfort of LDAC and sufficient energy to run absolutely anything.
Within the subsequent sections, I’ll go over the sound efficiency and the way it really holds up in on a regular basis use. Earlier than that, listed below are the highlights and specs beneath.
- ESS Expertise ES9039Q2M DAC
- Class A x4 Buffer Amp with ELNA SILMIC Caps.
- 6.35mm: 910mW@32Ω | 4.4mm: 2000mW@32Ω
- Bass Mode
- Bluetooth 5.1 Chip
- SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC Codec Assist
- 32-bit 768kHz & DSD256 through USB
- 24-bit 192kHz & DSD64 through Decide/Coax
- HPO+PRE | RCA Output
- USB-C, OPT & Coax Enter + Bluetooth
- Output Impedance SE 1.16Ω | Balanced 2.24Ω
- Peak output voltage: SE 7.6V | Balanced 14.8V
- Sandblasted Aluminum Chassis
- Monochrome OLED Display screen
- Obtainable for $199 USD.
Packaging & Equipment
The xDuoo XA-02 is available in a modern white rectangular field. On the entrance of the field there may be a defined illustration of the system and the background is stuffed with xDuoo logos.
Inside, the system is securely packaged and the equipment are bundled collectively in a sealed bag.
You get a 1.5 meter IEC13 energy cable, a 1.5 meter braided USB-A to USB-C cable, a Bluetooth antenna, and a 3.5mm to six.3mm adapter.
I didn’t discover a handbook, guarantee card, or fast begin information in my field, however that could be totally different for you. If not, right here’s the handbook. It’s not a giant deal because the setup is simple, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one thing to say.
The included equipment are simply sufficient to get you began. They’re nothing fancy, however nothing is lacking both. Fairly commonplace for this value bracket.
Sound & Efficiency
My time with the XA-02 didn’t begin off on the proper foot. I first tried it with a few IEMs, particularly the Crimson and Sennheiser IE600, and wasn’t too impressed.
One thing in regards to the presentation felt off. Annoyed, I took the IEMs out, left the unit operating for a day, and gave it one other shot the following morning.
I’m undecided whether or not it was burn-in or the Silmic capacitors settling in. However the subsequent session sounded considerably higher.
Then I plugged in my headphones. That’s when issues actually clicked. The XA-02 clearly prefers full-size headphones.
Each the Sennheiser 58X and the Hifiman Ananda Nano paired very nicely with this unit.
The bass increase mode didn’t work nicely with the IE600. It added an undesirable low-mid veil that took away from the readability. With headphones, although, the bass increase behaved in another way.
It got here throughout extra like a clear low-shelf increase, round 5 to 7 dB, which is sort of a bit in my guide. Nonetheless, it’s a enjoyable choice to have.
On days once I simply need to hear to accommodate or hip-hop, the bass mode provides critical influence with out feeling overly boomy.
I do want it had a two-step possibility, one thing like +3 dB and +7 dB. When you’re not into bass, the impact would possibly really feel extreme.
However if you’re a basshead, this is likely to be precisely what you’re searching for.
The article continues with the half on sound on the following web page. Click on right here or use the buttons beneath.
Web page 1: xDuoo XA-02, Packaging & Equipment, Sound High quality & Impressions
Web page 2: Design & Construct High quality, Controls & Bluetooth, Comparability vs. KA11 R2R, Final Phrases, Abstract
