On this article we check out the xDuoo X5, the model’s newest DAP promoting for simply $209 USD.
Disclaimer: Shenzhen Audio despatched us the x5, freed from cost, for the aim of this assessment. In alternate, we’re going to present our trustworthy opinion, as at all times.
xDuoo
Based in 2013, xDuoo has turn out to be probably the most common chi-fi manufacturers through the years. First often known as an ODM producer, they rapidly raised to fame because of their prolific vary of headphone tube amps, all aggressively priced regardless of their performances, and admirable craftsmanship.
A variety that stored evolving – generally even a bit too rapidly for me – now overlaying all and each style, from the funny-looking xDuoo Poke II, to the spectacular Drop + xDuoo TA-84 hybrid amp, or the XD-05 BAL – one in all my favourite moveable DAC/Amp, which aged like nice wine.
Nonetheless, whereas the corporate initially gained traction via its amplifier vary, on the sideline xDuoo stored on producing quirky, moveable units, just like the link2, or the X10Tii – a conveyable digital transport(!), geared toward audiophiles searching for low-cost, high-fidelity music participant.
And at the moment, the model lastly crossed the bridge, delivering a full-fledged Digital Audio Participant, packing all the model geekiness, in an reasonably priced bundle: the xDuoo X5.
Is it any good? Time to seek out out.
xDuoo X5
Casing
As traditional with the model, construct high quality is totally flawless – which at all times impress me contemplating the asking worth.
No gaps, premium supplies in all places your eye can see, and your hand can contact, because of the identical aluminium unibody case discovered on larger finish machine, topped by tempered glass panel entrance and (higher) again.
Add to that an symmetrical design, the place all sides reverse mirror the opposite one, flush outputs, a titanium gray metallic anodized aluminium case, and also you get a really good wanting participant – clearly paying tribute to Astell&Kern SR35, or the Shanling M2x / M1 Plus
A design easy, but brillant, that provides a superb sense of durability, significantly helped by the superb weight-size ratio supplied by the small participant. It by no means feels cumbersome, nor does it really feel low-cost to deal with, which isn’t at all times the case with participant on this worth vary.
The FiiO JM21 for instance is totally good on the go, however out of its pocket sleeves, it does really feel a bit clunky in comparison with the xDuoo X5, with its plasticky physique and again.
Dimension-wise, this new participant sits proper between the X10Tii and trendy participant just like the Shanling M1 Plus: 104 mm tall, 60mm vast, and 15 mm thick, with a complete weight of simply 116g.
Dimensions that ought to help you carry it on the go with out to a lot problem, even when the sheer thickness could be a problem on the long term – particularly in a jean pocket.
It’s not fully good although – nothing is on this merciless world – the X5 show affected by unbearably massive bezels, in an period the place manufacturers like Apple boasts razor-thin margin, throughout the display screen.
However, that’s clearly me nit-picking and, on this worth vary, it actually provides the JM21 and M1 Plus a run for his or her cash.
A really good construct, for a pleasant participant, so let’s dig in dipper.
Structure
Not like your typical xDuoo amp, the X5 remained modest when it comes to IO, displaying a minimalistic setup, which ought to nonetheless cowl nearly each consumer.
On the backside you get:
- an USB-C port, used for charging, information switch, and USB-DAC perform
- a 3.5mm devoted line output, so you possibly can join your amp of alternative
- a 3.5mm headphone output, for your entire single-ended choices (headphones or IEM)
- a 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced headphone output, to attach a balanced headphone
On the best aspect:
- an influence on/off button, doubling as a sleep possibility
- quantity up/down buttons, to boost or decrease the sound degree
And eventually on the left-side:
- a micro-SD port, to increase your storage
Surprisingly sufficient, the xDuoo X5 doesn’t achieve entry to play/pause/subsequent/earlier monitor management buttons, which means that you simply gained’t have the ability to deal with the participant from one other place than the three.5” LCD contact display screen.
Speaking about that, let’s stick with it and examine the display screen.
Display
numbers solely, the xDuoo X5 display screen’s isn’t spectacular by any imply. It’s 3.5” vast solely, sports activities an vintage 480p decision and isn’t actually shiny even when pushed to the max.
The one participant that I attempted not too long ago exhibiting equal specs being the Hidizs AP80 Professional-X and Shanling M1 Plus, so no have to say that I wasn’t very enthusiastic at first.
To make issues worse, my assessment unit got here with not one, however three rows of lifeless pixels – as a result of apparently, my lifelong curse with digital shows now extends to DAPs too.
Nothing that ought to fear you although, as none aside from me appeared to come across that particular problem…
Fortunately although, responsiveness was exceptionally good, because of linux-hifi and a superb CPU. A great software program/{hardware} integration, that shaved off my fears and allowed me to deal with the participant like a champ, even when generally I encountered random sluggishness throughout my navigation.
Distinction is okay, logos are crisp (even when I’m not very keen on the colour schemes) and album cowl appears to be like equally good, when accurately tagged – and for the value, I’d be awfully choosy to ask for extra, this ain’t a Nothing cellphone or a Xiaomi!
Bundle – Contained in the field
The xDuoo isn’t actually well-dotted, so that you’ll get the naked minimal.
Inside, you will see :
- 1x xDuoo X5
- 1x USB-C to USB-A cable
- 1x display screen protector
- some documentation
- and… that’s it
Sadly, the machine solely comes with a sole USB-C to USB-A cable and never USB-C to USB-C cable, however taking into account that this sort of cable solely value a couple of bucks these days, I perceive.
A 3rd get together case would have been a pleasant contact although…
The article continues on Web page two, after the clicking right here, or after the bounce
Web page 1: About xDuoo, design and construct high quality
Web page 2: UI & Utilization, specs
Web page 3: Sound performances, Conclusion, Abstract
