This seems like a very nice option at this price range. Equipment looks are always very controversial. I really don’t like how the Chord stuff looks like, for example. But I recognize it does sound good. In this case I think I would not mind the Fisher Price look if it sounds nice and works well. On another note I noticed you upped your video editing skills so that you don’t have to start over. 😊 Nice review as always. Thanks and all the best.
Thanks for the kind words. As for the "Fisher-Price" looks, I don't think that xDuoo products look that way at all. They are well built and have a red volume knob unlike the standard silver or black. I rather like the look of the XA-02 as it is different. Plus it sounds good.
Well they're different in a lot of ways but soundstage they both do exceptionally well and similar. The XA-02 may be slightly wider and the M5 is slightly better accurate. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Great review, the xDuoo seems like compelling option. I couldn’t find any information if it supports UAC 1 like both Fiio K11’s do, do you know if it does?
Hi Dav , have a question how relevant it is to buy a timeless in 2024 as I have heard letshuoer s12 and now want to experience timeless I am getting almost at 1/3rd December f price
Great review... as always..A question, wich should i choose, Xduoo MH-02 or this XA-02? both great devices, but as i see other than the inputs (i just use mi pc or my tablet) the final decision its about the tubes...i'm i wrong?
Sorry, I haven't heard the xDuoo MH-02. After glancing on the xDuoo website, there are quite a few differences between the two, different DAC chips, tubes, less power output,
I feel there is a need for a review to focus on DACs that output a HQ RCA SE signal to amplifiers that only accept RCA. i.e. LTA Z3 and Sparkos Aires. From what I've been told, those DACs that include balanced outputs put more emphasis on making that the preferred output in regards to overall sound quality.
Thanks for the suggestion of the LTA Z3 and Sparkos Aires. BUT that isn't the purpose of the XA-03. This is a simple DAC/Amp for those who just want a no frills, good sounding DAC/Amp. The RCA output is good enough to be connected to speaker like the Fosi Audio V3 Mono and Martin Logan Motion 15 speakers. The XA-03 isn't competing with high end gear, it is a budget friendly product that is more than capable within reason. Thanks for the comment.
About the same price point as the Fosi ZD3 but no HDMI- arc and no balanced outputs. Can't upgrade power supply or op-amps either. XDUOO needs to do a bit better as a DAC. of course ZD3 is not an Headphone amp. I think the main attraction of te K11/R2R is the R2R part, so if you are looking for that, that is it's killer feature. People using high impedance headphones don't tend to shop for 200 dollar DAC/Amps
This isn't competing against the ZD3, this is more of a competition to the K11 or the K11 R2R as mentioned in the video. The XA-02 is a simple DAC/Amp that is for the person who desires to play music without all the extras and for it to sound excellent. There are plenty of other devices available that you can open up and change op amps, power supplies and other things, that isn't the goal of this device. Thanks for the comment.
There is a problem in comparison with fiio. With fiio, external much better ps (power supply) can be used, improving sound. With xduoo can not be used as ps is internal - big, big mistake on device project stage. I was thinking about buying this model, but for this reason - no.
I find that for a small desktop setup outputting to the Fosi Audio V3 Mono with my Martin Logan Motion 15 it works just fine. Or use it with an external amplifier and it is adequate. I find that both the Fiio and xDuoo are fairly similar in this regard for a near-field experience. Thanks for your thought.
Not good approach when difference is so fundamental in case of dacs (and when box one is so bad). Basically, possibility to power quality upgrade is one of most important features in audio.
The aesthetics don't matter a lot when you are closing your eyes listening to the music or watching a movie. And it's a budget device as well. That said, I have no issue with the aesthetics as well and I have two Xduoo amps with the same colour scheme that I think look fine.
Thanks for the review. Nowadays a balanced desktop dac amp with BT is rare thing under $200.
Got mine from Shenzhen yesterday. It sounds really great to me 😍
That's awesome, glad you enjoy it! 👍
Nice review. It looks to be a nice competitor to the fiio k11
GO BILLS! Nice review, Dave.
Go Bills!;
Mmm. I prefer a slightly warm and musical sound. Thanks for the review though! You are always honest which means a lot in this day and age.
My pleasure, you are welcome. Thank you for the comment.
This seems like a very nice option at this price range. Equipment looks are always very controversial. I really don’t like how the Chord stuff looks like, for example. But I recognize it does sound good. In this case I think I would not mind the Fisher Price look if it sounds nice and works well. On another note I noticed you upped your video editing skills so that you don’t have to start over. 😊 Nice review as always. Thanks and all the best.
Thanks for the kind words.
As for the "Fisher-Price" looks, I don't think that xDuoo products look that way at all. They are well built and have a red volume knob unlike the standard silver or black. I rather like the look of the XA-02 as it is different. Plus it sounds good.
Dave I just bought the Foster T50rp mark four and this amp. Zeos loved it DMS bashed it. I can't wait for your take on it. Thanks.
Thanks for the recommendation.
Live your review style ! How do you compare the soundstage / depth to the Muse Ultra M5
Well they're different in a lot of ways but soundstage they both do exceptionally well and similar. The XA-02 may be slightly wider and the M5 is slightly better accurate.
Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Can I use my bluetooth headphone where this DAC connected via my PC?
This only receives Bluetooth it does not output Bluetooth signal to headphones.
Great review, the xDuoo seems like compelling option. I couldn’t find any information if it supports UAC 1 like both Fiio K11’s do, do you know if it does?
Sorry I don't know.
Hi Dav , have a question how relevant it is to buy a timeless in 2024 as I have heard letshuoer s12 and now want to experience timeless I am getting almost at 1/3rd December f price
Timeless is a solid performer if you can purchase at a discounted price.
Hello Dave! How about a classic like Topping Dx3 Pro +?
Sorry haven't heard DX3 Pro+
XA02 vs SMSL C200 please recommend
Sorry haven't heard the C200
Great review... as always..A question, wich should i choose, Xduoo MH-02 or this XA-02? both great devices, but as i see other than the inputs (i just use mi pc or my tablet) the final decision its about the tubes...i'm i wrong?
Sorry, I haven't heard the xDuoo MH-02. After glancing on the xDuoo website, there are quite a few differences between the two, different DAC chips, tubes, less power output,
@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for your time
My pleasure, you're welcome
For iem listening only, which one provides better sound quality, the xa-10 or fiio k1 r2r/xduoo mh-02 stack ?
K11 and XA-02 are both fantastic for IEM. The others don't compete in my opinion. Personally I'd take the XA-02.
😇 May God Bless You Always! 😇
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
Very profesional, thanks
Thanks 🙏
My pleasure, you're welcome
I feel there is a need for a review to focus on DACs that output a HQ RCA SE signal to amplifiers that only accept RCA. i.e. LTA Z3 and Sparkos Aires. From what I've been told, those DACs that include balanced outputs put more emphasis on making that the preferred output in regards to overall sound quality.
Thanks for the suggestion of the LTA Z3 and Sparkos Aires. BUT that isn't the purpose of the XA-03. This is a simple DAC/Amp for those who just want a no frills, good sounding DAC/Amp. The RCA output is good enough to be connected to speaker like the Fosi Audio V3 Mono and Martin Logan Motion 15 speakers. The XA-03 isn't competing with high end gear, it is a budget friendly product that is more than capable within reason.
Thanks for the comment.
About the same price point as the Fosi ZD3 but no HDMI- arc and no balanced outputs. Can't upgrade power supply or op-amps either. XDUOO needs to do a bit better as a DAC. of course ZD3 is not an Headphone amp. I think the main attraction of te K11/R2R is the R2R part, so if you are looking for that, that is it's killer feature. People using high impedance headphones don't tend to shop for 200 dollar DAC/Amps
This isn't competing against the ZD3, this is more of a competition to the K11 or the K11 R2R as mentioned in the video. The XA-02 is a simple DAC/Amp that is for the person who desires to play music without all the extras and for it to sound excellent. There are plenty of other devices available that you can open up and change op amps, power supplies and other things, that isn't the goal of this device.
Thanks for the comment.
There is a problem in comparison with fiio. With fiio, external much better ps (power supply) can be used, improving sound. With xduoo can not be used as ps is internal - big, big mistake on device project stage. I was thinking about buying this model, but for this reason - no.
I find that for a small desktop setup outputting to the Fosi Audio V3 Mono with my Martin Logan Motion 15 it works just fine. Or use it with an external amplifier and it is adequate. I find that both the Fiio and xDuoo are fairly similar in this regard for a near-field experience.
Thanks for your thought.
If they are similar on stock ps which is really, very bad, this means that fiio is much better in case of decent Ps.
I don't change power supplies and it sounds fine for me so....have a great day.
Not good approach when difference is so fundamental in case of dacs (and when box one is so bad). Basically, possibility to power quality upgrade is one of most important features in audio.
It is a good approach because I review gear in stock form. Thank you for you comments. Have a great day.!
It looks like a child's toy. I don't like the color of the body or the volume knob.
Same observation..
I don't think so. Red volume knob is a xDuoo thing, they use it on all there devices. I actually like the look of the XA-02 quite a bit.
The aesthetics don't matter a lot when you are closing your eyes listening to the music or watching a movie.
And it's a budget device as well.
That said, I have no issue with the aesthetics as well and I have two Xduoo amps with the same colour scheme that I think look fine.
It's not a MOJO2 not even close!!!
Who said anything about it being a Mojo 2? I made no such claims.
In fact I've not heard a Mojo 2 so ...