antihippy said:

  So if I only want to use it SE is there actually any advantage getting this over the Pioneer?

Click to expand...

 
Besides all the great points that @TheOneInYellow said, if we're purely talking about sound quality IMO the Onkyo edges ahead of the Pioneer.
 
Based purely on listening to both with an Etymotic ER4S out of the SE jack for each, I liked the Onkyo better because not only did it seem to present a somewhat deeper and more "holographic" soundstage, I also liked its seemingly better separation and tonality. The Pioneer seemed a little lifeless and a bit sterile compared to the Onkyo, which to me strikes a better balance by being somewhat warmer (and more natural) but still portraying gobs of detail.

chowmein83 said:

Besides all the great points that @TheOneInYellow
said, if we're purely talking about sound quality IMO the Onkyo edges ahead of the Pioneer.

Based purely on listening to both with an Etymotic ER4S out of the SE jack for each, I liked the Onkyo better because not only did it seem to present a somewhat deeper and more "holographic" soundstage, I also liked its seemingly better separation and tonality. The Pioneer seemed a little lifeless and a bit sterile compared to the Onkyo, which to me strikes a better balance by being somewhat warmer (and more natural) but still portraying gobs of detail.

Click to expand...

Thank you!

Oh man you've further reinforced the quality of the DP-X1, and that's just the SE side! Imagine the ER4S balanced!!!
The SQ you described about the DP-X1 is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!
Combine that with my KEF Audio M500 on-ear headphones and I'll be ECSTATIC! <3


One thing that I have been renowned for over on Twitter, FB, FB Messenger, in person, and in comments on articles, is my ability to absorb multiple sources of information regarding a topic and distill what I've learned into an overall opinion regarding said topic, even if I have never used, wrote, etc, that topic.

In taking in almost all information that I can gather about the Onkyo DP-X1 I understand that it has a colossal sound signature that is startling when the user in question looks at the DAP standalone.
i.e. it beggars belief, esp when (import) costs are factored in.
This doesn't mean I'm perfect, and it also means I have no experience, but my sheer tenacity of research allows me to paint a picture (as it were) regarding whatever it is I research.

In spite of my knowledge, without using either the Onkyo DP-X1 or its sister Pioneer XDP-100R, I would not know if the SE of each DAP would sound the same or not.
And yet at least three user's have mentioned that the DP-X1 is better in SE than the Pioneer XDP-100R.
Many other users have said (generally) that the DP-X1 is by far one of the best SE DAP's out there, with a fantastic Balanced output that rivals competitors.

Some have posted that while the DP-X1 in OTG to the Chord Mojo is an excellent synergistic pairing, more than a few users have said that the SQ of the DP-X1 is better than the more colourful Mojo. THAT is pretty impressive!
One thing is certain that if you output a balanced signal from the Onkyo DP-X1 into the balanced input of the ALO Continental Dual Mono DAC/amp you will gain a supreme balanced playback system (mentioned by at least two audiophiles/sources, one who posted this some pages back).

I have some friends in the audio industry (I hardly mention this as I really don't want brownie points), and one in particular is a good friend who I talk to on FB Messenger (where I actually live ).
He is famous on Head-Fi and in the audio community, as is his business.
Anyway, he received his DP-X1 today (envious), and he's using it in SE atm. His three big comments are in summary;
a) that the DP-X1 is very powerful and has serious authority for a standalone DAP,
b) that the DP-X1 has a more sophisticated implementation of its internal parts (this opinion was in direct comparison to the Mojo and in regards to SQ!), and
c) that the DAP on its own is better than most stacks he's used.
My friend has some of the best TOTL audio gear I know so some of his comments are a surprise, but in a good way ^^

As I will not state who that source is, you are free to make your own opinion, but what he said echoes many, many Head-Fi'ers on here.

The Onkyo DP-X1 is much better than expected.

So, with that in mind, whilst you can import it cheaply, the DP-X1 is worth the money even if all you'll use is SE gear.

I should add a caveat (or repeat it in a different way); it is easy to hype a product without ever hearing or using it, and cause either too high expectations, buyers remorse, or placebo opinions (as in you don't like the sound but because everyone else does you think you yourself are wrong).
As much as I and many people on here have near universally praised the SQ of the DP-X1, please bear in mind that a lot of users, myself included, have yet to use or hear it, and you yourself are the same (non-owners of DP-X1).

So, it is a risk to import a product that a select number of people have got, tested and posted their feedback, esp with no formal warranty (outside shipping costs to place of purchase) if importing, and you yourself never demoed.
A piece of audio advice is to always listen to a piece of gear before buying, but in our hobby that's not always so simple or easy.

What I will say is that I am confident in saying that the overall opinion thus far of the DP-X1 is that it is simply AMAZING.

So if you're on the fence (such as yourself, Antihippy) and have the funds, BUY IT!

Edit:
Cleared up the text above including grammar and weird autocorrect spelling mistakes.

theoneinyellow said:

I have some friends in the audio industry (I hardly mention this as I really don't want brownie points), and one in particular is a good friend who I talk to on FB Messenger (where I actually live

).
He is famous on Head-Fi and in the audio community, as is his business.
Anyway, he received his DP-X1 today (envious), and he's using it in SE atm. His three big comments are in summary; a) that the DP-X1 has is very powerful and has serious authority for a standalone DAP, b) that the DP-X1 has a more sophisticated implementation of its internal parts (this opinion was in direct comparison to the Mojo and in regards to SQ!), and c) that the DAP on its own is better than most stacks he's used.

Click to expand...

 
Thanks for the update!
 
You should encourage your friend(s) to just post here. This is what the community is about - truth and sharing. If he/she doesn't want to share at risk of getting other companies upset, then it will be hard to give any credibility to these statements. That's the last thing we need here - members of the trade colluding to protect their business. I am certainly not accusing anyone of this but just reminding folks to share openly and with full transparency. If your friend is just waiting to formalize his/her report before posting, that's awesome!

bflat said:

Thanks for the update!

You should encourage your friend(s) to just post here. This is what the community is about - truth and sharing. If he/she doesn't want to share at risk of getting other companies upset, then it will be hard to give any credibility to these statements. That's the last thing we need here - members of the trade colluding to protect their business. I am certainly not accusing anyone of this but just reminding folks to share openly and with full transparency. If your friend is just waiting to formalize his/her report before posting, that's awesome!

Click to expand...

Actually, that's not the reason.

I only wanted to post just their very first boot up impressions of a newly arrived DP-X1.

The reason I don't publish who the person is is out of respect, loyalty and trust between my friend and myself.
Furthermore, I don't want to be known just for someone having friends in the audio industry, though my private FB ahd public Twitter are quite revealing
I rather be known as a helpful knowledgeable person with a crazy UK streak in me. Though I'm also known to be, weirdly, Japanese but not an otaku (I'm not either, but I am bat-**** crazy )...

I would never do anything to taint any friendship either, just saying.

In regards to upsetting companies, that's a non-issue with regards to what I posted.
Even if one was to give no credibility to that portion of my post, this thread has a wealth of user's posts that backup the universal acclaim that the DP-X1 is receiving anyway.

chowmein83 said:

Besides all the great points that @TheOneInYellow
said, if we're purely talking about sound quality IMO the Onkyo edges ahead of the Pioneer.

Based purely on listening to both with an Etymotic ER4S out of the SE jack for each, I liked the Onkyo better because not only did it seem to present a somewhat deeper and more "holographic" soundstage, I also liked its seemingly better separation and tonality. The Pioneer seemed a little lifeless and a bit sterile compared to the Onkyo, which to me strikes a better balance by being somewhat warmer (and more natural) but still portraying gobs of detail.

Click to expand...

theoneinyellow said:

Yes.

Right now, when importing, the difference in cost between the Pioneer XDP-100R (international) and Onkyo DP-X1 (Japan/Asia) is very small, so a lot of buyer's are capitalising on this and getting the beefed-up DP-X1 at a very attractive price. It will also allow users to experiment with either existing or down-the-line balanced gear.

In terms of UI, the DP-X1 is very feature rich and robust, but not as ergonomic as that of XDP-100R. YMMV.

The Pioneer XDP-100R is already available internationally, but once you've added shipping costs and fees to import the DP-X1 the extra cost for the higher end DAP is small.
Once DP-X1 is released internationally I suspect that the DP-X1 will be closer to $900...

Either device is amazing, even over FiiO X7 based on multiple sources (however, the X7 is a modular design that may be advantageous to certain users).

If you feel that you will never, ever use balanced headphones or only wish to use balanced at home, then getting the Pioneer XDP-100R will be better and quicker from your nearest audio retailer/online in your country.

If you wish to have real balanced audio and great SE at a bargain price for a high-end DAC then Onkyo DP-X1

In my opinion, the Onkyo DP-X1 arguably should cost around AK prices spec wise, but thankfully DOES NOT !
Yeah I do have lots of interesting gear but each is an investment. I don't have the funds as i once did to get better headphones now and I spent money on the DP-X1 when I should have saved; was thinking of getting a desktop amp and DAC later this but the Onkyo DP-X1 is a STEAL at it's current import price!

Your SQ impressions are making me salivate; it sounds like it's the perfect standalone audio device and that's great!
Your amp also sounds amazing but I guess it's good to pair up when you want to have a more relaxed audio session.

As for when I'm getting the DP-X1...he he he he he...SPOILERS!
(No, not got yet but... ).

Click to expand...

Hmm alright, I'm pretty content with what I have now anyway, but I'm definitely still interested in a standalone solution without having to use stacks. Probably won't be able to take advantage of imports now but I'll see if it's still worth it at international prices when it officially releases here in Australia.

 
Quote:

theoneinyellow said:

Some have posted that while the DP-X1 in OTG to the Chord Mojo is an excellent synergistic pairing, more than a few users have said that the SQ of the DP-X1 is better than the more colourful Mojo. THAT is pretty impressive!

Click to expand...

 
Better is always a matter of preferences at this level
I don't have the DP-X1 yet, but the XDP-100 I would qualify as different from the Mojo.
 
Mojo blew my mind away upon first listen, as it sounds different from anything I have ever heard but then again I have not owned Hugo or other Chord products or any DAC that is not powered by off the shelf offerings.
 
Quote:

theoneinyellow said:

  b) that the DP-X1 has a more sophisticated implementation of its internal parts (this opinion was in direct comparison to the Mojo and in regards to SQ!

Click to expand...

 
I am not sure you can compare two very different products as DP-X1 (balanced, 2x off the shelf sabre DACs, 2xamps and a DAP) and Mojo (a portable DAC amp with a FPGA chip). From what I gather the Mojo's magic comes from it's programming of the FPGA chip. Hard to compare...
 
Quote:

theoneinyellow said:

  ​The Onkyo DP-X1 is much better than expected.

Click to expand...

 
That's quite clear, people where interested by the concept of DP-X1 from the start, but user's feedback was clearly way beyond anyone had expected given the spec sheet an indication that Onkyo's implementation has been very well thought out and implemented. It looks like they found a sweet spot to build a competitive offering that's for sure!

I know my DP-X1 has left Tokyo international airport so I may actually receive it by Friday! Needless to say I'm quite stoked at the prospect. I loved my Blackberry Leap believe it or not, really sounds good, and with an E12 I likely could have lived with that combination, but a single device is always better for carrying around which is exactly what I do. I have a balanced cable coming as well for my PM3 so I may have a pretty darn impressive little portable rig. I will most certainly post impressions as soon as I can. I would do a review, but as I have never used Android before I suspect my input on UI might be less than useful and I think a device like this needs to be reviewed as the ecosystem it is per say.

Everything you just said davidmolliere and more!

I think the best SE devices today would now include the DP-X1, and that's awesome!
The Pioneer XDP-100R is no slouch from what I've read but, from all those who have done comparisons, their subjective views are thst the DP-X1 has a better SQ in SE.

In regards to the implementation of parts I posted, again that was my friend who advised this, however his meaning is more like this:
Though he believes that the DP-X1 is superior to the Mojo in terms of SQ, based on initial, out-of-the-box DP-X1 use, he's more impressed at the level of implementation and sophistication of parts that the DP-X1 has in terms of cost/performance when directly compared to Mojo.
In other words, Onkyo went nuts in making this a world class DAP at a cost that should put other manufacturers to shame, including Mojo.

There are still concerns over UI (Android users have an easier drive) but yes, with what's posted so far the hype seems to have been worth it.
Onkyo DP-X1 is gaining real momentum in how to make a great DAP with real SQ chops at a freakishly low price when compared to competitor DAP's and stacks.

sonic defender said:

I know my DP-X1 has left Tokyo international airport so I may actually receive it by Friday! Needless to say I'm quite stoked at the prospect. I loved my Blackberry Leap believe it or not, really sounds good, and with an E12 I likely could have lived with that combination, but a single device is always better for carrying around which is exactly what I do. I have a balanced cable coming as well for my PM3 so I may have a pretty darn impressive little portable rig. I will most certainly post impressions as soon as I can. I would do a review, but as I have never used Android before I suspect my input on UI might be less than useful and I think a device like this needs to be reviewed as the ecosystem it is per say.

Click to expand...

I'm saying this right now, Oppo PM3 balanced to Onkyo DP-X1 will be AMAZEBALLS.

I'll have a similar SQ but only in SE via DP-X1 and KEF Audio M500, but PM3...sigh.

Can't even afford that, nor Audeze SINE.
Out of PM3 or SINE I'll go for later as my (soon to be re-terminated) DHC Elite Molecule cable for my Audeze EL8 CB will work on SINE.

Anyway, you keep us posted, ya hear?

<3

^ Yes the momentum is building. I actually feel a little sorry for the X7 as I think as the DP-X1 is getting established with few reports of any issues worth mentioning while the X7 is experiencing some issues of importance. I am still quite sure that the X7 will mature into a killer DAP, but I think it is fair to say that it is going to have to play catch-up to the Onkyo.

I was going to buy the Pioneer but I'm very tempted to join the club and import to the UK from PriceJapan. The thread is so long I've forgotten please can someone confirm this handles gapless FLAC seamlessly, I know the Pioneer does so I'm assuming this is ok as well?

^ I believe it is only MP3 files that cause gapless playback issues, but I might be mistaken.

On the fence about purchasing from PriceJapan or waiting a little later until the EU release date, I'm curious if Pricejapan would increase their asking price when it releases beyond Japan. Also, I'm not too sure if the Onyko would be limited by any EU noise regulations.  

^ By law if they release in Europe it will have to conform to standards. Buy now if you can.

sonic defender said:

  ^ Yes the momentum is building. I actually feel a little sorry for the X7 as I think as the DP-X1 is getting established with few reports of any issues worth mentioning while the X7 is experiencing some issues of importance. I am still quite sure that the X7 will mature into a killer DAP, but I think it is fair to say that it is going to have to play catch-up to the Onkyo.

Click to expand...

 
I agree. I went for the X7 and had it for a week but decided to return it, really high potential especially with the amp modules akin to HiFiMan amp cards combined with a connected DAP running android... IMHO FiiO released too soon and it hurts them. They showed great energy making up for firmware being a bit young at release but the EMI hardware issue is a killer for a streaming device. They'll fix it and the new unit without EMI and possibly android Lollipop down the line is appealing.
 
In the meantime, Onkyo has played their card well, the only thing that I find is maybe a tactical error is the low price spread between XDP-100 and DP-X1 especially as priced on the japanese market. As mentioned several times we can expect a pricier DP-X1 upon release in April in EU and US.
 

sonic defender said:

  ^ By law if they release in Europe it will have to conform to standards. Buy now if you can.
 

Click to expand...

 
Definitely.
The EU XDP-100 I got, supposed to be 2x75mW had lower volume even on high gain than the EU ZX2 (2x15mW) and I returned it.
 
Now different manufacturer have a different take on the regulations it would seem... AR M2 is built in the UK but pretty powerful and FiiO X7 even EU is quite powerful and not limited to 85dB IMHO. Onkyo/Pioneer seems to stick to a hard limit at 85dB (no measurement just subjective here), with EU XDP_100 I had to push 120/135 of 160 on high gain with S-EM9 which are 119dB sensitive!