[Stevko]

Is xdsd line out single ended or balance? Can use balance?

Thx

Single

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Single

Correct, it is single ended.

 

[Luke Skywalker]

So…it is balanced but it’s difficult to find a 3.5 balanced connector. I’m thinking of getting the GO Bar and/or the Gryphon to get the normal 4.4mm

Sorry just saw you asked about the line out

 

[Stevko]

No. Single ended. No balance.
Xcan is balanced

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

So…it is balanced but it’s difficult to find a 3.5 balanced connector. I’m thinking of getting the GO Bar and/or the Gryphon to get the normal 4.4mm

Sorry just saw you asked about the line out

No. Single ended. No balance.
Xcan is balanced

Stevko has the correct answer here

 

[morpheos]

Hi. I bought the xDSD back in October of last year, and have had problems with it off and on. For one thing, at lower than 75% battery, it refuses to power my Focal Celestee. At > 75% (i.e. white light), it will usually work. I say usually, because rarely have I seen something as finicky as this thing. Switching from Tidal to Spotify just made it loose all sound. The LEDs indicate that there is a signal coming, for instance if I select a track in Master quality in Tidal, it will indicate so with the LEDs (for instance if I select a Master quality track with MQA turned on, it will glow Magenta), but if I switch to Spotify, it glows in Green.


So my question is two-fold;
1) Is this what one can expect from a DAC @ this price level?
2) Is the xDSD supposed to be able to power a pair of Celestee? The impedance is rated at 35 Ohms, which, according to the specs, the xDSD should be able to output easily.

I am assuming that I am doing something wrong here, but I am at a loss as to what.

Edit:
And yes, I have tried both USB from a Mac Pro, USB-to-Lightening with a iPhone, Bluetooth from an iPhone, Bluetooth from an iPad and damn near anything I can think of, but no dice. The headphones work just fine when directly connected to my Mac, so it's not them.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

I'm incredibly tempted to pick up a used xDSD (old model, micro-usb) for under $200. Someone tell me whether or not this is a dumb idea.

 

[Tenashus1]

Never mind what I said previously. I think the xDSD is a great unit. I haven't been using it, but it has wonderful character as a DAC for one thing. Thanks for reminding me about it. Pulled it out of its box after a long time. Just sublime with the IKKO OH10. I've rediscovered it and I love it.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

Wired only, though. The BT functionality is important.

 

[ngoshawk]

I'm incredibly tempted to pick up a used xDSD (old model, micro-usb) for under $200. Someone tell me whether or not this is a dumb idea.

It’s not a dumb idea. I still have mine and I like it a lot better than the Hip Dac. I may be one of the few who feel that way, but to me the Hip Dac was just decent. Connectivity helped with it quite a bit, and price; but to me the xDSD is better.

It’s like buying a new Corolla vs a used Tacoma. I own a Tacoma…and an xDSD.

 

[Luke Skywalker]

I have the original xDSD but after I got the Gryphon it sits in a drawer!

 

[Sphere 57]

The Hip DAC lacks the xDSD's channel-balanced volume control (no good for IEMs). The Gryphon is too big (I wouldn't want it in my coat pocket). The original xDSD is a 'goldilocks' product for me, iFi haven't come up with a portable product since which I would shell out for.

 

[iFi audio]

I'm incredibly tempted to pick up a used xDSD (old model, micro-usb) for under $200. Someone tell me whether or not this is a dumb idea.

If you intend to use it as a wireless device, that's not a bad idea at all

 

[SomeGuyDude]

If you intend to use it as a wireless device, that's not a bad idea at all

Ideally it's my all-in-one. Mobile and desktop. The Fiio FD5 and HFM Edition XS aren't super power hungry but both do sing pretty with the right amplification and I think this might be the way to go.

 

[iFi audio]

Ideally it's my all-in-one. Mobile and desktop.

It should work well as long as your cans/IEMs aren't too demanding. For tougher loads there's our xCAN. Thanks!