Introducing ONIX Waltz XM10 Ltd - First Standalone Portable Android Player by ONIX

[wirewiggler]

I have a M0, it is a nice little player. Not sure if the pro would warrant an upgrade. It plays flawless and that is what I expected of the XM10. I am also interested in the SM1.3 for my second home, I use Roon in my primary.
Bill

 

[BlueA]

Plus @Shanling gives half-baked answers, based on the replies. Not knowing when fixes will come is simply quite devastating. If i am the boss, i will fire the software engineer that don't give me the timeline. This gives the impression that they don't care about this product.

Have a look at any Shanling hardware thread in HeadFi to have an idea how the history went...

 

[warrenpchi]

Okay, I gotta say - with the one caveat that it's not the last word in detail/resolution - I've been enjoying the XM10 quite a bit!

It is simultaneously the smallest (thinnest) and largest (screen size) full-sized DAP I've owned. That works to my advantage as the thickness of it (or lack thereof) makes it easily pocketable. And the large screen serves me well when watching the occasional YouTube or TIDAL video.

And despite the single AKM chip inside, I've found the SQ more than satisfactory and quite pleasing, especially when I'm out-and-about where there's enough external sound to guarantee a higher-than-home noise floor.

Battery life has been fine. Just shy of seven hours on a full charge, with fairly minimal screen interactions, which works for any domestic flight I'd be likely to take.

Still early days with it, but I'm pleased so far!

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

Okay, I gotta say - with the one caveat that it's not the last word in detail/resolution - I've been enjoying the XM10 quite a bit!

It is simultaneously the smallest (thinnest) and largest (screen size) full-sized DAP I've owned. That works to my advantage as the thickness of it (or lack thereof) makes it easily pocketable. And the large screen serves me well when watching the occasional YouTube or TIDAL video.

And despite the single AKM chip inside, I've found the SQ more than satisfactory and quite pleasing, especially when I'm out-and-about where there's enough external sound to guarantee a higher-than-home noise floor.

Battery life has been fine. Just shy of seven hours on a full charge, with fairly minimal screen interactions, which works for any domestic flight I'd be likely to take.

Still early days with it, but I'm pleased so far!

congratz on pulling the trigger and supporting new designs

 

[warrenpchi]

congratz on pulling the trigger and supporting new designs

Thanks! I'm glad I decided to give it a chance as well.

 

[pmichaelro]

I've not gotten mine yet. I had a few questions for Shanling before I do, and that was right before they shut down for CNY. We're to reconnect after they return from their break.

I will say that the ONIX has a huge usability challenge ahead of it as, like you, I run a Mojo2Poly wirelessly (either AirPlay or DLNA depending on what I'm doing) and almost never interact with it (other than to switch IEMs, power it on/off, and charge it). Every meaningful interaction is done using my phone (mostly native apps) which offers me a better UI than any DAP.

What were your Q's for Shanling before you decided to finally PTT? (if you feel at liberty to share, no pressure)
Where did you introduce the XM10 LTD in your daily rotation? What has been replaced by it?

Okay, I gotta say - with the one caveat that it's not the last word in detail/resolution - I've been enjoying the XM10 quite a bit!

It is simultaneously the smallest (thinnest) and largest (screen size) full-sized DAP I've owned. That works to my advantage as the thickness of it (or lack thereof) makes it easily pocketable. And the large screen serves me well when watching the occasional YouTube or TIDAL video.

And despite the single AKM chip inside, I've found the SQ more than satisfactory and quite pleasing, especially when I'm out-and-about where there's enough external sound to guarantee a higher-than-home noise floor.

Battery life has been fine. Just shy of seven hours on a full charge, with fairly minimal screen interactions, which works for any domestic flight I'd be likely to take.

Still early days with it, but I'm pleased so far!

From your POV you went for the XM10 LTD for the larger screen and thinnest design in let's say direct competition with FiiO JM21/M21?
What headphones have you paired with XM10 LTD and did you used the 3.5mm TRSS to 4.4mm cable?
Did you pair the XM10 LTD with anything else or just connected the IEMs directly to it?
Are you also using the official leather case with it?

Trying to decide for myself if it makes sense to continue the "more portable" journey with JM21/M21 or look more towards XM10 LTD

Thanks in advance

 

[warrenpchi]

What were your Q's for Shanling before you decided to finally PTT? (if you feel at liberty to share, no pressure)

Oh, I just wanted to see if I'd be affected by the connection issues that wirewiggler experienced: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/int...e-android-player-by-onix.975525/post-18561826. I'm not.

I also wanted to see if they sold the 3.5-to-4.4 adapter separately. They don't, but the Shanling versions of those work fine, so I picked up a couple of those.

Where did you introduce the XM10 LTD in your daily rotation? What has been replaced by it?

I still carry my Mojo2Poly, so the XM10 has basically replaced my back-up stand-alone DAP, an old A&K SP1000.

From your POV you went for the XM10 LTD for the larger screen and thinnest design in let's say direct competition with FiiO JM21/M21?

For me, it was entirely about the thinness of the XM10. Short of a super-simple budget DAP, I haven't come across anything else that's thinner.

What headphones have you paired with XM10 LTD and did you used the 3.5mm TRSS to 4.4mm cable?

lol, none as of yet. I'm mostly into IEMs at the moment.

Did you pair the XM10 LTD with anything else or just connected the IEMs directly to it?

Nope, just IEMs going directly into the XM10. Well, via the 4.4 adapter of course because nearly all of my cables are terminated in 4.4.

Are you also using the official leather case with it?

Yes, and no. I use the case to protect it when I'm transporting it in one of my slings. After all, there's no sense having it accrue scratches and dents while it's just jostling around inside my bag. But when I'm actually listening to it, no, then it just sits naked in my pocket.

Trying to decide for myself if it makes sense to continue the "more portable" journey with JM21/M21 or look more towards XM10 LTD

I haven't tried the JM21 yet, but I've heard good things about it, including positive comments about the sound quality. I was considering it at one time, but ultimately decided against it. I know this must sound extraordinarily shallow, but I just can't get with the JM21's color scheme, which can't be hidden due to the translucent TPU case. I don't wear anything that goes well with those colors, at all.

The M21 looks interesting, but that was announced after I pulled the trigger on the XM10, so...

If portability is a concern, I can tell you one thing: The XM10 is heavier than I thought it would be. For some reason, I thought the chassis and body would be super thin, and thus light. It is not. This thing is solid and well-built, but that does mean there's some weight to it.

Thanks in advance

You're welcome anytime!

 

[pmichaelro]

Oh, I just wanted to see if I'd be affected by the connection issues that wirewiggler experienced: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/int...e-android-player-by-onix.975525/post-18561826. I'm not.

Great to hear!

I also wanted to see if they sold the 3.5-to-4.4 adapter separately. They don't, but the Shanling versions of those work fine, so I picked up a couple of those.

They actually are, the same adapter that Shanling is selling for M0 Pro - Shanling M0 Pro Balanced Adapter - works with the Onix Waltz XM10 LTD.
Guess you got this one as well for reserve

I still carry my Mojo2Poly, so the XM10 has basically replaced my back-up stand-alone DAP, an old A&K SP1000.

Interesting option. So mainly backup, not main on-the-go option.

For me, it was entirely about the thinness of the XM10. Short of a super-simple budget DAP, I haven't come across anything else that's thinner.

It's definitely thin, but not small, and definitely heavy due to stainless steel build.

lol, none as of yet. I'm mostly into IEMs at the moment.

Yeah, I wanted to say IEMs but wrote headphones...

Nope, just IEMs going directly into the XM10. Well, via the 4.4 adapter of course because nearly all of my cables are terminated in 4.4.

Exactly!

Yes, and no. I use the case to protect it when I'm transporting it in one of my slings. After all, there's no sense having it accrue scratches and dents while it's just jostling around inside my bag. But when I'm actually listening to it, no, then it just sits naked in my pocket.

You sire have great patience, I would just stick it in the case and never take it out if possible, just for the comfort of it + protection (probably take it out to clean the dust every now and again, just like I do with my phone)

I haven't tried the JM21 yet, but I've heard good things about it, including positive comments about the sound quality. I was considering it at one time, but ultimately decided against it. I know this must sound extraordinarily shallow, but I just can't get with the JM21's color scheme, which can't be hidden due to the translucent TPU case. I don't wear anything that goes well with those colors, at all.

The M21 looks interesting, but that was announced after I pulled the trigger on the XM10, so...

If portability is a concern, I can tell you one thing: The XM10 is heavier than I thought it would be. For some reason, I thought the chassis and body would be super thin, and thus light. It is not. This thing is solid and well-built, but that does mean there's some weight to it.

I do currently own the JM21 and probably I'd like some more battery life (for longevity reasons since it's not replaceable, so less cycles, longer runtime on a single charge), also a little better specs when it comes to RAM + ROM and...a quad-DAC setup instead of a bi-DAC setup - it would resemble the DC07 Pro 1:1, almost similar setup.

JM21 and M21 are both lighter than XM10 LTD though, probably same combo of aluminium on the front and plastic on the back, where M21 has a full black available color scheme + that optional walkman case which I've fallen in love completely with, just like a sucker!

But...I do like the premium build of the XM10 LTD...and even though it has better specs than both JM21 and M21...as far as I saw in Super Review's review...it seems like the apps and UI in general lags a lot actually. Can you confirm? It does have 6GB of RAM + Snapdragon 665...so it shouldn't in theory, unless it's not properly optimized, in which case...it's definitely possible.

Curious about the price of M21, since JM21 is $179.99/$199.99, and M21 is thought to be priced really great as well (not sure how much more expensive) but definitely not the $899 that XM10 LTD costs right now + $59 extra for the case. I do love how it looks like though (except for that notch of course...but luckily I'm accustomed to it since I'm an iPhone user)

Also, nothing shallow about not liking the color scheme, I actually indulged into it and got the official blue case for JM21, it definitely stands out as different and it's a great quality of life improvements in comparison with the bundled silicone one which is just meh

You're welcome anytime!

There's also iBasso DX180 if one wants a portable unit (5 inch FHD screen), with great build quality as well, thicker at 16mm vs 11.5mm but lighter 206g vs 388g and with much better battery life.

Any words of advice?

 

[warrenpchi]

They actually are, the same adapter that Shanling is selling for M0 Pro - Shanling M0 Pro Balanced Adapter - works with the Onix Waltz XM10 LTD.
Guess you got this one as well for reserve

Yup! In fact, I've never even used the original one. I went straight to the Shanling one, so I don't even know if the ONIX adapter works or not!

Interesting option. So mainly backup, not main on-the-go option.

Right, or dual use rather? I don't like connecting my phone to the Mojo2Poly with a cable. So when I use the Mojo2Poly outdoors, it requires that I use my phone as a hotspot, so that I can AirPlay from it. Whenever I don't feel like doing that, the XM10 comes out to play.

It's definitely thin, but not small, and definitely heavy due to stainless steel build.

Yeah, I think the weight might be the biggest drawback for me so far? If they made one with a Ti or Mg chassis, built-in 4.4 and maybe more battery life - even at a significant cost increase - I would seriously consider it.

You sire have great patience, I would just stick it in the case and never take it out if possible, just for the comfort of it + protection (probably take it out to clean the dust every now and again, just like I do with my phone)

But then it would be thicc.

as far as I saw in Super Review's review...it seems like the apps and UI in general lags a lot actually. Can you confirm?

I can't confirm that, but I also don't use Spotify, which is what he used to demonstrate that. The response is pretty snappy with TIDAL and Qobuz. Apple Music glitches once in a while if there's a lot of art that needs to be loaded. But overall, it seems reasonable to me.

I do currently own the JM21 and probably I'd like some more battery life (for longevity reasons since it's not replaceable, so less cycles, longer runtime on a single charge), also a little better specs when it comes to RAM + ROM and...a quad-DAC setup instead of a bi-DAC setup - it would resemble the DC07 Pro 1:1, almost similar setup.

JM21 and M21 are both lighter than XM10 LTD though, probably same combo of aluminium on the front and plastic on the back, where M21 has a full black available color scheme + that optional walkman case which I've fallen in love completely with, just like a sucker!

Curious about the price of M21, since JM21 is $179.99/$199.99, and M21 is thought to be priced really great as well (not sure how much more expensive) but definitely not the $899 that XM10 LTD costs right now + $59 extra for the case. I do love how it looks like though (except for that notch of course...but luckily I'm accustomed to it since I'm an iPhone user)



Any word of advice?

Unfortunately not lol.

I don't like telling people to buy something, even if it's something that I genuinely like a lot myself. For example, I love Macbeth right now. Outside of other IEMs that I'm currently reviewing, it's pretty much all I listen to these days. And even with that being the case, the biggest recommendation I gave for the Macbeth is that people audition it if they can.

That said, if you're reasonably happy with the JM21, I'd probably stick with that for now... with the potential of moving up to the M21 later. Purely from a functional standpoint, I can't see how you'd be happier with the XM10 at 350% more in terms of cost. Plus, as you mentioned, that Walkman case does seem super fun!

 

[pmichaelro]

Yup! In fact, I've never even used the original one. I went straight to the Shanling one, so I don't even know if the ONIX adapter works or not!



Right, or dual use rather? I don't like connecting my phone to the Mojo2Poly with a cable. So when I use the Mojo2Poly outdoors, it requires that I use my phone as a hotspot, so that I can AirPlay from it. Whenever I don't feel like doing that, the XM10 comes out to play.



Yeah, I think the weight might be the biggest drawback for me so far? If they made one with a Ti or Mg chassis, built-in 4.4 and maybe more battery life - even at a significant cost increase - I would seriously consider it.



But then it would be thicc.



I can't confirm that, but I also don't use Spotify, which is what he used to demonstrate that. The response is pretty snappy with TIDAL and Qobuz. Apple Music glitches once in a while if there's a lot of art that needs to be loaded. But overall, it seems reasonable to me.



Unfortunately not lol.

I don't like telling people to buy something, even if it's something that I genuinely like a lot myself. For example, I love Macbeth right now. Outside of other IEMs that I'm currently reviewing, it's pretty much all I listen to these days. And even with that being the case, the biggest recommendation I gave for the Macbeth is that people audition it if they can.

That said, if you're reasonably happy with the JM21, I'd probably stick with that for now... with the potential of moving up to the M21 later. Purely from a functional standpoint, I can't see how you'd be happier with the XM10 at 350% more in terms of cost. Plus, as you mentioned, that Walkman case does seem super fun!

Probably the main deal breaker for me is the noise floor as mentioned by some reviewers...Campfire doesn't play well with noise, and for that matter it's ideal to have as low to none as possible.
I think, M21, is still going to be my go to one based on capabilities, shape, form, weight, battery life, specs. Let's wait and see about the price and availability as well

I do like the way XM10 LTD is build and looks like, but ideally it should be less heavy, more snappy, more battery.

 

[warrenpchi]

Probably the main deal breaker for me is the noise floor as mentioned by some reviewers...Campfire doesn't play well with noise, and for that matter it's ideal to have as low to none as possible.

Right, especially given how sensitive some of their best offerings are, e.g. Clara.

I think, M21, is still going to be my go to one based on capabilities, shape, form, weight, battery life, specs. Let's wait and see about the price and availability as well

That sounds like a good way to go.

I do like the way XM10 LTD is build and looks like, but ideally it should be less heavy, more snappy, more battery.

It's hotness, but not the one you want to bring home to mama?

 

[pmichaelro]

Right, especially given how sensitive some of their best offerings are, e.g. Clara.

Yup, rightfully so...my pause game needs the best

That sounds like a good way to go.

I also started to surf around the iBasso DX180 (even though I have DX340 but it's way heavier and bigger)
Seems interesting and nice that a lot of manufacturers are using the same DAC array so that would potentially give you more options even though the price points are nowhere near...I do however wholeheartedly embrace the fact that iBasso allows you to replace the battery...so that makes it a MUST especially considering the ability to keep on using the unit for a really long time in the future - which would be ideal and a must for a 2nd/backup device (but not just a backup device, all devices - especially at a higher price point)

It's hotness, but not the one you want to bring home to mama?

Maybe...people are saying that it actually heats up pretty bad, as in literally )

 

[warrenpchi]

Maybe...people are saying that it actually heats up pretty bad, as in literally )

Honestly, I found that surprising as mine hasn't even gotten warm to the touch, and it's on its fourth day of continuously streaming right now (I'm using it to burn in an IEM). It's barely warm enough to let me know that it's powered on, i.e. not completely cold to the touch as a powered off device would be.

 

[Tabikinoya Cephas]

i can verify that with prolonged use, it's not warm at all.

 

[warrenpchi]

i can verify that with prolonged use, it's not warm at all.

Yup! Maybe it's our use case? I use it with IEMs, on low gain. In fact, I've got my max volume set to 40, which is more than twice the loudest I've ever tried to go with it.