Introducing ONIX Zenith XST20 - High-End SACD Transport with true DSD output

[Waxerbob]

No it did not---at first my initial combination I thought sounded stellar, but noticed background static in right channel.
I then looked at the pin out diagrams in both manuals and selected the two that matched (mode 3 and mode 5), and while the static was gone, it seemed the sound wasn't as "full".
I finally selected mode 3 on Onix and mode 7 on Venus which made everything great. So yeah it takes some experimentation.

" Ok although per the manuals, not the matching pin outs, mode 3 for the onix, and all 3 leds lit (mode 7) when mode cycling on the Denafrips, gets the sound..bass, dynamics, etc..and without the noise. I think my issue was brief in nature and sorted. So, the BCK or bitclock "pins" just needed reverse

 

[petek]

@Waxerbob was there a message your last posting to the tread---I only see mine quoted....
Hope you are getting it sorted and find it to be a nice machine.

 

[Waxerbob]

So I set Onix to mode 3 then was toggling thru modes on Pontus15th with phase button to try 7 but the dac resets to mode 3. It sounds fine and has 44.1 ,1X and DSD lights on when playing SACD so I guess its fine or am I doing something wrong? Maybe a question for Denafrips

 

[petek]

As long as you have the dynamic full sound and no noise it seems like it would be good. You have a 15th and I have a 12th so yours may be automatic...don't know.

 

[pjw241142]

How does it sound ?

 

[petek]

It does what it's supposed to; gets out of the way and lets the external DAC handle the magic. Listening to SACD and CD with it is much more enjoyable than with a mere player.

 

[pjw241142]

Has anyone else got any views on the Onix & how it sounds?

 

[Darion]

I'm also interested in how you compare it with transport.

 

[sygnus21]

Has anyone else got any views on the Onix & how it sounds?

STILL haven't seen any extensive YouTube reviews so that's .... curious. Not many user reviews here other than two users saying "I have one and it sounds great".

 

[petek]

@pjw241142 @sygnus21 CD transports and players seem to be more popular at the moment. A Shanling CD unit was just reviewed by a a reviewer who
ultimately found it to be top flite but earlier in the review stated that much earlier models had design/reliability issues , so it
will be a wait to determine reliability. Here is that review: https://pmamagazine.org/no-stone-unturned-the-ultimate-breakdown-of-the-shanling-et3/
THe author, OLivier Plante, has a Forte Distribution email address---so essentially he is reviewing the product he helps sell. LOL. Funny that he even brought up "weak" points
to make the review appear legit.

So in fact, as an early adopter, all we can really do is wait and see. I dont listen to CD/SACD a TON so probably have less than 20 hours on the ONIX SACD Transport. Trouble free so far.

I am surprised John Darko hasnt obtained one to try.

 

[sygnus21]

Here is that review: https://pmamagazine.org/no-stone-unturned-the-ultimate-breakdown-of-the-shanling-et3/
THe author, OLivier Plante, has a Forte Distribution email address---so essentially he is reviewing the product he helps sell. LOL. Funny that he even brought up "weak" points
to make the review appear legit.

Thanks, but that "review" is on the ET3, which has zero to do with the XST20. This is like asking to see a review on the Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC only to be given a link to a Denafrips Enyo review. Not the same. Not in the same class.

This player has been out long enough to have a few reviews.... if there was really any interest. And for me the gapless question still remains a mystery. I'd like to hear from actual users who's tested this, not just from the vendor who's job it is to sell a product. No disrespect but what are actual users saying?