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

[Currawong]

Wow.

It's taken 25 years for a dedicated SACD player/transport like this to finally be released that can output the native DSD/DoP datastream directly from all of the player's digital outputs (not just the I2S output). Up until now, the only way you could get the raw DSD datastream out of the player/transport was to use a DVD or Blu-ray player that supported SACD playback (like the now discontinued Oppo players) and connect it via HDMI to a GeerFab D.BOB (which originally cost $1000, but now costs 'only' $700). And that's it. There are no other options, at least to my knowledge. And while I’m not a huge fan of top-loading players, at least we finally get another transport option, and one that's dedicated only to CD/SACD playback.

Bravo, Shanling!

Licensing prevented it happening earlier. Ironically, that has probably inhibited the popularity of SACDs to some degree.

 

[Shanling]

Is an upcoming product a companion dac for this?

Yes.

I saw that Darko posted a news article, but has anybody gotten hands on this to give some subjective impressions or real world feedback?

The device isn't shipping out yet. You should see more articles and feedback over April.

 

[sygnus21]

OK. I'm interested. Will have to hear it before I buy. Must be gapless. Also interested in limitations so I know how to integrate into my system. And I know it doesn't rip; it doesn't need to.

I have some SACD's but they're about 30 of a 3000 CD collection. Mostly special editions though.

 

[csward]

Yes.


The device isn't shipping out yet. You should see more articles and feedback over April.

Are there any European distributors planned? Or do you need to order from China directly? And if so, will there be import taxes applied additionally in Europe?

 

[Shanling]

Are there any European distributors planned? Or do you need to order from China directly? And if so, will there be import taxes applied additionally in Europe?

There are 15 distributors across EU and most of them will carry ONIX Zenith.

For Germany, it's NT Global: https://nt-global.de/

Or French based Audiophonics now accepts pre-orders for XST20: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/cd-players/shanling-onix-zenith-xst20-p-20661.html

 

[csward]

There are 15 distributors across EU and most of them will carry ONIX Zenith.

For Germany, it's NT Global: https://nt-global.de/

Or French based Audiophonics now accepts pre-orders for XST20: https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/cd-players/shanling-onix-zenith-xst20-p-20661.html

Thanks for the reply. And that means that an order from Shenzhen Audi, for example, will be subject to import taxes applied additionally?

 

[Shanling]

Thanks for the reply. And that means that an order from Shenzhen Audi, for example, will be subject to import taxes applied additionally?

Yes, importing from outside of Europe you will be paying import taxes and fees.

And your warranty will be just with the Chinese seller, so any issue, you will have to ship the unit back to China. We will not assist with it.

For these bigger devices, we always recommend shopping from your local distributors.

 

[evanft]

$2299 for a transport is certainly a choice.

 

[sygnus21]

And your warranty will be just with the Chinese seller, so any issue, you will have to ship the unit back to China. We will not assist with it.

Are there no stateside (United States) repair facilities to ship to if something breaks or goes wrong? Even Denafrips has a stateside repair facility.

$2299 for a transport is certainly a choice.

If you have 10 CDs perhaps it isn't a good choice, but for those of use with large CD collections with a few SACDs thrown in, it may be a great choice.

Anyway, I paid more than that for my CD player, and it isn't even SACD capable, though it does support MQA CDs.

 

[Shanling]

Are there no stateside (United States) repair facilities to ship to if something breaks or goes wrong? Even Denafrips has a stateside repair facility.


If you have 10 CDs perhaps it isn't a good choice, but for those of use with large CD collections with a few SACDs thrown in, it may be a great choice.

Anyway, I paid more than that for my CD player, and it isn't even SACD capable, though it does support MQA CDs.

We have a USA distributor that has a repair facility.
But that is only for units sold by the USA distributor.

If you decide to purchase from Chinese seller, your warranty is only with that Chinese seller.

 

[sygnus21]

We have a USA distributor that has a repair facility.

Excellent.

But that is only for units sold by the USA distributor.

Yeah, that's different from Denafrips. I got my gear from them (China) but when I needed repairs, they pointed me to the USA facility (also a distributor) in Texas.

If you decide to purchase from Chinese seller, your warranty is only with that Chinese seller.

Yeah, given the above, it would definitely be from a USA distributor. For now, it's more about curiosity and what reviewers and user say.

Thanks

 

[Jacks0n]

International Price: 2099 USD
USA Price: 2299 USD

Available in April 2025

​

Start of New Line

Zenith XST20 represents the beginning of a new product line, soon featuring a trio of matching desktop components and focusing on the High-End market.

XST20 comes as the first one in line, serving as the traditional SACD / CD transport for the setup. It will soon be paired with a top-of-the-line DAC and later joined by a Linux-Based Streamer Transport.

SACD with True DSD Output

Designed to unlock the full potential of SACD discs, Zenith XST20 offers a unique option to play any SACD in its true DSD quality to any external DAC with DSD capabilities. Utilizing either I2S connection for full native DSD64 or DSD64 DoP over the Coaxial / Optical / AES / BNC. (Note: USB Output does not support SACD Playback)

​

Highly Optimized Disc Playback

Combining a top-loading design, a classic disc clamp and the highest-quality disc drive components, Zenith XST20 stands among the finest SACD / CD transports on the market. With full support of Single-layer and Multi-layer SACDs, standard CDs and even MQA-CDs, all with smooth track transitions thanks to its fully gapless playback.

FPGA-Assisted I2S Output

While many audiophiles are looking for a reliable I2S transport for their High-End DACs, the lack of standardization in this part of market would previously cause many compatibility issues. However, our Zenith XST20 features special hardware that allows switching between 10 I2S pinout modes, significantly expanding its compatibility to virtually all I2S DACs on the market.

​

Single-Purpose Focused Transport

Zenith XST20 focuses on the ultimate Hi-Fi playback of SACD and CDs and that is its only purpose. There is no streaming, no wireless networks or complicated apps, just the pure lossless quality of the discs. A convenient 3.4-inch touch screen provides direct access to a simple UI for core settings and the unit comes with our premium remote control.

Classic ONIX Look

A robust aluminium body, exquisitely crafted by CNC machines to match the stunning ONIX design, enhanced with a few golden elements to elevate the overall aesthetic.

​

Specification

Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 7.2 cm

Weight: 5.2kg

Display: 3.4-Inch Touch Screen

System: Basic System UI

Power Supply: 25VA Talema Transformer

Disc Support: CD, Multi-layer SACD, Single-layer
SACD, MQA-CD

–

Digital Outputs

Optical / Coaxial / AES / BNC:

CD Playback 44.1 kHz
SACD Playback DSD64 via DoP or D2P

I2S:

CD Playback 44.1 kHz

SACD Playback native DSD64

USB:

CD Playback 44.1 kHz

SACD NOT Supported

Really interesting to see a true high-end SACD transport in 2025—feels like a rare breed these days. The fact that it supports true DSD output over HDMI is a big deal for those with compatible DACs.


Anyone here pairing it with a full DSD chain? Curious how it compares to high-res streaming setups in terms of realism and depth. Onix definitely aiming for the purists with this one

 

[Sphere 57]

Will the forthcoming streamer transport also have I²S? And will the matching DAC have two HDMI inputs to accommodate both?

I have the Shanling ET3 and although it's sound quality is very good, the user interface/experience leaves a lot to be desired. I wish it could replace the Wiim Pro in the system I'm using it in, because it sounds better, but UPnP is not gapless (and never will be according to Shanling), there are no internet streaming services integrated into Shanling's app, AirPlay keeps disconnecting, the remote control is terrible, there is no direct track access for CD (not even using the app).... I could go on.

My faith in Shanling being able to produce a source component that I would want to use in my living room system has been shaken, which is a shame because I own several of their personal audio products and have enjoyed them all. I will watch this thread with interest because I own hundreds of SACDs, but I don't want to be an early adopter.

 

[sygnus21]

.....I own hundreds of SACDs, but I don't want to be an early adopter.

I'm like you in I don't want to be an early adopter as well, so I'll eagerly be looking for reviews before deciding if this is worth a purchase or not. Add that I've only got maybe 40 SACD's out of a 3000 CD collection. The appeal though is I've a few Miles Davis limited edition numbered SACDs that I wouldn't mind hearing from an SACD player. These are hybrid so they're playable on a standard CD player, but it would be nice to have an SACD player for these and my other special edition SACDs.

That said being an SACD player alone is not enough. It also has to outperform my Teac 701 VRDS as a standard CD player in SQ as well. Also, the one negative right off the bat for me is I'm not a fan of top loaders as they restrict placement, so this has to offer a lot for me to purchase.

 

[Shanling]

Will the forthcoming streamer transport also have I²S? And will the matching DAC have two HDMI inputs to accommodate both?

I have the Shanling ET3 and although it's sound quality is very good, the user interface/experience leaves a lot to be desired. I wish it could replace the Wiim Pro in the system I'm using it in, because it sounds better, but UPnP is not gapless (and never will be according to Shanling), there are no internet streaming services integrated into Shanling's app, AirPlay keeps disconnecting, the remote control is terrible, there is no direct track access for CD (not even using the app).... I could go on.

My faith in Shanling being able to produce a source component that I would want to use in my living room system has been shaken, which is a shame because I own several of their personal audio products and have enjoyed them all. I will watch this thread with interest because I own hundreds of SACDs, but I don't want to be an early adopter.

Streamer will also have I2S Output.
DAC has just a single I2S input. If you would like to use the full 3 device stack, our recommendation would be to run SACD over I2S and then Streamer over USB input.

For XST20, the remote is of much higher quality than ET3 and it allows for direct track access. The system is a bit different and UI simpler than ET3, as the streaming functions were completely skipped.