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

[Shanling]

@Shanling i have a Laiv uDDc. What output mode on the Onix, and input mode on the uDDC do you suggest?

Here are the Laiv input configs on the uDDC…Wang Fei suggested input config (PS Audio?) 1 from the ET3

From your chart with just a few pins, most of the modes on XST20 would work. You can leave it on the default mode 1.

Here are all pinouts of XST20 from the manual:

I shouldn't need to enable anything for a player that should natively support gapless playback. Example of a gapless CD would be Pink Floyd's The Wall, where it should play from end to end without interruption between tracks; that is flow from track to track without pausing.

That function has nothing to do with whether the player is SACD or not, so the above reply is.... concerning.

Yeah, but my post wasn't specific to you, but for those (me) who "actually do care". when contemplating dropping 2+K on a player that in 2025 should be play gapless CDs.

I simply do not know if this player does or doesn't, thus my question. I could sit here and argue I don't care about pinouts, but that would be bashing, wouldn't it?

Anyway, I quoted your post for the curious comment made.

Peace

Once again, there is nothing to worry, XST20 plays gapless both CD and SACD.

The switch is just a small pet peeve of our Chinese engineers, all our designs by default have gapless off and must be enabled in the settings.

 

[sygnus21]

Once again, there is nothing to worry, XST20 plays gapless both CD and SACD.

The switch is just a small pet peeve of our Chinese engineers, all our designs by default have gapless off and must be enabled in the settings.

I'll move on, but I gotta say that's a weird design feature.

Thanks.

 

[pjw241142]

I've enjoyed the gapless discussion, not least as the Wall and DSOTM are two of my favourite albums. Optionality is also good for the consumer.

Anyway, would be interested to know how the Onix performs SQ wise and in particular for the SACD layer through I2S to DSD enabled Dacs. Are there audible improvements in what we are hearing?

Thanks

 

[petek]

Subjectively I think there is an improvement. I would not call it LEAPS above a higher end TEAC that I have or even the Yamaha.
I do very much like its appearance and that it is a top loader.
I plan on listening more extensively this weekend.

 

[sygnus21]

Where can I find and download the owner's manual from?

 

[petek]

Where can I find and download the owner's manual from?

Audiophonics

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=2479

opps sorry--that is the quick start guide. AFAIK there is no full manual.

 

[sygnus21]

Audiophonics

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/index.php?controller=attachment&id_attachment=2479

opps sorry--that is the quick start guide. AFAIK there is no full manual.

First off thanks

Yeah, I too found the setup guide, but I want the owner's manual. I wish to read on this "switch" mentioned here...

Once again, there is nothing to worry, XST20 plays gapless both CD and SACD.

The switch is just a small pet peeve of our Chinese engineers, all our designs by default have gapless off and must be enabled in the settings.

Anyway, I think I'm going to pass on this and just stick with my non-SACD Teac CD player. Of my 3000 CD collection, maybe 30 are SACDs.

 

[Shanling]

First off thanks

Yeah, I too found the setup guide, but I want the owner's manual. I wish to read on this "switch" mentioned here...

The switch - You go to settings, you click on it to enable SACD gapless.

That's it, there is nothing else to read on about it.

 

[csward]

Subjectively I think there is an improvement. I would not call it LEAPS above a higher end TEAC that I have or even the Yamaha.
I do very much like its appearance and that it is a top loader.
I plan on listening more extensively this weekend.

Any more impressions you can share about the audio and build quality?

 

[petek]

Any more impressions you can share about the audio and build quality?

I haven't spent further time over the last several days as I have a work from home family member and weekday listening is generally after 10 PM. However, I have found nothing that I could cite to deduct points off from say a 10 point scale. So, so far 10/10. It sounds great and looks great, and has presented no issues. Just took some research and some combination tries in I2S pin out settings on it and my DAC to achieve the correct sound. All that said I am still MAINLY a streamer (because it allows for continuously new to me music), then an LP listener,... then disc and tape.

All said I would recommend this product and buy it again.

 

[Waxerbob]

I haven't spent further time over the last several days as I have a work from home family member and weekday listening is generally after 10 PM. However, I have found nothing that I could cite to deduct points off from say a 10 point scale. So, so far 10/10. It sounds great and looks great, and has presented no issues. Just took some research and some combination tries in I2S pin out settings on it and my DAC to achieve the correct sound. All that said I am still MAINLY a streamer (because it allows for continuously new to me music), then an LP listener,... then disc and tape.

All said I would recommend this product and buy it again.

I received mine yesterday and it sounds great, build quality, ease of use and performance are excellent! I don't have any SACDs yet and I am only using coax output to Pontus 15th for cds but from what I hear it is an upgrade from Audiolab 6000 CDT. Looking forward to using I2S connection for SACD playback.

 

[petek]

@Waxerbob Awesome! I am sure you will enjoy the I2S capability.

 

[Waxerbob]

Will let you know how pin out config goes

 

[Waxerbob]

@Waxerbob Awesome! I am sure you will enjoy the I2S capability.

The switch - You go to settings, you click on it to enable SACD gapless.

That's it, there is nothing else to read on a

@Waxerbob Awesome! I am sure you will enjoy the I2S capability.

Petek,

When you were doing pinout config with Onix transport did your Venus dac automatically chose correct mode?

 

[petek]

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 reversed."

When you were doing pinout config with Onix transport did your Venus dac automatically chose correct mode?