ONIX Alpha XI1 - Smallest & Most Affordable ONIX DAC - High-Power Portable USB DAC/AMP

[smegel]

Presumably you mean when taking the 3.5mm output from the PC, while concurrently charging (the same device that the 3.5mm is going to) via a separate USB connection from the PC? That's why the context was solely with s24 [phone not connected to anything else]. The data signal is from the s24, the power from wherever.

I get hiccups or micro dropouts from PC due to having certain other (non-USB) equipment connected and running concurrently with the Alpha. Luckily I have no use for said other equipment while the Alpha's in use - so it serves as a reminder to turn it off. I haven't tested if lowering the sample frequency would help, I suspect it would.

Yes, exactly that. Obviously not an issue w a phone and an external power supply.

With my Macbook, I can use the Midi App to set the output. I'm assuming you can do something similar w Windows.
And yes, having other things attached to the PC and also other jobs running can also effect the quality of the sound.

 

[ttorbic]

Not sure why you're confused.
If you read both companies history you can see where they agree on some facts and then where they describe themselves differently.

The OA21 company only seems to make an amp, which doesn't really overlap with what Shanling does... also Shanling is pretty clear about the product line.

In terms of the Alpha XI1.
Its a ~$100 USD dongle dac.
So it has to hit a price point which means there are some issues.
(I've been open about the issues I have had...)

But lets take the Alpha for what it is... At its price point... when it works... it has an amazing sound. They are using the same CS dac chip as their competitors but are getting more out of it. But there are issues. The USB-C socket seems to have issues. (Some dongle designs build in the USB-C cable rather than a female socket. This would allow them to better control the stresses on the connection.) Using Loctite Blue, you have a semi-permanent solution. (Super glue is permanent...)

When your pc switches sound source... yes you hear the clicks and pops. I think you could reduce it if you go NOS for the filter.

After longer listening sessions... it tends to act up, but a simple reset (pull the dangle out of the PC and it works ok. ) I don't have that issue w the iPhone though.

Would I still recommend it? Sure, but w some caveats.
Can you do better? Sure if you want to spend more money. iBasso DC-Elite seems to be the new king of the hill so to speak. But its 4X the price.

Are there things Shanling can do to improve upon the Alpha? sure.
(Would love to see if the work w @Mortin )

It is what it is...

Hi there! Thanks for your posts about this issue. I've just started to experience it on my unit how did Loctite work out in the end? I am using a third party usb c connector (much more flexible cable and longer), and I'm thinking of using Loctite as well, or whatever I can to increase the diameter of the male terminal so it fits more snug into the Onix.

 

[smegel]

Hi there! Thanks for your posts about this issue. I've just started to experience it on my unit how did Loctite work out in the end? I am using a third party usb c connector (much more flexible cable and longer), and I'm thinking of using Loctite as well, or whatever I can to increase the diameter of the male terminal so it fits more snug into the Onix.

If you're not moving things around... the Loctite worked well. You can break it. The issue though is that it will weaken over time.
I broke the connection so I could try a split cable w the iBasso DX180 which worked. (Didn't know that you could drive the Onix from the iBasso....

Instead of going back to loctite, I ended up just using Gorilla glue super glue.
I've got a 1m USB-C 4 cable now attached, but I suspect w enough force it will break.
At this year's AXPONA, I picked up a pair of Eris headphones which are 4.4mm only so I'm using the Alpha as my dedicated desk connector where I hold it in place on the underside of my desk w a strong velcro.

In using loctite or superglue... you're getting a bond, not something to increase the diameter of the plug. To be clear, you're gluing the connectors together.
Paired w the Eris.. the Alpha rocks. This is now 'portable' but I still wouldn't use it on the run. If you are out and about... (moving) don't use any dongle dac, except something like the iphone adapter. You are better off w a DAP or bluetooth.
OT... there's a BT headphone Ecoute that looks interesting.

Edit: If you look at the photos... I think mine are the last ones up... you can see the onix on the underside of a bamboo desk.

 

[ttorbic]

If you're not moving things around... the Loctite worked well. You can break it. The issue though is that it will weaken over time.
I broke the connection so I could try a split cable w the iBasso DX180 which worked. (Didn't know that you could drive the Onix from the iBasso....

Instead of going back to loctite, I ended up just using Gorilla glue super glue.
I've got a 1m USB-C 4 cable now attached, but I suspect w enough force it will break.
At this year's AXPONA, I picked up a pair of Eris headphones which are 4.4mm only so I'm using the Alpha as my dedicated desk connector where I hold it in place on the underside of my desk w a strong velcro.

In using loctite or superglue... you're getting a bond, not something to increase the diameter of the plug. To be clear, you're gluing the connectors together.
Paired w the Eris.. the Alpha rocks. This is now 'portable' but I still wouldn't use it on the run. If you are out and about... (moving) don't use any dongle dac, except something like the iphone adapter. You are better off w a DAP or bluetooth.
OT... there's a BT headphone Ecoute that looks interesting.

Edit: If you look at the photos... I think mine are the last ones up... you can see the onix on the underside of a bamboo desk.

Thanks for the quick reply! Did you put a droplet of superglue on the usb c connector then insert it into the USB socket?

Mine is 90% used as a desktop unit at work, but I disconnect my work laptop multiple times a day, and minor cable movement is causing the Onix to disconnect and my Tidal throws an error.

 

[smegel]

Thanks for the quick reply! Did you put a droplet of superglue on the usb c connector then insert it into the USB socket?

Mine is 90% used as a desktop unit at work, but I disconnect my work laptop multiple times a day, and minor cable movement is causing the Onix to disconnect and my Tidal throws an error.

Yes. I put a couple of drops on the male plug (top and bottom)
That's how I'm using the Alpha. And yeah its a pain. Not only does it take time for my mac to recognize the alpha... there's the delay due to the time it takes for it to boot up.

What I did was plug in the USB-C cable to my macbook, and then when I glued in the cable, I made sure that the Alpha was getting power and was working. I held the cable in the alpha for about a minute putting pressure on it so it couldn't be moved. I then put it on the table and something to weigh it down so it wouldn't move. At least for an hour. Then set it aside for 24 hours to fully set.

 

[HiddenSquid]

Hey,
Anyone using this dac with denon d7200 and sony mdr z1r?

 

[iipxls]

Please contact your seller for warranty check on such unit.

I have a same problem. I bought it on Ali ( BrightAudio store). Is it any way to fix it without sending back? This store is known as not the most customer loyal

 

[Shanling]

I have a same problem. I bought it on Ali ( BrightAudio store). Is it any way to fix it without sending back? This store is known as not the most customer loyal

As you purchased from Aliexpress seller, your warranty is only with them. We do not assist with such cases.

 

[captblaze]

As you purchased from Aliexpress seller, your warranty is only with them. We do not assist with such cases.

Seems like you produced quite a few bad units and somehow they reached paying customers

 

[iipxls]

As you purchased from Aliexpress seller, your warranty is only with them. We do not assist with such cases.

Oh. This is my second warranty case ( bad units) from Shanling. And second time you do this I believe this is my last device from shanling. Before it was m0s . Photo attached and it was from Shanling store.. refurbished and noone said about that. Next time when someone dicide to buy shanling device please think 3 times and buy Hiby/ Fiio/ Tempotec