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

[BCAMPOS]

Hi guys,
Very new enthusiast here.
I also received my ONIX ALPHA XI1 yesterday, and I was very disappointed when I plug it to my Samsung A52 and it didn't work, showing that high power consumption device message.
What pisses me off the most, is that none of the reviews I watched or read, talked about it!
Now I can only hear music with it on my laptop and that's not why I bought it for.
Coming from a HiBy FC3, the ONIX is way above it and it seems the more it plays, the better it gets.
I hope they can fix this.

 

[CactusPete23]

@Shanling FYI, My LG-G6 is not working with the XI1. (Know someone here got theirs to work somehow.)
- Model: LG-H870DS, Android 9, Software Version V30a-HKG-XX , Build number PKQ1.190522.001,
- Screen does not light up, even when holding function button while plugging in USB cable.
- Unit Does work with Windows 11 Laptop. Though I bought this to use with the phone. Thanks

 

[jsmiller58]

I wonder if the bulk of the compatibility issues are going to come down to the power demand of the Onix exceeding the power output out of some devices. Throw in the issues that will come down to the reportedly poor included usb cable, and I would think we’ve got most issues covered. I hope that Shanling can do something about this, but seems like something beyond firmware’s capabilities… but we’ll see!

 

[Ozboyblu]

I’m having trouble with the ONIX XL1 with my MAC Mini. The right channel has a crackle that repeats every few seconds. Could be cable related have tried various cable configs and gave up.

I’m using the same equipment I’ve used with my Hidizs S9 Pro and Fiio BTR7 connecting without issue.

Seems ONIX is cable sensitive and with my Mac mini. The purpose was to be used with my Mac Mini with a balanced out instead of my RME ADI-2-fs desktop DAC amp using single ended.

 

[jsmiller58]

I’m having trouble with the ONIX XL1 with my MAC Mini. The right channel has a crackle that repeats every few seconds. Could be cable related have tried various cable configs and gave up.

I’m using the same equipment I’ve used with my Hidizs S9 Pro and Fiio BTR7 connecting without issue.

Seems ONIX is cable sensitive and with my Mac mini. The purpose was to be used with my Mac Mini with a balanced out instead of my RME ADI-2-fs desktop DAC amp using single ended.

Have you tried a different cable than the one included with the Onix?

 

[Ozboyblu]

Have you tried a different cable than the one included with the Onix?

I've tried about 4 different cables including ibasso cm19 Y adapter cable.

onix works fine with my iPhone 14 pro max and iPad pro and hidizs AP80 x pro , with no issues.

Disappointing considering:
Compatibility: Android & iOS Devices, Windows & Mac Computers
* For devices using Lightning Connector, please purchase Shanling L3 cable

 

[Vartan]

ARM cortex M0 used for system features, but it will be interesting to know more about usb-bridge chip, is it CT7601PR? or please give us sexy PCB pic

 

[goodwinds]

Hi.
My Alpha with firmware 1.03 works great with intel nuc (win10 os) and tablet samsung sm-t225.
But it does not work with the Hiby R4 player, nothing happens when connected.
Fortunately, I could to start it from R4. If I connect it via ddhifi tc28cpro adapter. Also in the desktop position, I used quloos L03 cables and linear power supply, for better sound quality.

But it is possible even without connecting the power port and using a standard cable.

Spoiler

 

[zie5522]

I wonder if the bulk of the compatibility issues are going to come down to the power demand of the Onix exceeding the power output out of some devices. Throw in the issues that will come down to the reportedly poor included usb cable, and I would think we’ve got most issues covered. I hope that Shanling can do something about this, but seems like something beyond firmware’s capabilities… but we’ll see!

I hope there's some software fix.

Hi.
My Alpha with firmware 1.03 works great with intel nuc (win10 os) and tablet samsung sm-t225.
But it does not work with the Hiby R4 player, nothing happens when connected.
Fortunately, I could to start it from R4. If I connect it via ddhifi tc28cpro adapter. Also in the desktop position, I used quloos L03 cables and linear power supply, for better sound quality.

But it is possible even without connecting the power port and using a standard cable.

Spoiler

Wow, this is works with my xiaomi 13t too. Nice finding man.

 

[seyuu]

Hi.
My Alpha with firmware 1.03 works great with intel nuc (win10 os) and tablet samsung sm-t225.
But it does not work with the Hiby R4 player, nothing happens when connected.
Fortunately, I could to start it from R4. If I connect it via ddhifi tc28cpro adapter. Also in the desktop position, I used quloos L03 cables and linear power supply, for better sound quality.

But it is possible even without connecting the power port and using a standard cable.

Spoiler

This ddhifi adapter works same as ibasso cb19?

 

[Singaravelan]

I wonder if the bulk of the compatibility issues are going to come down to the power demand of the Onix exceeding the power output out of some devices. Throw in the issues that will come down to the reportedly poor included usb cable, and I would think we’ve got most issues covered. I hope that Shanling can do something about this, but seems like something beyond firmware’s capabilities… but we’ll see!

True. I really dig it, extends the soundstage, more perceived delineation and spaciousness in that lovely aural tonality without any drastic coloration.

But with all these compatibility issues, am afraid can't be recommended without reservations. Pity. Many of us can't audition it and I just happened to be lucky that I didn't face any issues with my cheap Android phone.

 

[jsmiller58]

True. I really dig it, extends the soundstage, more perceived delineation and spaciousness in that lovely aural tonality without any drastic coloration.

But with all these compatibility issues, am afraid can't be recommended without reservations. Pity. Many of us can't audition it and I just happened to be lucky that I didn't face any issues with my cheap Android phone.

Could it be that certain phones and DAPs simply cannot support high powered dongles? If a dongle outputs a ridiculous amount of power, that power has to come from somewhere, and if the dongle doesn't have a battery then that somewhere is the phone's / DAP's usb port. I do think that dongle manufacturers should advertise a minimum power requirement spec. It would then be up to buyers to confirm if their device meets the minimum spec.

 

[Ozboyblu]

Could it be that certain phones and DAPs simply cannot support high powered dongles? If a dongle outputs a ridiculous amount of power, that power has to come from somewhere, and if the dongle doesn't have a battery then that somewhere is the phone's / DAP's usb port. I do think that dongle manufacturers should advertise a minimum power requirement spec. It would then be up to buyers to confirm if their device meets the minimum spec.

In my case , your theory with power is a non issue for me. The iBasso CM19 Y cable works perfectly with Onix and my Hidizs AP80x pro. But will not work with my MAC mini. The Onix has clipping every 3 secs in the right channel. There is either some bad compatibility issues or bad quality control of the USB C port of the Onix.

There is no way I can recommend this DAC. Another person in the thread had 2 returns From HiFiGo and in the end had to get a full refund. It’s what process I’ll be starting.

 

[seyuu]

True. I really dig it, extends the soundstage, more perceived delineation and spaciousness in that lovely aural tonality without any drastic coloration.

But with all these compatibility issues, am afraid can't be recommended without reservations. Pity. Many of us can't audition it and I just happened to be lucky that I didn't face any issues with my cheap Android phone.

Which Android phone are you using?

 

[jsmiller58]

In my case , your theory with power is a non issue for me. The iBasso CM19 Y cable works perfectly with Onix and my Hidizs AP80x pro. But will not work with my MAC mini. The Onix has clipping every 3 secs in the right channel. There is either some bad compatibility issues or bad quality control of the USB C port of the Onix.

There is no way I can recommend this DAC. Another person in the thread had 2 returns From HiFiGo and in the end had to get a full refund. It’s what process I’ll be starting.

The power requirement will not be the only issue, to be sure! I am sorry that you are having so many issues with yours, and I hope the returns process for you will go smoothly!

I haven't received mine, yet. All of the issues mentioned on this thread do make me a little worried. I'll just have to wait and hope that in my case (Samsung S22 Ultra and iPad) I wont have issues!