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

[ybbobserrot]

Never understood the need for 'directional' cables... but to each their own.

I'm sure if you got a cheap cable w cheap parts and bad quality control.. you could get a cable that doesn't work. YMMV.
But you can pop down to your local computer store... (I have a BestBuy literally around the corner, and a MicroCenter a mile away) and get a decent cable that will work.

Maybe not as fancy unless you're an urban dweller where basic black is always a good choice in color.

I don't get that directional thing too. Aren't usb c cables designed to be inserted in whatever orientation?

 

[smegel]

I don't get that directional thing too. Aren't usb c cables designed to be inserted in whatever orientation?

I don't know all of the different manufacturers and types of cables... I guess if you've got a splitter cable and you wanted to only allow power to flow one way... (which I think you can do w a diode.)

I had to buy a replacement headphone cable for my M&D MW65s and the cable I got from BestBuy is supposed to be directional, although you can plug it in ... in either direction and it will still work.

 

[0ostin0]

If you turn on DD HiFi TS28Pro directly in Onix, connect a power bank and a sound source (for example, a smartphone) - will the smartphone be charged in such a scheme?
I want to know if there is any other method, besides Ibasso CB19, that provides a separate power supply to the DAC.

 

[bithalver]

I don't get that directional thing too. Aren't usb c cables designed to be inserted in whatever orientation?

As an IT pro with decades of XP I say the answer is yes.
However not every cable producer connects all wires for financial reasons which is a shame.

Buy a 10GBs or 40Gbs cable from AliEx for some one-digit USD: all work fine both directions.

Regarding of data: all usb cable are fine (even usb2 protocol is 480Mb/s where CD quality audio is 1411 kb/s; one usb2 connection can theoratically transfer ~340 audio stream)
Regarding of power: there could be differences.

Sure if you go for the look and have the money ... buy the 2000USD toothbrush cable, no problem.

 

[soundmaniax]

And there is no difference, what is the adapter from lightning(male) to usb-c(female)? It doesn't affect the sound, does it?

 

[de666]

Regarding compatibility with phones, I have an Honor 90 Lite and I have no problems with the Onix. If it can be useful to someone..

 

[smegel]

As an IT pro with decades of XP I say the answer is yes.
However not every cable producer connects all wires for financial reasons which is a shame.

Buy a 10GBs or 40Gbs cable from AliEx for some one-digit USD: all work fine both directions.

Regarding of data: all usb cable are fine (even usb2 protocol is 480Mb/s where CD quality audio is 1411 kb/s; one usb2 connection can theoratically transfer ~340 audio stream)
Regarding of power: there could be differences.

Sure if you go for the look and have the money ... buy the 2000USD toothbrush cable, no problem.

Uhm agree but have to be careful.

First, the older USB-A cables are built to a lower spec. So you may hear a difference because the cable may not be up to snuff.
This also goes to companies using cheaper components along w poor quality control.

But yes, definitely, not to beat a dead horse... but absolutely get a good quality 40Gb/S USB-C / Lighting 4 cable.
Its not expensive, but worth it... and far cheaper than the 'audio grade' cables.

 

[Murat]

I received my unit, and the sound is powerful, big, effortless, polished (not thin), emotional, and mature through my XBA-A3 with the 4.4mm output. The Pixel 8 powered it adequately, and it outperformed the LG V30 in every aspect. I'm not sure if this is the Shanling sound signature, but I liked it—huge holographic stage. This setup reminded me of my beloved Final E5000, which I gave to my friend in exchange for the LZ-A4. The sound from the XBA-A3 is very coherent. Currently listening to 'Feel the Thunder, Lightning, then Thunder'—Wow!
It conveys the emotion whatever the song is. (And I think the emotion is in the midrange, it is butter smooth/clear/not thin... grand sound stage... E5000-like treble from the balanced armature drivers of Sony) My highest hifi gadget is ifi xdsd, which is slightly better than this.

 

[HifiFrog]

And there is no difference, what is the adapter from lightning(male) to usb-c(female)? It doesn't affect the sound, does it?

Lightning adapters can affect the sound as they are active cables with a converter chip (that's why they get warm/hot on the lightning connector side).
For me, some sound better than others. YMMV.

For the Onix you need to pay special attention on which lightning adapter you choose, as Onix is sensitive to incoming noise on the USB side.
I did a cable comparison over here:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18227456

 

[smegel]

Lightning adapters can affect the sound as they are active cables with a converter chip (that's why they get warm/hot on the lightning connector side).
For me, some sound better than others. YMMV.

For the Onix you need to pay special attention on which lightning adapter you choose, as Onix is sensitive to incoming noise on the USB side.
I did a cable comparison over here:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-discovery-thread.586909/post-18227456

Noise?
Ok... first I agree with you that in this case cables matter.

But when you say noise... what do you mean exactly?

Wouldn't the amount of power being fed to the dongle be a greater source of sound difference?
Not trying to pick a fight or anything... but from what people have reported... the issue looks to be one of power?

 

[HifiFrog]

@smegel No problem I'm here to help not to fight
My guess is that the converter chips in the adapter are introducing noise into the USB power line and that the power filtering on the DAC side is insufficient to filter it out. The same problem is audible for me (to a lesser extent) with the HiBy FC6.

Just tested it again: ddHifi MFi06S is giving me a permanent mosquito sound on the left channel. While FiiO LT1 gives me a very quiet grill chirp on both channels.
Edit: the noise is permanent, even when no music is playing.
I'm currently using my Onix with the Cayin CS-L2C adapter without any noise problems on iPhone 14.

 

[Kibet]

@smegel No problem I'm here to help not to fight
My guess is that the converter chips in the adapter are introducing noise into the USB power line and that the power filtering on the DAC side is insufficient to filter it out. The same problem is audible for me (to a lesser extent) with the HiBy FC6.

Just tested it again: ddHifi MFi06S is giving me a permanent mosquito sound on the left channel. While FiiO LT1 gives me a very quiet grill chirp on both channels.
Edit: the noise is permanent, even when no music is playing.
I'm currently using my Onix with the Cayin CS-L2C adapter without any noise problems on iPhone 14.

Have you tried ddhifi tc28i m2?

 

[HifiFrog]

@Kibet no sorry I do not own this one.

 

[smegel]

Have you tried ddhifi tc28i m2?

Or just update your iPhone to the 15 which is now USB-C
(C'mon its a great excuse!)
Note: I still have an older iPad so I may end up getting that connector but really don't use it for listening.

 

[GSkyflakes]

my onix alpha xl1 is coming in the mail, i was just wondering if its advisable to update to the latest firmware. i heard the audio quality took a hit when updated to v1.13. is that still the case?