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

[karhujanis]

@Shanling I purchased the Shanling usb-c/lightning cable as per your instructions and the Onyx Alpha doesn’t work with my iPhone 13. That’s two different cables I tried including your own cable with no luck. Are you sure the ONIX Alpha works with iPhone 13?

I second this question because I just ordered my ONIX Alpha and waiting for it. I own iPhone 13 Pro MAX. @Shanling

 

[divasson]

Received the Onix Alpha 4 hours ago. Break-in exists! From just mids when just opened, to mainly treble an hour later, to quite balanced now.

It works with the iPhone 15 "standard": Tidal app works well.
It works with Audirvana in Mac fine. When connected to Mac, the button acts as pause-play.
So far I could only compare it with a Questyle M15 (not "I") and a Khadas Tone2 Pro. The Khadas was clearly better than the Questyle, (better soundstage and clarity, although Questyle timbre seemed more nice) although less portable (can only work off a computer). Onix is much more spacious than both. I'd not judge timbre yet until I am sure it has settled.

Testing with Ultimate Ears UERR. Known for soft treble, but improves a lot with powerful amplification.

Later (when I am not working) I will compare it to the other CS43198 DAC I have, the Ibasso DC04.

 

[gto88]

for iphone lightning cable, it is importantly that it meets apple standard.
this is how i connect my XI1 to iphone11

the black one is from sony TWS i have, but the lightning end is from apple store

 

[bielefeldseineperle]

works with Pixel 7a but Volume control won't work with the Tidal app.

 

[dakchi]

works with Pixel 7a but Volume control won't work with the Tidal app.

which USB C cable are you using?

 

[bielefeldseineperle]

which USB C cable are you using?

Some random cable from chubbycable. I liked the color and it matches the custom comfort tips from Sennheiser

 

[lucanato]

Just arrived but with my Motorola g82 5g doesn't work!!!!

Also Motorola g32 doesn't work I'm so unlucky

 

[serveg]

Just wait for a firmware update to come out to solve the problem!! We are the same, me with my Huawei P30 pro.

 

[serveg]

Just arrived but with my Motorola g82 5g doesn't work!!!!

Just wait for a firmware update to come out to solve the problem!! We are the same, me with my Huawei P30 pro.

 

[KZCloud89]

Feel bad for you guys. Worked with Samsung Flip 4 with Ibasso CB19 using external power bank.

 

[mblain]

any comparisons against the DC Elite? I'm curious how high the ONIX punches up?

 

[KZCloud89]

any comparisons against the DC Elite? I'm curious how high the ONIX punches up?

Very high. I don't find any lacking with the ONIX compared to Elite. Timbre resolution imaging soundstage is all there. The Elite does seem to have a little more power and some elevated bass if that's your thing. For the asking price, the ONIX is helluva bargain!!!

 

[lucanato]

I don't like it at first listening (now it's playing from my mac) music seems slowing, dynamics are flat, mids many steps backwards

 

[mblain]

Very high. I don't find any lacking with the ONIX compared to Elite. Timbre resolution imaging soundstage is all there. The Elite does seem to have a little more power and some elevated bass if that's your thing. For the asking price, the ONIX is helluva bargain!!!

Thanks for the quick comparison. I don't need the extra power of the Elite so if it checks most of the boxes that the Elite has that's very enticing. I'm also already listening to bass focused IEMs so that doesn't bug me if it's more balanced since the Elites do have elevate bass like you said. Looks like I'll have to try it. Definitely sounds like bargain when you compare the price difference.

 

[ttorbic]

I don't like it at first listening (now it's playing from my mac) music seems slowing, dynamics are flat, mids many steps backwards

That's odd - have you tried different filters? Are there any drivers you need to install on Macs?