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

Jun 30, 2024 at 12:03 AM Post #316 of 1,675
Just received my ONIX yesterday, and wow it's big and pretty heavy for a dongle. As expected, it didn't work with my samsung A52 5G unless I power it with a power bank (with a ugreen splitter). I'm thinking of getting a light 2000-3000mAh power bank, but for now it's my PC usb dac.
My first impressions (using iem QDC 8SL at volume 9 low gain, low latency fast filter, and out of desktop PC):

It is a neutral sounding (not warm or cold) dongle, with a smooth sound that tames the treble but does not emphasise the lower-mid/mid-bass frequencies. Laid back sound. Most similar dongle I've heard is iBasso DC04pro.

What I like:
Very inoffensive sound signature, nothing sounds harsh, even when increasing the volume beyond my usual listening level
Impressive imaging and stage width & depth. Placement of instruments tend to not come near.
Good sense of impact, (eg bass/vocals jump forward during louder segments, more so than other dongles that disperse the impact even when increasing volume)
Details are clearly heard despite the smooth sound signature
SubBass rumble can really be felt over a large area in the headspace
No hiss for sensitive iem, no pop upon insertion and removal from usb port

What I don't really like:
Lack of coloration also means lack of euphoria/emotion in some songs. I prefer some colour, Tanchjim space and tempotec BHDpro do better in this regard
Shares some of the weakness of iBasso DC04pro, being overly smooth sometimes so there is lack of texture, though not as bad as DC04pro (Using low latency fast filter and increasing the volume circumvents this to an extent)
Does not have the best dynamic range. DC04pro def beats this in dynamic range (the volume range and impact in classical music is insane on DC04pro)


Though my opinion could change upon further listening, just like how DC04pro was the best dongle for me initially but ended up being put aside for the lower ranked Tanchjim space and Tempotec BHDpro
 
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Jun 30, 2024 at 3:23 AM Post #318 of 1,675
Jun 30, 2024 at 7:02 AM Post #319 of 1,675

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Jun 30, 2024 at 8:38 AM Post #320 of 1,675
Jun 30, 2024 at 9:34 AM Post #321 of 1,675
Any updates on the Linsoul orders? By when they will start to ship?.

I'm seeing everyone who obtained via unofficial source got theirs early than Linsoul 🤔
Same here.
12 days later, always ni news from linsoul
 
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Jun 30, 2024 at 10:55 AM Post #323 of 1,675
Samedi here.
12 days later, always ni news from linsoul

Same for me. Was hoping to take it with me on my trip from the US to Bayonne, but maybe it will be here when I return!
Shenzen Audio is quick, although not an authorized dealer.
Ordered June 20 and is out for delivery today. 10 days from China to US is as good as it gets
 
Jun 30, 2024 at 3:17 PM Post #327 of 1,675
Samedi here.
12 days later, always ni news from linsoul
It's 12 days for me as well...
They said there is 2-4 weeks wait on the preorders before they can start shipping. The FOMO is hitting real hard ngl.

IDK if shanling or linsoul can help each other out to expedite this situation. How is everyone is who is not an authorised dealer shipping things faster. Kinda weird.
 
Jun 30, 2024 at 5:17 PM Post #329 of 1,675
The Onix for me have a better synergy with the Arya Organic than the KA17 have. The KA17 is more powerfull if you need that, but the soundstage width, depth and height on the Onix is much better than the KA17 and more to my taste. It's not pushing the treble details like the KA17, but they are not missing either. Bass is more neutral than KA17, but the KA17 can be equlized and made to sound more like how you want. Both are keepers, and the most negative thing I have on them is that the KA17 get very varm after a few hours use, and the Onix don't as much.

I also have the Questyle M12i, but that can't drive the Arya Organic. Waiting for a few IEM's now, but MP145 also sounds better(to me) on Onix as a reference.

I'm waiting for the Ibasso DC07 Pro now.
If it's not difficult for you when you get the ibasso dc07 pro , write down a couple lines about the sound is like compared to Onix
 
Jun 30, 2024 at 6:13 PM Post #330 of 1,675
Alpha in today. 3.5mm Non oversampling. low gain Windows 11 w/ Onix ASIO driver
Listening to Sierra Ferrell
sftf.jpg
Truth Ear Nova - No life in the music, recessed vocals :disappointed:
TangZu Wu Heyday Edition - Music comes alive, vocals forward 😋

Going to guess that the synergy is important with this dongle
As always with first impressions YMMV greatly, so this is not a recommendation

Quick update - iPhone 14 Pro w/ OE Audio USB C to Lightning OTG works. Apple Music and Qobuz play bit perfect
Sony A306 (Japanese ver.) w/ ddhifi c to c otg Sony music player bit perfect although DSD stutters occasionally
Adding iPad Mini 6 to the list of working devices Same ddhifi cable as Sony
 
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