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

[superuser1]

I have the Shanling H2, which outputs 510mw and it does not require a separate power source for the most part. This is very close to the Onix. I don't understand exactly why this dongle requires so much power.

H2 has an internal battery

 

[Ig0r18]

With the LG V50 (Android 10), the DAC works perfectly. I tested it with the stock cable and ddHiFi TC07s. It seems to drain the battery faster than the Cayin RU7, but I haven't encountered any operational issues. There's a slight heating, but at an air temperature of +31-32 degrees Celsius, I consider this quite normal. At such temperatures, all gadgets tend to heat up more than usual. The RU7 heats up significantly more (even without a case), but that's normal for it.

Sound-wise:
Even after the RU7, this DAC managed to surprise me. It has a smooth and calm sound. In this regard, the RU7 is the complete opposite. However, I wouldn't call the Onix's sound boring. Yes, at times, some might find it lacking in emotion, but thanks to its sound signature, the Onix sometimes delivers an even more cohesive sound picture. I would also like to note the excellent width of the soundstage. Depth could be slightly better, perhaps. The detail is also excellent, with the Onix emphasizing some details and the RU7 others. Overall, I'm satisfied with the purchase.

 

[seyuu]

Got onix today working fine on my realme 9 pro and redmi note 12 used both stock and tc07s cable

 

[ybbobserrot]

OMG I'm lightly shocked by what Andy replied when comparing Onix XL1 to some desktop dac/amps.

What's so shocking about it? It's his subjective opinion and everyone has a choice whether or not to take him for his word or not.

 

[smegel]

What's so shocking about it? It's his subjective opinion and everyone has a choice whether or not to take him for his word or not.

I don't think there is anything wrong. This isn't the first portable DAC that has been compared to desktop kit. The Chord Mojo2 ?

 

[BCAMPOS]

So, I have returned my ONIX and I feel sad about it, but I can't buy a new phone because of a DAC/AMP. I really enjoyed the sound of the ONIX and I'm thinking which portable DAC/AMP could replace it. I know at the same price range it's hard to find a replacement, but what's your opinion on a viable replacement? Thanks for any feedback.

 

[ybbobserrot]

The Alpha is described by many including myself as " Analog/Organic/Warm" all of these as descriptors are for a smoothed over sound.

For those of you who never grew up with reel to reel , Vinyl and Cassette Tapes, and have not experienced what a true Analog sound is.

And then there is the MP3 generation LOW RES at its finest.

Then HI RES showed up and really let us hear hyper details. To some that sounds unnatural to others its how you think we should be hearing music.

It's all subjective and derives solely on your personal tastes.

But when you hear something described Analog or Organic sounding by reviewers like me over 50 we are living with vinyl memories and using a double deck Cassette unit to mix our own tapes and have a pencil ready!

The Alpha is one such device why I love it is exactly that it is modern in its ability to pull out neaunaces and details in the music and yet has a old school sound without interjection of hyper realistic tonal characters.

You might like the EPZ TP50 better in a dongle to suite more of what you described as important to you.

That is exactly the kind of explanation I'm looking for. You are on point that the 50-something ears are accustomed to the old ways of hearing music and can accurately describe how it used to sound back in the day. Only 2 YT reviews out there convinced me to get this dongle - yours and Andy's (Audiovault) and I have zero regrets.

 

[smegel]

That is exactly the kind of explanation I'm looking for. You are on point that the 50-something ears are accustomed to the old ways of hearing music and can accurately describe how it used to sound back in the day. Only 2 YT reviews out there convinced me to get this dongle - yours and Andy's (Audiovault) and I have zero regrets.

Yeah and he's not that old.

I agree with your sentiments.
He was one of the reviewers that convinced me to get the Dita Project M.
(No regerts [sic] )

 

[ybbobserrot]

No two people have identical hearing. Some need more dynamic energy to feel the music and others prefer a warmer more relaxed presentation. My guess is that you are in the more energy category and perhaps this dongle with your transducers just don't have the synergy you are seeking

It's always a subjective thing. No point in arguing it to death.

 

[LordImperious]

Looking to return my Fiio KA17 since the app is garbage and when I use the eq I get crazy crackling. I'm looking to buy this but want to make sure it works with my Samsung Galaxy s22 ultra. Anyone use the xi1 with Samsung phones?

 

[BCAMPOS]

Looking to return my Fiio KA17 since the app is garbage and when I use the eq I get crazy crackling. I'm looking to buy this but want to make sure it works with my Samsung Galaxy s22 ultra. Anyone use the xi1 with Samsung phones?

I'm almost 100% sure it works with the Galaxy S series. If you read back on this thread you will find the answer.

 

[smegel]

Ok, I just pulled the trigger and since there isn't a US distributor and I didn't know if Canadian Dealers can ship to US (Markham (Toronto) isn't that far away) ...
So ordered from the Shanling company store...

My first time buying from overseas... so lets see how this goes...

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Ok, I just pulled the trigger and since there isn't a US distributor and I didn't know if Canadian Dealers can ship to US (Markham (Toronto) isn't that far away) ...
So ordered from the Shanling company store...

My first time buying from overseas... so lets see how this goes...

The Headphone Bar in Vancouver can probably get you one, and Travis is an excellent guy!

 

[smegel]

The Headphone Bar in Vancouver can probably get you one, and Travis is an excellent guy!

Yeah, I saw a couple dealers in Canada, but just went w the official Store... So a little late there.
I mean I should have the least amount of issues by going direct w the manufacturer... (fingers crossed)

I kinda wish the US dealers would jump on this...
I picked up my Dita's from MusicTeck, good experience, and they do carry Onix, just not the Alpha (yet)

Since I'm running this on Apple gear... I don't expect to have too much of an issue...
So lets see what happens.

 

[seyuu]

Perhaps I may have bad ears compared to yours, but I don't hear any difference at all, and tbh, it's all probably the same along the lines of snake oil and gobbledygook nonsense by overly imaginative audiophiles.

Even i tested this yesterday and i don't hear any..
But changing stock cable to tc07s makes difference