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

[Lépine]

all my files are flac

I have music recorded from 1930s to present. 20,000+ files. Data is in many formats and codecs.

 

[Lépine]

In terms of sound settings, I'm pretty sure they are the same in both cases.

Need someone else who has a lower volume when running from the PC than when running from the phone to verify this.

It is important to restart the PC after uninstalling the official driver, because without a restart the "removed" driver continues to work.

@Shanling, Is there an "Official Driver" for the ONIX Alpha ? I am using the dongle on a Windows computer without any specific driver for the Alpha XL1 installed. It sounds very good with JRiver using a [direct connect].

 

[Ardis]

@Shanling, Is there an "Official Driver" for the ONIX Alpha ? I am using the dongle on a Windows computer without any specific driver for the Alpha XL1 installed. It sounds very good with JRiver using a [direct connect].

https://onixhiend.co.uk/shanlingalpha/ its here.

 

[Lépine]

https://onixhiend.co.uk/shanlingalpha/ its here.

Thank you! So since you uninstalled it, I assume this isn't a great idea to use it. This caused you to have volume problems correct? I don't see a benefit to using it, so if you are still having issues with it, I am just going to avoid it.

 

[Lépine]

Hmmm... It looks to be available on their web site, but good to know.
And it looks to be competitive to the Hugo2 in that its both portable (transportable) and can tie into a desktop stereo system.
(You could do this w the Alpha if you get a USB-C splitter device)

I'll have to check out some of the other models out... And I think Onix has a competing DAC/DAP in that price range too.

In terms of wi-fi... its on the 2.4 mHz which is lower power.

I'm surprised that it has wi-fi but is a bad endpoint.

Thx

Kann Cube I don't think is available in the USA anymore, maybe you are looking at the Korean site which seems to list a lot of items that I don't think are available in many countries.

You might be able to figure out the Wi-Fi, I didn't like the way you had to side load apps since the AK Kann Cube really isn't an open Andoid system. I am not sure if current versions of all streaming services apps are available anymore. The only great thing about the Cube is that it was implemented with desktop ES9038 PRO DACs, not power efficient portable DACs and it has the amp section to back it...so a real beast of a transportable. My current favorite it a R2R RS8, more musical maybe not as detailed as the Cube. For even more detail SP2000 Cu or Hugo2.

 

[Lépine]

For $109 asking price, it's a no brainer, just buy it.

 

[gowthu]

After a long time into AV's & speakers, Today my new Onix from Shenzhen audio to upgrade my 4 yrs old Fiio BTR5, Onix works perfectly with iPhone 15 pro max , Redmi 13 and Samsung S20 FE , there were no issues driving the day from these devices. Initially impressions are so impressive.

 

[Ardis]

Thank you! So since you uninstalled it, I assume this isn't a great idea to use it. This caused you to have volume problems correct? I don't see a benefit to using it, so if you are still having issues with it, I am just going to avoid it.

Definitely will not install this driver again, at least until it will be fixed.
Decided to register here to post about this problem. I hope this information can help someone.

 

[BCAMPOS]

Definitely will not install this driver again, at least until it will be fixed.
Decided to register here to post about this problem. I hope this information can help someone.

According to the manual, the driver is optimised and necessary for Windows 8, 7 and XP users. Windows 10 and 11 users should use Microsoft native driver (Plug and Play).

 

[smegel]

Kann Cube I don't think is available in the USA anymore, maybe you are looking at the Korean site which seems to list a lot of items that I don't think are available in many countries.

You might be able to figure out the Wi-Fi, I didn't like the way you had to side load apps since the AK Kann Cube really isn't an open Andoid system. I am not sure if current versions of all streaming services apps are available anymore. The only great thing about the Cube is that it was implemented with desktop ES9038 PRO DACs, not power efficient portable DACs and it has the amp section to back it...so a real beast of a transportable. My current favorite it a R2R RS8, more musical maybe not as detailed as the Cube. For even more detail SP2000 Cu or Hugo2.

I think you're right and there are a couple of newer models in that line.
I also saw that you could install the various apps like Spotify and others.

The reason I wanted to see about the use of the phone as a hot spot is that you now have a wireless connection when you are on the go and in the home so you can just set it next to you anywhere in the house.

The AK line seems to compete with the Chord Mojo/Polly and then the Hugo and HugoTT lines. Just different style of DACs. Also the connectivity issue. I understand Chord sticking w micro USB and not moving to USB-C, but that's going to hurt them in the long run. Also the lack of balanced output, but that's a different conversation in terms of design.

I see in your other post you have your share of DACs.

In terms of price... yeah. I was hesitant because I couldn't get one from a US dealer, so if something goes wrong... oh well.... (At $100.00 is it really worth the cost of shipping or just look at something else?)

Also since for some of my use cases for a DAC would be at home (or portable but not as small as a dongle) I could have put the money toward an AK or Chord.

My Alpha XI1 is currently sitting at the airport in China... nice to be able to track it.

 

[Lépine]

I think you're right and there are a couple of newer models in that line.
I also saw that you could install the various apps like Spotify and others.

The reason I wanted to see about the use of the phone as a hot spot is that you now have a wireless connection when you are on the go and in the home so you can just set it next to you anywhere in the house.

The AK line seems to compete with the Chord Mojo/Polly and then the Hugo and HugoTT lines. Just different style of DACs. Also the connectivity issue. I understand Chord sticking w micro USB and not moving to USB-C, but that's going to hurt them in the long run. Also the lack of balanced output, but that's a different conversation in terms of design.

I see in your other post you have your share of DACs.

In terms of price... yeah. I was hesitant because I couldn't get one from a US dealer, so if something goes wrong... oh well.... (At $100.00 is it really worth the cost of shipping or just look at something else?)

Also since for some of my use cases for a DAC would be at home (or portable but not as small as a dongle) I could have put the money toward an AK or Chord.

My Alpha XI1 is currently sitting at the airport in China... nice to be able to track it.

I don't think you will be disappointed. There are no other $100 devices that I can suggest to replace it. Next major step is a Mojo. Other dongles are about the same more or less.

 

[smegel]

I don't think you will be disappointed. There are no other $100 devices that I can suggest to replace it. Next major step is a Mojo.

Uhmmm Onix makes the XM5.

So the Alpha has two Cirrus chips which are lower powered chips than the ESS Pro chip. (The Cirrus Logic chips require less power and are less capable.)
The XM5 has the ESS ES9039Pro chip.

The XM5 also has BT 5.2 and both 2.4/5 wi-fi , which puts it ahead of Mojo2 when it comes to connectivity.

I'm not sure if you could compare the ESS chip vs the FPGA setup in the Mojo2 as far as sound quality... but then again $750 MSRP for the Mojo now selling for around $650 vs $739 for the XM5 where the Mojo2 needs the Poly which is another $650.

@ToneDeafMonk , you posted you tested the Alpha X1 connected to your XM5??? isn't that a bit weird since the XM5 has a DAC built in? (Or did I misremember your post?)
I guess technically its a DAP but w the ES9039PRO would you really need a separate DAC?

Note: While the thread is about the Onix Alpha... I guess it would be appropriate to bring in the Onix XM5 too?

EDIT: There is also the Onix Mystic XP1 which is AMP/DAC that is "Portable"...

 

[arifgraphy]

I had the chance to try this gem. OMG, it's really a fantastic-sounding DAC dongle. Warm analog kind of tune with a good stage. I will receive mine soon. I will surely put a detailed review on that. So exited!

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

Uhmmm Onix makes the XM5.

So the Alpha has two Cirrus chips which are lower powered chips than the ESS Pro chip. (The Cirrus Logic chips require less power and are less capable.)
The XM5 has the ESS ES9039Pro chip.

The XM5 also has BT 5.2 and both 2.4/5 wi-fi , which puts it ahead of Mojo2 when it comes to connectivity.

I'm not sure if you could compare the ESS chip vs the FPGA setup in the Mojo2 as far as sound quality... but then again $750 MSRP for the Mojo now selling for around $650 vs $739 for the XM5 where the Mojo2 needs the Poly which is another $650.

@ToneDeafMonk , you posted you tested the Alpha X1 connected to your XM5??? isn't that a bit weird since the XM5 has a DAC built in? (Or did I misremember your post?)
I guess technically its a DAP but w the ES9039PRO would you really need a separate DAC?

Note: While the thread is about the Onix Alpha... I guess it would be appropriate to bring in the Onix XM5 too?

EDIT: There is also the Onix Mystic XP1 which is AMP/DAC that is "Portable"...

I think I was testing the Alpha to see if would power up from the XM5 and I can confirm it does not.

 

[Lépine]

Uhmmm Onix makes the XM5.

So the Alpha has two Cirrus chips which are lower powered chips than the ESS Pro chip. (The Cirrus Logic chips require less power and are less capable.)
The XM5 has the ESS ES9039Pro chip.

The XM5 also has BT 5.2 and both 2.4/5 wi-fi , which puts it ahead of Mojo2 when it comes to connectivity.

I'm not sure if you could compare the ESS chip vs the FPGA setup in the Mojo2 as far as sound quality... but then again $750 MSRP for the Mojo now selling for around $650 vs $739 for the XM5 where the Mojo2 needs the Poly which is another $650.

@ToneDeafMonk , you posted you tested the Alpha X1 connected to your XM5??? isn't that a bit weird since the XM5 has a DAC built in? (Or did I misremember your post?)
I guess technically its a DAP but w the ES9039PRO would you really need a separate DAC?

Note: While the thread is about the Onix Alpha... I guess it would be appropriate to bring in the Onix XM5 too?

EDIT: There is also the Onix Mystic XP1 which is AMP/DAC that is "Portable"...

Yes, if the XM5 sounds like the Alpha XL1 with more heft and fuller midrange; the wattage sounds like it got the muscle. The question is if it has the accuracy and finesse for a classical music dap as well as being a hard rock player. In that respect, the Chords are a sure thing. My regular DAC is the Hugo TT2 with a M-Scaler.