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

[smegel]

Ok, had something weird happen to me.
I was using a higher grade computer USB-C cable.
My mac started to drop the Onix and switch back to its speakers.

Thought it might have been the Onix itself and its connections... but... it seems to be the cable.
Its a short 6" cable that I've been using while out walking my dog. So its been taking some 'abuse' aka normal wear and tear.
(Ok, not so normal because its for an external USB-C/Lighting 4 drive.)

Switched to a longer 1' cable and sounds great.

Will continue to watch it because I'm sure the sockets take some abuse over time.

 

[ybbobserrot]

Ok, had something weird happen to me.
I was using a higher grade computer USB-C cable.
My mac started to drop the Onix and switch back to its speakers.

Thought it might have been the Onix itself and its connections... but... it seems to be the cable.
Its a short 6" cable that I've been using while out walking my dog. So its been taking some 'abuse' aka normal wear and tear.
(Ok, not so normal because its for an external USB-C/Lighting 4 drive.)

Switched to a longer 1' cable and sounds great.

Will continue to watch it because I'm sure the sockets take some abuse over time.

There are user reports of the socket issue coming loose over time on the Onix

 

[smegel]

There are user reports of the socket issue coming loose over time on the Onix

yeah. I would think that to be true of most dongle dacs.

 

[soundmaniax]

i heard the audio quality took a hit when updated to v1.13. is that still the case?

yes it is. in my case, i wrote above

 

[SnookHaus]

There are user reports of the socket issue coming loose over time on the Onix

This is the case for me. The unbalanced socket pulled out completely after using 3-4 times.

 

[Skev]

I had my dad buy me a watch from the local market (like really cheap) when I was a kid. I was so proud of it. Apparently it was water resistant to 100 metres. I was showing my cousin and it literally exploded into pieces all over carpet.

For some reason this reminded me of that.

Carry on!

 

[smegel]

This is the case for me. The unbalanced socket pulled out completely after using 3-4 times.

Outch... this is why there's a warranty

I am now using an USB cable that I got w my Rode wireless mics. Like a 4" but flexible cable. Works great. Sounds great.
Honestly, I love it. I do notice a difference when using it off my macbook than from my iPhone. (My guess is more power from the macbook to the dac)

I'm impressed w the CS dac chip compared to ESS.

If I had to do it again... I'd probably look at a DAC/DAP that was wireless (Think Mojo2 + Poly or the Hugo2 w its player part) where you have a battery and does BT along w wi-fi. (Although its most likely going to be 2.4mHz due to power savings over the 5mHz band.) Then you can use your phone as a hotspot and run Airplay2, SpotifyConnect, TidalConnect, etc... (There are other options too. But just using Chord as an example... )

So many choices...

 

[conspibro]

yeah. I would think that to be true of most dongle dacs.

After experiencing wobbly USB socket on my DC04 Pro, I equipped it with a magnetic USB connector. I just leave the tip in the socket, and the adapter with my cable. That way, the socket won't be worn so quickly from repeated in-and-outs. Moved it over to my XI1 and so far so good. The port isn't as wobbly as DC04 Pro's in the first place.

The 4.4mm jack on the other hand though... seems to be looser than what most of my 4.4mm connectors are specced for. They still fit in tight and make full contact, but wobbles slightly in the jack. I hope it is not the whole jack assy that's wobbling.

 

[Shanling]

After experiencing wobbly USB socket on my DC04 Pro, I equipped it with a magnetic USB connector. I just leave the tip in the socket, and the adapter with my cable. That way, the socket won't be worn so quickly from repeated in-and-outs. Moved it over to my XI1 and so far so good. The port isn't as wobbly as DC04 Pro's in the first place.

The 4.4mm jack on the other hand though... seems to be looser than what most of my 4.4mm connectors are specced for. They still fit in tight and make full contact, but wobbles slightly in the jack. I hope it is not the whole jack assy that's wobbling.

There are inconsistencies between 4.4mm jacks on the market, so some might fit more tight than others.

 

[Murat]

This thing makes Ultrasone 750 (Dekoni Pads) sing. It always required a higher quality source. Treble tamed nicely while bass is deep and thunderous without any bloat... mids ultra-clean—a match made in heaven! I agree with people who say it pairs better with bright headphones. Listening to Feelin' Myself by will.i.am on YTM (Quality better than Spotify ime) I cannot want better!

 

[ShangriLa]

So most (or all??) issues so far can be solved by using a different/better usb-c to usb-c cable? The Onix probably has the sound signature I will like at a great price. If cable resolves the issue, I will just invest in a good cable.

 

[smegel]

So most (or all??) issues so far can be solved by using a different/better usb-c to usb-c cable? The Onix probably has the sound signature I will like at a great price. If cable resolves the issue, I will just invest in a good cable.

I don't know that I would say 'all'. But it seems true for the most part.
I think in some cases, there's a splitter that allows you to connect a battery and the phone.

From my experience, the cable does matter but you can get any good quality computer cable (one rated for 10 or 40Gb/s throughput) which will perform well.
I found that using a thicker short cable while walking around ... will start to fail after frequent use, whereas a thinner (more flexible) but good quality cable may be better.
Or if you use a holder that keeps the unit attached to the phone so that there's not a lot of repeated flex/motion in the cable....

My guess is that its a question of the power that is transmitted thru the cable rather than anything else which is making a difference. But I could be wrong.

I would have to say going for an 'audio grade' USB cable made from silver or silver coated copper would be overkill and a waste of money... but then again... that's just my and my pocketbook's opinion.

 

[neobandog1]

Which devices you tried as source and was it doing on all of them?



The first run sold out and we are awaiting restock.



Moon Audio is now introducing ONIX to USA market, please reach out directly to them about availability of ONIX XI1:

https://www.moon-audio.com/



Noted.

Have this onix alpha xi1 uac 1.0 for gaming consoles like playstation 5?

 

[neobandog1]

No

Onix alpha xi1 support uac 1.0 for gaming consoles like Playstation 5 or not?

 

[ShangriLa]

I don't know that I would say 'all'. But it seems true for the most part.
I think in some cases, there's a splitter that allows you to connect a battery and the phone.

From my experience, the cable does matter but you can get any good quality computer cable (one rated for 10 or 40Gb/s throughput) which will perform well.
I found that using a thicker short cable while walking around ... will start to fail after frequent use, whereas a thinner (more flexible) but good quality cable may be better.
Or if you use a holder that keeps the unit attached to the phone so that there's not a lot of repeated flex/motion in the cable....

My guess is that its a question of the power that is transmitted thru the cable rather than anything else which is making a difference. But I could be wrong.

I would have to say going for an 'audio grade' USB cable made from silver or silver coated copper would be overkill and a waste of money... but then again... that's just my and my pocketbook's opinion.

Good to know that in most cases acble would solve the problem. I think your points make good sense. Flexible cable will put less stress on the USB port, and 'good' cables are just those that cause less power drop. I was actually looking at silver/silver-coated short Hifi cables on Aliexpress lol.