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

[JayNetTech5]

which fw version are u on?

I'm not sure.

 

[Mortin]

@Mortin
Just to follow up.

Listening for longer periods, the only time I ever hear any clicks/pops is when listening to some mediation music. (sleep music)

Even here its not a predictable pattern.

I think there is an issue, but its not something we could easily pinpoint which means it would be hard for Shanling.
I'm still on the original shipped firmware release. In theory I should go to the latest since I'm in iOS 18 on my phone but haven't had an issue.
With the USB-C 4 cable glued in (using loctite blue) No issues there. And I'm using it w my Macbook where I'm up sampling to the max.

So far no issues.

One thought... I'm using my M&D MW65s which are on the 3.5mm connection and are not as good as my IEMs (Dita Project M)
Could it be tied to the 4.4mm output?

Still for ~$120.00 not a bad device. (I bought the case)

I checked with 3.5 mm - the operation and interference are the same.

 

[pioterd]

Listening for longer periods, the only time I ever hear any clicks/pops is when listening to some mediation music. (sleep music)

I only heard some popping/clicks when I was using it on Windows11 with Onix/Shanling software installed. I uninstalled software - system still detects XI1 without any issues, and no pops/clicks anymore. Im on most recent, V1.3 firmware. I also checked that test: https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/demo-cs131.php#gsc.tab=0
Fortunately, Onix Alpha has no any kind of aggresive CirrusLogic energy saving "features", no issues, at least on my copy.

 

[smegel]

I only heard some popping/clicks when I was using it on Windows11 with Onix/Shanling software installed. I uninstalled software - system still detects XI1 without any issues, and no pops/clicks anymore. Im on most recent, V1.3 firmware. I also checked that test: https://reference-audio-analyzer.pro/en/demo-cs131.php#gsc.tab=0
Fortunately, Onix Alpha has no any kind of aggresive CirrusLogic energy saving "features", no issues, at least on my copy.

Yeah... that's why this is a bit tricky. Most music nothing... at least since glued in a USB-C 4 cable. Its only w certain music that it happens and then the frequency varies.
I'm also up sampling from my Mac to the max values of the DAC.
I don't hear anything while using my iphone.

This is why its a tricky thing. Its only w some classical and some of the relaxation / meditation music... (Yeah I know its more for helping to get centered before doing some work.

I wonder if anyone else hears anything.
I mean it could be a couple of factors or not the DAC itself.

Again. Not slighting this dac. Warts and all great sound.
I prefer it over my iBasso DX180, but I'm using it as a wireless BT DAC while working today. At night... I'm usually listening on my M&D MW65 before I go to sleep using the Alpha and so far... no USB C socket issues.

 

[smegel]

I checked with 3.5 mm - the operation and interference are the same.

Hmmm I wonder who else has this issue?
If I use my iPhone... nothing but then again I'm not up scaling.
Could it be something to do w the Mac?

Still warts and all. still love it.

 

[WolfP]

Survey: which PCM filter do you prefer?

 

[JayNetTech5]

Survey: which PCM filter do you prefer?

Low-latency fast. It's the most full-bodied and detailed/hi-res sounding, imo.

 

[domzz]

Non-oversampling - always.

 

[JayNetTech5]

I find lyrics are very coherent on the slow filter as well.

 

[smegel]

Non-oversampling - always.

Meh! Purist!

 

[raymondlin]

The Elite is definitely the bomb, the DC07 PRO just works and the Alpha like the DCE should be run off the CB19 iBasso cable and power bank for best results.

Sometimes I feel man all these cables and power bricks and..... then I just pick up a Dap and a set of IEM and just enjoy music.

I know I could get better with this and that in the chain but it's OK to be lazy once in a while and let our inner audiophile chill .

We are a crazy bunch of people as the mass majority are OK with some airpods and thier phone!

What USB power splitter cable is this?

 

[de666]

Ibasso cb19

 

[Deckard001]

Any Pixel 9 user so as to verify that Onix is working? Thanks

 

[Mortin]

Hello @Shanling ,

I'm reaching out regarding a recurring distortion issue with the Onix device when paired with certain equipment—especially with the Galaxy S24. I've discovered a temporary workaround: when the interference becomes too strong, flipping the Type-C connector (i.e., reversing its orientation) on either the phone or the DAC appears to ease the issue. Although this isn’t a permanent solution, it tends to alleviate the interference for a short period.

We previously discussed this matter, and I had offered my assistance with testing any potential fixes, but I haven't heard back from you. Could you please provide any updates or insights on this issue?

Thank you!

I wanted to add that reconnecting the connector by reversing its orientation does not completely eliminate the interference—it only temporarily reduces its intensity and impact on sound quality. However, as I mentioned earlier, after a while the interference builds up again, worsening as if by a cumulative effect.

 

[JayNetTech5]

I had to switch back to "PCM: Filter 2 low-latency fast" because there're just details/information outright missing when using NOS.