Onkyo DP-X1 Review
Thought I'd put in my two cents since receiving my unit two weeks ago. Being the newbie to the audiophile and Head-Fi scene, I'm going to give the most blunt review I can. Apologies for the non-initiated tone in this review.
Build: Honestly; even given the concern of the non-secured/loose jacks (mainly the balanced jack), this think is a rock. Beautifully utilitarian; it has a very "sharp", yet luxurious feel. It reminds me very much of a Lamborghini; angular and high-end finish with subtle smooth touches such as the volume-knob dip in the chassis. The buttons feel solid, look good, and press in with a nice muted 'click'. The volume knob, while not as high-end feeling after a week of use; is very precise and serves its function well. As for the aforementioned "loose jacks", while I do see people's concern, I do not consider it a major issue. I likely will try one of those "fixes" mentioned in the forum, but if you aren't being rough with it, it's no different than many other jacks I've worked with on other high-end electronics and will likely last for years if treated gently.
Usability: (this includes UI). The device is nearly a PURE Android experience. Coming from a Device IT and gadget technology background, this is a Godsend. Most companies opt to change the already VERY good Google Android UI (ala Samsung, HTC, and the modifications and pointless apps that Verizon et'all loves to cram on their phones). The Onkyo DP-X1 is a near perfect representation of Google's vision albeit with the necessary modifications to interact with the DACs and volume controls. It is a subtle mod. The only thing I wish they did is actually bring those mods a little more forward - i.e. for the DAC controls (SLOW, FAST, SHORT and timing mods) I wish they made them accessible from the drop-down notification tray instead of under the Audio and Notification section of the Settings. The Audio Player is actually phenomenal. With the exception of folder browsing (something that I understand is coming and which I don't find urgent) the UI is very intuitive. SO much so, that my brother-in-law who has never used a DAP in his life took to it and started song playback without any input from me within seconds. It's easy to adjust settings in the app, get to a song quickly, and jog to a point in the song easily. The playback UI is very pretty and futuristic without being annoying and still remaining functional.
Audio: So this is what you buy a Hi-Res DAP for anyway, so how does it sound coming from a Zune HD and an LG V10 (which uses a version of the DACs seen in this DAP)? In word; wonderful. I won't go so far as to say it is the best thing I've ever heard in my life (and when you hear what I'm listening to it with, you'll know why), but it does add a new spark to my music. My taste in music is as follows; anything but twangy country or reggae. I listen to a little of everything: Pop, Classic Rock, Folk, Indie Rock, Jazz, Classical, Hip-Hop, Experimental Electronic (usually involving strings of some sort ala Lindsey Sterling, Piano Guys, etc). Most of what I throw at it sounds just great. Sound signature (again, from the un-initiated newbie audiophile) is warm where it needs to be, crisp where it counts, and punchy without being harsh. The bass is smooth but not slushy, mids fairly pronounced, and highs are defined. While I normally like a slightly warmer overall sound, this is damn close and very satisfying especially on the "SLOW" DAC setting. I am listening to it with a pair of Polk 'Buckle' headphones which they themselves have always been a little too bass-y but seem to come alive properly with this DAP. I am looking forward to finding a good pair of IEMs or re-cabling a pair of headphones for TRRS output connection.
Misc: Probably the best thing about this device is all the OTHER things it does so well. Tidal, Pocket Casts, Audible, and more - all do so well on this. The screen is gorgeous for a DAP so video podcasts look great. Small Android games play very well and anything that I've thrown at it runs great (web browsing, etc).
For the money, (I paid $650) this is probably my favorite piece of electronics I've bought in a long time. SO much fun to just use and transports oneself to a soundscape that can't be beat for the price.
I give it a 4 out of 5.
Cheers!
. Android is pretty great though, so long as it isn't destroyed by the manufacturer.
