ONKYO DP-X1 | Dual Sabre Dacs | Balanced | Sabre BTL Amp | MQA | DSD 256 | Android 5 |

[talesofwhatever]

To explain that, let's explore some points.

In single-ended mode (unbalanced), I believe only 1x DAC and 1x Amp is used for both L & R channels.

Now, about the two balanced modes:

1. BTL:
   1x DAC/channel, 1x Amps/channel
   This will be the DP-X1 at its most powerful, very loud too.
2. Active Control Ground (ACG):
   1x DAC/channel, 1x Amp set to ground (0v), 1x Amp for both L & R channels.

So, yes ACG will be quieter and less powerful than BTL (and a tad louder than SE), but it is clearer because the noise floor has been massively reduced, by using one amp dedicated to grounding only.

Bear in mind, we in this audiophile industry love to reduce noise and noise floor. The more noise you can reduce, the clearer your music, and you don't have to compensate with higher volume to hear that clarity or detail.

 
 

   
Welcome to Xmen club! I made loudness measure previously:
 
Some measurements of output volume on headphones with different output on the same track. Gain - High. Output level - dial at 120. Headphones - Audeze EL 8 with balanced and SE cable.  
SE gives - max 48db
Balanced - max 52db
ACG - max 46db  
 
It depends on amplification module working regime. SE - just one, balanced - two, ACG - one for left/right/ second for left/right ground.

 
Thank you very much and it all explain a lot!

 

[damex]

can dp-x1 handle 600ohm headphones? 250ohm? i want to order one but not sure about THAT. i have amp but i am pretty sure that it won't stack with dp-x1.

 

[scotty59]

Hello,
 
sorry to post this question again.
 
Is there a way to backup the internally created playlists of the DP-X1? I tried playlists with the pioneer music app too, but it seems that the playlists of the onkyo music app are stored in a different place than the pioneer ones.

 

[TheOneInYellow]

Updated my previous post regarding Astell and Kern's AK70 with added links.

I think it's great to see even more high-end DAP's at far lower prices!

However, still love my Onkyo DP-X1 <3

 

[sabloke]

Looks like a dumbed down DP-X1 in a silly colour

 

[hansgw]

  Ordered a similar case without the flap. Now.....all I need is a good source for cables for my Nighthawks and HD800s so I can hear this player in balanced mode with these two headphones. (This is getting very expensive.) Are there any reasonably priced cables out there I can purchase?

I got mine from Surf Cables LLC. Happy with price and quality!

 

[TheOneInYellow]

  Looks like a dumbed down DP-X1 in a silly colour

 
Ha ha, SAVAGE!
 
I think it does actually have some interesting features, especially optical-out (I very much dislike optical/Toslink, but good for others), and the price-point is solid.
 
In a weird way, it actually reinforces why the Onkyo DP-X1 is worth it's price point!
 
If you want a high-end cheap balanced non-streaming DAP with decent storage, AK70 is it.
If you want a higher-end yet well-priced balanced streaming DAP with huge potential for storage, DP-X1 wins.
 
As before, regardless on which is better, it's amazing that these are now what to expect from DAP's at these price points, with genuine high-quality features, components and specs.
 
I believe FiiO and O&P Innovations have upset the market enough to allow further competition, which is great!... Except for spamming the market, which might happen...hmm...

 

[Matrix Petka]

Heads up, Astell and Kern have announced AK70 on Facebook.
Some features are cool, like optical output, more power (I think) on balanced output, and cheaper.

However, doesn't beat DP-X1 spec wise. With Android, ACG, MQA, 2x MicroSD slots, OTG for outboard DAC's or storage devices, etc, DP-X1 is still extremely well priced and feature rich.

Comparing DX70 against Pioneer XDP-100R spec wise? Well, that's harder.
Yes much of what I said above is still true, but DX70 is balanced, XDP-100R is not.

Onkyo and Pioneer (O&P Innovations) really have shaken up the market place!


EDIT UPDAT:
Here are two more really interesting links:

1. Astell and Kern AK70 official page
2. Digital Audio Review Thoughts on AK70 announcement, plus details

 
Totally agree. By my opinion, DP X1 remain one of best buys at the moment.
Anyway, watching what going to happen with iBasso. 2017 will be nice year for upgrade ... or to stay with DP X1. Hoping they will make software upgrade or Rock Box will do

 

[sabloke]

I wonder how does AK70 run balanced with a single DAC???

 

[Matrix Petka]

  can dp-x1 handle 600ohm headphones? 250ohm? i want to order one but not sure about THAT. i have amp but i am pretty sure that it won't stack with dp-x1.

 
With 300ohm HD540 plays more than enough for me. On max loudness (160 mark) high gain SE output makes about 70-75 db.

 

[nanaholic]

  I wonder how does AK70 run balanced with a single DAC???

 
The chip has build-in differential output ie the DAC output is balanced. 
https://www.cirrus.com/en/pubs/proDatasheet/CS4398_F2.pdf

 

[TheOneInYellow]

   
Totally agree. By my opinion, DP X1 remain one of best buys at the moment.
Anyway, watching what going to happen with iBasso. 2017 will be nice year for upgrade ... or to stay with DP X1. Hoping they will make software upgrade or Rock Box will do

 
I really like the thought of iBasso DX200 with 2x ESS SABER ES9038PRO DAC's, but I'm not going to upgrade from my Onkyo DP-X1 so soon.
 
Except under one condition, Onkyo make a successor with 2x ESS SABER ES9038PRO DAC's themselves!
 
Onkyo DP-X1 is in my opinion the benchmark, regardless of cost, and yes though teething issues occured Onkyo JP, EU and US are working to resolve them and make a better DAP for the long haul.
 
YAY!

 

[Matrix Petka]

I have plan ..... to make gift for my dear wife ... so no need for upgrade, TheOneInYellow Ssshhhhh

 

[TheOneInYellow]

  I wonder how does AK70 run balanced with a single DAC???

 
Either it has two amp's, so not true end-to-end balanced but balanced amplifier section (single DAC for L & R, 1x amp/channel), or it is a convenience output with more power.
 
I haven't gone through the specs but my links in my previous posts should help.

 

[TheOneInYellow]

  I have plan ..... to make gift for my dear wife ... so no need for upgrade, TheOneInYellow Ssshhhhh

 
BAHAHAHA LOL!
 
Actually, can I pretend to be your wife and get nice (audio) gifts too...? <3