[Ben86]

Yep, implementation is the most important thing if you don't want to spoil a good dac, if you'll make it cheap - it will sound cheap.
Honestly, I don't expect a good sounding DAC module from Xduoo anymore ROHM module was an absolute "meh" for me, and I was expecting to get much more from AKM module than I actually got. So, afterall, I still prefer my ESS stock module over two other.

 

[KaiFi]

Interesting that Zeos prefers the ROHM DAC, but he has some weird opinions sometimes.

I've been using the AKM DAC the most. I still think the differences between them are quite subtle, but the AKM seems to work the best for me.

 

[Ben86]

Interesting that Zeos prefers the ROHM DAC, but he has some weird opinions sometimes.

I've been using the AKM DAC the most. I still think the differences between them are quite subtle, but the AKM seems to work the best for me.

I think that Zeos has not even listened to that ROHM dac module with XD05PRO in time of his review just maid his opinion from other "better implemented" ROHM dac devices from his past experience...

 

[STUkh]

Today got AKM module. Sounds fantastic on modded unit. Planning to mod module also.
By @G1nt0 recommendation tried FIR 5/6 and it sounds even better. Stage is wide, atmosphere is incredible and sound is very musical. It is definitely worth to try it out!

 

[lapmic]

Today got AKM module. Sounds fantastic on modded unit. Planning to mod module also.
By @G1nt0 recommendation tried FIR 5/6 and it sounds even better. Stage is wide, atmosphere is incredible and sound is very musical. It is definitely worth to try it out!

Can you explain the mod you did on your xd05 pro? Thanks!

 

[G1nt0]

Can you explain the mod you did on your xd05 pro? Thanks!

 

[quaddac]

Definitely the best YT review (IMHO):

 

[Loftprojection]

Nice review, thanks for sharing it, too bad the R2R is not out yet, I would have loved to know his opinion because he seems to be more of a musical analog lover type of guy than an analytical optimum resolution type, for which the ESS seems to be a better fit.

 

[Cecala]

What exact cable is the optical/coaxial input at the rear?
Provide link if possible.

Edit:

Toslink to Mini Toslink Plug Jack 3.5mm?​

 

[nioh]

Nice review, thanks for sharing it, too bad the R2R is not out yet, I would have loved to know his opinion because he seems to be more of a musical analog lover type of guy than an analytical optimum resolution type, for which the ESS seems to be a better fit.

For someone who doesn’t own the product, you have too many assumptions dude.
First about the battery, now the ESS sound.

There may be other devices with ESS flagship DACs that sound analytical and boring (most of them the previous gen ES9038Pro). I can assure you the ES9039Pro on the Xd05Pro is nothing like that. It’s very musical and fun sounding, got decent bass too (even more with some of the op-amps).

I understand that you like a more analog sound from an R2R DAC, sure that’s a different sound signature. So far I haven’t heard anything analytical or reference like on this DAC/AMP.

 

[ToneDeafMonk]

For someone who doesn’t own the product, you have too many assumptions dude.
First about the battery, now the ESS sound.

There may be other devices with ESS flagship DACs that sound analytical and boring (most of them the previous gen ES9038Pro). I can assure you the ES9039Pro on the Xd05Pro is nothing like that. It’s very musical and fun sounding, got decent bass too (even more with some of the op-amps).

I understand that you like a more analog sound from an R2R DAC, sure that’s a different sound signature. So far I haven’t heard anything analytical or reference like on this DAC/AMP.

100% agree it has more to do with implementation than what chip is used that determines the overall sound signature and the XD05 while having great technical chops leans slightly on the fun colored and very musical side. Bass is fast and in full force .

 

[Loftprojection]

I know I didn't hear the XD-05 yet, waiting for the R2R to come out. But my comment above was based only on the video review posted, and the comments the guy made about differences he perceived between the ESS and the AKM.

I do own two relatively high end DAC/AMP devices with ESS chips, both tube based. One desktop (Unison Research SH) and the other "transportable" (Woo WA8). I also have a NOS tube DAC from MHDT (the Orchid). I heard quite a few devices through the years, since I'm old, and I can assure you that even though some like my Woo WA8 that has quite a nice sound with the ESS chip, I always go back to the NOS MHDT Orchid DAC when I want to be completely satisfied. That's why I'm waiting and hoping that the R2R XD-05 will soon become the DAC companion to my Woo WA8 amp.

You could say I might be biased towards an overly "analog", warm, recessed highs type of sound but hey, I prefer to consider that I like a sweet, refined and non fatiguing sound signature!

 

[Ferdinando1968]

I know I didn't hear the XD-05 yet, waiting for the R2R to come out. But my comment above was based only on the video review posted, and the comments the guy made about differences he perceived between the ESS and the AKM.

I do own two relatively high end DAC/AMP devices with ESS chips, both tube based. One desktop (Unison Research SH) and the other "transportable" (Woo WA8). I also have a NOS tube DAC from MHDT (the Orchid). I heard quite a few devices through the years, since I'm old, and I can assure you that even though some like my Woo WA8 that has quite a nice sound with the ESS chip, I always go back to the NOS MHDT Orchid DAC when I want to be completely satisfied. That's why I'm waiting and hoping that the R2R XD-05 will soon become the DAC companion to my Woo WA8 amp.

You could say I might be biased towards an overly "analog", warm, recessed highs type of sound but hey, I prefer to consider that I like a sweet, refined and non fatiguing sound signature!

Many here are waiting for the R2R module,
but everyone here (at least so far) has been impressed
by the sonic qualities of this DAC,
especially with the ESS and AKM.

Furthermore, its cost is quite low for what it offers.

 

[Loftprojection]

Many here are waiting for the R2R module,
but everyone here (at least so far) has been impressed
by the sonic qualities of this DAC,
especially with the ESS and AKM.

Furthermore, its cost is quite low for what it offers.

Yap, you got it right on, the XD-05 is the DAC device, function wise, that I've been waiting for (transportable, battery driven). Shanling just came out with an interesting one as well but it is dedicated to an AKM chip, too bad for them! hahaha

 

[stan1121]

Is it possible for XD05 to turn on the screen when the next song is played or on screen in the source device - Shanling M3 Ultra?