Today we review the ONIX Overture XM5, the first-ever DAP from the ONIX brand. It goes for $739 USD.
Disclaimer: We received the ONIX Overture XM5 from Shanling for this review. Onix is not related to Headfonia in any way.
ONIX
You may wonder about the ONIX brand and why Shanling brands some of their products as “ONIX” products. ONIX is a UK-based company with a rich audio history dating back to 1979, known initially for their amplifiers. In 1997, the brand was acquired by Taiwan Sound Art Co., which modernized its production technology.
ONIX began its partnership with Shanling in 2003, collaborating on various amps and devices. As part of a strategy to appeal to newer generations, ONIX released the Miracle HiFi Stack in Munich last year. ONIX products are recognized for their distinctive black and gold colour combination and sleek aesthetics.
From the seaside town of Brighton, over the island of Taiwan, to the booming Great Bay Area, ONIX is still going strong and keeping to its origins and traditions.
Overture XM5
The new Overture XM5 is a classic, pure, and elegant audio player from the Onix/Shanling partnership. This represents the first DAP from the Onix brand, appealing to classic audiophiles with its closed operating system and timeless design.
Inside, the XM5 features a flagship ES9039 PRO DAC chip, paired with two TPA6120A2 amplifiers, delivering 1W @ 32 Ohm. The player’s UI is based on the Ingenic X2000 platform for core music navigation and operation, and it supports Hi-Res Tidal streaming over WiFi.
While primarily a portable player, the ONIX XM5 is versatile, fitting into various roles. It can stream YouTube via Bluetooth, serve as a USB DAC/Amp with your laptop, provide digital output for standalone DACs, or act as an independent DAC for powerful amplifiers.
The XM5 boasts a 7000 mAh battery, 32bit/768 kHz and DSD512 support, an OLED touchscreen, an aluminium chassis, Bluetooth 5.2, and an XMOS XU316 chip for USB DAC connection.
Packaging
The packaging of the XM5 is consistent with recent Shanling products. The box showcases the device on top with accessories underneath. The XM5 doesn’t come with a pre-installed protective film on the screen, but it includes two screen protectors for self-application.
While Onix offers a leather case for the XM5, it comes at an additional cost and is not included in the standard package. Given the luxury feel of this $739 USD DAP, the leather case should have been included. Although I received the leather case for review and found it to be excellent, it is an additional purchase, priced at around $35 USD.
Design & Build
The DAPs I’ve recently reviewed from Shanling boast excellent designs, but this Onix model stands out with its distinctive, authentic look. The chassis is made entirely of aluminium, machined by CNC, giving it a high-end feel from the moment you hold it. The compact size and aluminium body feel firm and sturdy, like a brick.
Design-wise, this DAP is reminiscent of the old iBasso DX90, a popular model in its time. The screen is positioned on top, with buttons right below it and headphone outputs at the bottom—a classic DAP layout. The gold volume wheel adds a touch of authenticity to the Onix brand image.
The XM5’s appearance is quite appealing, exuding a classic HiFi vibe that is enhanced even further when placed in the leather case. The case’s design complements the unit perfectly, making it one of the rare instances where the device looks even cooler inside the case. This is one of the reasons I believe the case should have been included in the price.
Page 2: Software, Experience, Settings, Battery, Connectivity
Page 3: Sound
Page 4: Technical Performance, Comparison, Conclusion





Mathieu
Hello,
This kind of DAP is very interesseting to me. As you mentionned, it is reminiscent to the DX90 or Dethronay TR1. I like this way to keep the accent on the essential.
Having the buttons like that on the front to naivigate easily to go to the next title for example when it’s on the pocket is pleasant.
But in another hand, I really don’t understand the choice to put jack and the volume on the back…. it’s not practical at all. I would always have the reflex to hold it with the screen upside down, it’s not logical at all. The volume on the bottom…I really don’t understand…
Mathieu
Frabera
Hi,
Thanks to its high power, do you think this ONIX DAP can be a good combo for the E3 ?
Best regards
FalseProphet
Hi, how does it compare to Dethonray DTR1+? Can it be considered as an upgrade? Love the DTR1+ just wish that it could have a better soundstage depth and slightly better layering.
FalseProphet
Would be nice if you put an additional comparisson with DTR1+ since they are simillar in their functionality, pure audio players.