Review: Xduoo X10T – Digital Excellence

Usage

 

The Xduoo X10T comes with a 1500mAh battery that will deliver 8 hours of playtime. The battery also charges in under 3 hours. In reality it will be hard to get 8 hours of play out of the X10T but it will depend on the output used, the file type selected and the screen usage.

The X10T boots up and shuts down very fast and I love that. Once it’s booted you get a very clear and easy menu structure, and combined with the big buttons it makes the small X10T very easy to work with. It becomes a bit more difficult with a Mojo stuck to it, as the rubber band will cover a part of the screen.

The menu structure is as follows:

  • My Music (Playing, All songs, Album, Artist, Style, Cue, Folder)
  • Playing
  • Folder
  • Favourite
  • Music Setting (Play mode & Folder jump)
  • Setting (Language, Library update , Brightness, Power management, Format, Reset, FW Update, System info)

Be aware that scanning a 200gb card with over 11.000 tracks takes a lot of time (yes, 200gb cards do work). When playing a song you with the “windows” button can add a song to your favourites list, change the play mode, view the file details and delete the file if wanted. Unfortunately there’s no Artist/Album menu, search function or quick browse. As a result it will take you some time to get o a specific song, especially if you have a lot of tracks on the memory card, as I do. Luckily for me I as good as always use shuffle mode on the go, and in that case this is no issue. It however can be for you, so do take that into account.

If the unit can’t find album art for the track you’re playing, the X10T will show you one if it’s own images/backgrounds. The screen is so small however that this isn’t one of the important features of the X10T. The screen is mainly there to let you navigate to a specific song and check it’s details.

Why a transport? Why even look at it?

Do you remember the “stacking” days when everyone was using an iPod classic in combination with a Cypherlabs DAC and ALO amp? We all loved it back then and the audio quality was extremely good. Well this X10T now takes the place of the long gong iPod Classic, and it does so with an even better output quality.

To me that early days stack is still one of the very best sounding portable setups and therefor the Xduoo X10T caught my attention. We don’t use iPods anymore but we do still have new top quality portable DAC/AMPs coming out, so why not use a transport to get the very best out of it!

Yes, I do realize that a modern DAP can put out a digital signal as well, but DAPs are not as versatile output-wise as the X10T is and they certainly don’t have the specs the X10T can show off with. For a lot of people it will indeed be easier to use a DAP but the X10T isn’t made for the normal consumer either. It’s a product made for a specific professional and audiophile public, and that does indeed make this a niche product. Very niche even.

I’m looking at the X10T because not everyone wants an “all-in-one” unit. Some people – like me – just want the best possible sound quality, or the sound of their favourite DAC-chip or amp section, and the X10T makes that possible. When on the go, that does mean you’ll be carrying around a stack, so if that’s not for you, forget about the X10T. Then again when using it as a source at home, it’s very small and it still puts out an incredibly high quality signal. What’s not to like?

Experience

I have used the Xduoo X10T in combination with the Chord Mojo, the Hugo 2 and my Violectric V850 desktop DAC. I very regularly use an AK DAP as source for my home/desktop amplifiers because it’s so easy, but the X10T and V850 combo just lift up the quality compared to a DAP’s digital output signal.

Again, it’s quite annoying to use the X10T if you want to listen to one specific track. Almost all DAPs beat he X10T in usability, but if you can forget about that then the X10T in combination with your favourite DAC and amp, will make you smile. The X10T delivers an extremely clean signal to your DAC with almost no noise and that really is audible in the end. And the better your DAC, amplifier and head- or earphone you hook the X10T up to, the better it gets. Differently said, the better your gear, the better the X10T’s performance is audible. And difference there is!

While the Astell&Kern SE100 is a great DAP, I’ve had a hard time going back to it after listening to the X10T + Chord Mojo combo for a week. The clarity, precision and perfectly black, distortion free sound just are very addictive. Of course the SE100 can stream from Tidal or via DLNA and that’s something I’m really missing in the X10T.

So far my preference goes to the coaxial output as I find it to sound fuller and more organic but this could be different for you. The beauty of the Xduoo X10T is that you can use your favorite DAC and amp with it, and it will deliver the best possible/clean digital signal to your setup. That means you’ll get the very best out of the gear you already own, and you will be surprised to see how good it will sound using this source instead your regular one.

Conclusion

The Xduoo X10T is a portable source that delivers the best possible digital signal to the external DAC of your choice. It’s a niche product for professionals and for the audiophiles who want the very best digital signal/sound.

If you have a Chord Mojo, JDSLabs C5D, RHA L1 or any other portable DAC and you’re not afraid of stacking up your units on the go like in the good old days, then I fully recommend this unit. If you have a good DAC/AMP desktop system, the X10T can also act as a very good source.

The downside is that the X10T’s possibilities are somewhat limited: there’s no Tidal, Spotify or even DLNA streaming and navigation to a specific track or album can take a bit of time.

The good side is that you’ll get a very detailed, distortion free sound and once you get used to the level of clarity, precision and organicity, it’ll be very hard to go back to that other source you were using. At this price point it is very easy to recommend the Xduoo X10T as a digital transport to everyone. Try it, you won’t be disappointed. To the buyer’s guide it goes!

Thanks again to Linsoul.com for supplying us with the sample!!

Specifications

Battery life: >8H

Charging time: <3H

Size: 105.5*45*14mm

Weight: 100g

Power supply: built-in 4.2V rechargeable lithium polymer battery

Battery capacity: 1500mAH

Display: 2.0 inch HD screen

Card support: Up to two 128G TF / Micro SD cards at the same time

 

Distortion:

AES; 0.00087%

Fiber: 0.00087%

Coaxial 1: 0.00087%

Coaxial 2: 0.00087%

 

Output amplitude

AES: 3.25Vp-p

Coaxial 1: 0.8Vp-p

Coaxial 2: 0.5Vp-p

 

Supported formats:

DSD: DSD64 (to PCM output)

APE: 24bit /192khz

FLAC: 24bit /192khz

WAV: 24bit /192khz

APPLE Lossless: 24bit /192khz

WMA, WPE, AAC, ALAC, OGG

 

 

4.2/5 - (70 votes)
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Lieven is living in Europe and he's the leader of the gang. He's running Headfonia as a side project next to his full time day job in Digital Marketing & Consultancy. He's a big fan of tube amps and custom inear monitors and has published hundreds of product reviews over the years.

47 Comments

  • Reply August 28, 2018

    Jobbing

    Thank you Lieven for this review. Having had my FiiO X5 strapped to a Vorzüge amp Duo for that extra little improvement in SQ, mostly using IEM. I’m used to carry the extra weight and I don’t mind as it outperforms many DAP only setups.

    Now, being in the market for a new rig this X10T seems to tick most of the boxes for me and offers the opportunity to select an amp/dac that covers my needs.

    Picking up on the market of portable devices I have found that many DAPs have been released. Digital transport devices is what I’m looking for but I can’t seem to find any other (recent) types other than the X10T. Are there any competitors to the X10T or any to be expected in the foreseeable future?

    • Reply August 28, 2018

      Lieven

      It’s a very good question. I am sure they exist but I couldn’t name any just like that.
      If you do go for the X10T, take into account the restriction for swiping, navigating to specific songs/folders. It’s really a downside of the device.

  • Reply August 28, 2018

    Jobbing

    Thanks for the quick reply. I’m a person who prefers to listening to albums on my card/drive and being immersed in the music rather than switching from one track to another. UI to me is not as important than a clean audio signal. Besides the X10T the only device to be used as a transport would be the FiiO M7 (better UI) but that one does not offer the outputs like the X10T. WiFi would be convenient though to access my network files/Foobar2000 mobile/HD library.

    Before pulling the trigger on the X10T I’d like to rule out any other device in this league – if there is one at all -. I’m looking forward to replacing my rig so if you or any other reader can confirm that X10T is one of a kind than that would make the decision making process very easy. Still, I can hardly get my head around that the X10T is the only recent digital transport….. Open to suggestions

    • Reply August 28, 2018

      Lieven

      The Logitech squeezebox-touch ? 😀

  • Reply August 28, 2018

    Jobbing

    Ehhr…thanks but no thanks!
    I get your point though, for (semi-) portable it’s X10T (+….) or an all-in-one DAP.

    Your earlier review of the FiiO M7 (http://www.headfonia.com/review-fiio-m7/), especially the sketch of a new to be announced (M?)player had me believe there’s hope for a new transport. I guess that turned out to be the new M9, a whole different kind of device (like an X3 series successor). Bummer!

    Then I guess the X10T is the way for me to go ???? . Thanks again Lieven!

  • Reply August 28, 2018

    Tibor

    Hi, great, many thanks.
    Could you compare it to any other transport used with those mentioned dacs?
    How much of an improvement will I get in desktop? What do you use in front of your V850 please?
    I realized that a well made transport and clock is so crucial to get musical performance, but I can’t afford Mutec clock, so maybe this could be good 🙂
    Thank you

    • Reply August 28, 2018

      Tibor

      Hello hello can you hear me, I am screaming out your name! Hello hello Lieven! 😀

      • Reply August 28, 2018

        Lieven

        Usually my laptop is the transport for my v850. The X10t makes the sound livelier and less digital if that makes any sense.

        I will be trying out the new bridge from Project Audio soon (EISA winner). I look forward to comparing it to the X10t but for now there isn’t much to compare it to. And sorry, I missed this comment.

        • Reply August 28, 2018

          Tibor

          Nice! I am looking forward for your comparisons.
          I’ve been using Allo USBridge and Casea Aquila for a while now and I am very pleased so far.
          But I want something transportable and don’t want to downgrade much, or not at all.
          And this and upcoming Mojo2, if there is any, could be very very nice.
          Cheers 🙂

  • Reply August 28, 2018

    Jobbing

    Checked various (online) stored, no availability in the EU?

    • Reply August 28, 2018

      Lieven

      Haven’t checked really, got mine for Asia as well

  • Reply August 29, 2018

    Booker

    With all the portable DAC/amps out there, I’m surprised this hasn’t been done sooner. Looking for a good transport can be quite an effort. Just last year I ended up buying an old DX90 solely for use as a transport to feed a Mojo.

    Having said that, I’m not sure this model quite hits the mark – as pointed out in the review having rubber bands covering things like the screen etc makes their use as transports problematic.

    I feel like if a product is designed as a dedicated transport, it needs to have stacking in mind from day 1 of design, with suitable spaces around the body for rubber/silicone bands or a case which allows stacking without bands across the front of the device (which is probably preferable). Also I think 8 hrs playback is too little for a dedicated transport.

    Another must from me would be seamless gapless playback.

    So this is an interesting product but personally I’ll keep watching this space to see if something better comes along.

  • Reply August 29, 2018

    Jobbing

    @Booker:
    As the X10T is what I’m looking for SQ wise I hate to admit that your comments and critique are valid. No gapless playback?! I can live with a UI that doesn’t allow for easy track search but once an album is playing I surely expect it to have gapless playback…..

    • Reply August 29, 2018

      Lieven

      I just tried gapless and it unfortunately doesn’t do that

      • Reply August 29, 2018

        Booker

        I didn’t know if the X10T had gapless or not, that was meant to say it was a must-have on my personal wish list. But thanks for the update Lieven, sad that it doesn’t have gapless 🙁 I do like the idea of a pure transport device to pair well with a Mojo/xDSD type device – especially if a Mojo 2 eventuates 🙂

  • Reply August 29, 2018

    jobbing

    Thank you for trying and confirmation on the missing gapless playback. I was so excited about a transport only product entering the market here but like @booker I will be looking out for the X10T V2.0 with better stacking option (like FiiO frame+rubber bands), improved UI and gapless playback.

    @Xduoo: Please don’t give up on this concept!!!!!

  • Reply September 4, 2018

    Albert C

    I’m thinking of getting one for my mojo after reading your review, I know very little about coaxial cable, but is there a right angle one? the way I put the stack in my pocket will bend a straight cable.

    should I just get a pouch on my belt?

    • Reply September 5, 2018

      Lieven

      No I’m sure there are angled coaxial cables. 🙂

  • Reply November 5, 2018

    Booker

    I see there’s a mk II version on the Xduoo website: http://www.xduoo.com/xduoo/En/ProductView.Asp?ID=33

    Can’t find it listed for sale anywhere, maybe it’s only just out, no idea of price.

    • Reply November 5, 2018

      Lieven

      That must be really new! Thanks for the link.

  • Reply November 19, 2018

    BabootTheApe

    The (II) improves on the original by leaps and bounds, but it still misses an important ingredient: streaming.

    When they offer either Google Play or sideloading, I’ll pony up the dinaros. Till then, I’m sticking with my HiBy R6.

  • Reply December 14, 2018

    Jobbing

    @Lieven
    It’s on sale here
    https://m.tomtop.com/p-v5446.html

    When using the special coupon the discounted price would be €175,79

    https://actiecodeplek.nl/coupon/actiecode-tomtop-com-13-korting-voor-xduoo-x10t-ii-lossless-audio-hifi-muziekspeler-digitale-speler/

    Not sure if this is a legit shop + code though.

    It would be great to have Xduoo send the Mark II for review purposes. No mentioning of gapless playback either. I for one am extremely interested in an excellent transport/player – without the bells and whistles, just off line HD files – to couple with an external DAC/amp.

    • Reply December 16, 2018

      Lieven

      The MK2 is on its way 😉

      • Reply December 16, 2018

        Jobbing

        Great!
        I need a new portable DAC/amp to pair with it. Apart from sonical signature, preferably balanced output, coaxial input, physical volume knob, (user)replaceable batteries, about the same size aa the Uduoo would be nice.

        Haven’t seen what comes with it out of the box? Did you? Besides cables I hope a stacking kit will be (made)available similar to the FiiO option (not just rubber bands) and a cover of some sort.

        Can you share with us which new portable DAC/amps to be expected in 2019? – Ray Samuels, AR, Chord, RHA, etc. –

        On my home rig I use AES/Ebu. Not aware of any portable DAC/Amp sporting that feature – if any available on the market at all.

        Could use some directions here.

        Your help is much appreciated!

        • Reply December 17, 2018

          Lieven

          Tbh, I don’t know of any upcoming DAC/AMPs for 2019…
          I’ll let you know what’s in the box when it arrives

        • Reply December 17, 2018

          Lieven

          It just arrived. It comes with:

          Leather case
          USB C Charging cable
          USB C to USB C IC
          USB C to USB Micro IC
          Optical IC
          Coaxial IC
          Mini xlr to 3 pin XLR (awesome)

          • Reply December 17, 2018

            Jobbing

            SAY WHAT!?!

            Well, that’s great – not even having received a order/shipping confirmation – glad you’ve got your unit.

            Good to know what’s in the box, eager to read your first impressions and comparison to the MK1 – please let it have a gapless playback feature –

  • Reply December 14, 2018

    Jobbing

    @Lieven:
    Nevermind, I could not resist at that price, it’s already been bought and paid for ????

  • Reply December 16, 2018

    Filippo De Donato

    guys make a review on xduoo t10 ii.
    I want to match it with the mojo.

    • Reply December 16, 2018

      Lieven

      It’s on its way

      • Reply December 16, 2018

        Jobbing

        You got a shipping confirmation already? You used the shortcut right?

        • Reply December 17, 2018

          Lieven

          From the distributor, yes.

  • Reply December 17, 2018

    Jobbing

    The MK1 isn’t that long around, did the distributor mention to you why MK2 has been launched that quickly?

    Nice pics btw…

  • Reply December 28, 2018

    Taz

    Lieven, how is the MK2 performing in your initial tests? It looks good but only has one SD card slot now. Many thanks!

    • Reply December 28, 2018

      Lieven

      To be honest, it’s still in the box. Holidays, sorry 🙂

      • Reply October 17, 2019

        Lacas

        Hi Lieven, when do you expect to release the review of the mk2? is it as good or better soundwise than the original? i would use it with a Mojo. thx Lacas

        • Reply October 17, 2019

          Lieven

          Hi, it was published quite a while ago already 😉

  • Reply January 13, 2019

    Marco

    Can you give comparison between Ultima SP1000 as transport and X10T II to Hugo 2 ???

    Thanks…

  • Reply January 13, 2019

    Filippo De Donato

    have you got to test xduoo x10t mk2? first impressions

  • Reply January 19, 2019

    Jobbing

    Lieven, you meant Christmas holidays rights not Chinese New Year? ????

    @Marco +1

    My experience with the X10T II have been extremely positive thus far. A matching xDuoo DAC/amp is currently under development.

  • Reply January 21, 2019

    Filippo De Donato

    but the soundaware m1 esther, how do you compare it to xduoo x10t mkii?

  • Reply March 14, 2019

    Alexander

    Hi Lieven,

    Is it correct that any source as a transport will give the same quality as X10T, provided that it outputs bit perfect signal? Is problem with other sources in that they don’t provide bit perfect and, thus, we achieve worse quality?

    Thank you in advance!

  • Reply March 26, 2019

    YogibearAl

    Looking at the Mark II – When will the review for that be out? This sounds like a good idea for my desktop system since the new X10Tii supports USB out as well. This means it can connect to cars USB input or my desktop SMSL SU-8, or any other USB supported DAC. Very versatile. The version reviewed above, is mostly for home connectivity. Ali-Express anniversary sale coming up soon and this will be hovering at just over $200. Would be a great deal if it fits my needs.

  • Reply February 16, 2020

    MC

    Hi Lieven, Do you think Fiio FH7 or Lark Studio LDX is better combo for Xduoo XT10ii + Mojo?

    • Reply February 16, 2020

      Lieven

      In that case it’s more about the synergy with the Mojo, and as such I would recommend the warmest and smoothes of these two to perform best with the more analytical/digital Mojo.

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