xDuoo TA-30 Review

Bundle & Usage

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In the box

The xDuoo TA-30 bundle is good, but clearly not extensive.

Inside the box you have :

• 1x USB-A to USB-A cable, to connect your computer
• 1x 6.35mm to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter
• 1x bluetooth antenna
• 2x ECC82 tube for amplification
• 1x 5Z3P tube for rectification
• 1x power plug
• 2x aluminium bridge to protect the tubes
• 2x Fuse

So, good, but it’d have been perfect with Toslink cable or a Coaxial, to connect your source.

Let’s plug the TA-30 now and see how it goes.

USB connection

The xDuoo TA-30 got a full-sized USB-A port, the same found on your classic printer. 

As usual, I tried to connect an iPhone, iPad, the FiiO M11, and the Shanling M6 Pro, all of them were instantly recognized as a source by the TA-30. Once connected, the screen displays some visual feedback, simple yet efficient. When the TA-10 only got a LED blink to confirm which input is in use, the TA-30 displays the full name of the source.

On most computers, the device is completely driverless. But, if for any reason, your amp couldn’t connect to your PC, there is a specific driver. Hurray! For your smartphones and DAP, just get a USB OTG connector, and you’re ready to go.

Last but not least, computer USB Decoding, support up to PCM 32Bit/768kHz, DSD512. Whereas, through your smartphone, the DAC only supports up to PCM 32bit/384kHz, DSD128.

Coaxial/Optical connection

The xDuoo TA-30 allows you to connect a digital source thanks to those digital ports.

Both ports support PCM files up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD64 files in DOP mode. It’s a good option for devices not supporting USB Output, like a CD Player or an old DAP. I tried the Coaxial coming from the FiiO M11 Pro and the optical from the iBasso DX220, both were recognized immediately.

Obviously, you should prefer the USB port, but it’s always nice to have the choice.

Analog/Bluetooth connection

Like the TA-10 and TA-20, the xDuoo TA-30 can be connected to you any analog source, thanks to its analog input. The amp also gives you a pass-through output, to bridge the analog signal onto another amp, like a speaker amp for example.  

Last but not least, the xDuoo TA-30 can be paired in Bluetooth (5.0). And, thankfully, the device supports all major HD Bluetooth format: aptX, aptX-HD, aptX-LL and even LDAC. A classic option nowadays, if not mandatory.

Everyday use

As a dedicated desktop solution, the xDuoo TA-30 is mostly brilliant.

Sure, the height might be an issue for some users, but the narrow design made it really easy to fit on my desk. Even compared to the previous ones, this is a slim amp. 

The screen, if not mandatory, is a nice addition, even if it misses the digital volume display. It constantly displays the actual playback rate, which is cool and all, but not really relevant when you’re on your computer.

The volume knob is excellent and that makes a big difference compared to the previous models. The course is smooth and I found the right volume every time I used it. 

On my PC, the TA-30 didn’t need any driver to work: I just plugged the USB cable, wait a few seconds for Windows 10 to find the right driver, and I was good to go. Same deal on my MacBook.

Bluetooth pairing is pretty simple :

• just get into Bluetooth mode with the input selector
• keep the Bluetooth Pairing button pressed for 3 seconds
• connect your source
• et voila !

Special note: it’s a tube amp, so it gets hot. Not just the tubes, but the whole case, so you better protect it from children or, like me, from cats.

On that good word, let’s check the specs.

The review continues on Page four, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.