Review: Xduoo X10Tii – Digital Evolution

Sound EQ

There isn’t much to say about the sound it self besides the fact it sounds very clean and clear. No noise will slip into your system by using the XT10ii as source but in the end you will mostly hear the characteristics of your amplifier you’re using to drive your headphones or speakers.

At the same time Xduoo has integrated an EQ which has 7 pre-programmed settings as well as a custom one. That means you can set up your own custom sound signature with the 10 band analyser. The EQ effects are very audible, these aren’t subtle changes so you can really tune the X10Tii’s sound to your liking once hooked up to your amp.

Do note that the EQ doesn’t seem to work for a number or file types/rates/depths.

Vs X10T

With the second revision you now get a slightly bigger screen, smaller buttons on the front panel, more connectivity options such as Bluetooth and HiBy link and a whole lot more settings to configure. There now also are a bunch of extra accessories with the cables and the case for the transport. User interface wise the original transport was a little faster but the new one for sure isn’t slow either.

It’s not so much different in form or weight and design-wise it they’re a bit different. Personally I prefer the design of the original most but that might be completely different for you.

For both the old and new unit, the Coaxial and AES connection is the one to go for.

Sound-wise there’s not much difference between both units. If anything at all the new version sounds even cleaner and a little faster, where the original unit sounded a little fuller, slower and more analogue. But transports sound good.

Conclusion

The Xduoo X10TII  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 Mojo 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 as it will make your portable setup even better. If you have a good DAC desktop system, the X10T can also act as a very good source for it, with a very clean sound and low noise levels.

It’s clear that Xduoo has listened to their customers and they have improved the transport with more connectivity options, BlueTooth, a USB DAC and more settings. They even made sure you can stream your music, so thumbs up. If they in rev 3 could supply some longer cables for desktop use, integrate a search for the music library and make quick navigation more easy, they will the perfect portable source in their product line-up.

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 X10Tii as the best digital transport. As a result it replaces the Xduoo X10T on the recommended/best gear list. (https://www.headfonia.com/best-accessories/)

Now if you already have the original XT10, the big question of course is if you need to upgrade or not. Purely sound-wise there for me is no direct reason even though there’s a little difference in sound. But if you want to stream music, use it as a USB DAC or want to control it with your phone (HiBy Link) then the answer for sure is “yes”.

Both units are good, but this one just is a bit more modern, updated, better.