xDuoo XA-02 Review

In this review, we’re taking a look at the new $199 USD xDuoo XA-02 DAC & AMP.

Disclaimer: Linsoul sent us the XA-02 in exchange for this review. As always, this article reflects my unbiased opinion about the product.

xDuoo

Shenzhen xDuoo Technology Co. Ltd. is a Chinese audio manufacturer focused on the development, design, and sales of desktop and portable audio gear.

Based in Guangdong, they’ve been active for over a decade and have built a reputation for reliable performance and competitive pricing.

While they offer a wide range of DACs, AMPs, and audio players, they initially gained recognition for their low-cost, high-value desktop tube amplifiers.

I’ve been familiar with xDuoo since around 2011, and over the years, I’ve seen the company refine both their design language and internal architectures.

They’ve released over 130 products to date and hold multiple patents in the audio field.

Today, we’re looking at the xDuoo XA-02, a compact balanced DAC/AMP with Bluetooth/LDAC support. It costs 199 USD and is available from Linsoul.

xDuoo XA-02

The xDuoo XA-02 is one of xDuoo’s latest compact DAC/AMPs aimed at desktop users. It’s priced at $199 and includes a rich feature set for the price.

The DAC section of the XA-02 uses the ES9039Q2M, which is one of the newer offerings from ESS.

xDuoo paired this DAC with a Class A amplifier design and the XA-02 is capable of outputting 910mW through the unbalanced headphone out and around 2000mW from the balanced out to a 32Ω load. That’s more than enough for most headphones.

The inputs are generous for the price. You get USB-C, coaxial, optical, and Bluetooth. Bluetooth supports LDAC, aptX HD, AAC, and a few more.

There’s also an RCA output if you want to use it as a preamp in your audio chain.

The unit is compact and doesn’t take up much space on your desk. It weighs 890 grams and has a sandblasted aluminum gray finish with a monochrome OLED screen.

Overall, I believe xDuoo targeted the XA-02 for people who want a compact but also a complete solution with the convenience of LDAC and enough power to run just about anything.

In the next sections, I’ll go over the sound performance and how it actually holds up in everyday use. Before that, here are the highlights and specs below.

• ESS Technology ES9039Q2M DAC
• Class A x4 Buffer Amp with ELNA SILMIC Caps.
• 6.35mm: 910mW@32Ω | 4.4mm: 2000mW@32Ω
• Bass Mode
• Bluetooth 5.1 Chip
• SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, LDAC Codec Support
• 32-bit 768kHz & DSD256 via USB
• 24-bit 192kHz & DSD64 via Opt/Coax
• HPO+PRE | RCA Output
• USB-C, OPT & Coax Input + Bluetooth
• Output Impedance SE 1.16Ω | Balanced 2.24Ω
• Peak output voltage: SE 7.6V | Balanced 14.8V
• Sandblasted Aluminum Chassis
• Monochrome OLED Screen
• Available for $199 USD.

Packaging & Accessories

The xDuoo XA-02 comes in a sleek white rectangular box. On the front of the box there is an outlined illustration of the device and the background is filled with xDuoo logos.

Inside, the device is securely packaged and the accessories are bundled together in a sealed bag.

You get a 1.5 meter IEC13 power cable, a 1.5 meter braided USB-A to USB-C cable, a Bluetooth antenna, and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter.

I didn’t find a manual, warranty card, or quick start guide in my box, but that may be different for you. If not, here’s the manual. It’s not a big deal since the setup is straightforward, but it’s still something to mention.

The included accessories are just enough to get you started. They’re nothing fancy, but nothing is missing either. Pretty standard for this price bracket.

Sound & Performance

My time with the XA-02 didn’t start off on the right foot. I first tried it with a couple of IEMs, specifically the Crimson and Sennheiser IE600, and wasn’t too impressed.

Something about the presentation felt off. Frustrated, I took the IEMs out, left the unit running for a day, and gave it another shot the next morning.

I’m not sure whether it was burn-in or the Silmic capacitors settling in. But the next session sounded significantly better.

Then I plugged in my headphones. That’s when things really clicked. The XA-02 clearly prefers full-size headphones.

Both the Sennheiser 58X and the Hifiman Ananda Nano paired very well with this unit.

The bass boost mode didn’t work well with the IE600. It added an unwanted low-mid veil that took away from the clarity. With headphones, though, the bass boost behaved differently.

It came across more like a clean low-shelf boost, around 5 to 7 dB, which is quite a bit in my book. Still, it’s a fun option to have.

On days when I just want to listen to house or hip-hop, the bass mode adds serious impact without feeling overly boomy.

I do wish it had a two-step option, something like +3 dB and +7 dB. If you’re not into bass, the effect might feel excessive.

But if you are a basshead, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The article continues with the part on sound on the next page. Click here or use the buttons below.

Page 1: xDuoo XA-02, Packaging & Accessories, Sound Quality & Impressions

Page 2: Design & Build Quality, Controls & Bluetooth, Comparison vs. KA11 R2R, Last Words, Summary