xDuoo XD-05 BAL Review

UI & Usage

USB connection

The xDuoo XD-05 BAL enjoys two USB-C ports, one for data and the other for power.

As usual, I tried to connect an iPhone, iPad, the FiiO M15, and my all-new streamer from Rose, the RS150E. All of them were instantly recognized as a source by the XD-05 BAL. Once connected, the screen displays playback bitrate and you’re immediately aware of the stream’s quality you’re playing.

Like the Chord Mojo or EarMen Tr-Amp, the device supports separate Data and Charge. In theory, this setup gives a cleaner feed, as no parasite could trouble the data stream. Also, this makes the XD-05 BAL virtually compatible with any source, since no power is drawn from the USB port 

Coaxial/Optical connection

The xDuoo XD-05 BAL allows you to connect a digital source through its combo port. 

The mini-Jack port supports both Optical and Coaxial connectors, as long as you get a mini-Toslink adapter or a jack-cinch / jack-jack linked to your source. I tried the Coaxial coming from the FiiO M11 and the optical from my computer, both were recognized immediately.

A good option for those who don’t have a USB output, or just want to connect a DAC to their old, yet faithful, CD player.

Honestly, I stick with the USB port, but having the choice is great.

AES connection

The XD-05 BAL introduces a new digital input: the AES Balance Digital input, impersonated by the mini-XLR port. A three-pin plug to connect a digital source like the xDuoo X10T-II, or a streamer like my Rose RS150E. If the first one embeds a mini-XLR output, the latter needed me to get an XLR to mini-XLR adapter, but that’s pretty easy to get.

Analog connection

Last but not least, the xDuoo XD-05 BAL can be paired with a DAC. For this, all you need is a jack-jack cable, connected to the Aux-In. A good option for those of you who already own a good DAC, or a home drive that doesn’t offer a fine headphone output.

At the same time, this aux port can also be used as a line-out, if you just want to enjoy the XD-05 BAL embedded DACs, on your own amp. 

Everyday use

Unsurprisingly, on a daily run, the xDuoo XD-05 BAL doesn’t do better than the previous one. Unless you have very big pockets or a dedicated space in your backpack, this is barely portable and the device won’t fit in the same trousers holding your phone.

It’s long and thick, so when you pair it with your smartphone, it becomes a little behemoth. Sure, if your usual DAC is the FiiO Q5S or iFi Micro iDSD Signature, it’s not that intrusive, but if you’re more used to NuPrime Hi-mDAC or EarMen Sparrow’s, the difference is huge.

That said, if you can pass that first impression, you’ll be gifted by one of the sturdiest (trans)portable DAC/Amp on the market. One with a wide array of inputs, either analog or digital, and two full-size headphone outputs, perfect for big cans. That said, the plastic cover and rounded edges make the device a lot more “civilized”, compared to the previous generations.

The new volume knob is kind of a mixed bag for me. It may be beautiful with its eye-catchy red and three-level design, but the position makes it much more complicated to handle. In the bag, the previous design made it easy to grab and turn, while the new one felt a bit too tight to grab with my thumb. Yet, the course remains smooth, and once you get it right, it feels quite natural to use.

The screen, if not mandatory, gives a clear view of playback information. It doesn’t show the volume information, but PCM/DSD and applied filters. It’s sharp and the definition is surprisingly crisp, way more than what you’d expect from a DAC. 

Power and drive

It comes as no surprise, the xDuoo XD-05 BAL is pretty powerful.

I paired it with various headphones and IEMs, ranging from the mighty Sennheiser HD800S, my faithful Audeze LCD-X, or Meze’s mighty Empyrean. None gave the amp a hard time.

On that good word, let’s check the specs

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