Bundle & Usage
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In the box
The xDuoo XD-05 Plus bundle is pretty good, better than the XD-05.
Inside the box you have :
- 1x USB-A to USB-C cable, to connect your computer
- 1x Micro-USB to USB-C short cable, for those who are still stuck in 2010
- 1x USB-C to USB-C short cable, for the others
- 1x 6,35mm to 3.5mm jack adapter
- A set of silicon bands + rubber feets
- Some screws, in case you lose them in the process of changing the Op-Amp
A very good point for this DAC, as you won’t need to order an adapter. Unless you’re using an iPhone, which will force you to get a specific cable.
Everyday use
Unsurprisingly, on a daily run, the xDuoo XD-05 Plus is barely portable, unless you have very big pockets or a dedicated space in your backpack.
It’s long and thick, so once you pair it with your smartphone, it becomes a little behemoth. Sure, if your usual DAC is the Chord Hugo or iFi Micro iDSD BL, it’s not that intrusive, but if you’re more used to NuPrime Hi-mDAC or Audioquest’s Dragonfly, the difference is huge.
That said, is you can pass that first impression, you’ll be gifted one of the sturdiest (trans)portable DAC/Amp units on the market. One with a wide array of inputs, either analog or digital, and one big 6.35mm headphone output, perfect for big cans. It’s a straightforward device, with quirky options, built like a tank. Pure chi-fi if you ask me.
The volume knob, like before, is excellent. It may be small, but the grip is tight, the course is smooth and I found the right volume every time I used it. Combined with the L/M/H gain switch, you get a lot of room in terms of volume range.
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 (PCM1/PCM2/etc…) It’s sharp and the definition is surprisingly crisp, way more than what you’d expect from a DAC.
USB connection
The xDuoo XD-05 Plus displays two USB-C ports, one for data and the other for power.
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 XD-05 Plus. Once connected, the link LED turns on as visual feedback, simple yet efficient.
Like the Chord Mojo or EarMen Tr-Amp, the device supports separate Data and Charge. In theory, this setup gives a cleaner feed, since no parasites could trouble the data stream. Also, this makes the XD-05 Plus virtually compatible with any source, as no power is drawn from the USB port.
Still, this is a good move from xDuoo and if the XD-05 forced you to keep two different cables for charging, now you can just carry one USB-C cable for all your stuff.
Coaxial/Optical connection
The xDuoo XD-05 Plus 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 Pro and the optical from the iBasso DX220, 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 stuck to the USB port, but multiple-choice is always nice.
Analog connection
Last but not least, the xDuoo XD-05 Plus can be paired with a pure DAC, so you can use the sole amp section. 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 Plus embedded DAC, on your own amp. Whatever you want, you got it covered.
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.
Scott Wells
Great review NanoTechnos!
I am also very pleased with my XDuoo XD-05 Plus Black Edition + 05BL Pro Bluetooth Module. Bluetooth functionality has worked flawlessly with both my PC and smartphone; range is well over 10 meters. Both the XD-05 Plus and 05BL Pro were recognized immediately by WIN10 with no drivers required. With this additional module one has nearly all unbalanced inputs/outputs imaginable.
As mentioned, there is indeed very minor channel imbalance (favoring the right channel) from 9 o’clock to 9:30 on the pot… however, that is well below any listening level at any gain setting with any of my earbuds and typical to some level with most analog volume pots. There is absolutely no background noise to be heard at the low and medium gain settings… though on high gain I can hear a faint hiss beginning @ 2 o’clock. This lil’ amp is surprisingly powerful… listening volume is between 11 and 1 o’clock at low gain with any of my earbuds/headphones ranging from 32 to 300 ohms.