Review : xDuoo XD-05 – Right on

Specifications

Internal circuit architecture

The xDuoo XD-05 uses the almighty AKM4490 from Asahi Kasei, a chip that we won’t need to introduce anymore.

There are different versions of the DAC, but apart from the dynamic range, the differences are a bit subtle. It supports 32bit/768kHz streams, offers -120dB of dynamic, 8 different filters and that sweet velvet sound that audiophile, like us, crave for.

To feed the DAC, two different chips are used :

• a Cirrus Logic CS8422 for the optical/coaxial. This chip supports AES3 and S/PDIF interface, but only up to 24bit/192kHz (quite enough I should say)
• a Xmos XS1-U8A-64 if you prefer USB. This 8-core, USB 2.0 chip can handle very high-definition files and works as a pass-through, which may be interesting for those of you than prefers bit-perfect transmission

When most modern DAC/Amp uses a dual-mono circuitry, the XD-05 seems a little shy with its solo DAC and unique LPF/OPA combo. Don’t worry, the current amp section enjoys a dual-chip (BUF634) capable of providing +/- 9V voltage for, quote, “can driver headsets better”.

Not sure about that last sentence, but it should be able to drive most headphones, on paper.

THD is rated at 0,0025% and Signal to Noise Ratio at 112dB. Good numbers, but we’ll have to put the DAC to the test, to confirm. That, and the various filters available too :

• sharp roll-off filter
• slow roll-off filter
• short delay sharp roll-off filter
• short delay slow roll-off filter

All those filters are labeled PCM1/PCM2/PCM3/PCM4, so check the manual before, if you want to be sure of which filter you’re about to use.

Battery Life

The built-in battery is rated at 4000 mAh, which is not surprising if you look at the sheer size of the XD-05.

The official battery life is supposed to range from 11h (USB in), to 23h (Aux in). During my review, I easily reached the 11h through the USB port, but as I mainly listened to IEM with the DAC, that’s not too surprising. The more you push the volume, the less autonomy you’ll get.

On a different note, charging the xDuoo XD-05 is painfully long : 5h with a “fast charger” (2Ah/5V) and 11h with the classic computer port (500mAh/5V). So each time I used it with a computer, I plugged it for charge too, so I could get enough power when on the go.

To sum it up, good battery life but painstakingly long charge time.

Full specs of the xDuoo XD-05

As usual, here are the full specs of the xDuoo TA-20. If you’re not interested just scroll down !

• Type : DAC / Headphone amplifier
• DAC : AKM AK4490
• LPF : Ti OPA1612
• BUF : 2x BUF634
• Screen : 0.91 inch Oled screen
• Outputs : 6.35mm headphone out
• Input : USB/COAXIAL/OPTICAL/AUX
• Volume Knob : ALPS Analog
• Drive Ability : 8-300 ohms
• Battery : 3.7V/4000mAh
• Sampling rate support : USB, up to 32bit-768kHz / Coaxial/Optical, up to 24bit-192kHz
• SNR : > 112dB
• THD : < 0.0025%
• Line level : 2.1Vrms
• Gain : +6/+9/1+15dB
• Output Power 6.35mm : 500mW 32ohm
• Voltage Swing : 9V
• Power input : USB
• Size : 139,5mm x 75mm x 23mm
• Weight : 270g

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