Review : xDuoo XD-05 – Right on

Sound performance

For the purpose of this review, I combined the xDuoo XD-05 with a FiiO M11, an iPhone/iPad and a computer as main sources. All were connected through USB and I only used the Coaxial/Toslink connection for test purpose.

Music ? 50% were FLAC files, 50% Spotify in high-quality streaming.

The headphones ? Shanling ME-500 (new flagship from Shanling), Sennheiser HD-800S (magic headphone but a bit tough to drive) and Audeze LCD-1 (a real Audeze, but cheaper) and the Onkyo IE-C3 (my daily drive).

Overall Signature

This whole review could be resumed in one sentence: “Superb sound in a thick box”.

Out of the box, the xDuoo XD-05 really impressed me by its performance. The sound is sharp, with tight lows and clean highs, which was to be expected from the AK4490 DAC. The dynamic range is excellent and, at last, on-par with the FiiO Q5S which I reviewed recently, especially at low/medium volume.

There is a slight channel imbalance at very low volume (the left ears will get more volume), but once you reach the first quarter, the problem disappear and everything will sound even. On a positive note, the xDuoo XD-05 is hiss-free on low gain, and only display a faint hiss on sensible earphones when you reach for mid/high gain.

The DAC/Amp combo has been carefully chosen: it works on every track, whatever the headphone you use. There is a slight emphasis on the upper mids, but you really have to be picky and almost all IEM I plugged never exhibit any sibilant whatsoever. Apart from this little quirk, the XD-05 frequency range is superbly flat, even with headphones like the Audeze-LCD-X.

I tested the different filters, but could not really hear a difference between the four of them. At best, I could say that the PCM3 was the one which fitted the Shanling ME500 best, but on the other headphones/earphones… no chance.

Extension, high and low, is excellent and with a proper headphone, you’ll be able to hear hidden notes without having to push the volume. Honestly, it’s been quite a long time that I’ve heard a DAC this versatile, a real jack of all trade, sonically speaking. Calm and poised songs engulf you softly, hard-hitting electro takes you out of your comfort zone, but all of that seems to appear very naturally.

And this might be the best quality of this DAC/AMP : it sounds natural. It’s not quite as good as Chord Hugo in term of resolution, nor as fun as a FiiO Q5S, but if I’d have to pick one device for a long run, I’m pretty sure the xDuoo XD-05 would be my first choice. For the record, I’ve been using it for a few hours straight now (12h flight leaves time…) and never did I find it harsh or tiring.

It’s a middlebox of musical wonder, and I’m pretty sure it won’t leave my bag for the next month.

Tonality

The sound signature is mostly linear, but each frequency range got it’s own flaws and qualities. A quick overview.

Bass : tight and clean. The xDuoo XD-05 can reach deep notes, but won’t be able to compete with the higher-end amp when putting on very difficult tracks. Yet, the natural presentation, combined with fast transients makes for it 99% of the time, and I’m happy to trade these little percent in exchange for the sound signature the brand chose for this amp. Try it with a Fearless S6 Rui and you’ll have more than enough lows for a lifetime.

Test track : Bad Boy – Billie Eilish

Mids : sweet sweet (alabama). Excellent dynamic range, combined with an excellent DAC makes for a very velvet sound. It feels both smooth and balanced and thanks to the wide soundstage, voices feel so so sweet. The best news ? It works the same if you only use the amp section.

Test track : It takes a lot to know a man – Damien Rice

Highs : a little bit more (with a little love). Where the xDuoo TA-10 and TA-20 display a sensitive roll-off after 10kHz, the XD-05 doesn’t share this trait. The DAC put the emphasis on the upper range, with a slight boost on the 6-7kHz, but nothing too fancy. It still sounds very natural and if you like Pop or heavy-distorted electro, you shall have no worry.

Test track : Dance Monkey – Tone & I

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