The Luxen X9 Headphone Amplifier delivers an unparalleled audio experience, setting a new benchmark for flexibility and sound quality. This comprehensive review delves into the X9's exceptional features, from its pristine AKM AK4499EX DAC and R2R volume control preamplifier, to its extensive customization options. Prepare to be amazed by the level of control offered, exceeding that of most competitors, regardless of price. We'll explore its impressive sound signature, examining its neutrality, detail, and the unique impact of features like crossfeed and stereo width adjustment.Beyond the exceptional audio performance, the Luxen X9 boasts impressive versatility. This includes a user-friendly interface for fine-tuning settings such as channel balance, filters, and gain, as well as a powerful Parametric EQ. We'll assess its build quality, connectivity options, and the intuitive app control. Discover why the Luxen X9 isn't just a headphone amplifier, but a complete and highly customizable audio solution that will redefine your listening experience.
Pros And Cons
- Very balanced, neutral, almost colorless sound signature.
- Highly customizable sound via Parametric EQ (PQ) settings.
- Extensive list of headphone profiles for easy sound tuning.
- Includes crossfeed feature to mimic stereo speaker imaging, improving soundstage.
- Stereo width adjustment allows for precise soundstage control.
- Auto-detects headphone impedance to optimize gain settings (on 4.4mm and 1/4" outputs).
- Includes sub-outputs with extensive control features for subwoofer integration.
- Excellent user interface via app or web browser access.
- Excellent build quality for the price.
- Auto-impedance detection does not currently work on XLR outputs.
- Only RCA analog inputs, no XLR.
- Web interface is not optimized for desktop environments.
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Exceptional DAC and Preamplifier
The Luxen X9 boasts a high-quality AKM AK4499EX DAC chip, ensuring pristine audio conversion. This is paired with a formidable R2R volume control preamplifier, delivering a remarkably clean and neutral sound signature. The preamplifier section itself is surprisingly capable, performing exceptionally well in both desktop and stereo setups, showcasing its versatility.
Its performance rivals much more expensive units, offering a balanced and detailed audio experience without any noticeable coloration. The X9’s R2R volume control, similar to the DMP88, adds another layer of refinement and precision to the audio path. The overall sound is very linear, offering a blank canvas for further customization.
Extensive Customization Options
The Luxen X9 offers a plethora of customizable settings accessible via a user-friendly interface. Adjustments include channel balance, various filters, and gain settings, allowing for fine-tuning to perfectly match your preferences. The inclusion of a Parametric EQ (PQ) – similar to its Ever Solo counterparts – provides an unprecedented level of control over the sound profile.
Beyond the PQ, unique features like crossfeed and stereo width adjustment further enhance the personalization options. This detailed control allows users to tailor the sound stage and tonality to their exact liking, significantly exceeding the capabilities of most headphone amplifiers.
Crossfeed and Stereo Width Adjustment
The crossfeed feature simulates a stereo speaker setup, creating a more natural and spacious soundstage, even with closed-back headphones. The ability to select from multiple crossfeed settings allows for adjusting the perceived depth and width of the sound. This significantly improves the immersive listening experience, making it a game-changer for headphone listening.
The stereo width adjustment offers another layer of customization, enabling users to fine-tune the soundstage. Adjusting this setting allows for a wider, more diffused sound or a more intimate and focused one, depending on the user’s preference and the music being played. The level of control offered is remarkably fine-grained and effective.
Auto Gain Detection and Connectivity
The Luxen X9 automatically detects the impedance of connected headphones to optimize gain settings. This simplifies the user experience and eliminates the need for manual gain adjustments. This feature is particularly impressive given its price point.
The unit offers a comprehensive array of digital and analog inputs and outputs. While XLR input is currently missing on the analog side, this is offset by the inclusion of RCA, USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, as well as XLR and RCA analog outputs. Additionally, the inclusion of subwoofer outputs with detailed configuration options adds further versatility.
Build Quality, Aesthetics, and App Integration
The Luxen X9’s build quality is exceptional for its price range, featuring a robust and premium construction. The thoughtful design includes a tilted angle that enhances the visibility of the VU meters from a typical desktop perspective.
The user-friendly app provides seamless control over all functions, and is accessible either directly through a mobile device or via a web browser. This flexibility ensures easy management of settings regardless of the user's preference.
Conclusion: A Revolutionary Headphone Amplifier
The Luxen X9 is more than just a headphone amplifier; it's a highly versatile and customizable audio solution that sets a new standard. The combination of a neutral sound signature, extensive customization options (including the unique crossfeed and stereo width features), automatic gain detection, and superior build quality makes it stand out.
Its innovative features, such as the extensive headphone profile library and the ability to adjust sound staging, offer an unparalleled level of control over the listening experience. While some may find the lack of XLR input on the analog side a minor drawback, the overall package makes the Luxen X9 a highly compelling and worthwhile purchase for audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts.
