The Luxsin X9 DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp is a versatile audio powerhouse, exceeding expectations at its price point. This in-depth review delves into its impressive features, build quality, and sonic performance, providing a comprehensive assessment for discerning audiophiles. From its robust CNC-machined aluminum chassis and intuitive 4-inch touchscreen to its extensive connectivity options and premium internal components, the X9 boasts a compelling combination of hardware and functionality.We explore its exceptional versatility, serving equally well as a high-resolution DAC, a preamp for a full stereo system, or a dedicated headphone amplifier. The review covers its performance with various headphones and its unique, game-changing headphone EQ, revealing its strengths and subtle limitations. Discover whether the Luxsin X9’s refined sound, expansive soundstage, and extensive customization options make it the perfect addition to your audio setup.
Pros And Cons
- Fantastic build quality
- Thick front panel
- Wider metal feet
- Lateral heat sinks with air vents
- Sturdy, fully CNC machined aluminum case
- 4-inch full HD touchscreen tilted 15°
- Easy-to-use UI
- Extensive connectivity options (multiple headphone jacks, digital inputs, HDMI ARC/eARC, analog RCA inputs, subwoofer outputs)
- Wi-Fi connectivity and firmware updates
- Sound enhancements (stereo width increase, music style equalizer, crossfeed, parametric EQ for ~2500 headphones)
- Clean signal in bypass mode
- Digital view meter with multiple options
- Controllable via Luxin controller app
- High-quality internal components (custom linear transformer, advanced filtering and voltage regulation, flagship AKM AK4499 EX DAC chips, Omron relays for volume control, dual clocks, high-quality internal wiring)
- Excellent stereo separation and layering in bypass mode
- Larger soundstage compared to competitors
- Effortless and refined sound in bypass mode
- High resolution
- Thick and bold tonality
- Focuses on musical enjoyment
- IM friendly (no background noise)
- Heavier side (almost 4 kilos)
- Dynamics are okay, but not outstanding in bypass mode
- Headphone amplifier section in bypass mode is flat and not engaging
- Some newest headphones might not be in the headphone EQ list yet
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Exceptional Build Quality and Design
The Luxsin X9 boasts impressive build quality, exceeding expectations for its price point. The thicker-than-average front panel, particularly at the bottom, adds a substantial feel. Wider metal feet provide enhanced stability, while strategically placed air vents on the lateral heat sinks ensure efficient cooling.
The fully CNC-machined aluminum chassis is robust and durable. The standout feature is the 4-inch full HD touchscreen, tilted at a 15° angle for optimal visibility, especially in headphone setups. Its sleek, two-tone silver and black finish adds a touch of sophistication.
Comprehensive Connectivity and Features
The X9 offers extensive connectivity options, including three headphone jacks (two balanced), a wide array of digital inputs (excluding AAC and BNC), and even an HDMI ARC/eARC input. Its versatility extends to analog RCA inputs for preamp use and a surprising inclusion of two subwoofer outputs.
This makes the X9 a truly versatile device, suitable not only for headphone listening but also as a central hub for gaming, movie watching, or integration into a full stereo setup. The unit's weight of almost 4 kilos suggests a high-quality internal design.
Intuitive User Interface and Control
Navigation is straightforward thanks to the 4-inch touchscreen. A simple swipe reveals the user menu for input/output selection and audio setting adjustments (digital filter, headphone gain, etc.).
Wi-Fi connectivity allows for firmware updates. Swiping left unlocks advanced features like stereo width expansion, a music style equalizer, crossfeed, and a unique parametric EQ for over 2,500 headphone profiles.
High-Quality Internal Components and Design
The X9 utilizes premium components throughout, including a custom linear transformer, sophisticated filtering and voltage regulation, and separated power supply board. The DAC section employs two AKM AK4499EX chips with Delta-Sigma modulation.
The analog volume control uses Omron relays, providing an R2R-ladder-style control (with audible relay clicking). Other notable components include two ultra-low-jitter clocks, an XMOS receiver, and Qualcomm Bluetooth receiver supporting high-resolution codecs.
Sound Performance and Comparisons
In bypass mode, the X9 demonstrated superior stereo separation and layering compared to the DNA Alpha Pro, creating a significantly larger and more immersive soundstage. It also allowed other components in the review's audio chain to perform at their best.
With headphones, the X9 provided a wider, more expansive sound than the DNA Alpha Pro. While the Alpha Pro offered more punch and texture, the X9 delivered a more effortless, refined sound with improved soundstage and better overall enjoyment of a wider range of music.
Headphone Amp Section and EQ
In bypass mode, the headphone amplifier section drove demanding headphones well, but lacked engagement and punch compared to fully discrete amps. However, the integrated headphone EQ dramatically improved the sound.
Applying the EQ to various headphones resulted in significant improvements, adding bass, midrange energy, and reducing treble fatigue. This game-changing feature made even previously underwhelming headphones shine.
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Luxsin X9 excels in its versatility, offering impressive build quality and extensive connectivity. The integrated headphone EQ is a standout feature, transforming the listening experience. While dynamics aren't its strongest point in bypass mode, the overall refined and easygoing sound, combined with its advanced features, makes it a highly compelling choice.
Although not a hard-hitting, dynamic powerhouse, the X9 provides excellent soundstage width, refined sound quality, and an almost limitless potential via its headphone EQ. The musicality and overall enjoyment outweigh any minor shortcomings, making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles who appreciate a relaxed, effortless sound with immense tuning possibilities.