The xDuoo XA-02 is a desktop headphone amplifier and DAC that delivers impressive performance at a competitive price point. This review delves into its strengths and weaknesses, examining its build quality, user interface, technical specifications, and sound quality. We compare its performance against several other popular models in its class, including the SMSL SU-1, SMSL DO200 Pro, FX Audio R07 Plus, PS200, and Muse Hi-Fi M5 Ultra, offering a comprehensive analysis of its capabilities.The XA-02 boasts a sleek, all-aluminum chassis and features a comprehensive set of connections including balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, digital and analog inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity with support for high-resolution codecs. While its intuitive rotary encoder and OLED display enhance usability, certain shortcomings like inconsistent volume memory and the lack of a mute function are noted. Ultimately, we assess whether these minor flaws outweigh the XA-02's strong points, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers.
Pros And Cons
- Classic X Duo look
- All aluminum build in Battleship Gray with a red aluminum encoder
- High build quality for the price
- Multiple headphone outputs (single-ended 6.35mm and balanced 4.4mm)
- 1.3in OLED screen
- Multiple digital inputs (coaxial, toslink, USB-C)
- Clean sound
- Good detail and clarity
- Sufficient power for headphones
- Inconsistent volume memory upon power on
- No mute feature
- No analog input
- Sample rate display inaccurate via Bluetooth, displays 96k regardless of source
- Bright ring LED around encoder
- No timeout for front lights
- Bass boost lacks finer control; a digital tone control would be preferable
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Design and Build Quality
The xDuoo XA-02 boasts a sleek, classic design. Its all-aluminum chassis in Battleship Gray, accented by a red aluminum encoder, exudes premium quality. The build is exceptionally robust, making it a solid and reliable device.
The front panel features gold-plated headphone outputs (6.35mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced), a clear 1.3-inch OLED screen, and intuitive buttons for menu navigation and Bluetooth control. The layout is clean and user-friendly.
The rear panel houses analog outputs (RCA), digital inputs (coaxial and Toslink), a Bluetooth antenna port, two USB-C ports (one for digital input, another for firmware updates), and the power inlet. The connectivity options are comprehensive, catering to various audio sources.
User Interface and Functionality
The XA-02's interface is mostly intuitive, using a rotary encoder for volume control and input selection. A ring light around the encoder provides visual feedback on the volume level.
The menu system allows access to PCM filters (eight options from the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC), headphone gain (high/low), and a bass boost toggle. However, the lack of filter identification in the manual is a significant drawback.
A persistent issue is the inconsistent volume memory; the unit powers on at a random volume each time. The absence of a mute function is also disappointing for a device in this price range.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The XA-02 utilizes the ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. The Bluetooth functionality is handled by the Qualcomm QCC5125 chip, supporting aptX HD and LDAC.
The headphone output boasts impressive signal-to-noise ratios (119dB single-ended, 121dB balanced) and power output (910mW at 32 ohms single-ended, 2000mW at 32 ohms balanced in Class A mode).
The RCA outputs provide up to 2.6 volts. The device's sample rate display on Bluetooth showed 96kHz regardless of the actual sample rate, while connected via USB or Toslink, it displayed correctly.
Listening Impressions and Comparisons
The XA-02 delivered a remarkably clean and detailed sound signature, especially noticeable when compared to the SMSL SU-1. The XA-02 exhibited better clarity, detail, and soundstage, with tighter bass although the SU-1 had slightly deeper bass.
Compared to the more expensive SMSL DO200 Pro, the XA-02 fell short in soundstage width, bass depth, layering, and separation. The DO200 Pro presented a more natural and relaxed sound.
Headphone output comparisons with the FX Audio R07 Plus and the similar-spec’d PS200 showed nearly identical sound quality but the latter two offered slightly more power. Comparisons with the Muse Hi-Fi M5 Ultra revealed the M5 Ultra had a superior soundstage, layering, and holographic imaging, though the XA-02 had more power.
Conclusion
The xDuoo XA-02 offers excellent build quality and a sleek design for its price point. However, the unfinished feel with issues like inconsistent volume memory, the lack of a mute function, and the overly bright LED are disappointing.
The sound quality is impressive, particularly the clean and detailed output. While it performs well as a headphone amplifier, it lacks an analog input which limits its versatility.
Overall, the XA-02 is a decent value desktop headphone amplifier and DAC, particularly for those focusing on headphone usage. The lack of certain features and user experience issues prevent it from being a top contender, despite its strong points.