The XO TA-32 is a versatile tube-based DAC/headphone amplifier that offers a unique blend of convenience and customization. Sharing design similarities with its predecessor, the XD05 Pro, the TA-32 features a swappable DAC card system, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. While inheriting some design elements from its predecessor, the TA-32 boasts improvements, notably in its sound quality, significantly enhanced by tube rolling options. This review delves into the TA-32's performance, exploring its strengths and weaknesses through comparisons with various competitors in the audiophile market.This in-depth analysis examines the impact of different DAC cards and tubes on the TA-32's audio output. We compare its performance against established benchmarks such as the FiiO K17 and RME ADI-2 DAC, evaluating its strengths in areas like resolution and detail retrieval. We also consider its all-in-one convenience against the complexity of separate component setups, ultimately determining whether the TA-32’s flexibility and upgradeability outweigh its limitations compared to higher-performing standalone units.
Pros And Cons
- Great range of features and functions
- Balanced and unbalanced headphone sockets
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs (including one RCA output for tube stage preamp use)
- Multiple digital inputs (USB, Optical, Coaxial, AES, Bluetooth including aptX HD and LDAC)
- Upgradable with different DAC cards and tubes resulting in improved sound quality and characteristics.
- Can function as a tube preamp
- Small, low-resolution display could be improved with more features and higher resolution given the available space
- DAC filter names (Filter 1, 2, 3 etc.) are not informative
- With the Rome DAC card, it does not match the sound quality of the competitor FiiO K17 in terms of detail, spaciousness, and separation.
- Even with upgraded DAC card and tubes, it still falls slightly short of the FiiO K17 in overall sound quality.
- Better sound quality than the XDuoo TA-32 (with Rome DAC card) in terms of detail, spaciousness, and separation.
- More sense of texture in the upper mid-range and treble.
- Smoother and more refined sound than XDuoo TA-32 (even with AKM DAC card).
- More detailed than XDuoo TA-32.
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Design and Features: A Familiar Yet Improved Design
The XO TA-32 shares a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the XD05 Pro, inheriting the convenient swappable DAC card feature. This allows for customization and adaptability, a significant advantage for audiophiles. The bottom panel unscrews easily for card replacement.
However, while the larger screen on the TA-32 is an improvement, the display itself is largely unchanged from the XD05 Pro. This feels like a missed opportunity. A higher-resolution display and a more intuitive interface would have greatly enhanced the user experience.
Sound Quality: Tube Rolling and Performance Variations
The TA-32's sound is heavily influenced by the tubes used. The stock Raytheon tubes provide a good baseline, but upgrading to NOS tubes, especially the rectifier tube, noticeably enhances clarity and definition. This improvement is significant, resulting in a more engaging listening experience.
Upgrading the 12AU7 tubes further refines the sound, increasing clarity, space, and resolution. This makes the TA-32 much more transparent. While not a drastic change, the improvement is substantial.
Comparison with Competitors: The K17 and Bifrost 2
Compared to the FiiO K17, the TA-32 with the stock Rome DAC card fell short. The K17 offered better detail, spaciousness, and sound separation. However, the TA-32's performance improved significantly with the AKM DAC card, closing the gap.
Against the RME ADI-2 DAC, the TA-32, even with the upgraded AKM card, presented a slightly flatter, compressed sound. The ADI-2's smoother, more refined, and easy-going presentation was superior in detail retrieval.
The TA-32 vs. Separate Components: The TA-20 Plus & SMSL SU-9
A comparison with the TA-20 Plus and SMSL SU-9 stack revealed the TA-32 to have a slight edge in resolution and detail. The convenience of an all-in-one solution is a major benefit, minimizing cable clutter and setup complexity.
The TA-32's versatility (as a DAC, headphone amp, and tube preamp) is a significant advantage over the separate components approach. This simplifies the system and offers a more streamlined listening experience.
Conclusion: A Solid, Versatile Option, But Not Without Competition
The XO TA-32 is a solid and versatile device, particularly its flexibility with tube rolling and swappable DAC cards. However, its performance, especially with the stock DAC card, doesn't quite reach the heights of some competitors such as the FiiO K17 or RME ADI-2.
The TA-32's strengths are its all-in-one convenience and its upgrade potential. The ability to upgrade tubes and DAC cards makes it a highly customizable option that can rival more expensive devices. Consider the K17 if sheer performance is paramount, or choose the TA-32 for adaptability and the convenience of an integrated setup.